tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50393907976696255502024-03-04T20:23:38.908+00:00DEBBIE MARTIN-CONSANISugar-coating not includedDebs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.comBlogger570125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-11509485824465672972020-07-19T22:25:00.003+01:002020-07-22T09:40:30.430+01:00Spine Race 2020 <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
</span><a href="https://thespinerace.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Spine Race</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, to me, was like some kind
of addictive, sadistic spectator sport.
Like a real-life Hunger Games, with contestants who had been training
for this their whole lives - or so the Facebook group would have you believe.
“Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in yo</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbCS1EhEDWzNl_G_6830KfWGpwJZa4BxQB9DkpLsiVohRuETrFyJyHkK6x8DkccNKSS_tlge1KucFqED1Lpf8JuJMCIxD30YV9c-4YWaNBqP_Zxt1OS4e57fyuP1_pflt-zc-MxyBZEk/s1600/Race+number.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbCS1EhEDWzNl_G_6830KfWGpwJZa4BxQB9DkpLsiVohRuETrFyJyHkK6x8DkccNKSS_tlge1KucFqED1Lpf8JuJMCIxD30YV9c-4YWaNBqP_Zxt1OS4e57fyuP1_pflt-zc-MxyBZEk/s200/Race+number.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
ur favour”. From the hunter, who became the hunted. I was the dot watcher, turned dot.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Although
I was intrigued by the event and avidly followed it every year, it wasn’t for
me. All 268 miles of the Pennine Way -
famous for its man-eating bogs - in January?
It just looked like pure misery.
I was always in awe of those superhuman maniacs who completed the event
, Irrespective of the time or position. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The Pennine Way National
Trail is a 268-mile route from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm, Scotland,
tracing the backbone of England. It crosses some of the finest upland
landscapes in the country, from the Peak District, through the Yorkshire Dales,
across the North Pennines and over World Heritage-listed Hadrian’s Wall, on to
the remote Cheviot Hills and, finally, that elusive village of Kirk Yetholm”</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
don’t even remember the point or the circumstances that made the switch from
never to maybe to possibly, to having a conversation with my bestie that went
something along the lines of: “I need you to talk me out of something. I’m thinking of doing The Spine” to which she
replied: “Oh my God, you have to. You’d be so good at that” Well, that didn’t work out the way I wanted
it to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
signed up quite late, around September.
‘Through the back door’ as they say, as I’m supported by the title
sponsor, Montane. It wasn’t ideal timing, because I would have liked a few months
to prepare. In hindsight preparation is
futile. It’s a learn-on-the-job kind of
affair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
did use the time I had to get out on the course as much as possible. My previous perception of the Pennine Way is
that it was a miserable bog fest. Subsequent training days changed this
misconception and I would now describe the route as ‘uniquely
challenging’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
spent five full days on the course, covering most of the sections from Hawes
(100 miles) to the end in Kirk Yetholm.
My first recce early November from Dufton to Greenhead was an
eye-opener. It’s like nothing I’ve ever
‘run’ on before. It was -4 degrees when
I started, on a day that consisted of endless bogs, muddy fields, stiles,
gates, cow shite and very little that actually resembled any kind of recognised
‘way’. I’d bitten off more than I could
chew with 37 miles, as I quickly learned that you don’t go anywhere fast on the
Pennine Way. Think of a number and
double it. Navigation was tricky,
daylight quickly became darkness, I didn’t eat or drink anything or put on
additional layers. I was shaking, hypothermic mess at the end and resigned
myself to withdrawing from the race.
General opinion: The course was a howler. I later discovered that this section is
‘unlikely to be your favourite’ paraphrasing the guide book. Subsequent
training days proved the route and scenery is actually quite stunning. The underfoot conditions, however, remained
quite tasty and would require some meticulous foot management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
didn’t change my training too much. I
had lots of miles in my legs following two key races of 100 miles. The key thing was training with a heavier
pack, which goes against the grain of a trail runner’s ethos that lighter is
always best. I spent an inordinate
amount of time and money researching and purchasing kit that would be suitable
for the race and pass their very extensive and specific checklist. Sleeping bag, mat, stove, pot… right down to
random things like a knife and antihistamines.
Things I didn’t even own, let alone had ever carried on a day on the
hills. But one red cross at race
registration - they thoroughly check - and you don’t get a race number. There was no room for error. I passed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Start to Hebden Bridge -
Sunday 8am to 7:52 pm 45 miles, 8011ft <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
do get quite nervous before races.
Mainly because it means so much to me, but on this scale the fear of the
unknown is crippling. I’m highly
motivated by fear though. Guaranteed
success doesn’t excite me. The higher
the drop-out rate, the more appeal it has.
Once I start, I’m fine, but I lie awake at night overplaying scenarios
in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
8am on a cold January Sunday morning, I was standing in a muddy field with a
few hundred, vetted nutters. We’re off and it
splits up fairly quickly, as everyone finds their groove.
Compete, complete, pace sensibly - I’m not even sure where my head
was. Regardless of the goal, I knew I
would do my best under the circumstances.
And there was to be a plethora of circumstances to contend with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
wind and rain started and continued through most of the morning. It was pretty grim and visibility was fairly
low. I was trying to keep a lid on the racing
endorphins, settling into a rhythm and getting used to the weight of my
pack. I never weighed it before the race
as ignorance is bliss, but it far surpassed anything I’ve ever carried before.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9T2Cdn5sZaSgPKtKSrQLpSxdrrX0x4j_8Ru7ts06a_tZpD-H3yH7gjpbqjFv3Uipzf99dySSAleo4_OqnYT52Sb8G_4uePabPFlkmS32nu4H0bQTu3CM6ODsTdCV-erZ7TMdd0fnSSo/s1600/start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9T2Cdn5sZaSgPKtKSrQLpSxdrrX0x4j_8Ru7ts06a_tZpD-H3yH7gjpbqjFv3Uipzf99dySSAleo4_OqnYT52Sb8G_4uePabPFlkmS32nu4H0bQTu3CM6ODsTdCV-erZ7TMdd0fnSSo/s320/start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Up
Jacob’s ladder and passed Kinder Scout.
Names I was familiar with, but unfortunately the mist wasn’t going to
allow me to see or take in these famous spots.
I got chatting to Trish Patterons again, after we met briefly in the
hostel in the morning. At Mill Hill we
saw some runners disappear into the distance.
We stopped to check navigation as following them was wrong. We tried to shout them back, but they were
gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most
of the first day consisted of mist, rain, wind, wet rock and slippy slabs, but
still mostly firm ground and good running.
In Pennine Way terms, anything that’s not waist deep bogs is deemed as
good terrain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
made the first mistake within the first few hours. I let my clothes and gloves get wet and spent
the best part of an hour thinking I needed to stop and change gloves, but I was
enjoying the groove across the slabs. I
crossed the road at A57 after a short group hug from the Hardwicks who’d come
out to cheer on the race. I couldn’t get
my rucksack off my hands were so cold and then I couldn’t get my wet hands in
the dry gloves. Across some flooded
peat bogs I got some heat back in hands and had a stern word with myself for
being so daft<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Around
Bleaklow there was another race coming in the opposite direction. On single tracks that proved quite tricky.
Then there was the first of many river crossings. We’re not talking a trickling gentle stream,
but a waist-deep raging torrent. Along
with severe caution and much deep breathing, came the rude awakening that you
really were out there on your own. Of
course you could press the little red button on your GPS and the SST teams
would swoop in and rescue you - but you’d have to surrender your number and
call it a day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
the Torside, Trish and I parted company and soon I joined Jan Kriska, a
Slovakian living in the USA who’d flown over just for the race. I’m not going to lie, I was thinking what a
shit holiday to have. We swapped brief
life stories and race tales before I pushed on.
He was never too far behind though as he was far better - and braver -
at negotiating the river crossings than I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shortly
after Wesseden Moor I’d caught up with Jon Hall. He had done the summer version of the race
and the Spine Challenger the year before with his wife, so he was in my eyes a
Pennine Way veteran. We toed and froed
for quite some time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
as the light was fading on the rocks and
boulders of Blackstone Edge, I could see Jon’s headtorch behind. He said we were lucky to get there in
daylight as he had got lost in the dark in the Challenger the year before. I can imagine the elusive race line would be
hard to find in the dark. We stayed
together until the pop up aid station at White Hill Pub. We stopped for a hot drink and snack and I made him hurry up to push on to Hebden
Bridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
next section was annoyingly runnable. On
landrover tracks with tired legs and brain,
I tripped and decked it hard – twice.
I cut my hands and took the knees out of my brand new leggings. Jon was
so kind and told me to walk a bit until the pain subsided. I told him I was fine and to push on, but he
stayed anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
section over the slabs and over to Stoodley Pike must be stunning in
daylight. Definitely need to visit there
again, as the silhouette of the monument in the dark was quite spectacular. The
long descent in the village was a welcome relief. The additional unexpected
climb up and steep muddy descent down into the first checkpoint was not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Women’s
race leader, Sabrina Verjee was leaving with another couple of guys and we
exchanged cheers. Sabrina is an absolute
powerhouse. Even with my A-game I
couldn’t compete with Sabrina and I’d
quite happily take bridesmaid. I mean,
if her wheels fell off I‘d be fine to
take the reins. It’s not a coffee
morning! But I had to focus on keeping
my shit together for another few days out there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Arriving
at the Hebden Bridge checkpoint, Cameron from the Japanese film crew was there.
He’d messaged me before the race to see if I’d be happy to chat on camera. I ain’t camera shy, so happily agreed. Little did I know they’d be everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
friend Rob Allen - who I’d spent a recce weekend on the Pennine Way with - was
there and just about to head out again.
He asked me – via a volunteer –
If I wanted to join him for the next section. Going into the unknown in the
dark I jumped at the opportunity for some company. I probably shouldn’t have as
I rushed too much to get ready, rushed food and didn’t take in enough calories
– which would come back to haunt me in a few hours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hebden to Hawes (to Monday
7:06pm) 61 miles, 6138ft <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heading
out with Rob, I was acutely aware that I felt more tired than I should do at
this early stage. A weird phenomenon,
but I recall from my time on Tor des Geants and reading previous Spine reports,
that the first night is always the worst.
It’s that fight against mind and body and overwriting that natural
instinct to wind down for bedtime.
Trying to add fueling into the mix just causes mass nausea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
felt flat AF and everything was just a strain. I was under-eating and
overheating, after putting on way too many layers at the previous
checkpoint. Within a couple of hours I
was crashing hard. I told Rob to push on
because I was holding him back, which was causing me unnecessary additional
stress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
following what seemed like a completely unnecessary road diversion, I sat on
some steps in Cowling and tried to force down some snack bars. Half-chewing, half-gagging. Eating with
nausea is a truly awful situation, but I knew I had to keep on top of my
energy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
got going again and frustratingly took a few wrong turns. Navigating round fields in the dark with a
defunct brain is quite tricky. At a farm
gate in Cowling Hill, I went for the full-frontal splat fall. I tried to
convince myself it was mud, but it was definitely covered head to toe in cow
shite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
unofficial aid station at Lothersdale, which is set up by a local triathlon
club, was a welcome sight. Although I
must have looked like a mess when I arrived, as
I could barely muster up the energy to lift my head to speak. I sat in a chair trying to take in some hot
soup and bread. Black coffee with five
sugars gave me a little bit of spark, but I just felt so deflated. This was only the first night, how was I
going to get through the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
next few miles were an absolute riot.
Endless miles on manky fields and farmland. My feet weighed about a stone each as mud
accumulated around my ankles and feet.
This is when my shins started to ache.
I would later learn that shin tendonitis was a big problem for
competitors, due to the motion and effort required for pulling feet out of mud
for so long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
before dawn, there’s a road section around Gargrave which felt really unsafe. I
was dazzled by the car headlights of commuters heading to work, while they were
faced with me covered in mud and stumbling about the road, completely off my
tits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Along
the riverside heading to Malham the sun was starting to rise. I expected it to
be some momentous occasion but daylight and an underwhelming sunrise just crept
up on me. I was happy I was going to see
the splendid Malham Cove, so that lifted my spirits. Despite my pre-race efforts to find the route
around the boulders, I found myself
clambering, crawling and sliding my way across the top of them. So slow and treacherous, but when you’re in
the midst of it, you’re kind of committed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
route over the Malham Tarn is absolutely stunning. I stopped in at the mid-checkpoint (Monday
8:20am) for a hot drink and water top up.
I really wished I’d packed something to heat up. I really wanted hot food, but all I had was
some fecking oat bars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was definitely feeling the physical effects of the distance covered so far, but
Ieft in super happy with a spring in my step.
There’s a good bit of climbing up and around Fountains Fell Tarn and I
felt I had a good strong marching pace going.
In Spine terms that really is the best you can hope for. Moving with conviction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Starting
to settle in to enjoying this lonesome adventure, I could see the beautiful Pen Y Ghent in the
distance. Up until a few weeks before
the race, I thought this hill was in Wales.
I didn’t look too threatening, so I was quite looking forward to a hike
up to the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was a nice sunny morning, but the wind was picking up and storm Brendan was
making itself known. At the foot of the
hill I could hear a drone buzzing around and knew the ever-smiling Matt and
Ellie from Summit Fever must be around.
They are always out in the most horrific conditions to get the best footage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZGPUiJZIhU2-xV48S1xp3zYGZlEzcTDyvAgrEKJeF3ZFqWlqIqSNq18pZ0QPcqksiIQy8X6q7W2UODT3W2Iv_ZGNGpY1NqDzRmOhEzAlhBk5lL8garqslk8WTppc9nwAuuXQGfgDteo/s1600/PYG+use.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZGPUiJZIhU2-xV48S1xp3zYGZlEzcTDyvAgrEKJeF3ZFqWlqIqSNq18pZ0QPcqksiIQy8X6q7W2UODT3W2Iv_ZGNGpY1NqDzRmOhEzAlhBk5lL8garqslk8WTppc9nwAuuXQGfgDteo/s320/PYG+use.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pen-Y-Ghent 📷 Racing Snakes </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
a short, but steep climb to the top of Pen-y-Ghent. It means ‘hill of winds’ and it was certainly
living up to that. On the slabs across
the top, I was leaning into the crosswinds just to stay upright. Despite the crazy wind, the track down to
Ribblesdale was stunning. Made even
better with sight of beautiful cakes at the mandatory mid checkpoint. It looked
far too comfortable to sit down and enjoy the baked goods and three runners
inside looked like they were settling in for afternoon tea. I gulped down a
strong coffee and left with some vegan victoria sponge to eat on the hoof. The lovely chaps manning the checkpoint
stuffed my pockets with lemon drizzle cakes for later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was devouring cake on beautiful trails.
My two favourite things, I was in heaven. It soon turned to hell as the torrential rain
started and the wind picked up. I
huddled behind a wall to put on an extra jacket and get my headtorch ready as
nightfall was only about 30 minutes away.
Daylight sure doesn’t last long in winter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
never knew rain could hurt so much. Heading onto Cam road the wind and rain was
in full force.I thought about putting on waterproof trousers and stupidly
decided against it. By the time I regretted the decision it was far too late to
do anything about it. I couldn’t have
stopped, even for a brief moment. I was
straight up at risk of being blown away.
It was a never-ending miles of full-on assault. Rain, hail and storm-force winds. The only
saving grace was it was mostly a cross/tail wind. The harsh reality was there
was nothing I could do about it.
Nothing. No one could save me
from it. I couldn’t have sheltered from it without putting myself in danger, so
I had to suck it up and focus on getting to Hawes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheSpineRace%2Fvideos%2F458318395048397%2F&show_text=1&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before
Hawes I knew there was a right turn off the main track on a faint path, but I
just couldn't find it. My watch kept
throwing me off course. I had the map
and my phone out, but they were no use.
I was going up and down the track and round and round in circles. I felt like eternity, but it was only about
10 minutes. By the time I got back on the route I was a freezing, hysterical
mess. Even standing still for a few minutes, my temperature plummeted. I
frantically tried to move quickly to heat up, but then my headtorch battery ran
out. I couldn’t get my arm around to get
my spare out my side-pocket and my hands were so cold I couldn’t unclip my
pack. Thankfully I had my emergency
handheld in my front pocket. I clenched
it between my teeth and used the light to guide me into Hawes. Aware that if I
fell I’d knock out my teeth. I later
discovered some people just ran the road into Hawes. That would have saved a helluva lot of
dramatics, but I’m glad I stayed on the correct course. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was a wreck when I arrived in Hawes, shaking uncontrollably and slurring my
words. The volunteers were all over me
removing wet clothes and muddy shoes and filling me with hot soup, bread and
pasta. I took off my waterproof socks
and threw water everywhere. Not wearing
waterproof trousers, the water had just run down my leggings and pooled in
my socks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
calves cramped and I could barely walk to the shower rooms to get changed. I gritted my teeth and walked on my tiptoes
trying to hold my shit together. I was
acutely aware the race medics were watching and monitoring my general
well-being. I’m pretty sure they didn’t
expect me to leave and just resign myself to adding to the Hawes DNF tally. The
storm and the reality of a tough 100 miles on unforgiving hostile terrain had
forced a lot of runners to retire in Hawes.
A few others asked me if I was continuing. Even then, for me, quitting wasn’t an option. But I was keen to sit out some of the storm
and went for a two hour sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
woke up after 1:45 hours of broken sleep feeling like a new woman. My calves
were seriously painful, but I put that down to the cold and compression of the
socks. My shins were on fire too.
Thinking it was a strap on the Salomon boots, I switched to my trusty Scott
Supertracs RC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rob
was downstairs - after a longer slumber - and it was so nice to see a familiar
face, especially as we agreed to chum each other over Shunner Fell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hawes to Middleton (To
Tuesday 12:55pm) 34 miles, 6138 ft <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
looking at the forecast before the race started, this was the time that worried
me the most. The 80 mph winds over
Shunner Fell. I really hadn’t factored
in the storm hitting in the hours before Hawes.
After that experience though, Shunner was a breeze. Quite literally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
left Hawes feeling good. Mood lifted
thanks to the power nap and the relief and confidence in the knowledge of what
then lay ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
rain had stopped but it was still fairly windy.
It’s a long gradual ascent up and over the second highest top in the
course. Runnable on fresh legs,
absolutely not on Spine legs. I was
still feeling good, but Rob was lagging
a bit. He was struggling to get his
energy levels up despite taking in lots of calories. The downside for being on the smaller side
was the debilitating weight of the rucksack. The upside is that I don’t need to
take in as many calories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
was a beautiful full moon over to Thwaite - just as well as I’d stupidly put my
head-torch on full beam and it ran out pretty quick. I couldn’t be bothered to take my gloves
off to get cold again so I used Rob’s lamp and the moonlight to guide the way,
which was strangely cathartic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
made the detour off course to the tearoom in Keld. They’d left the door open for Spiners to help
themselves to hot drinks and homebaking.
I used the toilets before I left and got sight myself in the
mirror. Jesus wept, I looked rough. Plus my teeth were full of chia seeds, which
is never a good look. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rob
stopped for a sleep and I pushed on to Tan Hill. Note to future Spiners, the tearoom in Keld
is the perfect place for a longer break and sleep. Leaving the warmth of an open fire was
hard. It’s fairly undulating and easy
rolling, but the ground on Stonesdale Moor was so waterlogged I kept
disappearing down sink hole bogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was fairly content and looking forward to seeing the lights of Tan Hill, the
highest pub in the UK. There was no sign
of life there, which was weird because from a distance my eyes had me believing
there was a party going on in there (Tuesday 6am)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Onward
to the notorious swamplands of Sleightholme Moor. Summed up nicely in Pennine Way guidebook
“Even fans of the bleakest, more barren moorland will find it difficult to warm
to Sleightholme Moor” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was worried about navigating the miles of man-eating bogs, but it all passed by
without any drama. It was of course
super squelchy, but I focussed on my feet and staying on the route kept my mind
off the eerie silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Daylight
appeared as I crossed the bridge onto the Moor Road. Turning off into Wytham Moor, I could see the
underpass in the distance, but I ended up lost in the fields trying to find the
‘racing line’. Lost in daylight with a
clear trajectory is very frustrating, but I got a bit paranoid about dot
watchers thinking I was cheating and taking a shorter route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From
early in the race, I was feeling the effects of some major lady chafing. I forgot to lube up before starting the race
and a full day of rain had taken its toll and my nethers were on fire. I joked pre race about a small knife being
part of the mandatory, but I used my overpriced mini Swiss army knife to chop
my pants off in the A66 underpass.. Not even joking. Snipped them off and stuffed them in my
pocket and was on my merry way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Although
I nailed it on the course’s most notorious featureless bogs in the dark, I was
all over the place in daylight. Faint
lines in grassy fields just all look the same
After some major topographical embarrassment, Middleton eventually
appeared as I peaked over Harter Fell.
As did the torrential rain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was completely soaked when I arrived at the checkpoint in Middleton. As I got there mid-morning, my plan was to
take advantage of the daylight hours and push on to Dufton. There was a 30-minute time cap at Dufton, but
there was a cafe there staying open for Spiners so I was hopeful they’d let me
kip on the floor. While faffing about
with my kit I learned that the time cap had been dropped due to the storm, to
allow competitors to ascend Cross Fell when they felt comfortable and safe to
do so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Although
my plan was for a quick turnaround, I still managed to spend a good 90 minutes
dicking around. It was constructive
dicking around though. I got changed and
dried all my waterproofs and gloves on the radiators. There was a lovely chap
in there who even washed and dried my socks for me. Ate lots of amazing food including soup,
veggie stew and creamed rice. The Japanese
film crew even filmed me eating. I don’t
mean a few spoonfuls, I mean everything.
I’m sure that will make riveting viewing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Middleton to Alston (To Wednesday 11:51)
39 miles, 6568 ft <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
reluctantly left the warmth and friendly hospitality in Middleton into the
torrential rain. It was absolutely
shitting it down and the trails had turned to flowing rivers. A mile or so in, I slipped on some rocks and
fell hard on my knees. I screamed so
loud in pain and anger that it must have been for quite some distance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where
Rowten Beck meets the River Tees, the stepping stones were completely submerged
in water. I couldn’t see a way over and
kept running up and down the banks. I
put my poles in the water to gauge the depth and they didn’t touch the bed. Getting wet wasn’t a problem because I was
already soaked, but the water was so fierce I was at risk of being swept
away. I eventually found a safe place to
pass about 200 metres upstream. In the
panic and a stomach full of five-sugared coffee, I kinda peed myself too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
could hear the powerful sounds of the waterfalls at Low Force and High Force
long before I could see them.
Spectacular - but I certainly wasn’t hanging over the rocks to marvel in
their glory . I was trying to cover as
much ground in daylight as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
had started to snow quite heavily as darkness fell. I was acutely aware of the
flooding and my anxiety level just thinking about the riverbank to Falcon
Clints was at breaking point. The river
was so high and so fast surely the whole course would be under water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
lovely smiley lady (Eilidh, I think) came out of her house at Saver Hill and
started stuffing my pockets with snack bars.
She said the safety team were out marking a detour around Cauldron
Snout. There’s no way I wanted to head
along there if competitors behind me were diverted along the road, so I waited
until the headtorch from SST came along.
I ran back to explain the river and how I narrowly avoided death
(dramatics) crossing a river in spate.
He was calm and told me in a matter-of-fact tone that he hadn’t received
any information about route changes and therefore I had to stay on course. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Carrying
on, I was a lot scared and a little raging.
What if everyone else behind me got to miss this section? I could see footprints on the snow that were
heading back on the course, but no sign of life. At Widdy Bank Farm the sheep were going
mental, half-following, half-chasing me which was a bit unsettling. It was like
a weird zombie movie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Awkwardly
clambering and sliding along large slippy boulders along the riverside, for
what seemed like miles. The map has it as one kilometre, but it feels much
longer,because covering distance is so slow.
It’s a relentless and awkward full body workout, but to be honest, it
was totally fine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was also worried about the climb up the waterfall at Cauldron Snout. This was
another race section I built up in my head in the weeks prior to the
race. During recce it was fairly icy and
one slip would have been detrimental.
Listening to the sounds of the waterfall was deafening and
terrifying. One slip and the fall would
have been the least of my worries, as there’s no way anyone would survive in
that water at night. In reality it was fine. Unnerving, but I found the safe
line ok and kept my wits about me.
Hitting the bridge I was so relieved, happy and a little bit proud of
myself. I tried to call the SSTs to let
them know the section was ok to continue on - and to apologise for my dramatics
- but I had no signal . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continuing
on the land-rover track that gently ascends, I focussed on maintaining a brisk
marching pace. I was following footsteps in the fresh snow. Whoever it was had huge feet! Like twice the size of mine. After a while I was off the main track in
some dark boggy forestry. I was using my
GPS to navigate round, which would have been fine on an identifiable line but
in muddy snow was near to impossible. Searching for anything I remembered from
the recce, I was so thankful to reach the bridge and cross the river. I was on the path up to High Cup Nick. There was so much water, I’d convinced myself
I was walking up a stream. I kept going
off course and found myself going round in circles trying to get back on
track. My gloves were soaking wet and my
hands were freezing. My head-torch ran
out and I couldn’t get my hands to work to change the battery. I was shaking
uncontrollably and muttering to myself to ‘calm the fuck down’. I hadn’t eaten for hours and just couldn’t
hold it together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eventually
I found the route that curves around the stunning High Cup Nick and forced
myself to just keep moving briskly to try to heat up. I would later learn another woman in the race
tried to descend the valley wall in the dark and had to be rescued off a
ledge. Even now that makes me shudder
just thinking how terrifying that must have been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the descent, I saw a light coming towards me.
It was Paul Wilson out taking photos.
I was so destroyed, I could get my jaw to function to get words out. So tired, cold, traumatised, hungry and the
mud was so slippy I couldn’t stay on my feet.
I was ‘running’ and Paul was walking beside me. He’s got little legs, so I knew I was making
hard work of this descent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-BQA7dlnfchsvAeK2jiQSkF_ICkSGJ2v-ZvanmppkKDOANRGeGXS6q-82boJcBx0fEmq74N3kU8i20jh6wnFkx828T4ID0f58aiJOEGXQvZTGo_VheVHaS5lfakt5E2zeRkvPHFggy4/s1600/Gregs+Montane+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-BQA7dlnfchsvAeK2jiQSkF_ICkSGJ2v-ZvanmppkKDOANRGeGXS6q-82boJcBx0fEmq74N3kU8i20jh6wnFkx828T4ID0f58aiJOEGXQvZTGo_VheVHaS5lfakt5E2zeRkvPHFggy4/s320/Gregs+Montane+pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">📷 John Bamber </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
a few miles downhill to Dufton (Tuesday 10:52 pm) and my brain was gone. I kept seeing buses full of people having a
party on board. When the chap from STT
came out to meet me I wasn’t sure if he was real.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Straight
into the tea room, rather than go into the empty village hall,I kept
apologising for dripping mud everywhere! I couldn’t get my pack off because I
was shaking so much and was generally in a bit of a pickle. The lovely couple
in the tea room made me lots of sweet tea and coffee and beans and toast. It wasn’t hitting the spot, so I ordered a
fried egg roll. I can only assume they
had in the same vegan eggs I was eating during Tor des Geants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
went along to the Village Hall and lined every radiator with my wet and muddy
clothes and went off to sleep on the cold hard floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
prospect of going up Cross Fell by myself scared the shit out of me. I texted Marco and said I didn’t think I
could go on, as I just wasn’t brave enough.
He told me to go to sleep and think about afterwards.I slept, but kept
waking up every 5/10 minutes as my bones ached.
I slept for about 90 minutes all in and stirred to find Japanese runner
Taro Kuchimi sparked out at the other end of the room. He’d carefully laid out his kit - and mine
was EVERYWHERE! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
started piling on the layers I’d dried on the radiators, had my kit checked by
the SST and chatted with the medic assessing my general well-being. Not sure if
this was mandatory or the fact I arrived like totally incoherent. He was so
impressed with my feet - not one blister or hot spot. Although they were pretty chunky looking by
this point. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
took the time to eat loads of food, including one of the ‘only for emergencies’
stodge snack bars that could kill seagulls. I had to make sure I had enough
energy to get over Cross Fell. With the sub zero temperatures, snow and 80mph
winds up at the summit, there was no way I’d be stopping for a snack break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
really didn’t want to go up alone and spent far too much time overthinking
it. The SST even suggested I wait on one
of the guys behind. Not in a patronising
way, but to give me some ressurrance. We
checked the tracker, but the next person was hours behind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fours
hours later, I left feeling a gazillion times better than I did when I
arrived. I was energised and more
positive, but still quite anxious and edgy. I was so thankful I knew the route
and knew what lay ahead. Cross Fell is
England’s highest point outside the Lake District. It’s altitude of 2625ft, position and ‘Helm
Wind’ also makes it, officially, the coldest place in England. My previous ascent of Cross Fell was on a
crisp winter’s morning. Even on a clear
day, it’s a fairly hostile place to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was really lucky as the guys ahead left prints in the snow the whole way, so I
didn’t really have to navigate. Again
following the prints of the person with the MASSIVE feet. I
didn’t want to get too complacent though, because if the snow came on heavy I
would have had to pick my own way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
congratulated myself on every recalled milestone: Green Fell, Knock Fell and
then up the short part of the road.
Passing the weather station at Great Dun Fell, the snow was up to
knee-deep, but I was still managing ok.
I went off track a few times and had some mild panics trying to find my
way back on. Over Little Dun Fell and on
the final push for the summit, the wind was outrageous. By far the strongest
gales I’ve ever had to contend with, as there is no way I’d ever venture up a
hill in those conditions. But if I wanted to stay in the game, I’d have to suck
it up. I was leaning in 45 degrees just
to stay up and using my poles to stab into the ground sideways to move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKumi0dYrbK5B1twCvZFOY7wR4NbQrKe4McdKqO0uQ-ikWbAveFF0y1ep5lFlxnv7CBT3UfFk_BIjdqketFTO5IpR_NkPOUBzRsEcL37H9fTjQZYiZPmCvm2qxDCJ48-NkKytuPkTPGAQ/s1600/Gregs+eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKumi0dYrbK5B1twCvZFOY7wR4NbQrKe4McdKqO0uQ-ikWbAveFF0y1ep5lFlxnv7CBT3UfFk_BIjdqketFTO5IpR_NkPOUBzRsEcL37H9fTjQZYiZPmCvm2qxDCJ48-NkKytuPkTPGAQ/s200/Gregs+eating.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sabrina
had a big lead on me now and I was fine with that. I was just focussing on
forward motion and maintaining my second place position. Having Sabrina ahead was a massive
motivator. When I was whining about
being small and weak, it was great having her up front going full speed into
the storm. She’s an inspirational, strong and fearless woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Seeing
the lights of Greg’s Hut twinkling in the distance made my spirits cartwheel. I was fever pitch excited when I
arrived. I heard so much about legendary
John Bamber who holds residence for a few days and cooks up noodles sprinkled
with his own homegrown chillies - for extra warmth and a big kick. I could have
stayed there forever. It was so warm and
cosy, especially after the battering I’d just experienced. And the banter and hospitality was top
notch. But John escorted me out, took
some pics and waved me on my way.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU52IIadTdCcjdr5eyZQ65226hsqRvJBcaX0o0zcE3BFWd49MwTKqlJbQflZ86yWqbXqVcBXasGA3mqeuLZY7EyTenEAknmKpofmuEUCtpYdZwoEaD1EslRMo_hM9xY0anz4bKsPUsac/s1600/Gregs+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU52IIadTdCcjdr5eyZQ65226hsqRvJBcaX0o0zcE3BFWd49MwTKqlJbQflZ86yWqbXqVcBXasGA3mqeuLZY7EyTenEAknmKpofmuEUCtpYdZwoEaD1EslRMo_hM9xY0anz4bKsPUsac/s320/Gregs+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Greg's Hut 📷 John Bamber </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Happily
stomping through the snow on the ominously named Corpse Road and welcoming a
new dawn. Heading down the icy track
into Carrigill a lovely lady came out to give me some flapjacks and asked me if
I wanted to come inside for a cup of tea.
I looked like I’d been doing roly polys in a field of shite and she was
offering hospitality to a stranger. I
was so touched, but politely declined on
the basis it was daylight, I’d just spent ages at Greg’s Hut and the checkpoint
at Alston was only four miles away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Along
the river Ellie from SFM appeared from behind the bushes filming as I pathetically attempted to
jog with shy of 200 miles in my weary sleep-deprived body. I chatted to them both and Matt filmed as he
moved alongside. As I write I’ve got no
idea what he asked, but I’m sure my replies were total mince.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before
Alston I had a brief chat with race media who were filming me for the race
social channels. Apparently this kept my Mum happy during the week, knowing I
was alive and still chipper. I was
firmly in my happy place, as daylight does such amazing things for energy and
spirit. I will never take daylight for
granted again. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="798" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheSpineRace%2Fvideos%2F667814290423356%2F&show_text=1&width=267" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="267"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivewByGcnBuf8ZrRMCPomsLkSRSh2liKcqeGqTpP_xUrADBLqyZP_CQpBjHF1zf1VVt4wP9ATUX7UqOQmO3BrAuIFiJB0iXfu1X2GwP4Le2Puu97QLTLCD3_GGsSxEqk0aaoHK8Jmr5E/s1600/Alston+packing+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivewByGcnBuf8ZrRMCPomsLkSRSh2liKcqeGqTpP_xUrADBLqyZP_CQpBjHF1zf1VVt4wP9ATUX7UqOQmO3BrAuIFiJB0iXfu1X2GwP4Le2Puu97QLTLCD3_GGsSxEqk0aaoHK8Jmr5E/s320/Alston+packing+use.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fk8CEJ7tnwPxCOdq9mW0-0TgvlH0Z5r4Q59ZNRAfds5ML4O1MenecDSzSHXTC99yzXYAW94zUeAn8AR0oWdtOl58csriB7SBnrwKy1_dtRqwbopq01nDQ_-rV3N9R-R36crJYZcsKL8/s1600/Alston+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fk8CEJ7tnwPxCOdq9mW0-0TgvlH0Z5r4Q59ZNRAfds5ML4O1MenecDSzSHXTC99yzXYAW94zUeAn8AR0oWdtOl58csriB7SBnrwKy1_dtRqwbopq01nDQ_-rV3N9R-R36crJYZcsKL8/s200/Alston+use.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I arrived at Alston, I was greeted by a sea of smiley faces. The volunteers were just so amazing and
attentive. The good thing about being
higher up in the field - well, other than finishing quicker - is the undivided
attention at aid stations. My shoes were
off, waterproofs hung up to dry and lots of delicious warm food was placed in
front of me. Amazing chickpea stew and
for extra fusion cuisine, some crisp sandwiches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Spaniard, Eugene - one of the race favourites - was sitting in there like a
fallen soldier. I was gutted to see this
as anyone who has followed the race over the years knows he goes all in and
wears his heart on his sleeve. Last year, he had to be rescued and pulled from
the race when he collapsed only a few miles from the finish. His feet were in a bad way and he certainly
wasn’t going anywhere on those stumps.
He was trying to tell me something via google translate, but we were
both too destroyed to converse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Although
I could access all the race info on my phone, I chose not to. I couldn’t stop
people giving me unwanted stats though, I just tried to block them out. It
wasn’t a conscious effort, I just wasn’t that interested. To me it was a personal adventure and I was
only (just) functioning in my little Spine bubble. Simply out there, doing my
best. I was informed a few times Huw
Davies was ahead. He was certainly causing
quite a stir with the ladies and there was some heavy swooning going on. I just
asked if he had massive feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qNsxC5KCQe_laO3ApybTI7hUMoAhnHSFicWtotowd3_KPOWK9f9-xNcN6ByTs5QDdSu6h0ICXPlzE6AkSALx0tvUQwJfCXL7MJBNeIKHCJ7alG1pGBMOWqq6k0AdPckh5U-jdJxwVAI/s1600/ME+and+Taro+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qNsxC5KCQe_laO3ApybTI7hUMoAhnHSFicWtotowd3_KPOWK9f9-xNcN6ByTs5QDdSu6h0ICXPlzE6AkSALx0tvUQwJfCXL7MJBNeIKHCJ7alG1pGBMOWqq6k0AdPckh5U-jdJxwVAI/s320/ME+and+Taro+use.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep faffing with Taro 📷 Ian Burns </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Again
it was morning and I was trying so hard to maximise daylight, but I was
exhausted. I was spending far too long
faffing with my kit. Unlike Tor des
Geant I wasn’t just sitting or staring into space, I was eating, sleeping or
sorting out my bag for the next section.
I just seemed to pack my gear about 100 times! It’s just so hard to decide what you might
need for another full day and night out in the winter. And triple check out the mandatory items were
included. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
eyes were so heavy and swollen they were starting to hurt. I knew even a short sleep would be hugely
beneficial, so I went off to one of the dorms for a nap. One of the lovely volunteers, Debi let me use
her bed. I crawled in, checked some
messages on my phone and set an alarm for 30 minutes. I merely dozed, waking every five
minutes. When my alarm went I dribbled
all over the pillow. Sorry, Debi. I never told you this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Taro
was downstairs and planning on pushing through.
He left before me, having opted to skip sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alston to Bellingham (To Thursday 7:46 am)
40 miles, 5492 ft <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lDqfOj_S87Fzj_AZoI15KkwEwP7wn0Cmei6dCviWUt4HpJK8xqY6YsXFx0L_3weIe4bfH50ZRV8TRpmypJgws_MfDBu47Kbl-uLWNYXBGSmMt-pCKc1dnnKc0PZUXexkkZgWPNlrk9k/s1600/Alston+leaving+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lDqfOj_S87Fzj_AZoI15KkwEwP7wn0Cmei6dCviWUt4HpJK8xqY6YsXFx0L_3weIe4bfH50ZRV8TRpmypJgws_MfDBu47Kbl-uLWNYXBGSmMt-pCKc1dnnKc0PZUXexkkZgWPNlrk9k/s320/Alston+leaving+use.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Alston 📷 Ian Burns </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
dream was beginning to feel like a reality now.
In most cases nothing short of a limb falling off would make me stop,
but the Spine is a different beast. I
always said I wouldn’t put myself in danger.
To be frank, to me that meant risking my own life. At the end of the day, I’m someone’s mother
and that means everything to me. I
skipped along, safe in the knowledge that I didn’t die in the storm, or freeze
on Cross Hill. I wasn’t swept away in a
torrent on the River Tees and made it up Cauldron Snout without falling
off. I was so content even the endless
miles of bogs, farmland and Blenkinsopp Common didn’t faze me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tara
was in the distance but I was gaining on him quickly. His plan to skip sleep was coming back to
haunt him. I passed him shortly before
Kirkhaugh and we exchanged a few words.
He told me his English wasn’t great, so I didn’t want to make him feel
uncomfortable. I’d later discover his
English is better than most British people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through
the next village, I met Joe Faulkner serving up hot blackcurrant juice and the
Angel of Slaggyford dishing out coffee and home-baking. The most amazing part of the race is that the
community along the way gets so involved.
People dot watching and coming out their houses or out on the course to
see if I needed anything. Sweets and
chocolate left on roadside and stiles with ‘help yourself Spine races’
signs. There’s no individual support
allowed in the race, but as long as it’s available to all competitors, it’s
fine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was pushing hard to try and get onto during daylight but the odds were stacked
against me. I was so thankful I’d recced
this section as I knew what lay ahead.
When faced with the prospect of never ending shite-filled fields and
swamp. it’s weirdly comforting having experienced it before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shortly
after nightfall I was cutting through a farm, when a chap came out to tell me
he’d been waiting for me and asked to film me for his youtube channel. In hindsight it was a very surreal
situation. With a sane mind it might
have been a little intimidating, but he seemed harmless enough. Although I was
thinking he might chop me up and keep me in his freezer. One of the guys I work with found the video,
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8XCdnzZtG8">so I’ve posted a link here</a>. Weirdly,
someone contacted me on Twitter to say she’d been talking to the farmer that
day and mentioned our chat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Onwards
to the bogs of Blenkinsopp Common, which nearly ended my Spine dream the last
time I was there. When I recced in November, the tops of the water had frozen
and shredded my shins. This time there
was no ice but navigation was still tricky and I found myself off course and going
round in circles many times. The recess
forced me to find contentment in the fact that you just don’t go anywhere fast
on the Pennine Way. Everything takes
twice as long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
what seemed like hours - mainly because it was, in fact, hours - I hit the road
crossing. This was another of the points
that haunted my dreams in the lead up to the event. Crossing the A69 in the dead of night,
completely off my tits, with cars flying by at
70mph. Again it was nothing to worry about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Up
the steps, over the field and stiles and then I got completely lost in the golf
course! Round and round, up and down I
just couldn’t find my way down to the next road crossing. Then I lost one of my Seal Skinz mitts, which got me into a
massive panic. I needed them for the
next night. So I started backtracking on
my circling, but it was so windy it would have definitely blown away. Then Mike Halliday appeared. He’d come out to say hi, which was so lovely. He probably wished he hadn’t because he too
became invested in the hunt de mitt. I
wrote it off and decided to push on.
Chatted to the SSTs who were trying to find me extra gloves. I guess everyone is a bit spaced out there
that far into the race, but they must have thought I was a complete bombscare.
(Greenhead Wednesday 8:39pm) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
the Walltown carpark at the foot of Hadrian’s Wall, I went into the public
toilets to wash my hands. I mean I
looked like I rolled in cow shit for days, but washing my hands seemed very
important. Then I decided to lie down
and have a quick nap. I wasn’t even
tired, but sleeping on a cold stone toilet floor seems to be a perverted, yet
traditional, part of the authentic Spine experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hadrian’s
Wall with Sharon in December was a joyful and thrilling experience. During the race in the dark it was
never-fucking-ending. Up, down, up, down
for eight long miles and my energy and tolerance levels were through the
floor. The SSTs had come out to cover
some of the distance with me. I thought
they were being friendly, but they must have been concerned about my welfare.
We said our goodbyes at Steel Rigg Carpark.
They gave me a can of Pepsi Max and I sauntered on, chanting lots of
positive talk, counting, deep breathing. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPf62EdjCne0kGsoEcpXR7T0d9RdD1hx6aFzCvPSWFMXec5uAgypYlkdduRBa5fke0hyXKbQfuIPC0UnChSvRj-HxEObGOBiXGhNnoYV23ns0BN4sqaVPC-vDKGGIEnEKSKHG8y_oXYA/s1600/Pepsi+max.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPf62EdjCne0kGsoEcpXR7T0d9RdD1hx6aFzCvPSWFMXec5uAgypYlkdduRBa5fke0hyXKbQfuIPC0UnChSvRj-HxEObGOBiXGhNnoYV23ns0BN4sqaVPC-vDKGGIEnEKSKHG8y_oXYA/s200/Pepsi+max.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepsi Max 📷 Paul Wilson </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shortly
after Hotbank Crags, the Pennine Way cuts through the wall at Radishaw Gap down
to Ridley Common. I was so worried about
the cows (I have the fear) , but they were none to be seen in the dead of
night. Unsurprisingly. I huddled behind
a wall to eat something as I was struggling to stay upright. And I had to take my pack off because my shoulders
were aching so bad. I really wanted to
sleep, but I couldn’t stay still for long as my temperature plummeted quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
decided to stick in my Airpods and listen to some music, singing really loudly
in an attempt to wake myself up. The
distraction was helpful, but it was causing me to make stupid navigation
errors. I was desperately trying to push
on to Bellingham, but I was falling asleep on my feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
eyelids were so heavy and I was stumbling and mumbling around. I eventually gave in and was forced to have a
short sleep at the side of the path. In
temperatures a few degrees above freezing, this wasn’t something I’d factored
into my race plan. I pulled out my emergency
bivvy, which is surprisingly warm for a bit of coloured tin foil – and set an
alarm for 15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
slept on and off for a few minutes.
Checked a few messages and an audio whatsapp from Dan Lawson singing “I
love your smile” down the phone. Which
of course made me smile. I didn’t feel
revitalised, but I at least had enough to keep going. Although I then got lost
for a good half hour in bogs on Haughton Common. Frustratingly, I just couldn’t find the right
line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
miles to Bellingham seemed to take forever, but I was content with that. I was
just dreaming about the soup at Horneystead Farm that I’d read about in the
Facebook group. I nearly panicked when I couldn’t see any lights or signs of
life. The sign welcoming Spiners in would have been so easy to miss in the dark
if I hadn’t been so desperate to find it. Eating warm soup on a comfortable
sofa was like heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pushing
on to Bellingham, my shins were on fire.
And I realised I’d lost an Airpod - joy. Although I tried to jog bits, I
would have been way better off walking. I was just conscious of not getting
into the habit of walking everything, because it’s difficult to break and start
again. The sun was coming up as I trotted along the road to the
checkpoint. Again more wasted daylight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
could see the lovely Lucy Colquhoun frantically waving in the distance as she
ran towards me. Lucy normally acts like
she’s been plugged into the mains, but this was fever pitch. It was so great to see a familiar face. She got me lots of food and sweet coffee as I
got dressed into dry, clean clothes for the final section. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Japanese film crew friends asked if they could film me getting my kit
ready. I was a complete state, so I
asked him to “give me a minute”. In
Scots’ that means feck off and gimme peace.
He waited exactly one minute and then started filming. I couldn’t stop laughing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
hall inside the checkpoint was set up like a camping site, with individual
tents. It was like walking into
Decathlon. Lucy had ‘saved me the best
tent’ so I slumped off for a short sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
an hour of broken sleep, Lucy came in to get me up. She literally had to help me up to my feet as
my calves and shins were ruined! I
couldn’t stand or walk. Everything from
knees down had seized and swollen. The
waterproof socks are great for foot care, but the compression causes other
issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Again,
Taro and I were just sitting there like lost and broken souls. I had to force myself to get moving, way
after my self-imposed allocated time.
When you’ve been outside and alone for so long, the indoors and the comfort
of human interaction is hard to leave behind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bellingham to Kirk Yetholm (To Friday
6:36am) 42 miles, 7040ft <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was a beautiful sunny morning when I left Brown Rigg Lodges - and then managed
to get myself lost in Bellingham. I’m
not even sure how that is possible. Once back on the course I was in good
spirits, forcing myself to stay calm and reminding myself to embrace the
experience. It’s too easy to become
erratic and frustrated in the latter stages of the race. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_YqhF4OmSRI9mLy0OrUKPQS6BzxQn3GPz3SWg_3cpdrU-BaqNNrn0sHuVbJcw9bKg1GO7_W1216nXxAfMKBln5hokAkbryeZydyVoxck7B0J9Fsg_tRMzqQMXs_sBCFORJgY47ic-Y4/s1600/Bellingham+use.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_YqhF4OmSRI9mLy0OrUKPQS6BzxQn3GPz3SWg_3cpdrU-BaqNNrn0sHuVbJcw9bKg1GO7_W1216nXxAfMKBln5hokAkbryeZydyVoxck7B0J9Fsg_tRMzqQMXs_sBCFORJgY47ic-Y4/s320/Bellingham+use.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">📷 Jimmy Hyland </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
got myself into a good stomping rhythm over the hills. I was feeling so (unsurprisingly) good I
packed my poles away and worked up to a good jogging pace. Up and over Whitley Pike, feeling
spritely. But also massively hamming it
up for Jimmy Hyland’s camera. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the distance I could see my film crew friends at the road crossing. As I approached and passed I waved over and
headed up Pardon Hill. About 15 minutes
later, my stomach was in a bit of a mess.
With my circadian rhythm and eating all out of sync, I felt swollen and
bloated. I let out a huge fart to clear
some gas. Then I heard the shocked gasp
behind me. My film crew pal had followed
me all the way up the hill and I didn’t know.
Bearing in mind I don’t fart in front of my husband of 13 years, letting
one off in front of a video camera was quite a big deal. Praying that footage didn’t make the cut, we
both laughed solidly for about 20 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
section to Byrness is fairly sold underfoot through forestry tracks. There’s a long downhill part, which could
have been easy miles, but my shins were on fire and I didn’t have the range to
straighten my foot for descents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few miles before the checkpoint Matt and Ellie from SFM were out filming (no
gas this time!) and it was so lovely to see them. They chatted alongside me for a while before
leaving to go find Trish Patterson, who was holding third position. As always, huge respect to Summit Fever
Media. There was the best part of 20
hours between the top three and they were going well out of their way to ensure
equal coverage of the women’s race. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
torrential rain started just before I got into Byrness. The race uses the local Forest View B&B -
which I’m led to believe is a bit of an institution with Pennine Way hikers
- as their checkpoint. Manky Spiners are relegated to the
conservatory and only allowed a 30 minute stop, which is vigorously timed. I
think there’s also a camera on the door that Spine HQ can monitor in and out
time, but I think they made that up as a scare tactic to ensure I didn’t
overstay my welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the conservatory the rain was bouncing off the glass roof, which made it sound
a million times worse. The thought of
the Cheviots in another storm was not appealing. All eyes were on me as I pathetically tried
to eat soup and a Pot Noodle, which I carried around for the best part of a
day. There were frequent reminders that
I ‘only had a marathon go’ and how many minutes I had left on my countdown
clock. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
my 30 minutes were up I had no option but to go. ‘Only’ a marathon to go. Only 26 miles across desolate landscape in
some pretty harsh conditions. When I
recced this section, I was surprised there was nothing there. No signs of life apart from a fence. There are two mountain huts on the way, so my
focus was just to get to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Strangely,
it was warmer than I expected it to be and after a mile I had to take off the
excessive layers. I did question whether
it was just the early signs of hypothermia, but I think it was the exertion of
dragging my ass up the mudslide that is Byrness Hill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Up
and over Houx Hill, with a good swift pace going. Somewhere around Ravens Knowe I managed to
face-plant is a swamp. Twice. On the
second one, I got up and couldn’t steady myself so I fell backwards into the
water. I was completely drenched and raging!.
The water had soaked my gloves and gone up my sleeves through my clothes
under my waterproofs. I just screamed in total frustration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
ground was mostly saturated and tough going.
I know we didn’t have sub zero temperatures that previous year’s events
have been faced with, but the underfoot conditions were horrendous. Some permafrost would have been so welcome,
because sinking across bogs for days was hard work. Feet were constantly dipped
in cold water and pulling legs out of mud caused havoc with my shins and hip
flexors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was so cold and so miserable, but I had to keep pushing on. Once you’re out there, you’re committed. It’s hard to believe that people drop out in
the final stages of the Spine Race, so close to the end, but the Cheviots will
wring out everything that’s left of your soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
eyes were playing tricks on me and I had some lengthy in-depth conversations
with my dead Gran for quite some time.
When SST Colin Green (Who’d helped me on Hadrian’s Wall) came out of the
mountain hut to find me, I wasn’t sure he was real. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Inside
the hut was amazing and warm with lots of good banter from Colin and
James. I stayed way too long and when I
got going I just couldn’t heat up. I was
shivering so much I gave myself a headache. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Struggling
to move forward, I decided to stop for another sleep at the side of the
path. In the Cheviots, in January, in
hindsight was a truly ridiculous idea. I don’t think I slept for long, but I
woke startled when I realised my feet were in a puddle of water and were now
frozen solid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Feeling
slightly better from the short rest, I pushed on to see a head-torch ahead of
me. Taro had either passed by the hut or
stepped over me on the path. I made it a
target to catch him again, which gave me a good focus and new energy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Up
and over Windy Gyle I was gaining, but I was also acutely aware I could be
chasing something that wasn’t actually there.
I caught him before the climb up to Cheviot. He was so lovely and gracious and we stayed
pretty close for the next miles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cameron
from Taro’s film crew came out before hut 2 asking me loads of questions. I knew he was assessing my wellbeing to
re-lay it back to Taro.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
skipped the option of warm food in Hut 2 in favour of pushing on to the end –
mainly because Taro didn’t stop either and we had a little micro competition
going on. Cameron and Taro ran off
together. I was pretty annoyed that he
then had a pacer, but only because he was in front of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Up
and over The Schil and I physically couldn’t get down the hill. The pain in my shins was excruciating. Any slip in the mud caused a jarring pain
and I winced and yelped all the way down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTTKYJnvoKpAUpinocrDNuFhS1IeJeMRLYszGCXeIS7KypiYpP4EwSmGHhzbWDCTQBC6ien81N4iU16Levmlm-aWvOOjjZ7sCjCPqamtva4LgIC_o_2ynx4eZ4S_KI6BZtgS7ozn-93Y/s1600/Crossing+the+stile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTTKYJnvoKpAUpinocrDNuFhS1IeJeMRLYszGCXeIS7KypiYpP4EwSmGHhzbWDCTQBC6ien81N4iU16Levmlm-aWvOOjjZ7sCjCPqamtva4LgIC_o_2ynx4eZ4S_KI6BZtgS7ozn-93Y/s200/Crossing+the+stile.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
focus was just getting to the stile. The
most significant stile I’ve ever had the pleasure of clambering over. Once over, I was back in Scotland. I can’t put into words how amazing that
felt. But I still had the five mile
stumble to the end to deal with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
brain was completely gone and I was hallucinating so badly - seeing animals
everywhere. I couldn’t run because of my
shins, but I’d also lost the cognitive and motor skills to deal with the motion
of running. Off the track and on the
road in Kirk Yetholm, the enormity of the challenge, the sleep deprivation and
calorie deficit hit me like a truck. I
have never operated that far on the edge in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSLnKEeRclkLX2VqAYXplOZfs3YCM6Ca_vkia_FL4ytSQGWhPEow9HLC47WVlFpp4m5bUu2AD0Ik1jkPtVYkF1GYKyc6QXsxq8IFBBHBiE_Fi2DejHSsnWMWv-sSATEeIbTgcHwhyphenhyphenkMA/s1600/KY+finish+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSLnKEeRclkLX2VqAYXplOZfs3YCM6Ca_vkia_FL4ytSQGWhPEow9HLC47WVlFpp4m5bUu2AD0Ik1jkPtVYkF1GYKyc6QXsxq8IFBBHBiE_Fi2DejHSsnWMWv-sSATEeIbTgcHwhyphenhyphenkMA/s200/KY+finish+use.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
brain was functioning on another level and
I’d managed to convince myself I wasn’t even in the race and people
would think I’d just cheated when I got
to the end. I had to mentally go through
all the major sections in my head to convince myself I had covered the
distance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNMHl9E8stfDBuVcJvwDgNIB77Ub6xQHr2NJriIuJKR4i-cfXFdiBKYGsQ_q5j7KCE55e66IwL9t8Jh43jDAHKIPJBd26Vd3dboIrGgvjV6vUlebPhjbKiZnovmljFSWGHbL4ehrxS_g/s1600/Finish+beanie+use.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNMHl9E8stfDBuVcJvwDgNIB77Ub6xQHr2NJriIuJKR4i-cfXFdiBKYGsQ_q5j7KCE55e66IwL9t8Jh43jDAHKIPJBd26Vd3dboIrGgvjV6vUlebPhjbKiZnovmljFSWGHbL4ehrxS_g/s200/Finish+beanie+use.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">People
were appearing before me (they weren’t real) way before I got to Kirk
Yetholm. So when I saw actual people, I
wasn’t sure they were real. Then I was
crossed through Kirk Yetholm to kiss the
wall of the Borders Hotel. A small
tradition to mark the end of the most amazing experience. 118 hours, 36 minutes
and 23 seconds after. 2nd woman and 8th overall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM9ZJORLtGMq5UaiOYgEbMG6GirkPf30Ei8ds9JsQvf8iI5HejS1fV1aiU8TfQx_l_n_wgfbsBSVPJGUtcChUnQprefZAw4NSEUTM39kIZ2CujYjfix8V5qUklrVF3Hh_LEEi8mHmsFQ/s1600/Finish+B%2526W.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1481" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM9ZJORLtGMq5UaiOYgEbMG6GirkPf30Ei8ds9JsQvf8iI5HejS1fV1aiU8TfQx_l_n_wgfbsBSVPJGUtcChUnQprefZAw4NSEUTM39kIZ2CujYjfix8V5qUklrVF3Hh_LEEi8mHmsFQ/s400/Finish+B%2526W.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
had so many lows and gone to depths I’ve never been before, but the highs
outweighed the lows. I only have
positive thoughts about the event.
Britain’s most brutal – it is indeed.
But to test, challenge and push your limits, it’s the best too. Nothing
will come close to this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Huge
thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. So much admiration and respect for the
organisers and volunteers. Thank you to
Montane who let me do stupid things that freak out my Mum. I’ve said never again, because I don’t think
I’d pull myself out of those depths knowing I have a finish in the bag. But my memory is rubbish. Until the next time. Maybe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I had 118 hours to think of something inspired, and this is what I come out with </span></div>
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="498" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheSpineRace%2Fvideos%2F205081550624215%2F&show_text=1&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-50428752992939556052019-09-25T07:20:00.000+01:002019-09-25T21:10:56.806+01:00Centurion Track 100: Race report <a href="https://www.centuriontrack100.com/races/centurion-track-100-2020" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Centurion Running Track 100</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;">Photos by </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/knowjack/?hl=en" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Jack Atkinson </a><br />
<a href="https://www.centurionrunning.com/reports/2019/track-100-2019-race-report" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Official race report </a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A race report about
running 402 (and a bit extra) laps around a 400 metre track.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where do I start?</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If I’ve got your attention thus far, I’ll try
and spice it up a bit.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I promise it won’t
be a turn-by-turn account of the day, but hopefully a tale of not shit-quitting
when things weren’t working out the way I wanted them to.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdd-krPF-9TMWL3AGiou-RaF2MViPuTlQsTvBWv3i8P6A8VIXoPvAM7frD2UMwpMVLRy2UxRknBY1lu1gE8KLTHihVEZuY_8Cf-GMXbdlYbbA9zGnhwRhIMrEOHlC-pxTCSimv-HEwds/s1600/af491050-bd2a-4737-b086-30b01c76a220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdd-krPF-9TMWL3AGiou-RaF2MViPuTlQsTvBWv3i8P6A8VIXoPvAM7frD2UMwpMVLRy2UxRknBY1lu1gE8KLTHihVEZuY_8Cf-GMXbdlYbbA9zGnhwRhIMrEOHlC-pxTCSimv-HEwds/s320/af491050-bd2a-4737-b086-30b01c76a220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So firstly let me delve
a little into how I found myself running in circles again, after swearing on
everything I loved and possessed that I would never – like, ever – repeat such
a torturous and pointless endeavour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I still hold the
Scottish 100 mile record of 15:48:18, which I set at the World 24 hour Championships
in Poland in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went on to run
217km that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t take a
mathematical genius to work out that I completely detonated at 100 miles and I when
wrote a post on 24 hour running (<a href="http://www.ultrarundmc.com/2017/07/peculiar-world-of-24-hour-running-top.html">link here</a>) this race featured quite highly on
what not to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not really one for
“records”. Yeah they’re nice as a target and focus, but they are there to be
broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted another crack at
setting an official 100 mile personal best for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not on a trail and not a time that’s on a spreadsheet
on someone’s broken laptop somewhere. Yes, I’m seven years older, but I’m not
ready to give in yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdnNJ3HO9XjH9nOYBohC6iy-fFqD7F5Bei3sKQq1rtdGqIdqjx2KQPqs0IBmlTE6R8dM_Z0f8Nbi6VN8-xDBYFgEesoBChXpc9QmhUMzldrKmu7IGxe2-SPlV9fFaGqbbeHftnvpxfe8/s1600/liee3cpkqfyujx9n6y1r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1243" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdnNJ3HO9XjH9nOYBohC6iy-fFqD7F5Bei3sKQq1rtdGqIdqjx2KQPqs0IBmlTE6R8dM_Z0f8Nbi6VN8-xDBYFgEesoBChXpc9QmhUMzldrKmu7IGxe2-SPlV9fFaGqbbeHftnvpxfe8/s320/liee3cpkqfyujx9n6y1r.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although following in
the footsteps of the some of the classics from the 70s and 80s, this is a
relatively new format for the modern day British ultra-running scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is billed as “An</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> elite level event, designed for
runners to compete under the fastest possible conditions and with a focus on
record setting” Unlike other track ultras, which are time based 6, 12 and 24
hours, this was for 100 mile distance only.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With a 17 hour cut-off the entry criteria is relatively
strict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James, Adrian, and Andy
retrieved all the stats from the aforementioned rusty laptops and the all-time
top British 100 miles performances for men and women and women were compiled
and can be found using <a href="https://centurionrunning.com/section/gb100milestats">this link</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was also qualifying distances from 100km right down to marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter being sub 2:30 for men and sub 2:55
for women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Closer to race day the start list dwindled. Injury and other
focuses took their toll and on race morning there was a reduced field of just eight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six men and two women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At 6am, we were off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was acutely aware that I would come last, but I doubt there’s any
shame in coming last with a 16+ hour 100 mile race. When Tom Payne lapped me
about four times in the first 17 minutes, I knew it was going to be quite the
showing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He runs a 2:17 marathon,
just to put his pace into perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I settled into my own pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Control the controllable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My aim
was to run around 2:15 minute loops and I was lapping them on my watch in an
attempt to “run the lap I was in” Something which I kept muttering to myself to
stay present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prospect of running
402 laps is enough to blow anyone’s mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course it soon became so difficult to distract myself from the clock that didn’t seem to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was a TV screen monitor, a large track side timer and a massive clock on the
outside of the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically it
was unavoidable. Like passing a car crash on the motorway when you try not to
look, but you simply can’t resist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo1budyf26ufW6sGkP0mND5u-bSBtwXpXx2y_YM1a-FKQIYOEeoPGdPb_NiFdvapnLTfR4lPS4M78-JDZa39Ue1-ALAUHNDE1WwnydyphAp4pvQOjLoc9CecbSLY0EfILu8kGGC_oLhk/s1600/a2099bf1-b197-43e3-b657-30f1218f9642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo1budyf26ufW6sGkP0mND5u-bSBtwXpXx2y_YM1a-FKQIYOEeoPGdPb_NiFdvapnLTfR4lPS4M78-JDZa39Ue1-ALAUHNDE1WwnydyphAp4pvQOjLoc9CecbSLY0EfILu8kGGC_oLhk/s200/a2099bf1-b197-43e3-b657-30f1218f9642.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My planned 2:15 laps were most frequently 2:10, which I know
is only seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s 20 second
per mile faster so is a fair bit quicker, but it felt ok. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As expected, my stomach was letting me down
and many toilet stops later I felt a bit drained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is pretty standard for me now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stomach and subsequent nausea is my biggest
let down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to be honest, I’ve had it
way worse and had learned to manage it the best I can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After only a few hours my head was starting to waver big
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just couldn’t shake the negative
thoughts tapping on my head. Like a </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">psycho woodpecker
trying to wear me down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know I always hit
dark patches in races and I know I can always pull through them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are mostly physical though, like fatigue
or my rubbish fuelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was like
the trauma of every 24 hour race I’ve ever done hitting me like a tonne of
bricks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By 50 miles I was done!
Completely over it.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I shouted Sharon and
we had some crisis talks in the ladies’ toilets.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Head in my hands, I just couldn’t do it
anymore.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I couldn’t go back out there
and run in circles anymore.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc_M2rB7lSTdJyKyIIUi1AgdbqRKXSK5HwWAzQrHLo6_XrFfGByNRI9_uefb0nzQkJl0SReFaCQ-rM91wh8t_u4czT3L8dFGdcsr8GFcWVxmrNX51VD4eNipJvnlcpFEhUj9QD3tSlUY/s1600/40c9b635-8c19-4162-b970-b4be75f111fd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc_M2rB7lSTdJyKyIIUi1AgdbqRKXSK5HwWAzQrHLo6_XrFfGByNRI9_uefb0nzQkJl0SReFaCQ-rM91wh8t_u4czT3L8dFGdcsr8GFcWVxmrNX51VD4eNipJvnlcpFEhUj9QD3tSlUY/s320/40c9b635-8c19-4162-b970-b4be75f111fd.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She convinced me to go
back out and try and work through a few more laps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gave me some music and AirPods and sent me on
my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few laps of musical
distraction and I was starting to calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Making myself promises and mini targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I got to 100km in a certain time, I would continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I get to 80 miles by 12:30, I’d have
enough time to finish within the cut off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trying to break it down to little segments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was even ‘treating
myself’ to toilet breaks once I covered a certain amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, living my best life. Then I got my
period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry, lads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know even in 2019 it’s still a taboo, but
it still happens and for some it’s the worst case scenario. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be lying if I said it effected my race,
because it didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The worse part was
that it handed me a get-out-of-jail-free card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That could be my perfect excuse for stopping!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The battle between the crushing
urge to stop and my conscious screaming at me not to shit quit, was quite
overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physically, there was
nothing wrong with me, but I always believe that psychological stress is harder
on the body that physiological. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
to call on everything, to mentally keep myself going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I coach a group of junior girls at my running
club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all knew I was running this
and I couldn’t go back on Tuesday night and tell them I just couldn’t be
arsed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a group set up at
Garscube Harriers to specifically stop preteens and teenage girls leaving the
sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As their coach, trying to teach
them about commitment and resilience, what kind of message would that be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By that point, Jess
Gray had already been benched with sickness and stomach issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked highly unlikely that she would come
back out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s ok for the guys,
but the 17 hour cut off doesn’t really allow for huge bad patches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I quit, then no women would finish the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s dismal state of
affairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to do it for the
sisterhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK, in hindsight, I know
that was jumping the shark at bit, but I was in the deep hours of funk at that
point. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’d always thought the
race was about personal goals and achievements, but I think was kidding
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without any direct competition
and women to race against it’s incredibly difficult to bring out the best in
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When shit hits the fan
(literally) it’s easy to take the foot of the gas when you just need to finish
to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not a race, that’s a
participation certificate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You don’t know until
you try”, which is fast becoming my go-to motivation in races and life, was
churned out over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was some heavy chucking going on, breaking it down to five miles and then 30 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I wasn’t even at 80
miles when the phenomenal Tom Payne was belting around his final lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fantastic running from an amazing athlete. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was more phenomenal was that I was
struggling to take in fluids and he was eating croissants while consistently
dropping 7s. I stopped to applaud him across the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mainly to mark his amazing achievement, but it
also meant I could have a wee break </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">😉</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I knew by then my
targets of sub 15:48 were off and had to focus on getting the job done as
quickly as I should, but I wasn’t eating anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really struggle to eat during races, yet I
always seem to find a new level of awful. I had one avocado wrap, four Party
Rings and two Maurten gels. The latter was uploaded trackside. The rest was
just ActiveRoot, Maurten and Coke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hindsight being the wonderful thing that it is, tells me I should have
taken on more liquid calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
tell Sharon she was so right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Watching people finish
spurred me on to get the job done. When I was into the last 10 miles, I started
breaking the miles into section of four laps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It forced me to run the lap I was in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though it was only four, I was so wasted I kept losing count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was muttering the number over and over
again and it seems to help make the laps tick by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why didn’t I use this strategy early?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was much easier to mentally handle. The last 10 miles were actually the happiest and most content I was all day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutr0up4TutaeG0I_OB_9ealOG7u8vidcJhIe1Tiz6DVTokpagOUWc2rI7w5DIT8AS4qvtVnf4MGk5DE9906VM3mzqd1egb_DjKRTjgvIgCIada6UyV8MMvrGbBS8mgA-u08SkNH32c_o/s1600/705e720a-262e-4d99-98a3-53d24931a1ed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutr0up4TutaeG0I_OB_9ealOG7u8vidcJhIe1Tiz6DVTokpagOUWc2rI7w5DIT8AS4qvtVnf4MGk5DE9906VM3mzqd1egb_DjKRTjgvIgCIada6UyV8MMvrGbBS8mgA-u08SkNH32c_o/s200/705e720a-262e-4d99-98a3-53d24931a1ed.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I had the track to
myself for the last hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which may have
seemed awkward, but everyone there was so great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was aware they were trying to subtly clear
up without drawing my attention to it, but I really wasn’t bothered at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know they are volunteers who have
lives and homes to go to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There were large parts
of the race that I didn’t think I’d ever get to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And many more parts I didn’t even want
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the latter stages even finishing
within the cut off seemed out of reach, despite Sharon and James’ constant
reassurance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished in
16:21:03.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My GPS tells me I spent 50
minutes not moving, which really bothers me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOFTZHWCpYl495dvL79yzvfYbD5FKoH7cXUP4wJA91dP3TY7QVIT_vrKTIFEELWTnow_vUB7c4VToIjoY_wtbfEHh8ri-INm8guaadC7FCelf936otXKkzdEA6sZuUWQfTSyilnphRVk/s1600/69a37499-a697-4761-ae9a-41d89b75ffc4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOFTZHWCpYl495dvL79yzvfYbD5FKoH7cXUP4wJA91dP3TY7QVIT_vrKTIFEELWTnow_vUB7c4VToIjoY_wtbfEHh8ri-INm8guaadC7FCelf936otXKkzdEA6sZuUWQfTSyilnphRVk/s320/69a37499-a697-4761-ae9a-41d89b75ffc4.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I always harp on about
races not being about times and positions, it’s about giving it your everything
on the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with most things in life
though, knowing what is so glaringly obvious and listening of your own advice
is so hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially when I’m my own
worst critic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I know I had to work
through some dark times out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know it shows strength of character with how I reacted and responded to those
dark times, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t crucify myself afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially I was really proud of myself for
finishing, but once to endorphins wore off, the coulda/woulda/shoulda thoughts
crept in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_LN_H_QzXBZYS-O3dT5mWQTGAmLTfDmrwDg2yD2IPOUBBUQafY0MaNC-pNQ9ZVAMemw-pZ4_ITRMYX1p5LQjeV84bY4EGPYU0cL8NKFkveNIoTJFLzxQ1XAQ96RcMwjogX4f80tiYZ8/s1600/2ad4cd5f-315e-4b33-b415-47dfbed3bf02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_LN_H_QzXBZYS-O3dT5mWQTGAmLTfDmrwDg2yD2IPOUBBUQafY0MaNC-pNQ9ZVAMemw-pZ4_ITRMYX1p5LQjeV84bY4EGPYU0cL8NKFkveNIoTJFLzxQ1XAQ96RcMwjogX4f80tiYZ8/s200/2ad4cd5f-315e-4b33-b415-47dfbed3bf02.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like before, I vowed
many times that I would never ever run on a lapped course again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeating races just to chase a faster time
can often be soul destroying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
demonstrated on the track, when you lose sight of the goal it’s so hard to
continue when ‘just a finish’ seems almost pointless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
wavering a bit on the promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The call
of a rematch with my head might be too hard to resist, but for now I’ve got
lots of nice trails and hills to hit over the autumn and winter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_KOH2qmJ2bgHSToqbAq5GC6MzbTACPijIoAOYAsFnqj3VpVB3EfVFantFxMtBiFbJM-1VUzOCjGoC9xJP-uHqTQwgPnP8WIK4uUm-Px1j8afBUhGpw8qZLLX33ir0oU-V-uBS6351bE/s1600/trackstars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_KOH2qmJ2bgHSToqbAq5GC6MzbTACPijIoAOYAsFnqj3VpVB3EfVFantFxMtBiFbJM-1VUzOCjGoC9xJP-uHqTQwgPnP8WIK4uUm-Px1j8afBUhGpw8qZLLX33ir0oU-V-uBS6351bE/s320/trackstars.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me: With the world's best participation certificate </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">An absolute pleasure
to be out there with such a great bunch of guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to Centurion Running for
putting on another fantastic event. Much love to the volunteers and lap
counters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Thanks for my ever-patience Coach, Paul. </span>Last but not least, to my
amazing bestie Sharon for travelling all that way to not feed me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said I looked miserable all day, but the
photos suggest otherwise, Sharon! Pain is temporary, race photos are forever <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thomas Payn 12:25:30 (now 8<sup>th</sup>
on UK all-time list) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ry Webb 13:24:59<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matt Dickinson 13:51:09<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Andy Jordan 14:57:38 (world V55 world
record – to be ratified) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark Bissell 15:15:12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Debbie Martin-Consani 16:21:03 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-54478821606419378212019-07-19T05:30:00.000+01:002019-07-21T06:47:54.708+01:00Ultra Trail Scotland - race report <span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://iancorless.org/2019/06/20/episode-173-sondre-amdahl-ultra-trail-scotland-and-elisabet-barnes/?fbclid=IwAR0lqNe1_ogp9P6YFPdowpzVqldqXqtxvle2C7n5dj-R-DQ6XYq1VLPLyVU">Talk Ultra podcast interview - Episode 173</a></span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Running is not just
running.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It’s like dancing, there are so
many disciplines.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">When planning what
races to enter I try to choose events that complement each other, </span><span style="text-align: justify;">somehow I inadvertently go from one extreme
to another.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I had once pigeon
holed myself as a one-pace 24 hour jogger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I moved to what I thought would be the fun stuff and became a
mountain rambler, dragging my sorry ass around some the blockbuster events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year I wanted to go back to basics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kinda bucking the ultra-trend and looking for shorter and faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than pushing the boundaries with
longer and more arduous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No mean feat
though, as it’s hard to put the toothpaste back in the tube.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I started the year
with a couple of 10k races - that hardest distance of them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main focus was Manchester Marathon and
then the Thames Path 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To mix it up
and break up the monotony of canal running, I signed up for the <a href="https://www.ultratrailscotland.com/">Ultra TrailScotland</a> - 45km with 11,000 feet of ascent on the Isle of Arran. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxYdJtz7OuMmbQk_Am0gsFaA4ZksS9uMHEFpln3xTmevvXtuT5s-zV1JAnB8XHCACZUM4wf3yWAa9_fXE4TClBho5oqZuu4dL7BI-U6EF2YL6jyGfDy3JZ2qrVgBGRNSFmYIUaRZF4Yg/s1600/IMG_1102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxYdJtz7OuMmbQk_Am0gsFaA4ZksS9uMHEFpln3xTmevvXtuT5s-zV1JAnB8XHCACZUM4wf3yWAa9_fXE4TClBho5oqZuu4dL7BI-U6EF2YL6jyGfDy3JZ2qrVgBGRNSFmYIUaRZF4Yg/s320/IMG_1102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With winner Rob Sinclair at the start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">After a few
training runs on Arran last year, I was blown away by the sheer beauty of the
island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had done Goat Fell, which is
the highest and most popular peak, and the Goat Fell hill race before using
traditional route to the summit - off the Calmac ferry and a straight out and
back on the tourist path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a nice
trail and a fabulous hill, but beyond the trig is a treasure trove of magic
that few people will venture along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">They are ‘just’ Corbetts, so Munro baggers would turn up their noses at such insignificant
hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they can certainly pack a
good punch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stunning majestic backdrops,
technical trails, exposed ridges, scrambles and coastal views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arran is known as “Scotland in Miniature”
because it offers the best of Scotland - highland scenery, granite peaks, glens
and rolling farmlands all compacted within its 56 mile circular coastline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race takes in the best that Arran has to
offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately that means is also
cursed with Scotland’s unpredictable weather system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">It’s such a brave
venture for the guys at Find Your Adrenaline as the odds are against them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Scottish weather doesn’t lend itself to
exposed routes, there’s limited accommodation on the island and the only mode
of transport there is a ferry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sailings are again dictated by the conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But anyone who’s been on route can see the
dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d be hard pushed to find a
more stunning race route in Scotland - if not the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">This was the third
edition of the race.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">The first year was
cancelled completely due to weather and last year was rerouted, again the
weather.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">This year’s race day was
unfortunately sandwiched between two days of glorious sunshine.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">And the filling wasn’t looking very
appetising.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">On race morning, I’d opened
the curtains to torrential rain and the trees bending in the wind.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">If I’d been faced with those conditions on
any other day, there’s no way I would have ventured into the hills.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">Then there was the
communication that the race had been postponed by two hours, to start at 10am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wise decision as the forecast at least had
the wind speed dropping late morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlWV6NC9xYkEEgbcojOlKTXd5lG5Dga4SD8CILOTqgMPl3_zOpzIpmbbYQ6V3NRtK2k-sgxpqLsjipVPi6Odn4FGKZjiQTUaI5JOl4a2QB85dPNblhB3pr_IBRKcKcnvn8g_FYppIbhQ/s1600/debsuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlWV6NC9xYkEEgbcojOlKTXd5lG5Dga4SD8CILOTqgMPl3_zOpzIpmbbYQ6V3NRtK2k-sgxpqLsjipVPi6Odn4FGKZjiQTUaI5JOl4a2QB85dPNblhB3pr_IBRKcKcnvn8g_FYppIbhQ/s320/debsuts.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN">When we arrived at
race HQ, it was announced that the course had been changed to take out the
exposed sections and the infamous Witch’s Step. So the new route took the
direct route from North Goat Fell to the saddle - taking out Coiche na Oighe
ridge, Sannox Glen - and was an out-and-back to North Sannox car park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentally calculated that it would lose
about four miles and about 1500ft of climbing, so not a massive difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I won’t lie, I was
pretty gutted as I’d made the effort to go over the recce the route twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mainly because I don’t like surprises on race
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From an organisational and safety
point of view it was 100% the right decision for the safety of the runners and
the marshals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No disrespect to anyone
running the race, but I’m sure there would have been many on the start line
who’d wildly underestimated the route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During my recces, I was still amazed that these sky-running style routes
were on a teeny island like Arran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">The race started
along the beach. I despise sand, but at least it was a short section before we
turned off and started heading up the hill into the mist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">There was a bit of
toing and froing on the ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
battling to stay ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m no hill
runner, so settled in for some power hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was trying not to bother about what position I was in, but still
managed to count five or six women ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know, not bothering and all that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmkRRzAJvGEf2NA2yQd-2MfPnSYi9TXmjlAcklSzqA55n_8BixWPUzimIt17yBXEmAjLeIAiPMs_cb973jN5HQkqZUrdcLVANZda72fYwd6vulnUXhdO4n0B_v6T1TkXtUULi2GvKHvc/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1290" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmkRRzAJvGEf2NA2yQd-2MfPnSYi9TXmjlAcklSzqA55n_8BixWPUzimIt17yBXEmAjLeIAiPMs_cb973jN5HQkqZUrdcLVANZda72fYwd6vulnUXhdO4n0B_v6T1TkXtUULi2GvKHvc/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN">I got chatting to
the lovely Katie Henderson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked
like a proper hill runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had total
leg envy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We overtook a few people on
the ascent, but Katie pulled away towards the summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we reached the top and started on the
rocky descent, Katie was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Completely out of sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was mincing
around on the initial downs, trying to get my legs to change gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d bought some new VJ XTRMS for the race and
wasn’t so sure of the traction on the wet ground and slippy rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I soon got into my groove and realised the
shoes were indeed going to live up to the hype.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be fair, the granite rock on Arran is pretty grippy anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">Over to North
Goatfell, Sarah was ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
really strong on the ups, running up with a back-pack that was almost the same
size as her, but possibly lacked the confidence to take the downhills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was trusting my
new grippy shoes and having a great chat with a few lads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really content and just trying to move
swiftly without destroying my quads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no pressure, no goals but I was damn sure I was going to do my
best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">Katie was now
nowhere in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t even see
her on the climb to Cir Mhor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must
have smashed the descent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strava segment
tells me I dropped from North Goal Fell to the saddle (0.82 miles -29%)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in 16:46 and she did it in 12:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That a substantial difference and I wasn’t
hanging about either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was starting to
pull away from the guys on the ascent to Cir Mhor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mist was starting to clear near the
Saddle and the views were spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not that anyone could enjoy the scenery as it’s pretty much face-in-rock
on this ascent. It’s like climbing up a wall. I know it’s a bitch because I’ve
done it twice before, so was mentally prepared for the torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And bagged myself a little Strava crown too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgt-_-m_DRHfvgb9t7PPkGiskeqw0EE1R5T7SULE_qhQs_9i954ikdiMsezGmKOpiY1_qkaPOgVE7pR82LgCFf3v8KsG7LE3M2jkgVN87yiMCF-rBgTZQKAYZObreQDO78GzVBO1lJco/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1290" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgt-_-m_DRHfvgb9t7PPkGiskeqw0EE1R5T7SULE_qhQs_9i954ikdiMsezGmKOpiY1_qkaPOgVE7pR82LgCFf3v8KsG7LE3M2jkgVN87yiMCF-rBgTZQKAYZObreQDO78GzVBO1lJco/s320/IMG_0515.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN">It was a shame to
miss the views up to Caisteal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
saw the global snapping sensation that is Ian Corless hiding behind a rock,
cowering from the elements, I felt disappointed that he wasn’t going to see the
full beauty of the route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On his post
race podcast interview with RD Casey, he promised to return with good weather
next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I checked in with
the poor souls charged with the Caistel marshal point and headed on the long
descent to North Sannock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was long
before I saw the ever-smiling Rob Sinclair on his way back up to Caisteal for the second
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">He’s definitely
right up there as one of the best ultra-runners in the UK just now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His triple records on the West Highland Way
races were world-class and he’s quite simply one of the loveliest guys you’ll
meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We exchanged a few shrieking
mutual gratifications, high-fived and I continued on the muddy descent to the
river crossing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">On the flats it’s a
manky, slippy and tussocky bog fest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
I needn’t have worried about the mud, as there was a thigh deep river crossing
to wash it all off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mid river-crossing I
met my club mate, Grant MacDonald coming the other way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were standing on parallel rocks
hilariously trying to high five and we both nearly fell up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave up with slimey rock jumping and just
waded through on the basis that it was just safer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was high-fiving
and cheering everyone that was passing on the return leg from the
checkpoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was more for my benefit
though, because if I’m chipper externally then I’m happy and positive on the
inside too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">Katie went passed
less than ½ mile from the checkpoint looking strong and smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was mentally trying to work out how far she
was ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe six or seven
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got to the checkpoint,
Ruth Stanley was standing there sorting out her drop bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t even seen her from the start, so she
must have been way ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick top up
on the ActiveRoot and back out I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was enjoying the
out-and-back section, because you can gauge where you are in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is after all when the real race
starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also there was a lot of
energy from the other runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was just focusing
on maintaining my position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I was
moving fine and still overtaking other guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt like I still had loads of energy and was mentally all over it, but
I was aware that I could have easily fuck it all up with a fall or neglecting
to take in any fuel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I tinkered over the
boggy ground like an old women but once I hit the ascent to Sail an Im I was on
a mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strong power hiking, running
the bits I should be running and not slacking off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t lose positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">As the route bends
around Garbh Choire, I could see Katie in the distance. On the steep rocky
climb to Caisteal I was gaining on her and she knew it, but there was no way
she was going to back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a
feisty one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">Peaking Caisteal
and hitting the 1000ft rocky descent to Garbh Chore Dubh, this is when Katie
turned on her superpower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything
I’d worked to gain in the ascent was gone in about two minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was passing lots
of Tarsuinn Trail runners who were on the ascent to Caisteal and was taking
lots of energy from interactions with them, but at the same time as keeping an
eye on Katie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And having those usual
internal conversations with myself << You don’t know until you try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being second is a great achievement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know until you try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not a hill runner, Katie is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know until you try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let third place catch you >><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">As the route skirts
round the mountain on the way to Beinn Tarsuinn, I was gaining on Katie every
minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were about 20ft apart for
around two miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when I closed in
before the climb up, she just stepped off the path and let me pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I signalled for her to come with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But before long I couldn’t hear any
footsteps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely she’s not going to
give up this easy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I then passed Mark
Whooler who was going in hard with some Scottish tablet - the local runner’s
crack cocaine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about five minutes
the route zig zags slightly, so I was able to take a peek behind to see how far
Kaite was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, the sneaky side eye
peek without moving my head tactic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t see her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">The ascent went on
for way longer than I remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clambering up boulders, squeezing through tight spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling a bit wobbly on feet and my
legs were tingling on the cusp of cramping, so was concentrating on moving
quickly so I didn’t stumble back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I was using two
guys in the Tarsuinn Trail race to help keep pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll just clip on behind them. As the trail
plateaus at the peaks I passed them, but they soon overtook me on the descent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">After some self
praise for having no accidents thus far, I tripped on a rock, decked it and my
legs instantly jerked into cramped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
hit me knee on the way down, as my instincts were to protect an already sore
hand from a fall a few weeks prior. I didn’t even notice my knee was bleeding
until further on the descent, so it definitely looked worse than it was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">I kept telling
myself to focus on getting to Glen Rosa. If I got to the flat stuff still in
the lead, it was in the bag. I still felt energised and knew I had enough for
the road section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During one of my
recces I had to dig in during the last few miles to make it back to Brodick to
make the ferry off the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I
could the exact same in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus
I’ve overhead Katie telling another runner she really disliked the road section
in the Goat Fell hill race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So sorry,
Katie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you gave me that one for
free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">Now my focus was on
not cramping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And trying to get my legs
to move smoothly, but I’m so shite on bog and thick grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tarsuinn guys were hardly breaking pace
and I could only manage a little more than awkward jog<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">At the river
crossing, one of the guys stepped back and held out his hand to help me
across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so thankful, as my legs
were all over the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to think
of myself as a fiercely independent women, but I can also ham up the damsel in
distress when it suits me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4PeQfduulQ2JZuu3g3uPkH2ceHOvX2I28JFyrzzV5So7NpcZppZAzkTXsxSZdWUW_ApkSOVVks3lFv2UpHNjpRf58h3lb3k70owrgDYaBuz_FrwKzE3mjmufhUwO-Hh30_j7b600UA0/s1600/5AABF4E5-43B6-4FC2-8522-A82CADD5B52F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4PeQfduulQ2JZuu3g3uPkH2ceHOvX2I28JFyrzzV5So7NpcZppZAzkTXsxSZdWUW_ApkSOVVks3lFv2UpHNjpRf58h3lb3k70owrgDYaBuz_FrwKzE3mjmufhUwO-Hh30_j7b600UA0/s200/5AABF4E5-43B6-4FC2-8522-A82CADD5B52F.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN">I was so glad to go
out of the bog and tackle the awkward descent to the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty fast running from there, but my
brain was frazzled and I had a terrible fear of falling which kept me
vigilant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkVRnVDy_mhaVFmsjjyBlfxl3Fw2shFSFNb6MqiZRNJQQ6FfDza-HOn49WbVhvtOr-ZBiFGa_CDtEUnmXfRB-rfCuOe0vGLLqj-JJYy7dtmS2yDNDFG-lLeY5wcfJVVAP2zN5hX5cDo0/s1600/DEDF2D38-4624-49B3-B52A-28584EAD84C0.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkVRnVDy_mhaVFmsjjyBlfxl3Fw2shFSFNb6MqiZRNJQQ6FfDza-HOn49WbVhvtOr-ZBiFGa_CDtEUnmXfRB-rfCuOe0vGLLqj-JJYy7dtmS2yDNDFG-lLeY5wcfJVVAP2zN5hX5cDo0/s320/DEDF2D38-4624-49B3-B52A-28584EAD84C0.JPEG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN">Less than 5km to
go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t going to use ‘just a
parkrun to go’ because that’s the worst analogy ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to just keep running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No heroics required, as I was fairly
confident I was moving OK to hold off any positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just plugging away on forward motion, it
wasn’t long before I was along the beachfront and could see the finish gantry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN">It was amazing to
be part of such a great race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
buzzing the whole way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of those rare
days when your head and legs are in the right place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vibes and spirit from the other
competitors was really uplifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DGhjhq5xonDm5jLupFOAQaJ2NCoRI8GARL8gLu6ak14921dDcQtND4aiYXVydZ8P2IGje9TZ7l8MlFDpWUHgk-QTswFj0BuatHcQR62-hX7OJDJclmji3nviePwqx4dBpUwx-c5ORy0/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1478" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DGhjhq5xonDm5jLupFOAQaJ2NCoRI8GARL8gLu6ak14921dDcQtND4aiYXVydZ8P2IGje9TZ7l8MlFDpWUHgk-QTswFj0BuatHcQR62-hX7OJDJclmji3nviePwqx4dBpUwx-c5ORy0/s320/IMG_0479.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Katie Henderson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to the
organisers and amazing volunteers.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I’d
love to go back next year and run the full course.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I doubt I’ll be defending my title.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I am under no illusion that a hill runner
with a hunger for endurance will destroy that course.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I hope this year’s events have raised
awareness of the race and attracts a lot of speedsters to the island.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Rob’s performance was again world-class.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">And if he rocked up again, he’d be hard
pushed to be beat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Rob Sinclair (Salomon UK) 4:20:54<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Stewart Whitlie (Carnethy) 5:11:44<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Michael Reid (Carnethy) 5:25:07<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Debbie Martin-Consani (Garscube)
6:24:59<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Katie Henderson (Deeside Runners) 6:34:30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Ruth Stanley (Shettleston Harriers) 6:59:15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-59209450257600576622019-06-20T21:46:00.000+01:002019-06-28T09:35:33.054+01:00Thames Path 100: Race report <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Official race report and results: <a href="https://www.centurionrunning.com/reports/2019/tp100-2019-race-report">Click here </a></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">I did the Thames Path 100 back in 2013 when it was held in
March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s now known in Centurion
circles as the ‘flood-adapted route’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
the description might suggest, the river had burst its banks and most of the
path was underwater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving runners
“unable to distinguish the difference between path and river and potentially be
swept away</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>...<span style="color: black;"> in a raging
torrent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To their ultimate untimely
demise</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;">I
paraphrase, but you get the gist.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZqcT9MvcuN6WxSpQDiIywN-6IAeWWbrAxVidaZhgCfW-KxHaXeB1oDMu4ZqCmwc-zjcnphyphenhyphenVxmahyphenhyphenv7IvegsONBZqInIXoz1J8KzHA5nZvkSMQ6ODILVdBgJD8W9TZtiovD2aiIIuGY/s1600/start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZqcT9MvcuN6WxSpQDiIywN-6IAeWWbrAxVidaZhgCfW-KxHaXeB1oDMu4ZqCmwc-zjcnphyphenhyphenVxmahyphenhyphenv7IvegsONBZqInIXoz1J8KzHA5nZvkSMQ6ODILVdBgJD8W9TZtiovD2aiIIuGY/s320/start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Despite being one of the last (wo)men standing that year - when it
came down the survival of the most stupid -</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it has always been unfinished business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not really the TP100, even if it was 100
(+4 for extra joy) miles on the Thames Path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s like running from Milngavie to Tyndrum and back and calling it the
WHW race. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">I always said I’d go back and repeat it on the full. Well, when I
say always, I mean it took me a few years to recover from the mud and sheer
torment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s how I found myself
standing in Richmond on the banks of the River Thames with the </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">goal<span style="color: black;"> to running
the full distance to Oxford. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Richmond to Windsor: Keep
your head, while everyone else is losing theirs<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_gjdgxs"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">It’s a flat and fast start
along hard-packed path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lethal
cocktail of nerves, enthusiasm, ambition and bravado means the pace for the
first few miles can be quite frantic. And somewhat futile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to keep checking my watch and
curtailing my pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reminding myself
that I had to run my own race. Not anyone else’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_f5c3bliijnk7"></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">As always at the start of races, you share
a few miles with different runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was lovely to catch up the Ireland’s finest, Leanne Rive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who has an enviable race CV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so involved in our chatter, we missed
the steps and bridge turn off and were somewhat confused seeing runners on the
other side of the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lost at 4.5
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course is well-marked so I vowed to be
more vigilant, but when there is so much going on around it’s so easy to miss
race markers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qC0h6e2qnVWW2iVGAc6Qp4CbRuJudHDucD8BbQz8jwxl_MPNoV0gb_UGlxv_wJzOYS5fMZDOdmk3-k_DFh0pC696XRtgJ6oU_7Ycz_DR346HHTQaUTTe8sLUKl4iPat_O_7aat-ad4I/s1600/routeTP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qC0h6e2qnVWW2iVGAc6Qp4CbRuJudHDucD8BbQz8jwxl_MPNoV0gb_UGlxv_wJzOYS5fMZDOdmk3-k_DFh0pC696XRtgJ6oU_7Ycz_DR346HHTQaUTTe8sLUKl4iPat_O_7aat-ad4I/s320/routeTP.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_4p11z0kofc4o"></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Leanne disappeared into the distance and I
caught up the Kat Short, who was on the side of the trail sorting out her
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got chatting about Manchester
Marathon, which I had run four weeks before Thames Path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My original plan for 2019 was to run the
SDW50, but I swapped to run Manchester and TP100 instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter doubling up as a Western States
qualifier too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be my 4th time in
the draw gives me around an 8% chance of getting a place in 2020 race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not hopeful, but they have to let me in
eventually, right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Before
the first aid station at Walton on Thames at around 12 miles, a supporter out
on the trail told me I was 8th female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled and thanked them, but was secretly irked by the unsolicited
information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to actively avoid any
race updates. Especially in the early stages, as it can be so
disheartening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often tell my crew I
only want information on a need-to-know basis. Or when requested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marco and Cairn were on crew duty for the
day, because I vowed to be quicker than last time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">All a bit uneventful</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">
for the next 15 miles.<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just ticking along, moving up a few
places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying not to lose my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was toing and fro</span>ing a bit with Dave
from Aberdeen (who’s actually from Northern Ireland) Little did I know that we
would spend the whole 100 miles within striking distance of each other and
finish a few minutes apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Heading
into Windsor I had a chuckle at the space where the MASSIVE puddle from 2013
was. I was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>told me I was 2nd lady, but I
was pretty sure I was third.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Met
Marco briefly there picked up some fluid, waved at some people on a boat
staring at me and went to go up steps onto the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the love of god what happened to my
legs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>30 flat and consistent miles and
my legs couldn’t deal with the change in movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was horrendous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been suffering from a hamstring
‘niggle’ for a year now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say niggle
because it’s never been bad enough not to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy40rV4j4a74qyI0Y7Ly_qUvMY44KD3JnvWCp6oxvKjdMkW5N-bipY_UcRLjAGzQeKMS0nzJf_VnK7XJhIsGcrdytDcLXEE28dDoy-k0hWEJt6R5BVv2gm1hhhxpY0uVomlq6gnMlif1M/s1600/cookhamTP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy40rV4j4a74qyI0Y7Ly_qUvMY44KD3JnvWCp6oxvKjdMkW5N-bipY_UcRLjAGzQeKMS0nzJf_VnK7XJhIsGcrdytDcLXEE28dDoy-k0hWEJt6R5BVv2gm1hhhxpY0uVomlq6gnMlif1M/s320/cookhamTP.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Flat
is certainly not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the same
muscles and movement getting hammered over and over again for hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d say it’s much harder on the body, mind
and feet than any undulating or hilly trails. Plus, at least with hilly routes
you have an excuse to power hike (*cough* walk) and use your quads on the
downhills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flat for me is just calves
and hamstrings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Windsor to Reading:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know until you try<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">I
ran with Jay for a bit, who I met out at Spartathlon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d just run a sub-3 marathon in London six
days before, which is an unorthodox tune-up session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still in better spirits than me
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d hit that “why the f*ck am I
doing this” stage and my good friend nausea was starting to raise its ugly
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was being a crabbit and
unsociable bitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My head was starting
to go and all the negative thoughts were creeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying hard to push them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breath. Focus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">I
just had to focus on breaking down the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Aid station to aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
I arrived at the Dorney aid station, Ingrid Lid was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teeny Norwegian is a bit of a rising star
and was definitely the one beat in this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was surprised to see her there, but moved straight though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon I heard footsteps and caught Ingrid at
the corner of my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;">She attached herself to my heels and stayed there</span> -
for the best part of 10km. <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t say this didn’t unsettle me, because
it did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But way less than normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I</span> wasn’t pacing her, she just wasn’t
going to let me out of her sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Understandable. <span style="color: black;">It’s not as if she’s going to
drop back </span>just <span style="color: black;">because I’d quite like to win.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">At <span style="color: black;">Maidenhead stopped to get </span>something from Marco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just felt sick and was being moany and pretty negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let Ingrid go and I didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t chasing and had to focus on sorting
my shit out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pushed on through to
Cookham, remembering this was the turnaround point (twice) for the 2013
edition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I didn’t remember
anything of the preceding 35 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well
apart from it was considerably less muddy and there were people out on the path
this time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">At
Marlow, Marco met me with some ActiveRoot, which I’d forgotten I’d packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was on the ball. I sat on a bench feeling
sorry for myself, but the ginger drink made me feel better pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Onwards and through Marlow I was being
super cautious following the 2.5 mile road diversion, in the pissing rain, before
dropping back onto the parth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Hurley
I saw Ingrid in the aid station, smiled, pushed on and made out I was having
the BEST. TIME. EVER. Tactics, right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">The
sun after the rain was stunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steam
was rising from the roof of the riverboats and it was the first time I thought:
it’s actually not a bad place to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yeah there’s a Thames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a
path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there’s not anything
significant and the scenery rarely changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are certainly moments of magic and I tried to embrace every second
of those moments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Crossing
some fields, I kept telling myself not to look back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never look back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like the guy in the war movie who looks
at the photo of his love back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
know he’s a gonner. Looking back is showing weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did use any bend in the path to have
teeny wee peak out of the corner of my eye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">On
to <span style="color: black;">Henley – that half-way </span>point - which seemed
to take way longer than expected. <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Walking in the tent, Marco was hissing
in my ear about staying quiet and not saying a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must have been really sick of my
whining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out Alex Whearity was
there waiting to buddy run with his wife, Wendy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marco was of course trying to restrain me
from vocalising my distress to the opposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, to be fair, I felt OK at that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The usually rollercoaster of ultrarunning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">The
section from Henley is quite lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Quaint riverside trails, with meadow-esque flora and fauna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still managed to miss a sign and got
shouted back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks, James.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in turn had to shout back another chap
who was 400 metres down the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Reading to the Oxford:
Don’t get comfortable <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">I
felt rough AF when I got to Reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had a lethal combination of Tailwind, Gu and ActiveRoot swirling around in my
stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I met Marco, I stopped and
promptly vomited - twice - outside the sports centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which instantly made me feel better,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so off I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy in fact that I knew most of the route
from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once running the Winter 100,
another from crewing Sharon at The Autumn 100 last year and in March II’d run
the last 30 miles as a recce run. Having some awareness of my surroundings and
doubting I’d go off course again, I felt comfortable switching on some musical
distraction for the next 12 miles or so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Things
were starting to unravel by the time I got to Goring, as I hit an energy void
and had pretty much stopped eating and drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still moving ok - ish from Reading to
Goring and got a boost seeing Dan and James with their musical renditions on
the piano (surreal) at the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the next seven miles to Wallingford I was f*cked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a really just jogging and taking
annoying and unjustified walking breaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I struggled to keep my feet moving over the dried mud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was stumbling, tripping as not picking my
feet up and the tussocky grass was so frustrating to run on and ankles kept
tipping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t sore, just
inconvenient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I’d slowed
dramatically and was haemorrhaging time, but in my complacent mind I just
assumed everyone was slowing at this point. Wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">At
Wallingford I laid down in the carpark and asked Marco for some stats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He duly informed me Ingrid was 18 minutes
behind at the last timing point and Wendy was 20. Fuck! I was on my feet tout
de suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew after my disastrous
last section the gap would be MUCH closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">It
was like flicking a switch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was out of
there - but not before missing another turn and nearly heading over the bridge.
I was energised. And focussed. They were closing, but I had to at least try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was basically running scared now, but with
a new found energy and the kick up the arse I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t feel sick anymore and there was no
pain or fatigue in my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mind is
a pretty wonderful thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Then
a few miles on I missed the bridge turning again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept going even though intuition was
telling me I was wrong and should turn back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got to disused rusty gate covered in overgrown bushes. Fuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my phone out to check the map and
confirmed I was way off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back-tracking
I spotted the Ingrid disappearing over the bridge I’d just missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bridge with the massive Centurion sign
and arrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">I
caught up with her again at the riverside in Benson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t exchange much conversation, not
because we were being antisocial but we were both pretty exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran on my heels for the six miles to
Clifton Hampdon checkpoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure
if I was pacing or just there to open gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">We
arrived at the checkpoint together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sure this was way more exciting for those dot watching than it was for either
of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marco threw a bottle at me,
stuffed more gels in my pocket and chased me down the street.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">I
was on a mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with 12 years of
ultra experience, I’m still learning so much about myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you had told me about the situation of
being caught at 88 miles before the race, I would have envisioned that I would
have backed down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resigned myself to
have been beaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used my sickness as an
excuse and bored everyone to death on social media with my tales of woe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But f*ck that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was churning out all the heavy Goggins
classics in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read a race
preview online on the train down that predicted I would come in second, at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used that as fuel too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">To
break, I had to give it everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t look back just go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But maybe listen for footsteps and gates
closing too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Abingdon, I crossed a field and
counted, calculating that it took me a couple of minutes to get to the other
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I covered my headtorch with my
hand and looked back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Arriving
at the Abingdon checkpoint I was a little more relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just keep moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the marshals asked me to leave with
Dave and Darren as there was a boat owner (allegedly) threatening to throw
runners in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect that
story might have grown arms and legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can only assume the marshall wanted me to protect the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marco even said I’d be fine to go myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Nine
miles to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just break it down mile-by-mile I kept telling myself. I did my usual not eating or drinking because
I thought I didn’t need it. Stupid ultra thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran with the boys for a few miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My chat was shite and I was worried they felt they needed to
look after me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I run through the ghettos of Glasgow without
blinking an eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure I could outrun
an angry boat owner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">They arrived into Lower Radley a minute or so before me and looked like they
were settling in for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
exited and crossed the chip mat and was on my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before I see the bobbing
lights of head-torches appearing from behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mi5PgATXG4Sw6YCR9lOJEqXtNPCuTxa0LA7Ce4qSnSc6zZQHDGxQRsBO8QP8ZhYQlTkvZ3aRuZ4q1Ujl0L-yWVd0YIebhvDskb3NonsOjivjQhU8Aw-lRxrZh1LUMTuS-TMxhNMRbT4/s1600/finishTP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mi5PgATXG4Sw6YCR9lOJEqXtNPCuTxa0LA7Ce4qSnSc6zZQHDGxQRsBO8QP8ZhYQlTkvZ3aRuZ4q1Ujl0L-yWVd0YIebhvDskb3NonsOjivjQhU8Aw-lRxrZh1LUMTuS-TMxhNMRbT4/s320/finishTP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">On
the gravel path I knew I was about two miles to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used up my fight to break earlier and just
kept chipping away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the lights
from the buildings on the right side, so knew I was getting closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left turn into the field and I crossed the
finish line in 17:40.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">A win is a win, right.</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">True.</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">But it’s not always about
winning.</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">It was an hour slower than I
wanted to be.</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">And if I’m honest with
myself, I don’t think it’s a time or performance worthy of the race win.
Hyper-critical, possibly, but it’s the reality. Got that monkey off my back. I
wanted to win and finish top 10.</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Plus, I
got to run the full route. </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Job
done.</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">I’ve never really considered
myself a very competitive person, so I was surprised by the way I
responded.</span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">If I’m still learning in
races, I’m still progressing. Thanks to Ingrid for this unearthing. She's a </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">feisty and tough one. My favourite kind of gal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6kYDJyfguvZ5P2_f-Tb3DyTFUHeIJbepjd_LbyxdHi67S0QlG0MfcDKTJursYrwi8aBkVzw0Cga762LNroCYM-Rbqw60bVr8E4lC6_rfd90I_twoQ9dcI3ExRO2sgnrYateoYhsGBYI/s1600/cairn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6kYDJyfguvZ5P2_f-Tb3DyTFUHeIJbepjd_LbyxdHi67S0QlG0MfcDKTJursYrwi8aBkVzw0Cga762LNroCYM-Rbqw60bVr8E4lC6_rfd90I_twoQ9dcI3ExRO2sgnrYateoYhsGBYI/s200/cairn.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#therealyellowjersey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Thanks,
as always, to James and team for putting on the best UK races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not just biased, it’s a fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To coach Pyllon for putting up with my
erratic race schedule. And to Marco and Cairn for being the best crew
ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip to the National Space Centre
the next day was a freaking nightmare, but a fair compromise I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can take comfort in the fact that I can't understand that geeky stuff even with a fresh brain anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Narrow"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Narrow";"><a href="https://www.centurionrunning.com/reports/2019/tp100-2019-race-report">Race results </a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1st: I<a href="https://runhammyrun.wordpress.com/2019/05/09/thames-path-100-who-races-100-miles/">an Hammett 1</a>4:36:25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2nd: John Melbourne 14:58:46</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3rd: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul Beechey 15:48:19</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />1st Debbie Martin-Consani 17:40:08</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2nd Ingrid Lid 17:48:25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3rd Wendy Whearity 18:26:12</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-80422797025510371052019-02-06T21:07:00.002+00:002019-02-07T08:33:30.986+00:00Farewell to the Glasgow Women's 10K<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you tuned into Radio Clyde 1 yesterday, you may have heard my dulcet tones talking about the disappointing news that the Glasgow Women’s 10k has been scrapped. After 26 years, it’s the the end of the road for the UK’s only all-female 10k. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10VMDpotptTdv5hsD-Nro2YWv6EYWxJqkKz_SUGCXcZ6oSfTX-csaBMY5UFrgnY5987AxN2Cm9yEw-04IWiQQ2xWDDlaPhpJlZ1LU9JvqCV_BetjLxNDHv0WcDYbgNRFwRzatpDfQInA/s1600/IMG_6845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="854" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10VMDpotptTdv5hsD-Nro2YWv6EYWxJqkKz_SUGCXcZ6oSfTX-csaBMY5UFrgnY5987AxN2Cm9yEw-04IWiQQ2xWDDlaPhpJlZ1LU9JvqCV_BetjLxNDHv0WcDYbgNRFwRzatpDfQInA/s400/IMG_6845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Glasgow Women’s 10k in 2002 was my first ever race, back when it was organised by Glasgow City Council. It was the reason I first laced up my trainers and hit the pavements with trepidation on a cold February evening. Little did I know then that it would change the direction of my life. Dramatic as it may sound, I owe so much to the event. I’m sure my story will resonate with many local female runners (…of a certain age) Catching the running bug as a result of participating in the Women’s 10K is a common tale in Glasgow running circles. </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have done quite a few interviews and podcasts over the years and every time I’ve credited the Glasgow Women’s 10k as the springboard to everything I’ve achieved and experienced. People are bored of me harping on about when I started and couldn’t run for a full minute. Never in my wildest dreams would have I even imagined that I would have run on the Great Britain team for five years. Or participated in some of the world’s finest endurance races. I’ll never forget the early days when would wait until it was dark to go out running, because I was scared someone would see me. </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Great Run is citing “dwindling numbers” for the main reason. Falling from 11,000 in its hey-day to only 3000 last year. Yes, there are many alternative races and events out there but none that match the carnival-like atmosphere and local feel that I have fond memories of. I’ll be honest and say I haven’t run the race for a few years now. After running it for 10 years in a row, it was always a firm favourite in my race calendar. When the race moved to June, it clashed with other races. Plus, 10ks are too much like hard work for a ‘lazy’ ultrarunner like me. But really, when the Great Run took over, it just lost its spark. </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was no longer the local running sisterhood blazing through the parks of Glasgow. It was inflated entry fees and the prospect of running along with city’s expressway. No thanks. Plus, the phenomenal rise of Parkrun will have effected numbers. Whether you think parkrun is a race or not, it’s certainly replaced the camaraderie and inclusiveness that some events have lost. </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09">
</span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, yes, from a business perspective it may be no longer financially viable to hold the event. Sponsors want numbers. Runners want bang for their buck. Great Run want to concentrate on developing the Great Scottish Run, which is seeing an increase in female participation. Anything that encourages women to run, gets a thumbs-up from me. </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-29f7df7b-7fff-ffc7-ac15-c4fc27b92f09">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, the sceptic in me thinks they could have bowed to pressure that there probably shouldn’t be a gender exclusive event in this day-and-age. There has always been a rumble from the disgruntled about an all-female affair. Usually from the same type who annually wail “When’s International Men’s Day?” Yawn. Skimming over the fact the Men’s 10K is still going ahead in Glasgow this year. Let’s not forget the shit storm caused by the launch of “Iron Girls 5K” a few weeks ago. It pretty much offended everyone, and not just the usual outraged snowflakes. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was never about gender exclusivity. It was always about women supporting women. It was about friends, sisters, colleagues, neighbours, Mums, Aunties and daughters just giving it their all. Without the fear of being mock or intimidated by ‘real runners’. The get-rounders, the jog/walkers, the fancy dressers and the seasoned runners shooting for the elusive PB. It was for everyone. At the sharp end it was once the most hotly contested race on the calendar. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s sad, but it’s just a sign of the times. I’ll always have fond memories of the aerobics warm-up on Nithsdale Road, the locals coming out to cheer, the proud kids’ faces, the purple balloons, the samba bands on route and the long straight to the finish gantry down Mosspark Boulevard. And the longest queues for portaloos known to mankind. </span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-76405969290610076712018-02-12T06:51:00.000+00:002018-02-12T09:02:11.230+00:00Ultimate Direction Signature Series: Ultra Vesta 4.0 and Adventure Vesta 4.0 <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Most
people are at least a tiny bit sceptical when brands bring out new seasonal
lines. How much can they really improve on what is already a pretty great
product? Just an opportunity to sell more products to an engaged market?
Feeding off the runners’ ego to always have latest and best gear.
For clarification, I am that egotistic runner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRqhljZ4M9vz-1WTypudMK9XyhZ2K81E3fV6ygiJGXyQWeld7Ki5iW0U0a94tXfSfA7YWGyPJwEFqvYT_XIyu4R2N5nqKRCQGoiZx556332l-XcuZZfTzibM0ihofMGWfR2GzAIkM0rY/s1600/IMG_6944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRqhljZ4M9vz-1WTypudMK9XyhZ2K81E3fV6ygiJGXyQWeld7Ki5iW0U0a94tXfSfA7YWGyPJwEFqvYT_XIyu4R2N5nqKRCQGoiZx556332l-XcuZZfTzibM0ihofMGWfR2GzAIkM0rY/s400/IMG_6944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The
Jenny Collection was the world’s first line of women’s specific running vest
and broke the mould in terms of fit and functionality for females, rather than
just unisex products made in a smaller size. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">My<b><u>
Adventure Vesta</u></b> is my go-to training </span><span style="font-family: "times";"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">pack. My iconic purple pack
and I have been on many adventures, in all weathers and covered many miles
together. I have recommended this pack to many women<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the basis that if you are only going
to invest in one pack, this is the one you’ve got to have. There
have been many times I could have used the more compact Ultra Vesta, but
experience (and subsequent near disasters) has taught me never to scrimp on the
hills or mountains. Especially in Scotland when the weather is known to be
somewhat changeable.</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbl1ZJWIDLRNfZBIpFHKwHnJyxgdUi0Ysi0GmKa07iFRqfTxgqDoZrrUG857B8shyphenhyphen3LdZdxyJGBlIInubRzJySqGkAt-ybWfnILSNG5dlMWMPURRnFDPfhCaLkLTt2AC-BKnAR_p8V9A/s1600/IMG_6857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1189" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbl1ZJWIDLRNfZBIpFHKwHnJyxgdUi0Ysi0GmKa07iFRqfTxgqDoZrrUG857B8shyphenhyphen3LdZdxyJGBlIInubRzJySqGkAt-ybWfnILSNG5dlMWMPURRnFDPfhCaLkLTt2AC-BKnAR_p8V9A/s320/IMG_6857.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I
was very much looking forward to trying out the <a href="https://ultimatedirection.com/adventure-vesta-4-0/"><b><span style="color: #420178;">Adventure Vesta 4.0</span></b></a>, the women’s specific
park in the new Signature Series. My first instinct was that is felt
lighter and had much more stretch than the original – which is more rigid with
less give. It wasn’t until I put it on that I felt the difference. The
new ‘cinch system’ and stretch material means It fits like a second skin and
doesn’t move or bounce at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
previous velcro side straps and been replaced with bungee cords that tighten
around your back, which gives it a more custom fit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The
first time I used it, I was carrying full winter kit (Heavier jacket, full
waterproofs fleece, extra gloves, hat, kahtoolas and a multitude of snacks) and
I barely noticed it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-c8FiltDZI9AavDteU-ix1ndog-T7Bvnv500LKMUN_6x7-OlP5UhsvylaPB1Qm0Ynj8dJ2MC5OpKeApw3Rq77jJBBdBin6v8EXP7peXqWMaUGbd9PyFjIAoPIEXye4jsf16m8uvjXSM/s1600/IMG_7014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-c8FiltDZI9AavDteU-ix1ndog-T7Bvnv500LKMUN_6x7-OlP5UhsvylaPB1Qm0Ynj8dJ2MC5OpKeApw3Rq77jJBBdBin6v8EXP7peXqWMaUGbd9PyFjIAoPIEXye4jsf16m8uvjXSM/s200/IMG_7014.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial";">Poles
ahead</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial";">: I’ve been
doing a few more races, which involve a lot more vertical ascent
(Transgrancanaria, TdG and next, UTMB) so I’ve been training a fair amount with
pole. I’m not one of those Euro types that look like Nordic walkers on acid.
I find using poles quite cumbersome, so they’re on and off my pack.
Or I just carry them in my hands to save putting them away. The new pole
attachment system is very simple, yet very smart and well thought out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than just a band (which I snapped on
my previous pack) the cord is thicker and is secured with a snap button.
There’s a finger loop to pop the button, which is a tiny addition but
will save a lot of frustration when hands are swollen, cold or in gloves.
It’s the little things that make a big difference. </span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieeRHR53iwY6mtsQMd0sMspp4L-c0SuHwamXtigqBiA04u4OExURhbG1PAYPQzZe85TA_bI5Ck64k6DMw4PcSrekm3NU_LMs3_I8fmSFntMLOoU8UiitqrmXF7ps-WlB_yjXRfdy2HX8/s1600/IMG_7029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieeRHR53iwY6mtsQMd0sMspp4L-c0SuHwamXtigqBiA04u4OExURhbG1PAYPQzZe85TA_bI5Ck64k6DMw4PcSrekm3NU_LMs3_I8fmSFntMLOoU8UiitqrmXF7ps-WlB_yjXRfdy2HX8/s320/IMG_7029.JPG" width="320" /></a><u style="text-underline: #0000E9;"><span style="color: #0000e9; font-family: "times";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The
new <a href="https://ultimatedirection.com/ultra-vesta-4-0/"><b><span style="color: #420178;">Ultra Vesta 4.0</span></b></a> has the same new material,
cinch system and pole attachments. The major differences are the two
bottle holders, only two front pockets and less capacity. Previous
editions of the Ultra Vesta and Adventure Vesta have clear disparities.
With new Signature Series, the distinctions are less obvious. At
Transgrancanaria 125 last year, I used the Adventure pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the new changes, I might use the Ultra
Vesta this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it will be able
to accommodate every thing I want to carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plus, I'd prefer to have the two bottles of fluid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtCJRSAkwND_-654NbVv-xfyRthvIPHy_FwRfAxPywvtQifkeHjvJe8kJ_kLStP3oCgisPiQRjt68aW2v2MlaikAcXdDCiIJ94U23eyx1yfRMPyK4tq92y5aKf_xUvtbFZ1LAq-Bi5Qs/s1600/IMG_7035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtCJRSAkwND_-654NbVv-xfyRthvIPHy_FwRfAxPywvtQifkeHjvJe8kJ_kLStP3oCgisPiQRjt68aW2v2MlaikAcXdDCiIJ94U23eyx1yfRMPyK4tq92y5aKf_xUvtbFZ1LAq-Bi5Qs/s320/IMG_7035.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ77R-xPWB-RjDjd7HkYTLLfnVy0FHyVY7Fp6gQDzBrt090sh_TPioh89SPV11m4LIn_YluTmmlWYFu5ayvt4hDGLUOnad-GHZwtosD36fS7CmJWkIJmi-7YR8AcQiZVxVT_7sOu8FW5g/s1600/IMG_7039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ77R-xPWB-RjDjd7HkYTLLfnVy0FHyVY7Fp6gQDzBrt090sh_TPioh89SPV11m4LIn_YluTmmlWYFu5ayvt4hDGLUOnad-GHZwtosD36fS7CmJWkIJmi-7YR8AcQiZVxVT_7sOu8FW5g/s320/IMG_7039.JPG" width="180" /></a><b><u style="text-underline: #1A1A1A;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">When to use the Ultra Vesta</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">Fair weather days. In Scotland,
that’s about two. </span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">Trail/road low level running (when
less kit is required)</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">Runs under three hours</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">Races with aid stations or crew</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><u style="text-underline: #1A1A1A;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">When to use the Adventure Vesta </span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">Winter running or mountain running
when full kit is essential</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">Longer days on the trail and mountains</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">Self-supported ultra-races</span><span style="font-family: "times";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "times";">When you want to load up on the front
and have everything easily accessible</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="380">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfClSrRZ7H5tjsqQaXVV07Xl2BfZF_q6T4OGkCcLtrNPOYxONVb6Nvw8uXuOqw9ovz4MnNDeu2_wPv3Tnp3OS1B7hYBQjSZnO6cp7GzzKSpJBz5DnOXQzzeAZFnjqyqZ4014UbzGWS3PE/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="640" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfClSrRZ7H5tjsqQaXVV07Xl2BfZF_q6T4OGkCcLtrNPOYxONVb6Nvw8uXuOqw9ovz4MnNDeu2_wPv3Tnp3OS1B7hYBQjSZnO6cp7GzzKSpJBz5DnOXQzzeAZFnjqyqZ4014UbzGWS3PE/s640/Image-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-57284134389796804572017-10-05T21:26:00.002+01:002021-08-27T15:02:49.281+01:00Tor des Géants race report<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">A slow scan of the marquee, assessing the carnage of 250kms in the Italian Alps. There is a man openly sobbing as he takes off his shoes and socks. Someone is face down on the table next to me. Crews and volunteers are scurrying about attending to the needs of broken runners. The Tor des Géants signature dish of pasta with tomato sauce is served up by the tonnes. Layer upon layer of clothing are piled on, before departing for another cold night. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I arrived at Valtournenche life base with the view of have a quick turnaround. Quick change. Quick bite to eat. Two hours later I was still sitting there. Moving things around in their protective plastics bags. Repacking the same things in the same rucksack I’d carried for days. Trying to squeeze everything I didn’t need or couldn’t carry back into the iconic yellow duffle bag. Have you ever seen a toddler with a toy shape sorter trying to squeeze the rectangle shape in the triangle space? That was me. Physically, I was ok. Legs and feet were not too shabby. I’d just lost the ability to think for myself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was the dream. This is what I signed up for. And nothing short of a limb falling off would have made me want to stop. I had only given myself one shot to get this right. The build up to the start line was bad enough, as I was highly-strung for weeks. The fear was quite overwhelming. I wasn’t bothered about the distance of 330km, that was a piece of piss. Nor even the vertical gain of 31,000 metres. It’s advertised as 24km but everyone knows that’s just adding up the peaks. It was my general well-being that concerned me. I get so delirious and incoherent during ultras. Not in a zen-like trance woo-woo way. I mean completely off my tits, stumbling about kinda way. I could train myself to deal with race profile, but not the fatigue and sleep deprivation that came with it. It was to be a great exercise in self-care, something which is not my forte.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was lucky enough to get race place through my support from Montane. I vividly remember my email correspondence when Montane first considered sponsoring this event. Although the event had the reputation as one of the world’s toughest and it was a great match for the brand, there was just no way I was tough enough to do it. It just wasn’t for me. The same way I was never going to do the WHWR (3 times) or Spartathlon (tick) or 24-hour running (6 of them). Let’s just say I lack commitment to my non-causes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I made it to the start line and started to calm down. Just get it done, that’s all. I had no aspirations about time and position. With 10 years ultra-running experience, it has been a long time since not finishing was my biggest fear. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Courmayeur to Valgrisenche</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The race was late starting, as everyone had their GPS checked before entering the pens. Then we were off, weaving through the busy streets of Courmayeur. The town really embraces the race and there’s a real community spirit all along the course. The streets were packed with cheering people and the sounds of cowbells.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Off the roads and onto trails, we were soon going up. Bottle-necked or boxed in, there was no point stressing about it as it would soon thin out. Easy easy that was plan. The weather was sunnier and warmer than predicted. Thank goodness, because I’d got myself into a right tizzy the night before about not having enough winter clothing. Or at least not having enough space in the yellow duffle to pack everything I needed. I think the guy behind must have been wearing all his clothes or had forgotten he was in for the long haul, because he was sweating so heavily he was dripping all over my ankles!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittQ96ktFeq7CSyqlPLyhibePHYSKDmg-3h1Ie1QgHdBTUd_n1-JEioLboA6VN7VEwanMnBF_dysVRnt6tLfnomaFAznfDMRbr-rymWi7QLEttYeP3sTj-VYfPyvDz4ihAFzZ8bjSS3BI/s1600/IMG_2658.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittQ96ktFeq7CSyqlPLyhibePHYSKDmg-3h1Ie1QgHdBTUd_n1-JEioLboA6VN7VEwanMnBF_dysVRnt6tLfnomaFAznfDMRbr-rymWi7QLEttYeP3sTj-VYfPyvDz4ihAFzZ8bjSS3BI/s320/IMG_2658.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Col Arp at 2571m was the first mountain pass and a sharp introduction to what lay ahead. Then the path widened and the field split up, so everyone could get into their groove. Although I’ve always been against taking photos during races, this was to be an exception. With space to stop to capture the moment, I took out my GoPro. I would have helped if I hadn’t left the SD card in my case at the hotel. Doh! iPhone shots will have to do then. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ypkr4luhypYMI7zc1yAdjnliRGFyBnmJ8y9QzYdGY5kv8Juoz0m7GQkUpQgs8OmHsaFZHPZZo0_jLLQjIZcYM7rfITdyr5r6ldg0UfDVg8JYOlI3T6FwDr_jq5ZhLlTPTF_CTWHZpO8/s1600/IMG_2665.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1600" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ypkr4luhypYMI7zc1yAdjnliRGFyBnmJ8y9QzYdGY5kv8Juoz0m7GQkUpQgs8OmHsaFZHPZZo0_jLLQjIZcYM7rfITdyr5r6ldg0UfDVg8JYOlI3T6FwDr_jq5ZhLlTPTF_CTWHZpO8/s200/IMG_2665.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All pretty quiet and peaceful down in La Thuile then we started to bunch up again towards Rifugio Diffeyes. It was busy with trekkers and noisy with cheers and cow bells in my face. I don’t really recall much of the journey to Pass Alto and down to Bivacco Promoud. But I remember feeling the effects already on the long zig-zag climb to the third peak of the day, Col Crosatie. I had to force myself to put fatigue aside and focus on the ropes on the exposed sections. Descending into a beautiful sunset and had moment of sobering thoughts passing the memorial for Chinese runner </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313640; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yuan Yang</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, who lost his life there after all fall at TDG 2013. Although the memorial is a lovely gesture, it’s a harsh reminder that we are never in control of our destiny. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As night-time arrived I felt drained when I hit the Planaval checkpoint. Another 7km of flat or undulating trail to the first life base in Cogne. I was enjoying just uninterrupted running and the silence and peace that darkness brought. I was snapped back round when I misjudged the teeny step up on a bridge and decked it. Bleeding knees and skinned hands already. Joy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cogne was a flurry of activity. It’s the first of six life bases, which are about 50km apart on the course. Life bases are generally much busier than checkpoints as runners are reunited with their precious yellow bags and therefore hang about longer than intended. I found a quiet space away from the crowds to sort out what kit I would need for the next section and to keep on top of footcare. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Valgrisenche to Cogne</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was easier to the follow the route during the dark, as my headtorch picked up the reflective route markers. I followed the undulating path all the way to Chalet de l’Epée and welcomed the warmth inside. I stopped for a few coffees. I needed the caffeine, the heat and a short break. I milked it for way longer than I should have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I ended up following fellow Montane athlete Stefano up to the top of Col Fenêtre. I didn’t even realise it was him at first, as I was just transfixed by the reflectors on the back of his Salomon shoes. It helped me keep a consistent rhythm. We crested the top and I pushed on down the steep scree and slippy descend, ending up on my ass a few times. Stefano was wearing S-lab Sense, which was a brave choice. He’s probably still there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A pleasant long descent into Rhêmes and I met up with fellow Brit and Scot, Kirsty Williams. She looked in good spirits, even if she was wearing her leggings inside out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was then a long slog up to Col Entrelor. I did most of ascent with another guy, but we never spoke. Heads down in the darkness, apart from brief glances up to see how far up those headtorches were. The chap stopped for a rest a few hundred metres from the top - or maybe it was to shake me off his heels. I kept going until my headtorch battery ran out and I stopped to change it. Even just stopping briefly made me chill down real fast. I was bonking and in dire need of sugar, but I was adamant I wanted to get to the top first. Stupid mistake, as I was staggering, shaking, slipping and was practically crawling when I reached the top. I had to sit down at the makeshift checkpoint tent and suck down a Gu gel. The volunteers gave me some coke which had turned to slush and gave me brain freeze, but I felt better almost instantly. I had a angry word with myself about keeping on top of fuel. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watching the sunrise behind the mountains with the long descent into Eaux Rousses, it was good to have the first night behind me. Monday was a new day and a new box of treats. Despite studying the profile of the race from the comfort of my sofa, it means nothing until you’re actually in the thick of it. Pulling out the race book to see what delights awaited, I nearly fainted when I saw 3299 metres. I knew it was coming up, I just wasn’t aware of the sequence of monster climbs. I chatted to a few runners in there, including another Scot John Moffat. I guess everyone lingered a little longer delaying the inevitable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time to bite the bullet and get the show on the road. On the long series of switchbacks, I passed a Spanish girl who asked if my leg was ok. I had even realised it was cut and covered in blood. Maybe I did it whilst stumbling about the last peak? Who knows. It didn’t hurt, but my ankle really did. Out of nowhere I had awful pain on the outside of my left ankle. I couldn’t run on it, which was quite distressing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Soon Lakeland legend and Ireland’s finest, Paul Tierney caught up with me. I was really surprised to see him, as Paul eats mountains for breakfast. He was having a tough time and had stopped for a few breaks/naps. We climbed most of Col Loson together. Him moaning, but he’s Irish so everything he says comes out hilarious (not a hate crime, Paul!) The climb got real steep and tough near the top. My lungs were on fire and struggling to breath. I was literally hanging over my poles on the long and very slow stagger to the top.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARtU1bxPbc6tpK0gxDje5ioZ66_l6vGKR8W1QuVfLJ1RB1ggPdVL75KKmbXXfDqTDwqp9qYjLqHF8o1FbVnLdGpixvPNPhulZgsLyrj8aJxkhzsUqn9nJDA1iSx_BC5GqQ0ERNnKPguM/s1600/IMG_2741.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARtU1bxPbc6tpK0gxDje5ioZ66_l6vGKR8W1QuVfLJ1RB1ggPdVL75KKmbXXfDqTDwqp9qYjLqHF8o1FbVnLdGpixvPNPhulZgsLyrj8aJxkhzsUqn9nJDA1iSx_BC5GqQ0ERNnKPguM/s320/IMG_2741.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a bunch of guys near the cairn/trigpoint (what are they called in the Italian alps?) but I had to plonk my ass down and take a break. My chest hurt real bad. I think it was a combination of cold air, exertion and generally being a bit too high for a sea level lungs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paul had pushed on. Probably the prospect of being stuck with me forced him to get his shit together, but I caught up with him again at Rifugio Sella. I had some oranges and some bizarre conversations with a couple of Greek guys before embarking on the never ending switchbacks to Cogne. Switchbacks were definitely going to be the theme of the week. I appreciate it’s better than the alternative, but it didn’t make it any less frustrating. I could see where I needed to be. I just wasn’t dropping any height and it wasn’t getting any closer.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPKzjv_nHHd172jDOA1Vymnm7Swm6Igt-8u1OtOBVEMa4EiVKhu48TrgeVNy9nczr-SFgcAsSKZcAahSyyjV31lxgn0g4t3KncIxGMP2LjkMNA15OK7krublKatU_UUM2ypbigzQlXL8/s1600/IMG_2668.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPKzjv_nHHd172jDOA1Vymnm7Swm6Igt-8u1OtOBVEMa4EiVKhu48TrgeVNy9nczr-SFgcAsSKZcAahSyyjV31lxgn0g4t3KncIxGMP2LjkMNA15OK7krublKatU_UUM2ypbigzQlXL8/s320/IMG_2668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was really heating up and I felt like a burst ball when I arrived at the second life base in Cogne. I tried to eat some food, but it was struggle. I tried to sleep, but that wasn’t happening. It was too noisy and my mind was buzzing. I know I’m quintessential British and therefore a bit prudish, but I saw enough body parts in there to last me a lifetime. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As sleeping wasn’t an option, I had a quick massage and the physios strapped up my dodgy ankle. Quick wash - my one and only wash of the week - got changed and set out again. After wasting 3.5 hours there! 3.5 HOURS! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cogne to Donnas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I left along the long dirt track and road, before turning off on to the next climb. It was pretty warm and I started to feel quite tired. Typical, eh? Paul stormed past looking revitalised. I knew he would go on and have a fantastic race - and he did. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wanted to push on to get over Fenêtre di Champorcher to see the sunset, but I was done in. I arrived at Rifugio Berdzè a freezing, shaking, bonking mess. It was less that 300 metres to the summit, but it looked steep and I was all over place. I had to go straight to the bunk room, but I couldn’t sleep because it was freezing. The snow on the ground outside might have been a sign. I stupidly chose the bed next to the door, so it was drafty and people were coming in and out. I put on all my clothes, including hat and gloves and managed about 30-40 minutes sleep before my wake up call by the volunteer. As there a two hour time limit at checkpoints, volunteers ask how long you would like to sleep for. This ensures you don’t overstay your welcome and gives you time to sort yourself and supplies out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Down in the main area, I had few strong coffees and got my headtorch sorted for the night ahead. This is when I first met my new French friend Rodolph Mercanton. He was laughing at me wrestling to get my waterproof trousers on, while trying to stop my teeth rattling in my head. We made the final ascent together, chatting away. I was then complaining I was too hot, as wearing everything I had.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s then long 30km ‘downhill’ to Donnas. Which surprisingly has a lot of uphill too. And quite possibly the longest 30km of my life. Down rocky paths, through fields, clambering over boulders and crossing some dodgy suspension bridges. I could hear the ferocious sounds of the rivers and knew in the darkness I missing out on some spectacular waterfalls.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through Dondena and Chardonnay, I expected the third life base at Donnas to be the next stop. There was another aid station at Pontboset, which really unreasonably annoyed me. I wanted to sleep and I had another 10km to go. I know it’s a mountain race, but I also got unreasonably annoyed at more uphill when I knew we had to drop to down 300 metres.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d never used an altimeter or elevation as a measurement before. In racing and training I’ve always gone by distance or overall ascent. Another reason why this was so far removed that anything I had done before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I arrived in Donnas just before 4am. Two hours later than I expected too. Generally, everything took two hours longer than I expected it too. I declined offer of food from the volunteers, found a bed and collapsed. Lying there listening to the sounds of synchronised snoring. How was I ever going to sleep with all this snor… zonk! Out cold. Not wake-up calls, no alarms. I just wanted to sleep until I woke up. Two hours later I woke up startled, sat up bolt upright trying to work out where I was.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My face felt like it was on fire. The room was really hot and my skin had been exposed to some pretty harsh elements, with warm days and cold nights. My lips were so sunburned and swollen, I look like someone from those botched plastic surgery programmes. People pay good money to look as weird as I did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After spending a further 90 minutes faffing about packing things, changing, eating and rearranging what I packed, triple checking I had all the mandatory kit, I set out for what would be the longest section.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Donnas to Gressoney</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I knew this was going to be big section and could take up to 24 hours. I was less daunted by the prospect when I was greeted with a beautiful crisp and clear morning. Through the town, the toots and cheers from passing cars gave me a nice boost too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The undulating trail up and over to Perloz was beautiful. The village was quiet and quaint, but was soon awoken with the loud sounds of cowbells, which signaled my arrival. The charming gents who manned this checkpoint were a delight. They spoke no English and I speak no Italian, but somehow we managed to have a highly amusing conversation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The sleep had done wonders and I felt more energized. Hiking up to La Sassa I met another Brit, Paul Drew. We chatted quite a bit at the checkpoint, before I pushed on. We would meet again later in the race. Quite a few times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The climb up to Coda was simply stunning although my footing was pretty unsteady on the boulders, so knew I was on the danger side of depleted reserves. Dining alfresco at Rifugio Coda, with backdrop of beautiful mountains was probably one of the highlights on my race. As was the view over magical greeny-blue waters of Lago Vargno. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The race profile makes this section look slightly undulating at best, but there’s a reason why it’s notoriously known to be the toughest section. It’s fecking relentless! When I arrived at Rifugio della Barma, I planned to make it a flying visit, but on learning that the next checkpoint was 5-7 hours away, I decided to bulk up on pasta and soup. Just as well I did, as their pasta was the best! You learn to appreciate the little things when you’re out there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My French friend Rodolph arrived as I was leaving, but soon caught up and we stayed together for a bit. Even the short climbs were tough and my brain was struggling to manoeuvre on the downhills. There was a really steep few hundred metre climb before Col della Vecchia which was a tipper for me. I was getting really cold, really hungry and sleep deprivation was taking it’s toll. As darkness was falling, I keep pushing to get to the checkpoint. I should have stopped and sorted myself out as it took way longer than I anticipated to get there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the time I got to the makeshift mountain checkpoint I was a wreck. The volunteers were amazing and got me blankets, heaters, sweet coffee and a place to sleep for a hour. I was completely gone, but they truly saved me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I left feeling reborn and embarked on the journey to Neil, which would take about two hours. It was a fairly pleasant descent to Neil. I met up with Paul Drew again, who told me his brother, Craig was crewing for him and had been waiting in Neil since 4pm. It was now nearly 10pm. Like me, he was wildly underestimating journey times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had a short stop and pasta refuel at Neil before rejoining Rodolph again for a the ascent of Col Losoney. I was starting to scales things down into recognisable chunks. Less than Ben Lomond to do I kept telling myself. I do laps of that in training, And 13km to the next life station, then that’s the biggest section done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was joined by another French runner, Nicolas Moreau who took it upon himself to sing me songs, which was lovely albeit slightly surreal. He not only helped to raise my spirits, but also push me back up every time I fell or stumbled backwards. As my cadence was slower than usual hiking pace, I was finding the balance quite tricky. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a long gradual descent to Gressoney. On fresh legs, that would be a flier. On my legs it was on the tolerable side of arduous. I arrived at the life base in Gressoney, a mere 20-21 hours after leaving the last one. I found a bed in sports hall and tried to sleep. I think it may have been a squash court, so everything echoed. It was too uncomfortable and it was bloody freezing. Someone was using a machine to polish the floors outside too. I did manage some broken sleep though.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a rest of sorts I sat in the dining area trying to sort out my kit. This was a biggest downfall in my race. Not having someone to do the thinking for me. Unsupported was proving harder than I thought, but I was still getting the job done. It was after all, all about just getting the job done. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some whatsapp chat with my Centurion team mates informed me that Spain’s Javi Dominguez had won and smashed the course record in 67 hours 52. Truly amazing. I couldn’t help thinking this guy had finished and was probably celebrating in Courmayeur and I was only 205km in - sitting eating breakfast and lubing up my feet at the same time. Then Marco sent me a picture of Cairn, so I was sitting crying, eating boiled eggs (I’ve been Vegan for years!) whilst lubing up my feet. What a sorry sight that must have been.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gressoney To Valtournenche</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With 205km complete, I had Gressoney mentally marked as the over half-way point. It’s the fourth of six life bases, so passed the point of of no return. I’m lead to believe this is the life base with the most drop outs, so if you get out of here alive you’re on the home straight. You just need to get out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMKbseUksuwtolZHgLBHb38e12E-LQ1keb3ELwDEdvS2l85YkmTqg5F0X_SW5_ogdUCsM-G1wDibYrtzn_oqp0qrs6hf-0GPF-ZZP2NOPj0sKHRm69MV_04Ykp-p06kb64S0ItjZ19qM/s1600/IMG_2738+4.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMKbseUksuwtolZHgLBHb38e12E-LQ1keb3ELwDEdvS2l85YkmTqg5F0X_SW5_ogdUCsM-G1wDibYrtzn_oqp0qrs6hf-0GPF-ZZP2NOPj0sKHRm69MV_04Ykp-p06kb64S0ItjZ19qM/s320/IMG_2738+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After 3:40 hours, of which possibly an hour was spent sleeping, I headed out to the beautiful morning. We had been truly blessed with such great weather. The sun was shining, the skies were blue and the view over to Mont Rosa was stunning. I stopped to take a picture and then my Garmin froze and switched off. Despite carrying a battery pack, I could get it to power on. Surely not being able to Strava is a legitimate reason to DNF ;-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was a good hefty climb to Col Pinter and I was joined on the final ascent by three Italian men out to see some of the race and they insisted on keeping me company to the top. Two were in front, with one behind ringing his cowbell and shouting “Allez. Allez. Go Scottish”. On day four of this epic adventure, you can only imagine depths I had to go to to deal with this. Even better when one of the men front commented: “But you are very young” and the cowbell ringing behind responded. “No. No way”. Steady on, mate. We stopped for selfies at the top and I left them - still chanting “Go Scottish” and ringing that cow bell. Despite my obvious ageing, they made me smile a lot and put spring back in my step. As did the lady who stopped me on the descent just to give me a hug. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was a long, but enjoyable trail down to Champoluc. It was really heating up and the sun was piercing my skin. I stopped at an unofficial aid station, which was a restaurant that had put on a big buffet for runners for no other reason other than they wanted to be part of the race. I tried to get my Garmin to switch on with power, but no joy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through Champoluc and into the real checkpoint, which was pale by comparison to the restaurant, I went straight through heading to Saint Jacques with Rodolph. I lost him on the climb out of the town, as I was really warm and a bit wasted. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I stopped at the river to soak my buff and wet my face. I was really tired and wanted to lie down, so I lay back listening to the sounds of the river and watching the shapes the clouds made. I remember doing this with my Dad as a child and I wondered if kids still did this. I was brought back round when I realised ants were crawling all over me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The climb to Rifugio Grand Tourmalin was a real struggle. I was beyond tired and was dragging my sorry ass up the hill. After what seemed like an eternity, the refugio appeared in the distance and the familiar sounds of cowbells. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you want food? Just sleep. Do you want hot drink? Sleep. Anything before? Just sleep. I could have stayed there forever, as it was a the best bed ever! Who knew sleeping in a dormitory for 45 minutes could feel like total paradise. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I woke feeling quite refreshed. Down in the dining area, I joined Paul Drew and ate some pasta. He had been looking out the window and was very apprehensive about the killer final ascent over the mountain. I turned to see what he was looking and noticed that it did look particularly nasty. But I pointed out he was looking in the right direction, as I could see the runners out the window behind him on a less precarious switchback route. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With new found energy, I tackled with final ascent and started on the descent to Valtourneche. As daylight was fading, I got out my headtorch and decided to call Marco and Cairn, who had recently arrived in Courmayeur. I soon as I heard their voices I started crying, even though it was the best I’d felt all day. Physically I was holding it together. Mentally and emotionally, I’d lost the plot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paul soon caught up with me again and we did the last few kilometres together before headed into the life base. He was pretty excited about the pizza his brother was going to get him. Craig failed to find a pizza in Italy. He was going for a sleep and I was adamant I was going in for a quick turnaround and out again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Valtournenche to Ollomont</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My quick turnaround turned into two hours of pissing about with my kit and messaging on my phone. I just discovered my friend Jamie was pulled out of the race on day two with potential kidney failure. Marco assured me Jamie was ok, as he had been in regular contact with her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I should have just slept, because as soon as I got going, fatigue and breathlessness came over me and I had to stop at the next Refugio for some sleep. The cold night air was continuing to hurt my chest. Every breath hurt, so was resigned to shallow breathing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was joined by the endurance machine that is Harriet Kjaer. She was going for a 30 minute power nap, so I cut my planned 60 minutes in favour of some company for a while. I enjoyed spending the next hour or so chatting about life and running. I’ve met some seriously badass women through the sport, but I think Harriet is a rare breed. She has a wealth of experience in mega-distance running and was fascinating to talk to. We were so busy talking, we missed a turn and realised a while later we hadn’t seen markers for some time. Back tracking a kilometre or so, we were amazed we missed it as it was so clearly obvious. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fenêtre du Tsan was the gift that kept on giving. It was a relentless undulating slog. Every time we started losing height, I wanted to have a tantrum. After what seemed like HOURS, I reached the top and started on the switchbacks down. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was now getting passed by the speedsters in the Tot Dret race, the new 130km race which started in Gressonay at 9pm on the Wednesday. I step off to let them passed. I expected to see loads of the 400 runners, but there weren’t that many. I later learned that only 80 finished, as the cold on the Thursday night ended most of their races. This could be hear say though. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_4v4fMOY6BNsJr4AuJM7Hck6TPluFRI9isP8NGpfP7oPk1k0vbRmZtESVhh02V-ACHybW7SIRbPChPpO2ees9DMdGbsLU3G3h_kUNXdb4fPpwKbf7aJaMmxIEU_fd6WLGylmn8b1-5g/s1600/IMG_2694+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_4v4fMOY6BNsJr4AuJM7Hck6TPluFRI9isP8NGpfP7oPk1k0vbRmZtESVhh02V-ACHybW7SIRbPChPpO2ees9DMdGbsLU3G3h_kUNXdb4fPpwKbf7aJaMmxIEU_fd6WLGylmn8b1-5g/s320/IMG_2694+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The sunrise over the mountains was so beautiful, I had to stop at take a few pictures. When I arrived at Rifugio magia, I stopped for some coffee and watched the flurry of Totdret runners appear and leave. Just sitting there. People watching. Like I was sitting in Starbucks or something. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was joined on the next few ascents by Sarah from the USA, so the time just zipped by. She’d done the race in 2015 when it was stopped due to bad weather on the third day, so had returned to get the monkey off her back. She has also been out recceing the course, so it’s safe to say we had different race approaches. This was the only time it rained during the race and I was actually quite enjoying it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After being a bubbling wreck on the phone to Marco and Cairn the night before they were coming out to meet me in Oyace, just to say hello and offer some moral support. I left eating too long - as always the checkpoint was way longer than I expected it to be - so I was a bit worse for wear when I got there. I spent an hour with them before Marco told me I wasn’t making an sense and should try for sleep before my two hour checkpoint allowance was up. And he also had to get Cairn out as he was eating all the chocolate tarts that were provided for runners only. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I found a bed and set my alarm for 50 minutes. Sleeping a cot bed in a room of about hundred noisy people was becoming easier. I felt so sick when I woke up, so I sat on the edge of the bed with my head between my knees trying to stop the world spinning. A nice chap gave over to see if I was ok, which I thought was really kind… followed by ‘sorry to ask, but are you leaving soon. My friend asked me to ask you for the bed’ The awkwardness on his face gave me the giggles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Up I went to Col Brison. Just a Ben Lomond up I reminded myself. From the top you could probably drop a stone down onto the Ollomont, which was 1100 metres below. It was that steep. Which could only mean one thing. A gazillion switchbacks!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ollomont to Courmayeur</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Night time fell just before I hit the final life base in Olloment I expected to get there feeling happy and relieved knowing that the dream was to be reality, but I was void of feeling. If anything I was just relieved that I wouldn’t have to squeeze everything back into that yellow duffle bag again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was feeling pretty apprehensive about the night’s forecast and freezing temperatures. My Centurion team mate Neil (who was ahead in the race) had sent pics from Rifugio Frasseti in a blanket of snow, so I knew I had to prepare for cold. I shunned the communal changing area in favour of a cramped toilet cubicle. I was trying to gauge what I would wear for cold day in the hills in Scotland - then add an extra layer. Then trying to think what I would need for the next day, with a frazzled brain. What seemed like an eternity of faffing, packing and spending too much time messaging on my phone I exited the small wooden toilet cabin looking like snowboarding Barbie! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then proceeded to go for a 30 minute nap and a mega feast of soup, pasta and sweet black coffee. Every pairs of eyes in the room was on the guy devouring a pizza which his Mum had brought him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heading out under a blanket of stars for the last night it was so peaceful and still. I felt cold, but there was no part of me that was specifically cold. Hand were ok. Feet fine. Face and head covered. It was just a full chill and shiver that I couldn’t shake. Another recognisable chunk to break it down. Just a Ben Nevis to go. ‘Just’ the UKs highest mountain on the 4th night out. Just.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After an hour or two of hiking I arrived at Rifugio Champillon. I went inside for hot soup to warm up. Just an excuse to get out of the cold. I probably overstayed my welcome, by simply sitting there with the thousand-yard stare. After what felt like 15 minutes, but was probably closer to 45 minutes I forced myself to leave reminding myself It was only another 400 metres. The sky was so clear and I seemed so high up, I couldn’t make out what were stars and what were reflective race markings. I was just getting colder and colder. I just didn’t have the energy to fight the cold. Throughout the race I probably wasn’t eat for a normal day of living, let alone long days in the mountains. I tried to listen to a comedy podcast to take my mind off it, but that just became irritating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I reached the top and heading down the switchbacks, stumbling as I went. My poles were out in front like speirs, using them to catch me every time I fell. It was fairly effective. When I reached the farm/checkpoint at Pointelle, I was really burnt out and wanted to sleep. There weren’t any beds there so I would need to push on another 10km. I was hoping to miss dawn, as that’s always the coldest, but hey ho. Off I went. I got colder, incoherent, dazed, confused, angry, frustrated and on the cusp of hysteria. By the time I reached Saint Rhémy en-Bosses (which was unsurprisingly longer than 10km away) I was a mess.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As always the volunteers were amazing and really helped he. I was given some soup, pasta and a seat next to the bar heater. I couldn’t eat the soup because my hands were shaking so much. I wanted to leave, as I was worried I would have to go through another night, but I was ordered to have some sleep. And when I woke up after 10 mins, I was told to sleep some more. Another 30 minutes and the volunteer was standing over for my wake up call. I had slept with my hood up and had dribbled a puddle of saliva inside it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After getting sorted, I used the facilities (an actual sit down toilet - bliss!) and caught myself in the mirror. I barely recognised myself. My face was so swollen and my eyes were so puffy, I couldn’t even see my eyelashes. If I hadn’t already made a complete spectacle of myself at that checkpoint, I got myself locked in a toilet. After what seemed like an eternity of shouting, four men used a large knife to unlock the snib from the outside. I left fairly sharp after that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHr_GEfxy2dLU0b2_JqOsed1MXejxyfNPEG27Lo7aZPhuYxCcv-hKNqNO1ejHBH5RX1ApL2GF2wBN2gaLjd1CZFdvntnhdcoWo3AL7nsGlMCqnEQ_ttJ_RxubCgUvUAb5boefdzbw1rY/s1600/IMG_2699+2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHr_GEfxy2dLU0b2_JqOsed1MXejxyfNPEG27Lo7aZPhuYxCcv-hKNqNO1ejHBH5RX1ApL2GF2wBN2gaLjd1CZFdvntnhdcoWo3AL7nsGlMCqnEQ_ttJ_RxubCgUvUAb5boefdzbw1rY/s200/IMG_2699+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BvvRchcPA3JWwo2rlE7VnDLkSgO12GMeaQmfw8b8in7jpOSokkq64MdQlT7cjQYzR10jzCc7iWR-XaLUPniHIS65J18Xlk_hqKcT3LbTlZ7_e24XzQFVgKqpeoGVEPACDgM8X1iQFGQ/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BvvRchcPA3JWwo2rlE7VnDLkSgO12GMeaQmfw8b8in7jpOSokkq64MdQlT7cjQYzR10jzCc7iWR-XaLUPniHIS65J18Xlk_hqKcT3LbTlZ7_e24XzQFVgKqpeoGVEPACDgM8X1iQFGQ/s200/IMG_2698.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The cold night had really ruined my lungs and I couldn’t stop coughing. Even running on the flats was a big effort as my legs felt like lead and pack seemed to have doubled in weight. But I forced myself to run, mainly through sheer panic of having to go into another cold night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hiking up, I started counting to 21 over and over again. Cairn’s birthday is January 21, so it seemed like a good number to focus on. </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite being drained of energy and enthusiasm I couldn’t help marvel at how beautiful everything was. I was still taking photos, so that proves that I was absolutely FINE. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I passed Merdeux and the climb became more arduous. I stopped in a Rifugio Frassati fairly swiftly downed a few cups of coke and got going again. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatdFsBOtRgBqza_dTRvxVPLCOA5vpq6cg7X2zCw1BQihTfrP7vcILuFSQH4qCuW12acYTWxJW9u6dssynVY3hEhsSdby-hU71PzcB6TWBViypISVKw1HlTMHznWUk9PG2HZIqWATlzhk/s1600/IMG_2700+2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatdFsBOtRgBqza_dTRvxVPLCOA5vpq6cg7X2zCw1BQihTfrP7vcILuFSQH4qCuW12acYTWxJW9u6dssynVY3hEhsSdby-hU71PzcB6TWBViypISVKw1HlTMHznWUk9PG2HZIqWATlzhk/s320/IMG_2700+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">With all the snow fall, the ground was really slippy, slushy and muddy. It was hard to stay upright on the path. Going uphill was one step forward and two slides back. I was getting braver with the cows (I have a big fear of cows) on the course and walked straight through a herd of them without so much as a second thought. It may have been courage or a blatant disregard for my life. Bit awkward though as one cow was being mounted at the time. And I’m not entirely sure she was up for it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLpcONL5UaBnh6ADmcKVD4U59tsKisn9Ae5A1Xg0YpTFTpbJqyBxUkVpje1YLvShfRhHTWIYrwQqlj7YUBLZkNZAds6xsbI0DRWmMzala-IS-Pt3v1l9F8GuqXuX73qboFFjsgjC1tT0/s1600/IMG_0225+4.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLpcONL5UaBnh6ADmcKVD4U59tsKisn9Ae5A1Xg0YpTFTpbJqyBxUkVpje1YLvShfRhHTWIYrwQqlj7YUBLZkNZAds6xsbI0DRWmMzala-IS-Pt3v1l9F8GuqXuX73qboFFjsgjC1tT0/s320/IMG_0225+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Up to the last and one of the highest peaks on the course at Col Malatra. I knew the final push involved a rope climb, which was a riot. You know the monkeys from Jungle Book? That was me. Swinging about trying to hold on to the rope, find my footing and clutch my poles in my other hand at the same time. There are many better ways I could have approached. The family behind me, who were praying I didn’t fall on top of them, took this picture of me and kindly emailed it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4wzQmDgfrbnXkpzGutQHQPZsIBV7wVrLtJA3urlmbuQFtYWjtPHrPoqyrPbHbgzyt1YD4adOqGNEft7E03P868FgeF5wh3IeEWoZ2yfly24AkrCB6NKBmOAB9uD5IKvV7vyBnOQhV5g/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4wzQmDgfrbnXkpzGutQHQPZsIBV7wVrLtJA3urlmbuQFtYWjtPHrPoqyrPbHbgzyt1YD4adOqGNEft7E03P868FgeF5wh3IeEWoZ2yfly24AkrCB6NKBmOAB9uD5IKvV7vyBnOQhV5g/s200/IMG_2703.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a real muddy descent, which found me on my arse a few times. At the next checkpoint, which had the enthusiastic bell ringer from Tourmalin I was told I had 15km to go. I expected there to be another almighty climb, but there was only a short ascent and then it was all downhill. Which was great, but there no sense of urgency from me. For most the week, I’d completely forgotten I was in a ‘race’. I stopped to speak to people, had a sit down to have a drink and enjoy the view. I helped some young girls who asked for directions. Lord knows where I sent them. I even phoned Marco to find out where I was. That seemed perfectly legit to me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Down through the valley, I couldn’t stop coughing. My lungs hurt so bad and my head ached. Reluctant to take any painkillers, I thought I would stop for a lie down and close my eyes. After what seems like a few minutes, I opened my eyes to see a family standing over me looking very concerned about my state. I tried to explain the race, but they weren’t aware of it. I got up staggering, mumbling and confirmed I was ok slurring something about just being a little tired. Covered in mud from previous falls, I definitely looked homeless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was so close to the end, but I couldn’t push myself. My legs didn’t hurt, they were just tired. And brain couldn’t talk to my legs, so everything felt wired up wrong. I jogged a bit, coughed a lot and fast hiked. Just don’t stop I told myself over and over again. Many times that day I was convinced I was in Scotland. In my head, I ‘knew’ I’d been there before and spent ages trying to remember who I was with. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then there it was. Courmayeur. I was back again. I’d made it. I burst out crying. Basically the theme of the race was only to cry when I was happy. With tired legs, it’s a good hour from Bertone downhill on the switchbacks. Counting to 21 over and over again to try and keep some sort of jogging rhythm going. Smiling at everyone who cheered for me, even though it cracked my sunburnt lips every time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL0ucLe66uyvejVSQtcVUabTsEiOhGWcj_ZGAvA34tGZj8aZ1PLSvCX4DHRC01l4dDpbNmj_tQcv3Vn9otR1aj_k2BEVK-ZpEx1aR8sNeKUC2v5_wCxP957qXNKLWGEPXxDSdvc2S6Sc/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSL0ucLe66uyvejVSQtcVUabTsEiOhGWcj_ZGAvA34tGZj8aZ1PLSvCX4DHRC01l4dDpbNmj_tQcv3Vn9otR1aj_k2BEVK-ZpEx1aR8sNeKUC2v5_wCxP957qXNKLWGEPXxDSdvc2S6Sc/s320/IMG_1872.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Closer to the town, Sarah McCormack (Irish Queen of hotpants) appeared in her usual effortless bounding style. She said I didn’t have long to go and Paul was waiting at the finish line. I hit some roads and then through some parks before joining the pedestrian area in the town. My lungs were screaming but I couldn’t walk now, I had to save face. Someone shouted that I had 1km to go and I didn’t think my lungs would hold out for long. I passed the familiar shops and restaurants, a sea of blurry smiling faces and the sound of cowbells. I could see Marco, and Cairn was in the middle of path poised ready to run with me. Then I was over the yellow runway to the end. Job done in 127 hours. Which I hope is not an omen, as I don’t fancy chopping off my arm with a penknife. I never knew at any point where I was in the race, but I finished 18th female (I think) and 162 overall. Nearly 900 started and 461 finished.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I doubt I will do many things in life that could possibly compare to the Tor des Géants. It was an amazing experience. There were moments I felt I was just torturing myself, but I never wanted to stop. The drive to finish overpowered everything. Prior to the race, I always thought this was going to be a personal challenge and a solo adventure, but I was never alone. From the people I met in the race, the supporters out on the course, the volunteers who sorted me out when I got in a right mess, to the dot watchers back home, so many people played a big part in my journey. I’m truly thankful to everyone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The aftermath wasn’t as painful as expected, but the swelling I had was immense. I can’t quite describe the fatigue and hunger I had in the week after. It was like having necropsy and worms, whilst my head was in La La Land. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe one day I will return. For me, it’s one of those races you need to do once to learn how to deal with the enormity of it and then go back and approach it differently. I’ve never had to deal with sleep deprivation before, but I know now why it’s a recognised form of torture. Managing sleep comes with experience. Despite only ever wanting to finish, I’m over-thinking all the things I did wrong. But it is what it is. I’m a Géant. That’s what. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Special thanks to Montane for planting this seed, the opportunity to be a part of something truly magnificent and all the great kit. </span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="380">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-77380163595396977702017-07-17T08:06:00.001+01:002017-07-19T14:59:03.992+01:00The Peculiar World of 24 Hour Running + top ten tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmYHSUX1vokB7YmdKzfKa7S1ooSIXS_pbtWnFuLoi-7Y_7ObjcsRm1aVONBZsa658H9D2Kww_O5R8pPt9s_1sX0Nsnv0RY8hqMnL3jVuUvzTsz4Yz4-j2XtmyqsfQkGDNcmy-1a6ONyQ/s1600/peculiarimage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="1224" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmYHSUX1vokB7YmdKzfKa7S1ooSIXS_pbtWnFuLoi-7Y_7ObjcsRm1aVONBZsa658H9D2Kww_O5R8pPt9s_1sX0Nsnv0RY8hqMnL3jVuUvzTsz4Yz4-j2XtmyqsfQkGDNcmy-1a6ONyQ/s640/peculiarimage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a ridiculous concept, yet to some it’s intriguing and challenging. On paper, it’s simple. See how far you can run in 24-hours. Super slow running on mostly flat and looped courses, with copious amounts of support and no navigation or mandatory kit required. But to those who have ventured into the crazy world of 24 hour running know that it’s an emotionally, mentally and physically challenging journey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no finish line, so you can’t DNF. There are no checkpoints to tick off and there’s nothing to strive towards. It’s you against the clock. A clock that you’ll be convinced doesn’t move.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many great athletes can run 100 or 150 miles in a race, but don't have the head for 24 hour running. Without sections or a finish line it's hard to keep going. The clock keeps ticking regardless of what pace you're doing. Yet people see big distances run by athletes they compete with in other races and want to give it a shot. Often thinking they can run further, because the courses aren't physically demanding. Unfortunately that bravado often doesn't see them through 12 hours. In reality it's probably one of the toughest ultra-races and requires a high level of mental toughness - and stubbornness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">I’ve added some top ten tips at the bottom. Not because I’m an expert, but because I have made many mistakes. I’ve never had a 24-hour go right, but some have been less catastrophic than others. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My first venture into 24-hour running starting in 2011 at the </span><a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/last-arrow-in-my-quiver.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Commonwealth Ultra Champs in North Wales</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I was selected for the Scotland team based on form from local ultra-races in Scotland. I was rightfully terrified of the concept and blissfully ignorant. The course was a 1km loop in the seaside town of Llandudno, a favourite for those of retirement age. It was 500m up one side of the road, turn 180 degrees and return down the other 500m into a head wind. Always running clockwise, with a central reservation to the right and metal railing separating us from a cheering crowd of about 12. Repeat for 24 hours. My ignorance stood me in good stead, because this was one of the most mind rattling courses I’ve even run on. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My calves ballooned, my feet nearly fell off and the next day it took me 45 minutes to walk a mile. I ran 208kms, even after believing running over 200kms was way beyond my ability. I had no idea what the qualifying distance for the GB team was. I hadn’t bothered to look into that, as that was even further beyond my ability. If my memory serves me right, it was 204. I was just an average runner with a knack for pace management. I had no major running aspirations and my life revolved around an exuberant two-year-old boy. I ran the furthest out of the Scotland team (including the boys) and finished 4th gal. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast forward a year, and I was in my first GB vest at the </span><a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/iau-24-hour-world-champs-good-bad-and.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">World Championships in Poland</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I felt like a complete charlatan and was woefully out of my depth. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">A mix of excitement, ignorance and nerves and I went off too fast. I set a Scottish 100 mile record (which remains uncontested) in 15:48. Despite a massive kaboom I also broke the Scottish 200km and 24-hour death marching round to a 217km. Both those records are currently held by Fionna Ross from Tooting Bec track. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a god awful strategy, but it wasn’t my intention. I didn’t appreciate that slow meant super slow. My feet were still suffering from GUCR a few months earlier and both my big toenails came off during the race. At first I stopped to remove what I thought was a stone in shoe, which turned out to be a nail that wasn’t really ready to come off. It was a pretty agonising few hours. Not as agonising as going to the unlit portaloo in the dark and using my hands to lowering myself down… and not realising someone had missed the pan. So my hand was covered in human shit! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was second counter in the team that won World and European silver. We lost out on gold to the French team - by 42 metres!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The distance in Katowice meant I qualified for the team at the </span><a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/going-loopy.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">World Champs in Steenbergen, Holland in 2013</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This was probably the longest lap I’ve run on, at a hefty 2.3kms. The conditions for this race were pretty grim. Quintessentially Scottish, so it didn’t bother me too much. There was a strong wind along the bending back stretch and heavy cold downpours during the night. I even put on a light waterproof. Very comical seeing some of the Japanese team running wrapped in foil blankets. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For me, mentally this was the toughest of all my 24s. I felt flat the whole time. And pre-menstrual, which causes massive issues. I was pretty bored early on and just found the whole race really frustrating. At one point I was going to pretend to faint, so I didn’t need to continue. Not my proudest confession, but at least I didn’t follow through with it. Despite the mental challenges, I pushed on to PB with 220km. The biggest positive I can take from this, was I still running in the final few hours. Also second counter on the team which won European Silver medals. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a break in championships in 2014, as various host countries pulled out. It was on, it was off, it was moved and in the end the IAU pulled the plug on all possibilities of a 2014 event and focussed on the World Championship in Turin, Italy in 2015.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, Turin, a few days after I turned 40 I lined up for my third GB outing. Prior to that I had two failed attempts at the Barcelona 24 track race. The first year I was so ill I shouldn’t have even got on the flight out. I lasted 12km. I quit so early the organisers didn’t know what to do with my chip. And the other competitors must have thought I was a complete lightweight after vomiting over the track railings - twice - within the first hour. Marco was ill the whole journey home, so all in all a pretty successful mini break.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second Barcelona race, I had GI problems, which followed me for the remainder of my 24-hour running journey. I was in Barcelona to run a specific distance, not just to finish a 24 hour race. I called it a day around 11 hours, as I already had a qualifying distance for team for the next championships and didn’t want to jeopardise that. Well, at the time that was my bullshit excuse. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, back to </span><a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/world-24-hour-championships-take-three.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">World Championships in Turin</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It was April in Italy. Which is like the height of summer in Scotland. It might have possibly been the worst designed course, with a hairpin bend and a hill. Now I do enjoy a good hill, but after 12 hours it was a mountain. It wasn’t without it many dramas, but it was an ok race. I sat in last GB position for a lot of the race and finished 2nd counter for the team (see the pattern here) prize and 12th lady. I scraped a PB of shy of 222km. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then came the tragedy that was the </span><a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/european-24-hour-champs-albi-aftermath.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">European Championships in Albi France in 2016</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I’ve well documented that my heart and head wasn’t in the race. I also expected it to all in line with the fun stuff I wanted to do. My stomach fell apart, I started peeing red, my feet and quads were destroyed. When it all started to unravel, I just didn’t have any fight left in me. My amazing support, Eddie squeezed every last ounce of me to complete an agonising 178km. I learned so much from the experience. Mainly I never want to get to end knowing I haven’t given my best again. I love running, but my god it sometimes breaks my heart. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And last but not least, the recent </span><a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/world-24-hour-champs-belfast.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">World Championships in Belfast</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I had aspirations of this being a killer swan song. The pièce de résistance of my 24-hour running career. Unfortunately it was a lesson in digging deep and finding the will to continue when everything went out the window (via the portaloo) pretty early on. I was obviously disappointed with my distance of 204km, but I’m not disappointed with how I handled the situation. I could have easily given up when I PB was off the table, like I did in Albi. But I knew I never wanted to feel that way again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, five GB vests later, I have met some amazing people and pushed my mind and body beyond breaking point. I have laugh and cried and experienced lots of pain and suffering. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change” Fred Devito. Running 24-hour races is certainly character building. They haven’t made me a better running, but have made me more resilient. I can withstand much more and push through some dark times in races. Maybe not dark portaloos though. Nothing is as tough as a 24-hour race. It takes a special breed of crazy.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Top ten tips for running a 24-hour race</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Focus on lap splits or one hour at a time. Or split the race into day-night-day sections. If you’re lucky, your race might turn direction every few hours. Which, will literally, blow your mind!</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t count the laps. You’ll go nuts. If possible try to avoid looking at the clock too. It doesn’t actually move. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make the challenge to run (or at least to stay on your feet) for 24 hours - with the goal distance being secondary. You will be torn between the drive to stay on your feet and the devil on your shoulder screaming at you to stop. Once your you start drifting from your target goal, the devil will win. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be prepared to reassess your goals. Possibly about 17 times. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you get to 8 hours you will probably want to die. That’s normal. Embrace the darkness: The night-time is always my favourite as I enjoy the cooler temperatures, the peace and the fact that a bit chunk of the field are now off the course. Usually due to bad pacing. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Races are won and lost in the last four hours, so don’t worry if someone is running Yannis Kouros pace for the first few hours. The make-up of the race completely changes after the first six hours. Japan's Yoshihiko Ishikawa who won this year's World Champ with 267km, was in 90th position after the first hour. 90th! That's what you call moving through the field. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Things happen in 24-hours that don’t happen in other ultras. Feet take a real battering. You will be using the same muscles to the point of destruction. And nausea will be your friend. You will probably witness more peeing, farting and spewing than you can imagine. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Treat yourself: Keep your iPod for desperate stages, have a walking break on the hour, save the pee stop for the next hour. Trust me, it’s the best seat in the house. It’s the little things that make a big difference</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Smile and be polite to crew/volunteers. It forces you mind stay positive.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You have to really want it. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-38725425479330276842017-07-07T19:56:00.000+01:002017-07-07T21:22:42.339+01:00World 24 Hour Champs, Belfast<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Always an honour and privilege
to wear the GB vest. Always a pleasure
to be part of a tight-knit and super-talented bunch of wonderful people. But
more so, it was a huge relief to be selected to represent GB at the World 24 Hour Champs in Belfast. After my tragic effort at last year’s
European 24-hour Championships, I needed some redemption. Some closure.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx-QEP6KMaVRnUS04j2D9xH422W0JgsVnc8WPB0T8dZdcR1dps57bysKHAhz5Snu42c2nmX-koILWAH2yxuTidvCGlH76CtFKm_OkeWPFClCawVmhrNs_dessQOsQV6RQ6azifhWHCN4/s1600/IMG_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx-QEP6KMaVRnUS04j2D9xH422W0JgsVnc8WPB0T8dZdcR1dps57bysKHAhz5Snu42c2nmX-koILWAH2yxuTidvCGlH76CtFKm_OkeWPFClCawVmhrNs_dessQOsQV6RQ6azifhWHCN4/s320/IMG_1568.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Nigel Holl and Donna Fraser from British Athletics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Running for 24 hour
around a one mile loop - weaving between 400 people on the course – is an
acquired taste. As a race concept, it’s
probably the most physically, mentally and emotionally demanding of them
all. It’s a massive battle of will. Just you and a clock. A race with no finish line requires a lot of
drive to keep moving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On paper, it looks
simple. Everyone thinks they can run
qualifying distances. Super slow running on mostly flat and looped
course, with copious amounts of support and no navigation or mandatory kit
required. How hard can it be? Most who venture into the crazy world of
24-hour fall way short of their target. Not
because they’re not talented enough, but because they don’t respect, understand
or require the mental strength. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaraacc_APwf1qHCTXLvo-A4cYck0Eq40k_HYUCg6YGmG5LezI_TD07YWMVVoNorWoW5UpFlVqSdWD3HI9CCETx5ODNfNl8LL-t5LlC-hKwtsfRV85iYkry3uNkYhWf5ijiI9GgYd4mw/s1600/IMG_1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="890" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaraacc_APwf1qHCTXLvo-A4cYck0Eq40k_HYUCg6YGmG5LezI_TD07YWMVVoNorWoW5UpFlVqSdWD3HI9CCETx5ODNfNl8LL-t5LlC-hKwtsfRV85iYkry3uNkYhWf5ijiI9GgYd4mw/s320/IMG_1604.JPG" width="231" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was mentally prepared
for the race. Well, I wasn’t dreading
it, so that was a pretty good start. I
was fired up and ready to give it everything.
One last time. Bow out with style - like Obama’s drop
the mic. Last year, if I’m honest with
myself, I’d lost my heart and head for 24-hour running. I just expected it to fall in line with all
the other fun races I wanted to do. I
wasn’t complacent, just now committed. When things started to go wrong, I just
didn’t want it anymore. Stupidly I
thought anything less than a PB was a waste of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bombing out was the
kick up the ass I needed. I was
distraught for weeks after that and vowed never to feel that way again. Of course races are always going to go belly
up, but I will never walk away thinking I hadn’t given it my very best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The race started well. I was relaxed and in control. I was placing last in the team ranking, but
that was fine. I was sticking to my plan
and was confident and experienced enough to know if would come good in the end.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF2SglWjrocMsRBQMuagqx9Ri7ehZtOTAzH8z6t5uJyLqXWCdyx-Rmu9k38hVkkMVLAwo9oeFm38cwSY5e_VGnPe9fCFksZOXG8q_jBexare7Aw9D4rVo9XRsMW7dLOI2SELJUVMampU/s1600/IMG_1601+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF2SglWjrocMsRBQMuagqx9Ri7ehZtOTAzH8z6t5uJyLqXWCdyx-Rmu9k38hVkkMVLAwo9oeFm38cwSY5e_VGnPe9fCFksZOXG8q_jBexare7Aw9D4rVo9XRsMW7dLOI2SELJUVMampU/s320/IMG_1601+2.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After a few hours, my
stomach problems started. Again. I can’t get to the bottom of this (pardon the
pun) but running in circles and on roads kills me stomach. From about 4-8 hours, there were quite a lot
of emergency stops. Last year, I caved
to it and let it destroy me. This time,
there was no way it was going to break my spirit. With Renee we did everything we could to work
through it. Medicine, ginger and lots of
fluids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was losing
time/distance, but I tried to stay positive.
Unfortunately with a 24 hour it’s about control, staying strong and then
hanging tough at the end. I was hanging
tough from four hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I felt wiped, but my
head was good. I didn’t get the angry/frustrated
mental way I can usually do on looped course.
Whenever anything nasty crept into my head, I took a few deep breaths,
cleared my mind and brought everything back to a neutral zone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m a firm believer you
can control your mood. I didn’t necessary
need to be in a great mood, just not an angry or sad one. Smiling.
I made sure I smiled a lot. I
made an effort to communicate with people or even acknowledge words from
spectators. I was all out of internal energy,
so I was taking it from external sources.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The support around the
course was amazing. There were a huge
bunch helping the open race who were on their feet all night, expending way
more energy than those in race. Dancing,
high-five, Mexican waves and playing the best party tunes ever! Of course Johnny Fling and Noanie’s makeshift
Woodstock festival was just brilliant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was having a really
tough day out there, but some of my team mates were having it much worse. The carnage from around 12 hours was the
worst I’d ever seen. Marco, James,
Robbie, Sharon and Beth were all having problems and would either stop or drop
back considerably. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I didn’t get annoyed with
the loops. Actually I thought the course
was the best I’ve run on. I’ve heard a
few moans about the camber and the hard concrete surface, but I’d be lying if I
used them as an excuse for poor performance.
My feet paid the price of the flat surface, but no more than usual. My quads ached, but no more than usual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzpaw0scE1PR9SUrKWKs_bb8EVSql0SxnB8Eb3DEoIT5FXNjeUiSvKX1zkCnlA-WRkTSfHeP_F8S4ZEA1gpAB8LXc3yyU7eIpvenqQGA5PSt4i2JuF2hAyYW-iX9Z8fdhW7LyiWucfaE/s1600/IMG_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzpaw0scE1PR9SUrKWKs_bb8EVSql0SxnB8Eb3DEoIT5FXNjeUiSvKX1zkCnlA-WRkTSfHeP_F8S4ZEA1gpAB8LXc3yyU7eIpvenqQGA5PSt4i2JuF2hAyYW-iX9Z8fdhW7LyiWucfaE/s320/IMG_1603.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final hour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The timing system going
down around didn’t help the situation. I
was wearing a Garmin, but it’s unreliable for distances on looped courses, so I
was just working on lap splits. But the
lights also went down at the chip mat, so couldn’t see my watch. It did cause a lot of stress, but mostly for
crew and management. Surely the runners had the simple job. Just run.
I was aware that runners were getting quite upset about it. If I’d have known there would be no stats for
the duration of the race, I might have too.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The only split I got
was at 22:15 hours. I had spent the
previous few hours’ power walking with Sharon.
I guess in the latter stages when your brain doesn’t work on a rational
level and you look for comfort and it’s easy to get into company. Justifying by moving well and not taking the
easy option of sitting it out because you’re race wasn’t going well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sharon stopped to get
something to eat before 22 hours and I started running again. It hurt so bad, but I had to try. I was the third counter on the team, but it
wasn’t going to make much difference.
The best I could have hoped for was 200km. Big deal.
But it was a big deal to me, as I didn’t want to fall below that. Mustering up the enthusiasm to break 200 when
your PB is 221 and target was 230+ involves some deep digging. Those seats were looking mighty comfy
too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YT7LBrwcRqVGHhshZIXodZCSSXk3252aP6Ia_rJ_SDPB-K9l_syTL27mkK8F3FOhlwFzgLAeCL_7PgJKSahqd7G34RhMt7-eyoHsostBuH_49Twm0azBisF1ERHXwL87RmWgmEhKvEc/s1600/IMG_1563+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YT7LBrwcRqVGHhshZIXodZCSSXk3252aP6Ia_rJ_SDPB-K9l_syTL27mkK8F3FOhlwFzgLAeCL_7PgJKSahqd7G34RhMt7-eyoHsostBuH_49Twm0azBisF1ERHXwL87RmWgmEhKvEc/s200/IMG_1563+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFRU9Zkg1GeeynHMqJBBcKNW0hTj6pq_xm2PopLdfp2yB5mm41LkBLZFj9LopXZLZ2H3BWIdrVADzZ4GydAU2yNWhPqnyeSjB9jvkTiMG3rrIiuVJuElaXY5JQjZ97s0f4ssXghQVzbU/s1600/IMG_1585+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFRU9Zkg1GeeynHMqJBBcKNW0hTj6pq_xm2PopLdfp2yB5mm41LkBLZFj9LopXZLZ2H3BWIdrVADzZ4GydAU2yNWhPqnyeSjB9jvkTiMG3rrIiuVJuElaXY5JQjZ97s0f4ssXghQVzbU/s200/IMG_1585+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I ran 204.118 kilometres and finished 39<sup>th</sup> in the women’s race. Even considering this was the crème de la crème
of ultra-running and the world record was smashed, I would have been bitterly disappointed
with that. I probably wouldn’t have
turned up. All things considered, I did the best I could on the day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanks Emily Proto for the insta quote you
posted… “You never fail until you stop trying”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No ultra-race is an
individual achievement and I was part of an amazing troop. Meeting with old friends and making news
ones. Thanks to team manager John, my GB
team mates and the rest of the crew. Big
thanks to Renee for smashing her crewing debut and putting up with me. You were amazing. Thanks to my Mum and Sister for looking after
our boy, so Marco and I can do these crazy things. Last but certainly not least to my great
coach, Paul Giblin who got me to the start line in the best shape ever. All good training for better races to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">... I’m off to the hills now. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-75219818278967817972017-03-23T22:30:00.000+00:002017-03-24T13:16:50.346+00:00SCOTT Supertrac RC - 400 mile review <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu4bSTkv3fJInfomX5Gzb8ABRVetwsq1KAmSgJ9Ie6B9fGw_n9sqmHT1vJfywO3AgrUDpTnAsdNdUTbgZ0fem3kTKrNnRVR2j6Vh9BHEe7ZEIn8AyYOqj3UyWbH1Yvr2kYQLfcRQ8dew/s1600/lawers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu4bSTkv3fJInfomX5Gzb8ABRVetwsq1KAmSgJ9Ie6B9fGw_n9sqmHT1vJfywO3AgrUDpTnAsdNdUTbgZ0fem3kTKrNnRVR2j6Vh9BHEe7ZEIn8AyYOqj3UyWbH1Yvr2kYQLfcRQ8dew/s320/lawers.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span><span style="line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">’ll be upfront and say I got these shoes for free - before the launch earlier this year - to test them out. So before the purists and sceptics jump on their soapbox, I thought it best to reserve judgement until I put them through the wringer. 400 miles of wringing. Even though I fell in love with them instantly. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b7wmB1C5ayblcwj4sdFXYI5Rr5tcVNiUNZO1qUuVt-qyMW4XTngxag2M2F3BT52R5UbbtTpgr9SvwD63FOXl848LzI39jqR75JZYyq11EUX11C1XtYUVa6BT7l7S5F5Usy4toM8RJTI/s1600/balmaha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b7wmB1C5ayblcwj4sdFXYI5Rr5tcVNiUNZO1qUuVt-qyMW4XTngxag2M2F3BT52R5UbbtTpgr9SvwD63FOXl848LzI39jqR75JZYyq11EUX11C1XtYUVa6BT7l7S5F5Usy4toM8RJTI/s320/balmaha.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.295;">There was a lot of hype around the launch of the </span><a href="https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/products/2518781040006/SCOTT-Supertrac-RC-Women%27s-Shoe" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; line-height: 1.295;">SCOTT Supertrac RC</a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.295;">. I’d seen pictures of some of my idols donning the flagship #blackandyellow shoes and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a pair. Obviously I jumped at the chance to try them out. Despite my many years of working in marketing, I’m an absolute sucker the next-big-thing. </span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="line-height: 1.295; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My first impression was they are lighter and sturdier than I thought they would be. I wore them straight out the box on the Ben Lawers ridge, a mere seven Munros in the Scottish highlands in December. We pretty much had all terrain and weather that day and the <a href="https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/products/2518781040006/SCOTT-Supertrac-RC-Women%27s-Shoe">Supertrac RC</a> were a dream. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1b7wmB1C5ayblcwj4sdFXYI5Rr5tcVNiUNZO1qUuVt-qyMW4XTngxag2M2F3BT52R5UbbtTpgr9SvwD63FOXl848LzI39jqR75JZYyq11EUX11C1XtYUVa6BT7l7S5F5Usy4toM8RJTI/s1600/balmaha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I look for a shoe that gives me confidence on mud and wet rock. I’ve had so many accidents</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tAJ_AUMG4H9-Zl3_DdZ2YQM-YsqJGHewDfb5hhJWgEhmY6EOI8gGxyJd81nAfBf0WNhsMDdLEE-q_FaSRuee2d0UKVGtrgXU6puqxFYl4co_PPijd0Xxp68iZ9QF86B6CFhijtftve8/s1600/TGC+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tAJ_AUMG4H9-Zl3_DdZ2YQM-YsqJGHewDfb5hhJWgEhmY6EOI8gGxyJd81nAfBf0WNhsMDdLEE-q_FaSRuee2d0UKVGtrgXU6puqxFYl4co_PPijd0Xxp68iZ9QF86B6CFhijtftve8/s320/TGC+cropped.jpg" width="261" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">over the years and every time crash I get a little more timid. Other that the Inov-8 X-Talon I didn’t have much faith in shoes. Especially a shoe that’s designed for trails, rather than fell or hills. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Living and training in Scotland, it’s a great place to put them to the test. I’ve taken them on short hilly muddy runs, long off-road runs, snow-covered wainwrights, rocky paths, lots of bog, compressed trail, grassy descents, wet rocks and icy Munro tops. They’re pretty much a Jack-of-all-trades shoe and perform really well on varying terrains - especially well on rocks and mountainous courses. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wore them for last month’s Transgrancanaria 125km and boy I’m glad I did. I was debating in the lead up whether to wear them or the Salomon S-Lab sense. I definitely made the right decision, as there were a few muddy sections and the rocks would have destroyed my feet. Even on the notorious dried riverbed section, I didn’t feel anything under my feet. More importantly for the first time in nearly 10 years of ultra-running and almost 40 ultras, I didn’t get a single blister or have any foot issues. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXXpDN3fz2OKt8eCLxNcbdJlR8-WXhh3s39zKMzRX2O5qN45-K5Bq5c5mHExoJMIh0nujF4jQmoADEsTtCaKiPv3DWWiP1acIPCpeJlkHRWePcQbcB-EVR8AKc4zJu0pywqpqRndqxps/s1600/IMG_9877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXXpDN3fz2OKt8eCLxNcbdJlR8-WXhh3s39zKMzRX2O5qN45-K5Bq5c5mHExoJMIh0nujF4jQmoADEsTtCaKiPv3DWWiP1acIPCpeJlkHRWePcQbcB-EVR8AKc4zJu0pywqpqRndqxps/s320/IMG_9877.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’ve had a few pairs of SCOTT shoes in the past. I bought a pair of the Kinabalu years ago, because I liked the colours. True story. And a pair of the Rockets – where the lugs fell off (no joke!) after a 30 mile run. At that time I thought Scott were a long way off tapping into the ever-demanding trail running market. Since then Scott have built up their reputation with shoes that perform exceptionally well and the Supertrac RC is their masterpiece. It’s apparent that it’s an athlete-led design and that’s why it’s already a popular shoe. </span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeW7hV8Q4fDwX1FsYYiFCFFxF0H2oS5bxaVMydlG3HLr7pkmEl15wuni8Rq92iNn7ToO-0rtFA0HTjsxOsZSWaITTsESrjdSp6AJEe8tr2I6PwvGAezrFB6iU9NeIqGeo7VcOeBvXet8/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeW7hV8Q4fDwX1FsYYiFCFFxF0H2oS5bxaVMydlG3HLr7pkmEl15wuni8Rq92iNn7ToO-0rtFA0HTjsxOsZSWaITTsESrjdSp6AJEe8tr2I6PwvGAezrFB6iU9NeIqGeo7VcOeBvXet8/s320/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="264" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.295;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">I don’t like a lot of cushioning and my first choice would always be a lightweight shoe. In 2016, I alternated between Salomon S-Lab Sense, La Sportiva Helios SR and Inov-8 Terraclaw depending on the terrain. That said, I also need to protect my feet from unforgiving terrain. We’re not blessed with miles of dry trails, so I need a shoe that works for soft ground and wet rocks. Most shoes work best on one or the other. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCGfUFJ7Mi6fYWJOcRjyDHM4tr3qnMQAOr0zfL2eBTXjNK5KSbvKxZrDz7SJY2icfIiB2lXQC1b7uh7Y6CPXl_vQPZC6nWdbg0dxheatwCTlH__HiLMKZZrqIJXneHCxk7zWF6vg83ew/s1600/scott+manky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCGfUFJ7Mi6fYWJOcRjyDHM4tr3qnMQAOr0zfL2eBTXjNK5KSbvKxZrDz7SJY2icfIiB2lXQC1b7uh7Y6CPXl_vQPZC6nWdbg0dxheatwCTlH__HiLMKZZrqIJXneHCxk7zWF6vg83ew/s320/scott+manky.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A bit about the grip. The 360 traction outsole was developed in partnership with </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SCOTT </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">athletes such as Andy Symonds, Jo Meek and Ruth Croft and The </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Technical University of Munich</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and was tweaked and fine tuned before it was eventually released in January. SCOTT are using the term “controlled power” The size and positioning of each stud has been laid out to provide good traction in multiple directions, twist and turns. Most shoes have lugs designed for forward movement. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The main outsole is made for racing on (wet and dry) rocks and therefore probably not as secure on mud as say some of the Inov-8 range, but it still holds up pretty well. Of course, I’m less concerned about sliding on wet grass than I am at landing on my coccyx on a wet slab of rock. They really excel on rocky technical terrain, and I’m sure it will be popular shoe choice for Skyrunner and mountain races this year. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lightweight mesh upper has been bonded together, rather than stitched, to reduce the possibility of irritation. As previously mentioned, it</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s the first time I’ve never had any issues with my feet during a race. The overlays act as a great support as my feet feel stable, but it’s not restrictive and feels really comfortable. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There also a sturdy toe cap. After kicking many rocks over the months, I can say it’s not only effective but perfect. </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnlhyphenhyphens0W8i_p8O8nO8XFnkQJm870snbrWz6W8oCiLKpq_hQLEHtEz2PiYFtw9usrPfkn1GszdgpzG5MJd3_OELazX2a0TT5o4CuxMlvpIMnXUJGUIx5BYXE9yu8pqGXP9Opw51wfnWHs/s1600/400milescarpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnlhyphenhyphens0W8i_p8O8nO8XFnkQJm870snbrWz6W8oCiLKpq_hQLEHtEz2PiYFtw9usrPfkn1GszdgpzG5MJd3_OELazX2a0TT5o4CuxMlvpIMnXUJGUIx5BYXE9yu8pqGXP9Opw51wfnWHs/s320/400milescarpet.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">400 miles on the clock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The lacing system is pretty simply, but works just fine. Maybe I prefer the Salomon S-Lab system with the lace pocket, but I think I’m just trying really hard to find something to say that’s not completely gushy. Is it worth changing? Probably not. The laces didn’t cause any discomfort and didn’t come loose. A lace pocket just looks neater. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">They are protective and cushioned enough (17.5/22.5mm of AeroFoam) for everyday training, but light and responsive for racing. I’m a mid-forefoot striker, so the 5mm drop suits me. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
So, 400 miles later the shoes are starting to show some wear and tear. There's some slight splitting on the side bend (I'm sure there's a more technical term for that), which happens to all my shoes. I put that down to forefoot landing. Loads of miles left in the lugs though - even after many routes that have involved some road miles. They'll be good for another few months for sure. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you train on hills and mountains in the UK, you’d be hard pushed to find a better multi-terrain shoe. Retailing at £125 they’re not cheap, but they do live up to the hype. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XSMguYez9MNEZyYh4tuqq8TML24cymD5hWmugG-vwhkzFWMpE6yYswJRujuqXtAhM7gukhXD3ulxjmcwty8pe8gEtrjG49EdPpBYW6gru77cnWr3UcLw2yAX30iiaot74xB8xnrxWxs/s1600/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XSMguYez9MNEZyYh4tuqq8TML24cymD5hWmugG-vwhkzFWMpE6yYswJRujuqXtAhM7gukhXD3ulxjmcwty8pe8gEtrjG49EdPpBYW6gru77cnWr3UcLw2yAX30iiaot74xB8xnrxWxs/s320/FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The techy spec:</span></u></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Range of use: Racing. Mountain.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Features: 360 lug design and wet traction rubber</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Composition: Upper mesh/no sew. Lower AeroFoam+/rubber</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Heel: 22.5mm</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Forefoot: 17.5mm</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Drop: 5mm</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Weight: 250g</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-66981646839799971842017-03-17T21:03:00.003+00:002017-03-21T15:52:50.518+00:00Transgrancanaria race report <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s a course that notoriously
chews up and spits out the most hardy and experienced of competitors.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even with 10 years of ultra-distance
running under my belt, I was stepping into the unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a climbing equivalent shy of Everest
across 125km of unforgiving terrain, it was very much out of my comfort zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I had trained specifically for
this race for the previous for three months, so had every intention of giving
it my best shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no major
aspirations other than finishing with a performance I was happy with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And preferably in one piece.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So my first Euro mountain
adventure at <a href="http://www.transgrancanaria.net/en/">Transgrancanaria</a> found me in starting pen in the harbour town of Ageate behind some of
ultra-running’s finest athletes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On what
is believed to be one of the toughest courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My initial thoughts were everyone looked so fast and svelte, and so very
sponsored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t the same mix of
of sizes and ability you find in UK races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ageate to Tamadaba 9.8 km (4767ft) <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WtzGc6sG4BVQPMZZNK1U1TPs0YHqbeTpp2NB9dOXeOVFeR8XD15MDCvp7tD9ak5Ly1dO4ur_jEvy4i6koiDS0cfwJX7hMqqQNYjgorHT1aOlMJh9b2RmBkU-Udp6xZuykPNL4Lgj-rM/s1600/32408507213_ceecea4431_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WtzGc6sG4BVQPMZZNK1U1TPs0YHqbeTpp2NB9dOXeOVFeR8XD15MDCvp7tD9ak5Ly1dO4ur_jEvy4i6koiDS0cfwJX7hMqqQNYjgorHT1aOlMJh9b2RmBkU-Udp6xZuykPNL4Lgj-rM/s320/32408507213_ceecea4431_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The atmosphere was electric and
everyone seemed so happy, although slightly shivering from cool air and fear of
what lay ahead. Tightly penned in listening to the call of the elites, the Gran Canaria song and then the
countdown. And we were off. I ran along with Johnny Fling, through the
town and then up the track. I lost
Johnny. It wasn’t a decision to push
on, it was just really busy and I didn’t
look back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It was eerily silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until the poles came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure there was something in the rules
about poles not allowed during first few kilometres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that was the case, it wasn’t long
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was far too busy and cramped
for flying poles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was pinned in a four way of
pole owners who had a blatant disregard for anyone around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to push away but just using up
unnecessary energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before long we
were on a narrow hill track and things settled into a groove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to eat early in the race, but
ended up nearly choking on a sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Following the long single file of
runners, we turned around the hilltop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked up and saw a vertical line of headtorches. It looked liked plane was
dangling some christmas tree fairy lights<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My first thoughts were: Feck that’s high; Feck that steep;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how did they get up there that fast?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Stuck on a dark narrow path, all
packed in, it was hard to see where I was placing my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so busy looking up at the daunting
headtorch line that I tripped and my right arm hit a rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t do anything but get up as quickly
as I landed or I was danger of being trampled on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or thrown off the hillside for stopping the
traffic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My arm hurt and felt dead at the
same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t really broken the
skin, but I was concerned I’d broke the bone (drama).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although (no shocker) I have broken both my
arms in the past so knew it wasn’t that bad, just not something I wanted to
happen four miles into a long race. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The route zig zags up, so the
climb was fairly easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than a few
sneaky overtakes when it was safe to do so, I kept in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No point burning up unnecessary energy to
shave off a few seconds or minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
got poles out and my arm started to ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I figured by daylight a bruised arm would be the least of my worries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfuDjSETyMF9Q5RKMTjOrwcuIlDkX2PATwXx3V0O7PrT_iSarh8-2JXRcuM9L_DxCi4klKR60h3OcoYAADGqIuO-FRAAn4_rSyLqouiH0uyUU9TSwVKVmNBsGef0qZ7igPkptjkOjWzc/s1600/33184092940_3f1a88e787_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfuDjSETyMF9Q5RKMTjOrwcuIlDkX2PATwXx3V0O7PrT_iSarh8-2JXRcuM9L_DxCi4klKR60h3OcoYAADGqIuO-FRAAn4_rSyLqouiH0uyUU9TSwVKVmNBsGef0qZ7igPkptjkOjWzc/s320/33184092940_3f1a88e787_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Johnny Fling said when you hit
the trees you’re nearly at the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a couple of miles of running/hiking, but I could hear the cowbells in the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed through the timing
mat, then the aid station and met Marco a short while later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully Cairn was sparked out on the
backseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t like to miss
anything, so I had fears he would stay awake all night. I picked up some
Tailwind and Shotblocks and pushed on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Tamadaba to Tirma 18.8km (1423ft ascent) <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It was pretty blustery and fresh
at the top - it was after all nearly 5000ft up - but I was still comfortable in
my vest and arm warmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was to
stop though, I would chill down real quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The descent was pretty
steep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been warned that the first
descent can make or break the race, so I was trying to keep everything in check
as not to destroy my quads too early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although the initial descent was on a wider path, it soon narrowed and
we were back in single.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t want to
feel under pressure to go faster, but the pace was dictated by the line and I
didn’t want to step off or upset the flow of traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaX3vfPRUH62v8y3iR-bumEw6pN0gNqj-6-sMbtbNBadlaOHqLlUDe3RSubQHEbZ_m9QBF1WgE_OmzhokW7Nehyphenhyphen8lWJu2-Vc3UYuVw-FACmz_j0cDwaUoqmG-rrwaK6gAOT4lHT1xcQWI/s1600/profile-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaX3vfPRUH62v8y3iR-bumEw6pN0gNqj-6-sMbtbNBadlaOHqLlUDe3RSubQHEbZ_m9QBF1WgE_OmzhokW7Nehyphenhyphen8lWJu2-Vc3UYuVw-FACmz_j0cDwaUoqmG-rrwaK6gAOT4lHT1xcQWI/s400/profile-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The trails were amazing and I
know I was missing out on some spectacular views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although flicking my head torch down, I know
I was also missing out on some serious drops, so maybe ignorance was bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One false move on the narrow path and it was
a long way down. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After a fairly arduous descent,
my legs felt like jelly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scoffed a
Trek bar and some Shot Bloks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
seeing some of drops I least wanted to keep my brain alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I passed quite a few runners on
the hike up to the small village of Tirma. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though it was a mostly downhill section,
there was still 1500ft of climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
arrived at the aid station in Tirma with one of their local runners, so there
was a massive noise and lots of cheering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Tirma to Altavista/Alterera 33.2km (4868ft)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I picked up some water and left
Tirma pretty sharp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the wide
track, I overshot the route and got shouted back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only 100 metres or so, but I had a
stern chat with myself about paying attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although the course was well marked, my mind has a tendency to wander. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Another pole frenzied long hike
commenced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I side-stepped a girl
projectile vomiting, thinking it was pretty early on for that, and then runners
sitting down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped to ask if
everything was ok and if they needed anything (in my best broken English) only
be told they were just having a rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know if was my first Euro race, but you are doing what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting on a hill have a “little rest” Weird
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Again I was caught in a line of
traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mentally I was removing UTMB
from my bucket list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Already a few hours
into the race and it was so busy and not breaking up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was ok on the hikes, I accepted that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when they continued to hike on the flat I
nearly lost the plot in my head I was screaming “IT”S FLAT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>F*CKING RUN”. At least I hope it was in my
head. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Heading down into Artnera, we
dibbed in at a timing point - even though it was obvious from the first
checkpoint my timer on my race number wasn’t working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully everyone had a second chip which
they had to attach to their backpack.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the way down - with a few more
ups for good measure - I was toing and froing with a chap in Inov-8s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a race that involved cautious foot
placing, you become quite acquainted with people’s feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the best part of a hour, I used up all
be courtesy/civil Spanish … Hola, Gracious, Bravo...I knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, I’m British and therefore as ignorant as
f*ck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not even sure Bravo was
relevant, but it sounded pretty universal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So when Inov-8s and I got lost
heading into the town of Artnera, we were communicating in some kind of grunted
sign language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him he spoke
English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m from Leamington Spa”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Inov8s became Rich from Leamington
Spa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted heading into the town
before he stopped to pick up supplies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Arnera to Fontanales 42.5km (1450ft)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After dibbing in, I ran straight
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up the road, along the track
and round the hilltop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit the road
and just kept going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see
headtorches along the bottom of the valley, so presumed I was heading in the
right direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there were
headtorches behind me, so all ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
about half a mile I realised I hadn’t seen an signs, but kept looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Coach Paul had told me if you
think you’re off course, you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go
back and find the last post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chap
following me checked his GPS and confirmed we’d gone off course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heading back up the road (of course it had
to be up!) and picked up about four others who followed us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d missed the post on the left down to the
valley.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I passed a few runners who’d got
a ahead on my detour and then caught up with Rich again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted for a few miles and I really
enjoyed the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a few
really muddy descents and some sections, which explain the mandatory red
flashing light on backpacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I lost Rich on the last long
mudslide into Fontanales - thanking my lucky stars I’d chosen shoes with grips
and not the Salomon ruby slippers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This was the start of the 80km
race at 7am, so I was glad to get a 30 minute head start before the speedster stampede.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up some supplies from Marco and
headed into the checkpoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Gav
and Noanie waiting for their race start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gav went into for the high-five and I realised my arm and shoulder hurt
more than I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really
frantic at the checkpoint, so I was glad to make a quick getaway. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Fontanales to Vallesco and Teror 56.2km (2420ft)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Even with a 30 minute head start,
it didn’t seem that long before the speedsters caught up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I side stepped to them passed and cheer them
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus they were fast - even with all
the mud!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And very polite too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when I stepped to the wrong side and hit
Sebastian Chaigneau with my poles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t
do him any harm though, as he went on to win it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The sun was up around 7:30 so it
was great to take in some of the views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shame to have run the length of an island and miss most of the it, so I
intended to make the most the daylight scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Arriving in the town of Vallesco,
I couldn’t find Marco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We agreed that if
he wasn’t at a checkpoint then I would just push on in case he was having
travel issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the hill out of the
village I phoned Marco to just make sure he knew I’d gone through to discover he’d
got there just after I left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may had
mentioned once or twice that the journey was a bit cumbersome and time
consuming - he chose more colourful words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course Coach Paul - running the 80km - chose the moment to pass me
when I was walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I had to
be walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There was a long hike through
some lush green countryside and I chatted to Gerard from Germany for most of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a pretty impressive race CV,
so it was nice to mindlessly chat away the hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost him on the descent and caught up with
a chap from Barcelona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long
before the speedy ladies passed us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was lovely to see my ever-smiling Beta Running teamie, Sophie Grant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were three ladies packed in tight going
up the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sophie in third, like a
little fierce terrier not willing to let go from the two in front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me smile seeing the sheer
determination on her face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With daylight it had started to
heat up a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barca guy joked about me
being in a vest and skort and he still had his jacket, gloves and buff on as he
found it really cold during the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew by noon he’d be in his comfort zone and I’d be falling apart though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I met Marco just before Teror
checkpoint and picked up a bit more, as I’d missed him at last support
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stupidity I forgot to give him my
headtorch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I could have put it
in my pack but I didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just wore it for
about three hours after sunrise like a total pleb. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Teror to Cruz de Arinex 64.3km (3320ft)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Teror was a bustling little place
with lots of people out supporting and cheering. Well, maybe a few hundred so
not quite NYC marathon standards, but it was nice to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, again, just pushed through which caused the
marshals mass confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NB:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Must learn “I don’t need anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my own support” in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with two seasons of Narcos, all I
learned was “Rata” and then discovered it wasn’t even the right Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Then the next hike began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BIG hike number three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three of four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest were just big hikes. I had been
warned that Arinez never seemed to end and it was indeed the gift that kept on
giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every corner there was
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every peak there was another
peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when I got to the hill with
massive cross thinking that would at least signify the top, there was even
more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I passed the aid station,
there was more up, and weather had started to close in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grey, cold, foggy, blustery and damp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others runners were piling on the layers, I
just pulled up my arm warmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though
I was cold, I couldn’t be bothered to get my jacket out and hoped we would be
heading out soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Cruz de Arinez to Tejada 71km (958ft)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Climbing through some forest
trails until I reached a road which I assumed was a visitor point, I passed two
guys in the 80km race and exchanged some mutual encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time, I didn’t realise I would see
that same two guys on and off until the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The views down to Tejada were
simply breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nearly broke my
own rule on taking photos during races, but I didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kinda wished I had now though as I can’t put
into words the beauty of the course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Tejada to Garanan 81.7 (3605ft)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Leaving Tejada it was starting to
get warm and I was kicking myself for not picking up extra water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rationing was not something I wanted to do,
but I had to if I didn’t want to die on my ass half way through the section.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the initial ascent of Roque Nublo
(BIG climb number four), I was chatting to a Spanish guy - who I think just
came out the local pub - dressed in a kilt and see-you-jimmy hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely a bizarre moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I was hiking alongside another chap who
kept farting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he felt the need
to excuse himself to me in the best English he knew, so every time he farted he
said: “bless you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mate, my pelvic floor
is not what is used to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite
literally nearly wet myself laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This was by far the hottest part
of the race, but the most amazingly breathtaking views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything around was massive and
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Near the summit, it
flattens out before the final ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was admiring the view when my foot hit a rock and crash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skinned hand, knees and elbows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wanted to cry, but the two aforementioned
80km guys came to rescue and I tried to hold it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were being really helpful, but I ushered
them on as I just needed a moment to compose myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was pretty dehydrated at this
point and was almost tempted to ask some tourists for water, but didn’t have
the brass neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I was nearing the
top, but I was starting to drag myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioef971B2lG1C4NruoR3AZctoAGMYPlGNAvl9i__t-sYqBh6Z2vPb9tBXhdu2NZYTyw9F-z4b71jhZywA6-6kY7W1Mvq9qw8ecGk4MXqKGYAGFhbVAZPbZEIlwPJRxgmUTVv7S1Pf_StI/s1600/16904649_590638994440113_5332720605294536818_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioef971B2lG1C4NruoR3AZctoAGMYPlGNAvl9i__t-sYqBh6Z2vPb9tBXhdu2NZYTyw9F-z4b71jhZywA6-6kY7W1Mvq9qw8ecGk4MXqKGYAGFhbVAZPbZEIlwPJRxgmUTVv7S1Pf_StI/s320/16904649_590638994440113_5332720605294536818_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The summit of Roque Nublo was quite
simply stunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would go back to Gran
Canaria just to that section again and spend time taking in the views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately that wasn’t going to happen
during a race, so I timed in and headed back down - passing runners on the
short out and back section to the summit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The trails and tracks were
amazing, but really dry and rocky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
super conscious of the fact I was dehydrated and bit woozy, so was really
careful on the descent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t too
long before I saw Marco and Cairn, when I downed some sparkling water and
topped up on some Tailwind and Shotbloks, which I’d finished before I even hit
Garanan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Garanan was the main aid station
- where runners had their one and only drop bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a busy place with runners resting,
eating and drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crew and supporters
were cheering some the sidelines and mashals were buzzing around tending to
everyone’s needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also the place
where you can lose a lot of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
even just dropping a few things into my bag, replacing my bottles and emptying
some rubbish probably took about 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Garanan to Tunte 94.2 (1627ft)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Leaving the checkpoint through
the park, I met Marco again who was panicking that I didn’t have enough for the
section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reassured him I’d picked up
my drop bag stuff and had more than enough, but he still went up the the next
hilltop checkpoint at Nieves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t
need anything there either, which I felt bad about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
By this time my glutes had pretty
much given up the ghost and my quads were aching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every footstep on the descent was like a
shudder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The paths en route to Tunte were
amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously a lot of time and
money had been spent on the trails, but they were still rocky, rugged and in
keeping with the surrounding area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unlike the UK where H&S come in and bulldoze<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and routes and put in ugly metal gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My glutes and quads were
screaming at me on the roads into Tunte, but it was nice to arrive there to see
Cairn’s standing poised at the roadside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For once he ran alongside me rather than trying to outsprint me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swear he had a look of pride, rather than
inconvenience, on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
on the darker side of spaced out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was feeling pretty good and
upbeat there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And was even happier to
realise that my goal of sub:20 was still doable - if I didn’t mess around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hswL5jYMFBs" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Tunte to Ayaguarus 106.3 (1541ft)</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And I was off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only one big hill and one aid station to
conquer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was less excited about the
1800ft climb out of the town, but I knew I just had to keep picking away at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did seem to go on for longer than I
thought, with switchbacks and false peaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I needn’t have complained, but the descent was way worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs were tired, but my head was
worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept catching my toes on rocks
and nearly decking it, so I lost all confidence in running downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it became a slow jogging motion gingerly
making my way down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu9-p-XzvJo35LhtfKgdC3ASzzXOU_RvZdgZzfUaw5CNVrJvScMGOi9BkrrmNw-68s2cqJwfll83pKfN9pAGNXNwOCBUX6jkF1DU_WK7dLtEcZKn9hYHSfhKnPLZVuBKLSy_TyZOjjWU/s1600/transgrancanaria2017-22131-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu9-p-XzvJo35LhtfKgdC3ASzzXOU_RvZdgZzfUaw5CNVrJvScMGOi9BkrrmNw-68s2cqJwfll83pKfN9pAGNXNwOCBUX6jkF1DU_WK7dLtEcZKn9hYHSfhKnPLZVuBKLSy_TyZOjjWU/s320/transgrancanaria2017-22131-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It was a long way down to
Ayaguarus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see the town for a
few miles out, but it never seems to get any closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There seemed to be never-ending switches and
lots of rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly didn’t help I was moving at
snail’s pace, terrified I would fall. But emotionally, I was fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t willing it to be over and I was
still gushing at the amazing course, so I was still enjoying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I passed a few runners on the
path down and then heard a mighty crash behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A British guy, Rob, had fallen hard and cut his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to fix him up with a baby wipe and
told him it was alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It probably
wasn’t, but he couldn’t see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he
hadn’t broken his sunglasses, so all way well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made him promise he’d get it checked at the next aid station. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The dam into Ayaguaras finally
came and I crossed into the final checkpoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was going to drop off my poles, but Marco told me there was still
another hill as he’d run the course the day before, so I kept hold of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though the race looked like it was all
down for last 20km, I had learned the profile was a little deceiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little bumps that look cheeky little mounds
are actually fairly hefty climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>yaguarus to Maspalomos 125km (767ft)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Total ascent 26746ft<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
My sub 20 was looking unlikely,
but that was fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even want it any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was too content just chipping away and getting
the job done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I left over the dam and turned
into the last hill - the one that looked teeny tiny on the profile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A French guy I’d be toing and frong with all
day passed me and kept signalling at me to stick with him, which I did for a
bit but fell off the pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you hit
the the top the route switches back, which annoyed me because we were moving in
the opposite direction from where we should be heading.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Then I hit the notorious dried
river bed, which everyone speaks so highly of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t think it was too bad, as I’d built it up in my head to be much
worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, it was horribly rocky but
not too dissimilar to some of the paths in Scotland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h6YXvijbvVEKSBr44Mmzae5HRnbS-xfl1Ik900RodNjCTrit-nftd9Vbqq_hK2-tp416-YQIObqNoD2rB_jynExdi-8IAKMH-ehz8AUADucPaiCF6buwmviFV3zU8ivvmPVVFtF5HxE/s1600/transgrancanaria2017-17683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h6YXvijbvVEKSBr44Mmzae5HRnbS-xfl1Ik900RodNjCTrit-nftd9Vbqq_hK2-tp416-YQIObqNoD2rB_jynExdi-8IAKMH-ehz8AUADucPaiCF6buwmviFV3zU8ivvmPVVFtF5HxE/s320/transgrancanaria2017-17683.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The problem was my legs and brain
were so tired I kept falling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
have the reflexes to break the fall, so I seemed to fall really hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My knees hurt so bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After my 5th fall of the day (I didn’t count
the ones on mud, as they didn’t hurt) I just couldn’t handle another one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob (cut head Rob) picked me up after my last
fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I sobbed something
pathetic about not being able to stay on my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said I was stumbling all over the place and
should take a gel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genius!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No it really was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brain wouldn’t have worked that out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five minutes after taking the gel, I was more
alert and picking off the runners who’d passed me on the river bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ30esAPcQ_Adxiayy-8M9wgEIhxKuubWOMcL8ZVfxULCYD8QTOUc3Lqcf0xVlTDOuzOnHmYaB6mLDXxa_wjj9D6kKw5DqTGEKjRCAKvbjAAAvQYEs9xmqdoSghyphenhyphen7NSkj4JoOZLs5dpg/s1600/transgrancanaria2017-17686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ30esAPcQ_Adxiayy-8M9wgEIhxKuubWOMcL8ZVfxULCYD8QTOUc3Lqcf0xVlTDOuzOnHmYaB6mLDXxa_wjj9D6kKw5DqTGEKjRCAKvbjAAAvQYEs9xmqdoSghyphenhyphen7NSkj4JoOZLs5dpg/s200/transgrancanaria2017-17686.jpg" width="200" /></a>Before we hit the town I decided
to stop for a comfort break, as I hadn’t peed for nearly 12 hours. Again it was bright red. It seems to happen every race now. Last time
was at the Euro 24 hour, I got it checked by the medic who confirmed it was
muscle wastage and not blood, but I really need to get it sorted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I reached the final aid station
(Parque Sur)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only a few miles to the finish at the
expo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew the route as I’d walked
there the day before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except that wasn’t
the race route, so ended up getting lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Retracing my steps I buddied up with another French guy - I’d just
worked hard to overtake - and we got more lost together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Met up with another few runners and we
eventually got back on track with the help of a few dog walkers and a clown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The French guy out kicked me at
the end, but I didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My boy was waiting… who also out kick
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s definitely his thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jZOnPoAtf8w" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The aforementioned 80km guys were
at the finishing line. They had passed me again on the riverbed and winced at
my knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They duly informed
Cairn:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your Mum is a badass Mother
F*cker”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know whether he looked
shocked or proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2__7_aNOzOaOFMkkW5Y1JimvujGRojI19pwYrn4GB-j59URN6UaFBgj9e4f_0-l3voO4_IVCr1Mbofpo7xOROz6zPw0fPfKo0x7MCyongAWcecm-xyjASU6EO4QnDfhdd5XR4zfiKww/s1600/transgrancanaria2017-27628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2__7_aNOzOaOFMkkW5Y1JimvujGRojI19pwYrn4GB-j59URN6UaFBgj9e4f_0-l3voO4_IVCr1Mbofpo7xOROz6zPw0fPfKo0x7MCyongAWcecm-xyjASU6EO4QnDfhdd5XR4zfiKww/s400/transgrancanaria2017-27628.jpg" width="400" /></a>I finished 14th female in 20:35. Results tell me I moved up over 200 places from CP1 to the finish.<br />
<br />
It was amazingly wonderfully
brutal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I’ve harped on about it,
but the views are truly stunning and the trails are beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course is so well marked, you’d have to
be a complete numbnut like me to go wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I simply cannot fault the race, the organisers and the energy it brings
to island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I don’t really want to go
rehashing races to chase times, but I will definitely do this one again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t really like surprises and that’s why
I usually make big efforts to recce courses as it make race day so much easier
and more enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After taking a few
wrong turns, I had to be super vigilant, but if you go 400 metres without
seeing a marker you know you’re off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
knowing the route now, I might just sign up for 2018.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t told Marco that yet, so keep it
under your hat.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrJ0LNbNPeRLBlUqu3Ki9wQYIsfwx3z0mLviuRpm_EmTQxWBtmoJTEwoza-6x5DLAEcsmQQ_1rJy0tZEZf217zcDnU7BHOG-Z94cQJGfK6ENawUkTBAlzldd951m_QRm4XNyoOQoQrf4/s1600/IMG_9721-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrJ0LNbNPeRLBlUqu3Ki9wQYIsfwx3z0mLviuRpm_EmTQxWBtmoJTEwoza-6x5DLAEcsmQQ_1rJy0tZEZf217zcDnU7BHOG-Z94cQJGfK6ENawUkTBAlzldd951m_QRm4XNyoOQoQrf4/s200/IMG_9721-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Thanks for Marco and Cairn for
amazing support on the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I
gather, it’s easier to run the drive, so know it was a tough day out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not as tough as the apartment I
booked having the world’s shittest wifi. But it did have a pool (even if Cairn
was the only one there to brave the cold water) and Marco didn’t complain about
the hire car - so all in all and pretty successful trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Once my bruises healed ;-) </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
Thanks to coach <a href="http://www.pyllonultra.com/">Paul</a> for guidance
and throwing in the casual “try and hit 10,000 feet” training runs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to <a href="http://www.reneemcgregor.com/">Renee McGregor</a> for the food plan -
I had no stomach issues at all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And last
but not least thanks to Montane, Ultimate Direction, Petzl, Drymax and Scott
for all the gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-44104364672193552892016-11-11T07:20:00.000+00:002016-11-11T12:24:57.051+00:00European 24-hour champs: The Albi Aftermath <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6upQ9D8BmFbDEoYRMZang2MsDfDSLUzNxnCCHY6LgUJXMTK9Xhd3tQoFFDa7DuWsWOeV6fYYvk9NEQ_xMI38vPgvMCYnX6Ra9U8xPsjJ9oAqSu3dW6dzztLDOt2H4MbGkdlD1Xu03Pg/s1600/14610893_1149114325180732_9172171304853488801_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6upQ9D8BmFbDEoYRMZang2MsDfDSLUzNxnCCHY6LgUJXMTK9Xhd3tQoFFDa7DuWsWOeV6fYYvk9NEQ_xMI38vPgvMCYnX6Ra9U8xPsjJ9oAqSu3dW6dzztLDOt2H4MbGkdlD1Xu03Pg/s320/14610893_1149114325180732_9172171304853488801_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">t just wasn’t your day. You’ll come back stronger. It happens to everyone. You’re only human. It’s only running. You learn so much from races than have gone
wrong. It is what it is… I’ve pretty
much heard them all since I crashed and burned at last month’s European 24 Hour
Race in Albi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My life philosophy is: It’s only a tragedy it if matters in five
years’ time. Given the importance of the
race, I’m still on the fence as to whether I would class this as a personal
tragedy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBfmI3n2yOwnkyRT5bEF2S9QTLk8Wli_Vq72ze2M7CYRsNn-UidKNqDXYR5HZNr0BbMOmqT_36GTZfMJDZi0kWEJ5LZvZAox8kgUszNLQc5hWyfkiEO6aRPHGsYAUL6s_Ftxj8xttzNs/s1600/Team+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBfmI3n2yOwnkyRT5bEF2S9QTLk8Wli_Vq72ze2M7CYRsNn-UidKNqDXYR5HZNr0BbMOmqT_36GTZfMJDZi0kWEJ5LZvZAox8kgUszNLQc5hWyfkiEO6aRPHGsYAUL6s_Ftxj8xttzNs/s320/Team+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was my fourth outing as part
of the GB team. Since my last 24-hour at
World Champs in April 2015, I’d had a pretty good racing streak. Training had got well. Racing had gone
better. I felt faster, stronger and more
importantly, had more self-belief than before. All the more reason why it hurts
so much that things went so wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know I’ve had shocking races
before. Who doesn’t? I know I’ve
wallowed in them, got over it and most have barely crossed my mind. And if they do, it’s usually to laugh and
joke about them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’m still trying to work out what
went wrong. What I could have done
differently. I’ve internally processed
this over and over again to point of mental destruction. I’ve gone through every emotion from complete
self-loathing to laugh-out-load hilarity at some of the moments that will
forever remain comedy gold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dZPHdWcyD-ixyLMEq3j5F1O1q2YeH3BnqSfvrcCqZ008X574a3rnIgYrbmTuUZJvIul3m-oyzR3sVWxDveFp5fX1R-eYr6Q69jJCz5yTMmgBo0vTscmyQqvRnDJnKQjEBI-Qu1xtK5o/s1600/14610974_1154951501248143_5340918224526882746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dZPHdWcyD-ixyLMEq3j5F1O1q2YeH3BnqSfvrcCqZ008X574a3rnIgYrbmTuUZJvIul3m-oyzR3sVWxDveFp5fX1R-eYr6Q69jJCz5yTMmgBo0vTscmyQqvRnDJnKQjEBI-Qu1xtK5o/s320/14610974_1154951501248143_5340918224526882746_n.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Was it just down to bad luck on
the day? Even before the race, my
stomach was showing signs of, erm, distress.
I’m not really one for toilet chat, but there were a lot of toilet
visits. Running was going well and my
lap splits were bang on the money.
Excluding the laps which involved visit to the toilet. Of which there were many. By hour 12 there
was nothing left in me and the downward spiral commenced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shortly after my pee was bright
red and causing me major concern. After
telling my support, Eddie, I was sent to the medical tent. The doctor asked me to pee in a cup and I
handed over something that looked like beetroot juice. The medic tested it, informed me it wasn’t
blood it was muscle damage and was pretty normal. I was told me to drink more
and they sent me on my way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRWH86D70vgDh-O9KCHMih-c_VG4087aUlIgun6enT9xbf985GOOe80nGBSn05JdMWiSfciZ1Eg6ntIBBEtiTMaCz-mV1i4lkiUN7rT6xlPGiLITZ0U31C8wpdIL5DzKYcZbDhVYnv-8/s1600/14717099_1154940674582559_6882532818334351359_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRWH86D70vgDh-O9KCHMih-c_VG4087aUlIgun6enT9xbf985GOOe80nGBSn05JdMWiSfciZ1Eg6ntIBBEtiTMaCz-mV1i4lkiUN7rT6xlPGiLITZ0U31C8wpdIL5DzKYcZbDhVYnv-8/s320/14717099_1154940674582559_6882532818334351359_n.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ultra-distance running has a
tendency to strip you bare. It can
heighten emotions and leaves the brain susceptible to over-thinking and
irrationality. All I could think about were the running friends who have got
themselves in to life-threatening danger with kidney failure. Recent chats with Ewan Dunlop and Jayson
Lewis and how their families were told the outcome could have been much worse
were playing on my frazzled mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love running. It’s a massive part of my life. But first and foremost, I’m somebody’s
Mother. I know in the cold light of day, this is all
very dramatic but at the time it was hard to shake those thoughts. Another few rungs down the spiral staircase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few more hours of running, not
consuming enough calories, more toilet visits and I was done in. I felt sick, dizzy and gaging on everything I
tried to eat. My muscles ached and my
feet were a car crash, with blister popping and a dislodge toenail sloshing
around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBvmdLNolG4Jeh7S8O8P0x0teDZp0ZzwKGfH-9M7RnU7aBuf0O35EEQggHOfy0cOov3MVmOEztp0ksO3nsiVRoIOSYzWMhO6ss-hDil8EfPH3l95ozFtByvXR-cInlLUZPW-7sXQ1DYI/s1600/14650264_1149159755176189_1337738600868815037_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBvmdLNolG4Jeh7S8O8P0x0teDZp0ZzwKGfH-9M7RnU7aBuf0O35EEQggHOfy0cOov3MVmOEztp0ksO3nsiVRoIOSYzWMhO6ss-hDil8EfPH3l95ozFtByvXR-cInlLUZPW-7sXQ1DYI/s200/14650264_1149159755176189_1337738600868815037_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hit the wall hard and became
really cold and incoherent. I sat out
for a while and piled on some layers, which meant my muscles seized. Guy, the team physio, did his best to kneed
out some of the crap, but then I felt guilty for diverting his attention away
from the “real” runners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Izzy was also having a tough time
too and we ended up buddying up to do the death march. I really just wanted to sit down. Lie down.
Anything not to face the walk of shame over and over again, but Eddie
wouldn’t let me. I really didn’t see the
point in it then, but now I do. I
couldn’t understand why she was trying to force feed me every lap, but now I
do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Looking at the clock there were
still six long deadly hours to go. Izzy
and I laughed and cried together and talked lots about our 24-hour
retirement. When it goes wrong, it’s so
hard. It’s not like a distance where you
give it everything to get to the finish line.
The clock keeps ticking whether you’re sitting on your arse, shuffling
or sprinting around. You just feel like
it’s never going to end. It’s so much
easier to keep going when there’s a finish line in mind. My finish line was a target distance, but
that when down the toilet – quite literally – hours prior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The finish was awful. And the week following the race was even
worse. I just couldn’t take anything
positive from it. I’m not really a crier,
but I shed many tears. Having to relive
the drama as people wanted to know “what went wrong”. Any other race could have gone belly up and
it would have gone largely unnoticed. I,
of course, had to choose this one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDPZ0REuZeHHoldw_2P0pbaYNmWXC0DEqCw1DPDNOZUJWoGS0bgs3Iq9eDOy9OPzGNE4FXPw-0kxcP4ejuaRB1XyY7-j1pgYQ8jMz-W9S1MBcXPjMBm6m3FSPONtG3HQios99h6ZWW50/s1600/14725484_1154976397912320_5094570321136261562_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDPZ0REuZeHHoldw_2P0pbaYNmWXC0DEqCw1DPDNOZUJWoGS0bgs3Iq9eDOy9OPzGNE4FXPw-0kxcP4ejuaRB1XyY7-j1pgYQ8jMz-W9S1MBcXPjMBm6m3FSPONtG3HQios99h6ZWW50/s200/14725484_1154976397912320_5094570321136261562_n.jpg" width="131" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I did, however, have a great time
hanging out with the team. There were
some stellar performances from Dan Lawson – who won the race – Marco and James
Elson, who took men’s team silver. Like
me, Steve and Paddy’s races fell way below the usual distance but there were so
supportive and amazing on the course.
Robbie and Sharon called in time early on, both having started with an
injury. Ali made her GB debut to run
215km and finish first Brit. Out of the
10 runners, only two (Dan and Marco) ran
ran a qualifying distance to be reselected for the team, which is pretty
dismal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After what Izzy and I went
through and the things we talked about, I think we’re bonded for life. Unfortunately the photos of us in the
finishing hours may haunt us for some time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The final score was a very
disappointing 179km, a little short of my 221km previous best. I felt
humiliated and guilty for letting everyone down. I felt even worse for Eddie, who left her
three young kids and travelled from Morzine to witness my car crash. Eddie is fiercely competitive and
enthusiastic about everything. She tried
everything, but at the time I was convinced I was past the point of no return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcdVemJP7-2HTJhmN53Xqio-DSs1Fgb8Mu7IM69__9X22W5_UcjOdzvCoeEkut-ab7odpHkO6v0HNCOFtXOsqI8PzfxMl0ngHnCZYLDKya8aVeTW-D9-GNXnDMLZ-XruCUvxAzdjUUlY/s1600/14642223_10153867367931087_9107629485014685498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcdVemJP7-2HTJhmN53Xqio-DSs1Fgb8Mu7IM69__9X22W5_UcjOdzvCoeEkut-ab7odpHkO6v0HNCOFtXOsqI8PzfxMl0ngHnCZYLDKya8aVeTW-D9-GNXnDMLZ-XruCUvxAzdjUUlY/s320/14642223_10153867367931087_9107629485014685498_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I’m honest with myself, maybe
I had lost my head for 24-hour running.
Maybe I was cocky enough to think the race would fall into line with my
other races. Maybe I was complacent
enough to think I could rely on an ability to run long distances at a slower
pace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What I have now is real fire in
my belly to nail the 24-hour distance once and for all. There is absolute no way I ever want to feel
that way after a race again. I have
taken much stock, will sort out thing that went wrong and will working even
harder to achieve my goals for 2017. Alongside
my moto on life and tragedies, I also firmly believe everything happens for a
reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-36216414672131962016-09-08T12:00:00.001+01:002016-09-08T12:16:03.531+01:00Running Monthly September 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbbxkOBPtuR318odjTYLpCE0dyFHI2SuS1GG4vicHaJlSrErkF3IqvEMq-Q4iT_7jW2fKd9CmkngAguGUzdfQ75DilI4sanSjSTptJpTScsLl5Wu10011nMw6S5AHRXEOhRWUVto9px8/s1600/paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbbxkOBPtuR318odjTYLpCE0dyFHI2SuS1GG4vicHaJlSrErkF3IqvEMq-Q4iT_7jW2fKd9CmkngAguGUzdfQ75DilI4sanSjSTptJpTScsLl5Wu10011nMw6S5AHRXEOhRWUVto9px8/s640/paint.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-4817225783135779612016-08-23T19:50:00.000+01:002016-08-24T14:33:41.676+01:00North Downs Way 100 race report<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Top
line: 1</span><sup style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> lady, 6</span><sup style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> overall in 18:34 (CR)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/2955465">Strava</a>
stats <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>THE REASON:</u></b> This was a last minute entry, but not
necessarily a last minute decision. I
procrastinated about this one for a few months.
My plans for the year changed somewhat when I was selected to represent for the GB team for the European 24 hour Championships in October. I therefore had to give up my place at UTMB, as
the races are too close together. The
opportunity to wear the GB vest won over an elite start at UTMB. Not the worst position to be in, but it still
wasn’t an easy decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, I “needed” another race to bridge the gap from
SDW100 in June to Euros in October. The
only race that I really wanted to do was NDW100. Only eight was after SDW100 and 11 weeks
until the Euros, it was always going to be a gamble, but I had a mental list of
about 10 reasons why I wanted to do it.
There was method to my madness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>The RECCE:</u></b> I’d gone down to recce the second
half of the NDW100 route a few weeks prior the race, before I made my final
decision. Of course I chose the two
hottest days of the year, maxing out at 34 degrees, so that doubled up as good
heat training. Probably just as well I
was treated to dry weather, as it was very much a stop-start run. The course isn’t the easiest to navigate and
I must have checked the map about 50 times over the two days. I was definitely spoiled with signage on the
SDW, as I only recall checking the map once over the 100 miles recce. After that, and being the #racewanker that I
am, I spent hours watching YouTube videos of the course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So that’s how I found myself at 6am in Farnham on
August 6, ready to run 104 miles on a national trail through the
English countryside to Ashford in Kent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Farnham to Box Hill
Stepping Stones<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPiH_dv1j0Gw6PazsqiAH4DUY1hnxd7tDCHA9XSHDrMzjklmkpcIALvokzWnE0lRqeq28_BA6fFAuDO5s3F5xj0RAE9M-QqrF1gRbLpUrN7hDHVdY9U5GcsHJ8Y3zCb80dvFXbYx5oGc/s1600/IMG_6966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPiH_dv1j0Gw6PazsqiAH4DUY1hnxd7tDCHA9XSHDrMzjklmkpcIALvokzWnE0lRqeq28_BA6fFAuDO5s3F5xj0RAE9M-QqrF1gRbLpUrN7hDHVdY9U5GcsHJ8Y3zCb80dvFXbYx5oGc/s320/IMG_6966.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Stuart March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was glad to get started, as the pre-race nerves
were making me feel a bit nauseous.
After wriggling my way to the front the give RD James my jacket – I
called it team privilege – I found myself in with the speedsters. Other than a brief moment when (eventual)
second place lady, Annabelle Stearns was in front, I lead from the start. Not a position I’ve ever found myself in, and
something I found quite unsettling. I
knew there were a few females on the start with impressive marathon times, so
their easy pace was always going to quicker than my easy pace. I knew I was within my comfort level, so
wasn’t going too fast. Maybe they were
using me for pacing and were going to storm passed later in the race. I daren’t look back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yW1TJoCHO2xr1gNjYKe_W80pPfQeq2bjQe0PO3SfQF7JaStRYSMXbk-RuBNR2ll2Oe7_2rylq_P02hS19DHr_YCqPMQvMNv6YwgiTTGXtZr1zao_srCjjCVpTeNiZNqlx8JPWw7cJiw/s1600/CR-16-NDW100-Aid1Puttenham-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yW1TJoCHO2xr1gNjYKe_W80pPfQeq2bjQe0PO3SfQF7JaStRYSMXbk-RuBNR2ll2Oe7_2rylq_P02hS19DHr_YCqPMQvMNv6YwgiTTGXtZr1zao_srCjjCVpTeNiZNqlx8JPWw7cJiw/s320/CR-16-NDW100-Aid1Puttenham-62.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Stuart March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What started as a nice cool morning, was soon heating up
and within a few hours it was quite toasty.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I enjoyed the time exchanging conversations with a few runners, spending
the majority chatting to Scott Ulatowski.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The man-child with a massive personality, I really enjoyed his company. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">He’s a friend of my CR teamie Eddie who later
told me she was watching the live results and said to her husband “Scott is
either doing her head or she is enjoying the endless chat and it’s helping pass
the miles”.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh how she knows my
tolerance levels. Thankfully it was the latter, as we spent the majority of 50
miles within striking distance of each other.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had a sketchy pace/race plan, based on Sally
Ford’s course record run of 19:20 last year.
I knew Sally goes off faster than me, so I used our split times from our
retrospective SDW100 races as a gauge.
More race wankerage right? So my plan was to get to Box Hill checkpoint
in 3:45 ish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Box Hill to Knockholt<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So I got to Box Hill in 3:44:17, picked up some
water at the aid station and pushed on as I knew I was meeting the lovely Karen
Hathaway shortly after. My GB team mate,
Karen had kindly agreed to crew for me.
As the outright winner of epic races such as T184 and Thames Ring 250 –
where she didn’t even bother having a nap – I thought it best not to show any
weakness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was super excited about crossing the Box hill stepping
stones. After seeing so many photos of
the famous stepping stones, it was one of my main reasons for choosing the
race. No joke. Is it weird to say I had
a lump in my throat crossing over them? Or
maybe it was the fear of falling in!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujvo3Zvrgmi49sEpZBXVeg1JquUKgru6cz6q8FbL3mgWbM0oV4YyXrhi_aTqkNDEzHwQP0YQwRvrc2CuE2ogtzovyuRu_ovHZ-mJsb88x8CZU8KYd1WHzjkPv5z1muHW43nD8hc54KBQ/s1600/jamesleask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujvo3Zvrgmi49sEpZBXVeg1JquUKgru6cz6q8FbL3mgWbM0oV4YyXrhi_aTqkNDEzHwQP0YQwRvrc2CuE2ogtzovyuRu_ovHZ-mJsb88x8CZU8KYd1WHzjkPv5z1muHW43nD8hc54KBQ/s320/jamesleask.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by James Leask: Box Hill Trig Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There’s a cheeky climb up to the Trig point, so it
was nice to have a break from running. The
NDW is notorious for lots of steps, and so it began. But I was greeted by the first sight of
Karen, so that gave me a massive boost.
I think it was love at first sight for Scott too, as going forward Karen
was known as Mila Kunis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had lost the ability to eat real food pretty
early on.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I tried to eat a Trek bar,
which took me forever.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was really
overheating and even the thought of food made me feel nauseous.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So my race fuelling was Tailwind, shotbloks
and gels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Scott and I chatted loads, pretty much covering
love, life and the universe over the miles of woodland trails, open fields,
villages and lots of gates. Scott
laughing at my inability to open most of them, without having a mild tantrum. We parted briefly only at checkpoints, as he
took for-like-ever! But he caught up
soon after.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were joined by Dean for quite some time. Dean was the chap who was hell bent on making
sure I didn’t chick him on the SDW, so I’m sure he was <i>delighted</i> to see me. As we
started on the climb to Botley Hill, he was off. Jesus, he can HIKE! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then Andrea from Venice caught up, annoyed that
he’d gone off course a few times. I
shared a few miles with Andrea in Spartathlon, although I much worse for wear
back then. I did wonder why someone
who kept getting lost would run about with earphones in. Surely the logical step would be to remove
them and just focus on where you were going?
That's certainly why I was saving my disco tunes for the latter stages. My brain was way passed the ability to multi task. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arriving at Botley Hill aid station was fever pitch
excitement. I got to meet Cat Simpson is
actual real life. We’re
Strava/Facebook/Twitter/Intragram friends – which is obviously a real thing - and
although we’ve chatted, had never met in person. Even when she was second female at the SDW,
our paths still didn’t cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn’t need anything, so pushed on. To be joined by Matibini Matibini. I don’t think I could tire from saying his
name, it’s just too cool. After chatting
through our running history, I figured out that Matibini was the guy who sat on
my heels for the last eight miles of the C2C race in January. Literally on my heels. I only saw his face briefly when I passed
what looked like a broken man walking, only to have him breathing down my neck
for the remainder of race. My biggest
fear was that he was going to use me as a pacer again. For 60 miles! I had to keep telling myself to calm the f*ck
down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then we went off course. We got to a junction and followed the road to
the left. Running on, with Matibini a
split second behind, I saw Paul Radford ahead with a map out talking to a
driver. On approach Paul said we had
gone wrong as it wasn’t the route of the SDW50.
I checked the map on my phone and saw he was right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Backtracking, which may have been half a mile or
so, and picking up a few runners who had followed us we saw that someone had
taking the race tape off the tree. Scott
was tying it back on, joking that I shouldn’t have left him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next 5/6 miles to Knockholt were tough. It was ok in the shaded wooded sections, but
out in the fields we were getting fried by the midday sun. It was by far the lowest point of the race for
me and was dying on my ass! I kept
reminding myself that Lakeland 2014 and Spartathlon were way hotter, and they
turned out alright. I knew I had to get
through the next few hours and all would be ok.
And I prayed that Karen had managed to get the ice I asked for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I ran into Knockholt with Scott, and that’s where
we parted. Mainly because he was
spending more time at aid stations that I was. Although it could be that he’d had enough of
my purple face. My plan was to get to
this 50 mile CP in 8:30. Considering
that was rough guess as I’d never run on the course and got a bit lost, I was
pretty happy with 8:33. Especially after
a tough 10 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Knockholt to Delting <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was no ice but a big bucket of cold water,
which I soaked myself with. I picked up
some supplies from Karen and headed off – in the great comfort that I knew the
route from here. Mentally I could relax
and get into the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The toughest part of the heat was out on exposed
fields and running through towns. Five
miles on through Otford, I just felt lifeless.
I stopped in a café to ask for some ice.
Although there were very few words exchanged and looks of mild disgust, the
owner gave me three blocks of ice. I put
them in an arm warmer and tied it around my neck. It was a little bit of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A little bit of spark was returning. Passing through many fields and opening many
gates, I was gaining on Lawrence Eccles.
Another Spartahlon runner from last year. Lawrence always just looks so happy and we
chatted briefly before I passed. Through
the wheat fields and onto the dry and hot trail to the next aid station in
Wrotham.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arriving at Wrotham, I couldn’t see Karen. I stopped for a bit and filled up my bottles,
hoping she would appear from a car. A
jogged on for a bit and still couldn’t see her.
Before the next road crossing I stopped to call her to hear her in a
major panic because she’d gone to find me ice, got lost and ended up doing
shuttle drives along the motorway. Not
the biggest drama, because I had loads in my pack and the next aid station was
only five miles away. But Karen is a
real worrier and I knew she’d be beating herself up about it. We agreed to meet at the next crew point at
Ranscombe Farm at 70 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Following the road and trail for few miles, I then
hiked up the hill towards Vigo struggling to consume a GU gel - it's like trying to swallow a tennis ball - but felt the
benefit instantly. See Karen had done me
a favour, as I would have carried the gels – boking at the idea of actually taking
them – the whole way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Through Trosley Country Park I felt really good and
had some spring back in my step. I
caught up and ran with Norbert Mihalik for a few miles. We didn’t really chat, and that was
fine. We hiked up to Holly hill together
and arrived at the aid station together, but I only picked up and gel and left
quickly. Hoping to take advantage of the
new found lease of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There’s a lot of wooded areas over the next five
miles, I remember checking the map loads during my recce. Although it was well marked with CR race tape
from trees, I was really cautious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though it was after 5pm, it was still quite
warm. I tried to stay positive and
remind myself it would cool down soon.
And I would see Karen soon. The course
over to Medway Bridge seemed to take longer than I remember, but I was soon
greeted by Colin Barnes who told me crew point was just down the hill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though it was 6pm, I was so relieved that
Karen found ice. I later discovered she
had gone begging in a local pub for it.
I stuffed it into the arm warmer I was using round my neck. Elisabet Barnes, last year’s MdS winner and queen of the desert was
there and must have thought I was a right softie. Hardly a heat wave by her standards. Scott’s crew were there too, who had been
great and so supportive all day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I carried on towards the Medway Bridge, recalling
how awful it was during the real heatwave on my recce. The footpath over the bridge runs alongside
the M3 and reminded me so much of spartathlon – like being fried and gassed at
the same time. I was a huge relief to
get it out of the way, as it was one of the points of the race I wasn’t looking
forward to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGq3CHThNeKLZTBwJc06VxIJlJdIigVsCpzjocfYX-bU8aYEKJBOaD3GDfsGqnEWlqSjhnfsL_AmNSBUnLnlw2CMydLUZMxbNzVwxgm7KRqMjpQofDWSkS8LmA7uiCe1_Bv20KmXNAbqQ/s1600/IMG_6964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGq3CHThNeKLZTBwJc06VxIJlJdIigVsCpzjocfYX-bU8aYEKJBOaD3GDfsGqnEWlqSjhnfsL_AmNSBUnLnlw2CMydLUZMxbNzVwxgm7KRqMjpQofDWSkS8LmA7uiCe1_Bv20KmXNAbqQ/s320/IMG_6964.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then I started to have a mild panic. Elisabet was all dressed ready to run. Maybe she was pacing the second lady who was
closing in on me. And Elisabet is superfast!
Shit. Panic. But if there was something
to worry about, Karen would have told me.
Panic controlled to just lingering in the back of my mind to stop me
from slowing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz968dTUdSErMlvAT7AirFRvr4KWyIn6LBGX-CmH1A4OwZMRuDTm4vDYo0q2HZEgBShOkU0f7YB8deKiyhfFBFewNP_VmhXoK9stAblsgOKCDHEEoRYT9JZ8_-4PqwT7MTwNFQKaxcoMs/s1600/CR-16-NDW100-Aid10BluebellHill-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz968dTUdSErMlvAT7AirFRvr4KWyIn6LBGX-CmH1A4OwZMRuDTm4vDYo0q2HZEgBShOkU0f7YB8deKiyhfFBFewNP_VmhXoK9stAblsgOKCDHEEoRYT9JZ8_-4PqwT7MTwNFQKaxcoMs/s320/CR-16-NDW100-Aid10BluebellHill-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Stuart March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Things were starting to come together by then. Up through the fields and on to a long track,
which I knew went on for quite some time.
By the time I got to Bluebell Hill aid station (77 miles), I was feeling
really happy and loving it. Slightly
playing up for Stu’s camera, but I still felt a million times better than I did
20 miles before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The run from Bluebell to Detling was a dream!</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">That’s the rollercoaster ride of
ultra-running for you.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My legs were
fine and my fuelling was ok the whole time, I just needed to cool down.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was so happy, I was running along singing
to myself.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXZVo3cOaYu7CQ9i5AV8aTY1ydginbrnN8v0dtrsP9jrCjKlP0gJkOmRCfU79PWZU1evaJc_vgsNs4X8C_NRUiWUXVGVOUeCzBo-VUILIahbEyDWwKQlc8KnHuAKJ2BfG-MTO7pLwvIc/s1600/IMG_6967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXZVo3cOaYu7CQ9i5AV8aTY1ydginbrnN8v0dtrsP9jrCjKlP0gJkOmRCfU79PWZU1evaJc_vgsNs4X8C_NRUiWUXVGVOUeCzBo-VUILIahbEyDWwKQlc8KnHuAKJ2BfG-MTO7pLwvIc/s320/IMG_6967.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Stuart March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I arrived in the last major checkpoint Detling (82
miles) in 14:30, which was a little slower than I had planned – based on my
recce run – but still 17 minutes up on record pace. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Detling to Ashford</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Karen confirmed I had nothing to worry about as she
hadn’t seen another female runner all day and that I was gaining on the runner
in front who was 15 minutes ahead. I was
safe in the knowledge that if second lady was closing in, Marco would have been
on the phone telling Karen to scream at me.
Colin also told me that Elisabet was pacing Matibini. Then I remembered he can
really hang tough when he’s got someone doing the pacing for him. Still, I wasn’t bothered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The section from Detling to Hollingbourne is the
worst on the course. Maybe not the
worst, but definitely the slowest.
There’s a fair bit of climbing, but the route is really unkempt so it’s
hard to run throw overgrown bushes, trees roots, and thorny branches. During my recce I got strange looks at the
train station in Ashford, as my legs were covered in scratches and blood from
that section. Thankfully, by that point
in the race, I’d already lost the feeling in my legs from nettle stings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">During my recce run I was chased by cows (ok, they
might have moved in my direction) and then came across a rare breed of white
bull looking things with massive horns. Both had calves, so did massive detours round
fields and over fences to avoid them.
The situations had played on my mind in the build up to the race. I’m terrified of cows and not ashamed to
admit I lost of a bit of sleep pre-race because of it. One of my race goals was to get there before
I needed a head torch, just so I could see them in advance. The head torch was on, but both herds were
off the path. Thank goodness!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arriving in Hollingbourne (88 miles), I picked up two
soft flasks of coke. I was saving coke
for my hang-on-in-there last sections fuelling strategy. Once I start on coke it is hard to stomach
anything else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There’s a rolling track all the way to the end after
that. No significant climbs, but enough
undulation to make your legs think otherwise.
I was trying not to think of the 15 miles ahead and just focus on one
mile at a time. I was hard to recall
the route in the dark, but I remembered all the significant junctions/turns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Karen was very excited when I got to Charing (96
miles) as I was now only three minutes behind the two guys in front, which
obviously gave me a massive boost. In
my head I was sprinting, but my Garmin was telling me otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The track along to the final aid station is long
and straight. There are no significant
landmarks or route changes to remind me where I was. Arriving at Dunn Street Farm (99 miles), the
aid station was a bit back from the road so I just gave me name and number,
checked that I didn’t need to go in and just kept going. There were a few head torches in the aid
station, but I just assumed it was the marshals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Only five miles to go, I was through the fields
staying alert for the right turn though St Mary’s Church. As I turned I saw two head torches
approximately at a rapid rate. I knew
then I’d passed them at the checkpoint and whoever it was, wasn’t going to be
chicked. On the road, with a few miles
to go, Ry Webb and his pacer went storming passed me soon after. I tried to stay with them – mainly for some
company – but I lost the inclination (and ability) and dropped back to my own
pace. Even taking a few walking breaks,
as I was all out of energy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hitting Ashford, this time I took the right route
to sports stadium. Unlike my recce, when
I beyond fecked with dehydration and decided to add some extra distance. Again, I was kind of disappointed that the
man and the dog from Drew’s video wasn’t there, but I was pretty happy it was
going to be over. And I’d managed to
take another half hour off the record.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0sSuMyNJZ-EM2iD4D7J2ABzmj4LKSyE_fwghvhyphenhyphenWvVv0-3GK9zp9kbtSz7W5IGPBEFBJnVbu4DUGkvJojgpOLCYv9UAyE8WI9_VqqDyMaTEMQQ-P8R8_2SxTFL0_d_PMMbH8R1GGAXc/s1600/CR-16-NDW100-FINISH-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0sSuMyNJZ-EM2iD4D7J2ABzmj4LKSyE_fwghvhyphenhyphenWvVv0-3GK9zp9kbtSz7W5IGPBEFBJnVbu4DUGkvJojgpOLCYv9UAyE8WI9_VqqDyMaTEMQQ-P8R8_2SxTFL0_d_PMMbH8R1GGAXc/s200/CR-16-NDW100-FINISH-23.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC17ofYhem6OM2n_4ylDRHd3IP_TKUmU3BR1ik676Vad1C7p2Nbhc_xJhtVHA2e_eComWYsw_sjrHLSCIPDuIXzfeeXlHYvVXuheVUvvFLp-MFnHIZ-HMPgci-7eKpOyLTyxta-0bfZV8/s1600/CR-16-NDW100-FINISH-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC17ofYhem6OM2n_4ylDRHd3IP_TKUmU3BR1ik676Vad1C7p2Nbhc_xJhtVHA2e_eComWYsw_sjrHLSCIPDuIXzfeeXlHYvVXuheVUvvFLp-MFnHIZ-HMPgci-7eKpOyLTyxta-0bfZV8/s320/CR-16-NDW100-FINISH-21.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, I finished first lady with a new course record
of 18:34 (previous CR was 19:20) and was over the moon happy. It was a big risk doing the race, but a risk
that was worth taking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I couldn't have done it without Karen, who was amazing all day! Thank you xx</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3Zv_wFwi58W9e7uJvW_-525rCb5vNDE6VxvfdFhYRjYNwAQoK-yazjfatZOxEtu4s7BvaqXcSk11h4T_zFjW86NmakuCKKRYTdHZWbT5IWHZsIRA9eww4WadNaE3SAGIHCI5u2LmUkk/s1600/w63vmxub17h0kyjfhrvp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3Zv_wFwi58W9e7uJvW_-525rCb5vNDE6VxvfdFhYRjYNwAQoK-yazjfatZOxEtu4s7BvaqXcSk11h4T_zFjW86NmakuCKKRYTdHZWbT5IWHZsIRA9eww4WadNaE3SAGIHCI5u2LmUkk/s320/w63vmxub17h0kyjfhrvp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have now completed all of the CR 100 mile
races. That was one of my reasons for
doing NDW100. Plus, I’ve also got points
to reapply for UTMB. Another
reason. But above everything, it’s just
always great to be a part of Centurion races.
And such a great honour to wear the team shirt. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks, as always, to James, Drew, Nici and
all the great marshals… now what 50 milers can I do next?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Neil Kirby 16:46<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">James Poole 17:20<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">John Stocker 18:03<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Debbie Martin-Consani 18:34<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Annabelle Stearns 21:41<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 17.12px; text-align: justify;">Wendy Shaw 22:33</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHRNzQifU-ImUKdt0dfFaIw1EoZiSjpL9wOWoEB9WPtV-wUwj5toGY543T_srD9YPmr-QhMUs14Jhc2v33Y3u0FcyJKgYvBF1XEXKyU0x4-S9viIKnY4rp2TmGF8xzDpkxRyLWHg2XEk/s1600/CR-16-NDW100-FINISH-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHRNzQifU-ImUKdt0dfFaIw1EoZiSjpL9wOWoEB9WPtV-wUwj5toGY543T_srD9YPmr-QhMUs14Jhc2v33Y3u0FcyJKgYvBF1XEXKyU0x4-S9viIKnY4rp2TmGF8xzDpkxRyLWHg2XEk/s640/CR-16-NDW100-FINISH-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-32919485429679849352016-06-21T08:31:00.000+01:002016-06-21T21:03:38.966+01:00SDW100 Race report<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Top line … 17:12:41.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">1</span><sup style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">st</sup><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> lady.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">6th overall. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.centurionrunning.com/results/2016/sdw100-2016-race-report/">CR Race report</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.centurionrunning.com/results/2016/sdw100-2016-race-report/sdw100-2016-official-results/">Full results</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/606586154">Strava</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Standing in a field in Winchester wearing the signature
CR team yellow vest, the pressure was on.
I had the fear. Big time.
I eagerly awaited the signal of the 6am horn, so I could get started on
the journey on the South Downs Way to Eastbourne – a mere 100 miles and 12,000ft later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGk9hbXdrG46RJCa7xg7_LmwfAnprGBSqhnYjdCi7rAgppMw0PMUiU43CRTnqBV16FCc_2NeU9xDGFZjizJdCrZR26dBZjII939WevewJqhB5aJ7LRkHjPwWcRMKdri1fmnojTt3pm-g/s1600/IMG_5720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGk9hbXdrG46RJCa7xg7_LmwfAnprGBSqhnYjdCi7rAgppMw0PMUiU43CRTnqBV16FCc_2NeU9xDGFZjizJdCrZR26dBZjII939WevewJqhB5aJ7LRkHjPwWcRMKdri1fmnojTt3pm-g/s320/IMG_5720.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying farewell to my boy. Photo: Stuart March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Training had gone well, but I could have done with
another week’s taper. I was starting
with a bit of an on-going foot injury, but I wasn’t overly concerned about
it. It hurt in the latter stages of the
Highland Fling, but the ground on the SDW is more forgiving than the WHW. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For once, I trained – for a whole month - in
temperatures that the south of England usually enjoy this time of year. It’s not often we can say that,
but it looked like the weather gods had turned the map of the British Isles
upside down. In Glasgow, we were basking
in sunshine, while the southerners were enjoying something more typically Scottish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I have been known to obsess about climatic
conditions. The week of the race the
temperatures rose quite sharply, but looked to fall again for race day. I could handle 20 degrees. Maybe.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Winchester to Queen Elizabeth 22 miles (3:28hrs) 38th <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I said my final farewells to my crew – Marco, Paul and
Cairn – at 6am on the dot were off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEIlSX3mJceOAJoBsyRWPTtAW8wRAs5rfzJzkT6YAsVkdaOa06O7eveoIXJO7EDx5NP7yKzYuHPxjtSBYKBJVLxZwiU00ZMfB_uOA0cGsXIT_x8GCB11bPXLUT6ujIsQBs75v7wV42SU/s1600/IMG_5718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEIlSX3mJceOAJoBsyRWPTtAW8wRAs5rfzJzkT6YAsVkdaOa06O7eveoIXJO7EDx5NP7yKzYuHPxjtSBYKBJVLxZwiU00ZMfB_uOA0cGsXIT_x8GCB11bPXLUT6ujIsQBs75v7wV42SU/s320/IMG_5718.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lap of the field with Wendy - on her 14th CR 100 race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfsqrBskTgM4Nqi5Ef9eP-4310nvToMjU4g-LyoIYlX_aqrDq2juIG3hxoq-VV4vvnRDHQWKdrb43t0mhPcZUuaDhzRDkvbOwVRdNU290JQ7E_qKpDRYwmADgUVj9qHcAUMG3spHpgb4/s1600/SDW1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfsqrBskTgM4Nqi5Ef9eP-4310nvToMjU4g-LyoIYlX_aqrDq2juIG3hxoq-VV4vvnRDHQWKdrb43t0mhPcZUuaDhzRDkvbOwVRdNU290JQ7E_qKpDRYwmADgUVj9qHcAUMG3spHpgb4/s200/SDW1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Stuart March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I had some lose figures in my head (and pocket) but it
was hard to firm up a race plan. Although
I had recced the whole course over two weekends, I’d messed about chatting and
taking pictures. It was more about
learning the route and much less about running sections at race pace. I used the past three ladies’ winners as a
steer. I knew I’d be slower at the
start, but that’s just how I roll.
Anyone that I asked about my goals, the answer was “I’d like it to start with a 17”. Maybe it was more of an affirmation, but I still
made me feel pretty cocky saying it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNFNQeCxkccgddfeXajM9yDAhje_oz-gZw70h7y1jANOzNnDCL_2wYbE0N5A_RmxVfHAJRNYnx5rFXlbhTQRZ_mf-hvXZby5j9k7uaXsDx4W2ZiDtBMvxddssqdc69jP26gLCgDjPPU4/s1600/SDW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNFNQeCxkccgddfeXajM9yDAhje_oz-gZw70h7y1jANOzNnDCL_2wYbE0N5A_RmxVfHAJRNYnx5rFXlbhTQRZ_mf-hvXZby5j9k7uaXsDx4W2ZiDtBMvxddssqdc69jP26gLCgDjPPU4/s400/SDW2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Stuart March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvKgBzveVmjI9R7TZA6CZNH4ri_ZZ6vVnzvJBb3XCMQYJquLjdzU9W7rNtEwhBaAqTqcgJ9a8ZIWQzo4yejbaAoQDkwAzqxiZCf5HaUvT1EwAt3aF1AALo4Qu8A8yxlx5ibU6KY5kLq4/s1600/IMG_5658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvKgBzveVmjI9R7TZA6CZNH4ri_ZZ6vVnzvJBb3XCMQYJquLjdzU9W7rNtEwhBaAqTqcgJ9a8ZIWQzo4yejbaAoQDkwAzqxiZCf5HaUvT1EwAt3aF1AALo4Qu8A8yxlx5ibU6KY5kLq4/s200/IMG_5658.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jon Lavis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfIHTBbuaH6MzuDOlJT_4BVxj1XHUhLPRgwNTVvK1n1PWzQw61AjJ-uqeynyoH8fgWORHNeDNFdJvAHYeWqOENwjrA60TStfNMgduSQYaDAgom3HmD-W69gWQXGYRt-SFJkRXM6l5fLM/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfIHTBbuaH6MzuDOlJT_4BVxj1XHUhLPRgwNTVvK1n1PWzQw61AjJ-uqeynyoH8fgWORHNeDNFdJvAHYeWqOENwjrA60TStfNMgduSQYaDAgom3HmD-W69gWQXGYRt-SFJkRXM6l5fLM/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jon Lavis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Rather than pluck numbers of the sky, I kept my plan
pretty simple.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Easy and by effort.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">It’s pretty basic, but it always amazes me
how many people I overhear saying they are going too fast at the start.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">I had the lyrics to Guns ‘n’ Roses. Patience
going over and over in my head “…take it slow.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">It will work itself out fine.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">All
you need is just a little patience”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">It was lovely chatting to Wendy, Kit-Yi and Leanne on
route to the 10 mile aid station at Beacon Hill Beeches.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">I pressed on, as I’d carried enough to see me
through to the first crew point at 22 miles.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Or so I’d thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Although the temperatures were kinder, the humidity
wasn’t the best for running. I was
pretty much drenched by then and drinking way more than I usually do. I’m so used to running around the trails and
hills in Scotland and the Lake District, so being in an area I can’t top-up-al-fresco
is alien to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9ySjl7OplVkn9mGytkYnkvlCd6Fh8IDkAn4BBXBSMyJYFd8kDP9zGxv-peJYxhO0wzYCVtZAnOFOiurX2SD-CehY6T0JcGtIuCMCmob-awsEngq0K-u4891kcGdD1WlNpGnD7U808VY/s1600/vassos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9ySjl7OplVkn9mGytkYnkvlCd6Fh8IDkAn4BBXBSMyJYFd8kDP9zGxv-peJYxhO0wzYCVtZAnOFOiurX2SD-CehY6T0JcGtIuCMCmob-awsEngq0K-u4891kcGdD1WlNpGnD7U808VY/s200/vassos.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jon Lavis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was catching up with a briefly chatting with a few
runners over the next few miles and then ran with Radio 2’s Vassos Alexander
for a few miles. Check me, randomly
throwing in a celebrity running buddy!
He’s a really nice chap, who just loves life and shows genuine interest
in people. We chatted loads before
parting company at Queen Elizabeth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Queen Elizabeth Car Park to Cocking 35 miles (3:28 - 5:39) 23rd<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">By the time I’d met my crew I’d tipped over to the incoherent
side of dehydration. I guzzled loads,
picked up two bottles and a few snacks and left, with a view to keeping support points to a minimum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjFzm8L5FOIrlTGkcAsDge1BkD7Rqd4QBwbjo_lrftHFwWePV60rpKixECQao20jNxroN3GypFrpXLaZyry7fn343wVfs3sZD9n5mdczGDbLanR-PzaYg1dAA7FHKVzCEVCRGT3YLY9g/s1600/IMG_5662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjFzm8L5FOIrlTGkcAsDge1BkD7Rqd4QBwbjo_lrftHFwWePV60rpKixECQao20jNxroN3GypFrpXLaZyry7fn343wVfs3sZD9n5mdczGDbLanR-PzaYg1dAA7FHKVzCEVCRGT3YLY9g/s320/IMG_5662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jon Lavis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The results tell me I was 38th position. I passed Sarah Sawyer before the checkpoint
and I knew Jess Gray was ahead, so I was second female. I’d asked my crew not to give me any updates
about where I was in the race until at after half way. And even then on a need-to-know basis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I marched up the hill through the wooded trail feeling
a little woozy. The humidity was really
taking its toll here and I struggled to run on the hills. The next section is a bit of a blur. I drank nearly a litre of fluid over the six
miles and I could have done with more. At
Harting Downs (27 miles) my crew told me everyone seemed to be struggling with
humidity, so I took comfort in the fact it wasn’t just me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcngJJ57FRAhW9h5RKgUEVVKNmbHkyQtnlfxfk0UgsX95VToHBFMH8j4Q5mPd_dKi6gMmtV0hLzKXm2ZdnB3zNGfzImBK9a_TsAby4FEqYNrbT7cNVWTnpVsHDPv42IUCrwDu8ytymog/s1600/IMG_5663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcngJJ57FRAhW9h5RKgUEVVKNmbHkyQtnlfxfk0UgsX95VToHBFMH8j4Q5mPd_dKi6gMmtV0hLzKXm2ZdnB3zNGfzImBK9a_TsAby4FEqYNrbT7cNVWTnpVsHDPv42IUCrwDu8ytymog/s200/IMG_5663.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harting Downs. Photo: Jon Lavis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">From then I had an invasion of negative thoughts going
on, and I was quite literally shaking my head.</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">I was using Eddie’s trick of simply counting, which seemed to clear the
crazy and helped loads.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My niggling foot was ok on soft ground, but anything
rocky and it was a bit ouchy. Although
my shoe choice - Salomon S-lab Sense – were perfect for the course, terrain and
conditions. They probably weren’t the
wisest choice with a foot issue and the small matter of 100 miles. My crew had my back-up shoe, La Sportiva
Bushido at the ready. But I never
changed into them. In hindsight…yes, hindsight
is a wonderful thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Grimacing on the rocky descent to Worthing, I arrived
to see the smiling faces of Iain and Sharon Bareham. It was lovely to see them. I was told by the CP marhals that I was
first lady, but knew that was a mistake.
I arrived at 5:38. Two minutes
ahead of my sketchy 5:40 target. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cocking to Washington 54 miles (5:39-8:49) 14th<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was looking forward to the hike out of Cocking. Two chaps went running past me, which made me
doubt my effort. Maybe I shouldn’t be
walking. But it was hot and it was
early, so I let it slide. I passed them
both again within about two miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was slowly starting to come around again. By the time I hit Bignor Hill, I was back in
the game. I stopped to pick up some
water, as I wasn’t meeting me crew for a miles.
On arrival I was told Jess was 10 minutes ahead. I was surprised it wasn’t more, but wasn’t
concerned. The same chap went to double check
and informed me it was 14minutes. I was
still surprised it wasn’t more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The little jog up Bignor reminded me of the great day
I had with Karen Hathaway on the course.
The views are just stunning. I
nearly planked a few times taking it all in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I met my crew in the sprawling metropolis of
Amberley. Picked up some fluids and
Shotbloks, downed some fizzy water…and then spent the next mile belching. Classy.
But I was in my happy place.
Lesson learned. Getting so
dehydrated early on caused me at least 15 miles of discomfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was starting to pick it up again and ran straight through
Kitchust Hill and Chantry Post aid stations.
I had enough to keep me going, and just wanted to focus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The descent to Washington seemed to take longer than
expected. I passed a wedding party, who
must have been delighted with the influx of sweaty runners. Although, I had just caught three of the
wedding guests peeing al fresco, so swings and roundabouts and all that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Marco and Cairn were sitting on the grass along from
the church and told me I’d now closed to 9 minutes on Jess, but when I got to
the checkpoint (54 miles) she was still standing there. I didn’t hang about, as I had to find where
my crew had parked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Washington to Clayton Windmills 70 miles (8:49-11:44) 9th<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I picked up some supplies from the guys and moved on, seeing Jess
approaching. I was crossing the field
when I heard someone approaching rapidly.
I thought Jess had really put a sprint on, but it was Marco. Panicked because I forgot to pick up my
headtorch, which was a race rule to carry from Washington. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I chatted with Jess briefly, before pushing on. I know she’s feisty so didn’t expect her to
give it up easy, but I refuse to look back in races. Whenever I see someone looking back, I know
I’ve got them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was trotting along quite nicely and heard what I
thought was something banging in my back.
I presumed it was my head torch, so tried to body shuffle readjust. Then I realised it was Jess’ footsteps, as
she was literally on my heels. This
continued for the next four to five miles to Botolphs (61 miles). Us, inches apart. Earphones in.
Stoney silence. I found the
situation a little bit disconcerting. It wasn’t until I got to aid station and
stopped to pick up some Coke, I looked back and she wasn’t there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I marched up the hill and was greeted to the sight of
a smiling Dan Lawson – looking like he'd gone up a few pantone numbers on the tanning colour chart. Maybe it was the stress/exertion of the
previous few miles, but I was starting to dip a little again. Dan was out for a jog and was planning on turning
at to Devil’s Dyke, so jogged along chatting loads. I concentrated on getting
some calories in without barfing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I crossed over the road at Devil’s Dyke a bit confused
about where the crew point was. I
thought it might have been the next car park, so pushed on. I heard some shouting behind and turned to
see Paul, Marco and Cairn running down the road with carrier bags. It was a comical sight. They confirmed what I already suspected,
Jess had dropped out. I swapped bottles,
picked up a few bits and ran on down Saddlescomb, joking with the two guys I
passed that they were getting chicked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">At the farm, I briefly chatted to Jason Lewis who was
stopping his race there. He’s since
discovered he had pneumonia, so that’s a pretty legitimate DNF story. I didn’t stop at the CP, but I got a real
buzz from the cheers I got from the ladies there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was feeling on top of the world and just loving
it. Unlike traditional road running
distances, the best thing about ultra-running is that you can hit some horrible
lows in races, but pull it back to high-kicking status. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I remember the road crossing at the golf course being
super busy, so I stopped, took my earphones out and looked left and right about
10 times. No road crossing dramas this
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I saw the ever-smiling Mark Perkins with his wife
Sarah and their kids approaching. Mark
is also on the Centurion team and although we’ve chatted over the last couple
of years, we’ve never actually met in person.
Fever-pitch excitement. Sorry
for the squealing and sweaty hugs, guys.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Next stop the Clayton Windmills. Although I didn’t actually stop, just acknowledged
my arrived and left. I was starting to
feel a little bad as all the aid stations volunteer were amazing and poised
ready to help and I like “Eh, can I go now”… and pushed on to meet my crew two
miles later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Clayton Windmills to Southease 84 miles (11:44-14:13) 8th<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Then I met The Naveseys! It didn’t actually see them at first. Just their MASSIVE German Shepherd Zach. Hugs all round. Except for Zach. He was eyeing me up as an afternoon snack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Then I had some company from a super cute
five-year-old, Charlie, who broke away from his parents on a family walk to run
alongside me. The kid had some great
chat and some serious endurance, so I had to play the race-back-to-Dad as fast
as you can game. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I met Marco and Paul at Ditchling Beacon (72 miles) for
some last supplies before the 12 mile stretch. After saying farewell, I was
starting to feel the effects of sweating and chafing. I’ll spare you the graphics but I reapplied some Vaseline, peed what can only be described creosote and popped a
blood blister on my foot with the pin from my race number. I didn’t really spare you anything there, did
I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After I popped the blister, I did that half-run,
half-limb run down the descent to Housedean Farm aid station. But hey, it took the focus off my quads. It’s funny how something can hurt, but
another issue comes along to replace the discomfort focus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I stopped for two cups of a Coke and a brief chat to
the aid station volunteers and John from Lyon and Simon before heading over the
bridge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On the climb (sorry don’t know the official name)
which seems to make an unnecessary u-bend, I saw a runner in the distance. I was trying to make out who it was. It looked like Duncan Oakes. If it was, he was having a stinker of a race because he’s a machine and frequently schools the youngsters on racing. Anyway, whoever it was knew it was me
gaining as they seemed to pick it up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My quads were aching again, but nothing more than the I’ve
just run an undulating 80 miles kind of ache.
Foot and blister were fine though. See?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I passed through the village on my way to the railway
crossing and the final (timed) aid station.
This is where I stayed during my recce, so was in familiar
territory. I also knew there was a nice
climb coming up, so didn’t want to prolong the effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Southease to Eastbourne 100 miles (14:13-17:12) 6th<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I caught up with Duncan on the climb. He was, as ever, smiling and being very
gracious. On any other day Duncan would
have been well on his way to finishing the race by that time. But he was suffering from a chest infection,
so put ego and plans aside just to finish.
That’s why everyone has such huge admiration for Duncan. He just gets the job done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There was another runner in front with a pacer. Even from a long way off I could see he was distressed about seeing me. I honestly
couldn’t have cared less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">At this point I was estimating a 17:25-17:30, based on
previous ladies’ winners’ splits. Again
it was hard to gauge, but I didn’t want to mess about and miss the sub 17:30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Then I saw Claire Shelley bounding towards me with her
usual plugged-into-the-mains energy levels.
You can’t help but smile when you see Claire, so it was lovely to see
her. Then her sidekick and my CR teamie,
Drew came through the carpark saying all the right things like “flying”,
“crushing it” etc. Didn’t even matter if it
wasn’t true, but it gave me real boost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I know the next crew point is called Bo Peep car park and
the clue is in the name, but there were fecking sheep everywhere. Which is fine, if they didn’t think you were
chasing them and frantically running all over the place! My footwork was struggling to negotiate frantic sheep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Last support point, I picked up some Coke, a Garmin
back up and my Petzl Nao. I carried the
Tikka for kit purposes, but the Nao is far superior. Especially with a defunct brain. See you in Eastbourne, guys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was happy to do this section in (almost) daylight as
I was concerned about the faint track in the grass. It’s hard enough to follow during the
day. Thankfully I didn’t need to turn on
the headtorch until about half a mile before Alfriston. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I arrived at the aid station and pushed on to come
face-to-face with a herd of cows. I
wasn’t so gallus then, as I circumnavigated the field, knee deep in cow
shit. There was just no way I was going
through them. I even turned off my
head torch so they couldn’t see me. True
story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After stopping at the Alfriston CP, Dean Oldfield and
his pacer, Stephen passed me again. Obviously
super impressed with my cow whispering skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There’s a long climb out of Alfriston which, on fresh
legs, is very runnable. But a fast hike
was suiting me just fine. Then is
plateaus across some grassy sections, before a steep descent in the final aid
station in Jevington. Last year’s lead
runner got lost here – yes, with three miles to go – so I was being very
cautious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Again “Do I need to come in?” No, bye.
Another big climb up to the final trig point, where the race route breaks
from the SDW and follows an alternative course down to Eastbourne. I made the mistake during my recce run,
missed the trig and ended up going to Eastbourne twice. Even in the dark I was baffled how I ever
made that mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I can’t remember what time I hit the trig, but I was
amazed at how much time I had to get to finish only 2.5 miles away! Of course
in my excitement, I missed a turn and ended up scrambling back through some
jaggy bushes. Only thing I was concerned
about was not ripping my skort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby2fyeAEK4vlzlKJzHaqY4rRth9dEw3H0sg39Sid1Jof7ZR-RKCrN_GrBLXwRKobfawIEF60PzW5D4BCb_2RIZMaWee2D0O1JXxAxWrHZ7AgjMtebJJyTXhwW1wjEgxwCsRDDYo7G4Hk/s1600/IMG_5724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby2fyeAEK4vlzlKJzHaqY4rRth9dEw3H0sg39Sid1Jof7ZR-RKCrN_GrBLXwRKobfawIEF60PzW5D4BCb_2RIZMaWee2D0O1JXxAxWrHZ7AgjMtebJJyTXhwW1wjEgxwCsRDDYo7G4Hk/s200/IMG_5724.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Then I was out on the road. Nearly out in front of a van, because my legs
didn’t stop in time. I honestly couldn’t
believe how much energy I had.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Although
I’d run this section before, I was starting to worry that I was on the wrong
road. It wasn’t until I recognised a few
buildings that I settled and reminded myself to enjoy the final stretch. Then I took the left turn down the path to the sports centre –
which seemed to take longer than last time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDZRRK61bgLRXASC8dngXHsp4hFJmuI-lJqLlSbhyphenhyphenL1QklhWyDSPcru1kDZCMSs8IS3EQdn_nbmk2arb8IrvcqVyn2XkjZlnrkzssnP8wKfJrYTgRKkn_d0GzzrWzH_qklxntL8fqpI4/s1600/IMG_5713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDZRRK61bgLRXASC8dngXHsp4hFJmuI-lJqLlSbhyphenhyphenL1QklhWyDSPcru1kDZCMSs8IS3EQdn_nbmk2arb8IrvcqVyn2XkjZlnrkzssnP8wKfJrYTgRKkn_d0GzzrWzH_qklxntL8fqpI4/s320/IMG_5713.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And there it was.
The mecca that is Eastbourne Sports Centre. The race involves a lap of the track before
finishing under the gantry. Cairn was
sitting poised ready to kick my ass on the sprint again. But this time he burned out and had to wait
for him. Pah! Take that, kid. In his head he still thinks he “won” though.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">So I finished in 17:12:41…. Happy, happy, happy! Maybe I could have gone for the 16:56 record, but it's not worth pondering over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlx91vGjJ5VkuyQm4bhxdx2JIK3z-gnwMbOPfcLi4te26J4_wi3EJXySTWFcx-ArVQfOGsZ5OfPzgy8f8C6HVS7iCbu4Cx5FMCPoka4K_HqyhCjlVKpgDZ34NnfpB_Kdnmr91nALm2n0/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlx91vGjJ5VkuyQm4bhxdx2JIK3z-gnwMbOPfcLi4te26J4_wi3EJXySTWFcx-ArVQfOGsZ5OfPzgy8f8C6HVS7iCbu4Cx5FMCPoka4K_HqyhCjlVKpgDZ34NnfpB_Kdnmr91nALm2n0/s320/IMG_5777.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best crew ever!! xx Photo Stu March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Thank you so much to my amazing crew, Marco, Paul and Cairn who were, as always, simply phenomenal. I couldn't have done it without them. Paul continues to be my lucky charm. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Big hugs to James, Nici, Drew and all the aid station volunteers. The support around the course was truly amazing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Think I’ll be grinning about this for a long time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Although arriving home, Cairn was telling me about all the things he was going to say for “news” at school…running a kids’ race, ice cream on the beach, sleeping in a van. When I asked if Mum winning a race would feature in this list he replied “Mum, you didn’t win. People finished before you”. So harsh.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWSpVcOWeJbsR1U6mhaRlUTI2CVcFygnjQX35TreRFkMkYHX2hgGQbawQ_Fg90di2aTnbpw3OVaW8nXaSpy4OTLsoNY72NV9sc-g91o8j9o2mamwTFNo6qHUrg0OnDShqCiDWzhZWtSg/s1600/IMG_5719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWSpVcOWeJbsR1U6mhaRlUTI2CVcFygnjQX35TreRFkMkYHX2hgGQbawQ_Fg90di2aTnbpw3OVaW8nXaSpy4OTLsoNY72NV9sc-g91o8j9o2mamwTFNo6qHUrg0OnDShqCiDWzhZWtSg/s320/IMG_5719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><u>Men's race</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;">Neil Kirby 15:30</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;">Ian Hammett 15:46</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;">Ally Watson 16:28</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;"><u>Ladies' race</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;">Debbie Martin-Consani 17:12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;">Cat Simpson 19:08</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow", sans-serif;">Maryann Devally 19:33</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-77621625670943876302016-05-12T20:11:00.000+01:002016-06-22T14:46:53.440+01:00Hoka Highland Fling 2016<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">With the
rise of ultra-running and new races popping up all over, it’s often too easy to
pick a race just to appear at the pointy end of the results. I appreciate you’re only as good as who turns
up on the day, but I’ve been known to refer to them as “Mickey Mouse races”. And I've done a few ;-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">This year’s
Hoka Highland Fling certainly wasn’t one for pot hunters. As host to the UK Trials and Scottish
Athletics </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">National Ultra Trail
Championships, the depth of talent within the 700+ runners was by far the best the UK
has ever seen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve always been a part of the race - mostly crewing - since
2008. And ran it in 2010 and 2011
finishing 3<sup>rd</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> lady. The latter being a bit of car crash, as I was
(not so) fresh from running a 100k road race four weeks early. My previous best was 9:39 and as I’d like to
think I’ve improved as a runner in the last five years, I always vowed I’d go
back and run a time I’d be satisfied with.
Like, for now, I’m happy with my results from WHW race and Devil o’ the
Highlands. So, I needed to address the balance
for all three races on the West Highland Way.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, that’s how I found myself standing shoulder to shoulder with
some of the UK’s finest ultra-distance runners at 6am on a chilly Saturday morning
in Milngavie. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The field was – as our stateside friends would say - stacked. In the ladies race, I was up against the
likes of: USA’s Devon Yanko; GB trail runners Sally Fawcett, Lizzie Wraith and
Bonnie Van Wilgenburg; Sophie Grant and new-kids-on-the-block, Beth Pascall and
Sophie Mullins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don’t have the raw speed – and probably the self-belief - to
compete well at 50 miles. I think I’m
more competitive over longer distances, when my stubbornness and pacing ability
comes into its own. Although I had taken confidence from a second place finish and
10<sup>th</sup> overall at the Montane Lakeland 50 last summer - in a time that
would have taken GB silver at the championships the year before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I had my eye on a Scottish Championship medal. As did Sophie Mullins, who had just won the
Scottish 100k </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Championship.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Caroline
McKay and Nicola Adams-Henry, who finished 2</span><sup style="line-height: 107%;">nd</sup><span style="line-height: 107%;"> and 3</span><sup style="line-height: 107%;">rd</sup><span style="line-height: 107%;">
respectively at last year’s race, both running sub nine hours. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">And Helen Leigh, Morgan Windram-Geddes and
Lorna McMillan. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">ilngavie to Drymen (total
12 miles) 1hr 43 (104<sup>th</sup> overall 25<sup>th</sup> lady)<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As suspected the race went off fast. Very fast.
The 12 miles to the checkpoint at Drymen was always going to be a race
within a race. It’s not my style to get
caught up in the excitement, I just wanted to stick to my own plan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsCdWqdXpuwAg0rUSttTtA2UGSpcN8g7NKFtCumIAH5-N1uWS82Etn6ajWFPFQT-CVoHBRTMAfOf5a36jq_BfnqHWGWkXOF9vmisXTQYRsfK65fpP2sLbkB2mrWZODhGZl2d5J6MedrI/s1600/todrymen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsCdWqdXpuwAg0rUSttTtA2UGSpcN8g7NKFtCumIAH5-N1uWS82Etn6ajWFPFQT-CVoHBRTMAfOf5a36jq_BfnqHWGWkXOF9vmisXTQYRsfK65fpP2sLbkB2mrWZODhGZl2d5J6MedrI/s320/todrymen.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Arriving in Drymen. Pic: Muriel Downie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Familiar faces passed me early on asking if I was injured or using
the race as a training run. Neither was
true. Basically I wanted to run within
myself for the first 20 miles and then see what happened. Although I had a race plan, that plan didn’t
involve anyone else or a race position. I
knew I would probably see those familiar again later in the race. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Marco and Cairn were on crew duty for the day. I arrived bang on schedule at 1:43. Joking with Marco about being exact to the
minute, I exchanged a bottle and kindly threw my rubbish at him and moved
on. No information was passed, as I
wanted to remain blissfully unaware of the race ahead or my position until at
least Beinglas (41 miles). My only
competition was myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Drymen to Rowardennan
(total 27 miles) 4hr 08 (53<sup>rd</sup> overall and 15<sup>th</sup> lady)<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 17.0pt 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The first section of the race is my
least favourite, so I was glad to get it out of the way. Plus, I knew the early
fast and flat miles would wipe out a few over-zealous participants, and that’s always
when the race really starts. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kKTPhq_J2lu12wlJjyt-4_BvptPwY4j-cwNIYxbT10IrYeCLepSh9pYWxxsjwiLRw7lLb0xsJSdKzCRQYJvzuqx8q6yqgs__m41mnk0sZSnds6qmAXGNkebnCV98oHbwtPolfsgbBsM/s1600/conicJosh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kKTPhq_J2lu12wlJjyt-4_BvptPwY4j-cwNIYxbT10IrYeCLepSh9pYWxxsjwiLRw7lLb0xsJSdKzCRQYJvzuqx8q6yqgs__m41mnk0sZSnds6qmAXGNkebnCV98oHbwtPolfsgbBsM/s320/conicJosh.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Conic Hill. Pic Josh Hewitson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m not really big on running with
people during races, but I do enjoy brief exchanges. I ran with Kristof from Poland for a few
miles, just chatting through our plans for the year and bucket list of races. By the time I hit the bottom of Conic Hill, I
pushed on, looking forward to a fast hike and something to eat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In true Fling form, which traditional
brings fine weather, we were greeted with blue skies and sunshine.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Although there was a nip in the air, the cool
temperatures and dry ground was optimal for racing.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I arrived at Balmaha in 2:52 (ish) and
swapped another bottle and grabs a few gels from Marco. Quick hug from my bestie, otherwise known as
the Gibbering Midget. She was “the boss”
of the Balmaha CP and drop bags, a role which I’m sure she relished and shone
;-) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIchOXM0wp5-zprMqnX31WPc3kVQ34di_UgARizzgwwg9PZo2CYT8Igbw6l28ZQ6kRm99nO6JTXsn13w0TlqsJASlk2gg9lHqiQ-t2y92GVHAXn1zgH1M6KuSZJp8zgsE89v2tNEpWknA/s1600/alonglochlomondside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIchOXM0wp5-zprMqnX31WPc3kVQ34di_UgARizzgwwg9PZo2CYT8Igbw6l28ZQ6kRm99nO6JTXsn13w0TlqsJASlk2gg9lHqiQ-t2y92GVHAXn1zgH1M6KuSZJp8zgsE89v2tNEpWknA/s320/alonglochlomondside.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Loch Lomond side. Pic Patricia Carvalho</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Along Loch Lomond side, the views of the
glistening water and hills beyond were breath-taking. Talking to runners on the route who were
enjoying their debut run on the WHW, made me feel so proud to be Scottish. Although they should try it on a real
Scottish day to get the true experience.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I love the cheekiness and mixed terrain
on this section. From shingled beach, to
rocky path, compressed track, a few steep inclines and wooded areas with tree
roots designed to test your fancy footwork.
Regardless of the amount of times I’ve run this over the years, it’s
always tougher than I remember it </span>being.
Although I was happily catching and briefly chatting to runners. <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Rowardennan
to Beinglas (total 41 miles) 6hr 38 (32<sup>nd</sup> overall and 7<sup>th</sup>
lady)</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Arriving at Rowardennan, I could see
Marco was having a tough time keeping tabs on the kid. Cairn loves the freedom of outdoors, but he’s
a bit of a liability. Typical boy
really. I don’t think I was helping his
stress levels when I had a mild strop because I wanted “TWO SHOT BLOKS” and he’d
only brought one out to the CP – as per my plan. My
race disclaimers is…what goes on the course, stays on the course. Covers a multitude of sins. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rowardennan to Beinglas is my
favourite. Some runners struggle with
the technical bits, but I think it suits my running form – short stride and
high cadence. Plus, it helps to stay
positive about the inevitable slowing of pace and just embrace the suck. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I knew I ran my best over these miles,
but results tell me I was 16<sup>th </sup>overall for that section, which I’m
quite happy with. It also meant I passed
quite a lot of runners, including a few fe</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">males in contention for Scottish
Championship medals and some of my local (male) heroes. At any other distances they would leave me
for dust. Actually they did a few hours
earlier, they just couldn’t sustain it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I know the sport of ultra-distance
running is renowned for its camaraderie, but I get such a boost passing people
and - please don’t judge me for saying this but - even more so if they look
ruined.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Heading into Beinglas, I was feeling on
top of the world and had gained on my club mate, Nicola Adams-Henry. Nicola is a super strong runner and was 3<sup>rd</sup>
in the race last year, but she looked like she had slowed considerably. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My main goal was to get there feeling
good, as the last half marathon can make a break the race. I honestly couldn’t believe how sprightly I
felt. I may have been slightly playing
up for the small crowd that was gathered there though. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Beinglas
to Tyndrum (total 53 miles) 8:44 (Finished 26<sup>th</sup> overall and 6<sup>th</sup>
lady)</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj0icmBVW96xmhUYCde-lFbieG4mnKOyRUqTp3i6PrahUahnuEi2N89VLaq_woWdTLMP1Nb-W-IF0luGUknf_0NdPrri1xR_OL-nyDYOc5MddTmtcw7Qsc4ioJft99qgr3xh_L3GfCu0/s1600/leavingbeinglas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj0icmBVW96xmhUYCde-lFbieG4mnKOyRUqTp3i6PrahUahnuEi2N89VLaq_woWdTLMP1Nb-W-IF0luGUknf_0NdPrri1xR_OL-nyDYOc5MddTmtcw7Qsc4ioJft99qgr3xh_L3GfCu0/s320/leavingbeinglas.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leaving Beinglas. Pic Vicky Hart</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Quick pick up of some Coke from Marco,
which I was saving it for the last section and some Shot Bloks (I think he had
about five this time) and off I went.
Feeling dynamite. Maybe the short
burst of excitement was a bit much, as half a mile later I was practically
swaying. I felt like the life had been
sucked out of me and every incline felt like a mountain. Nicola passed me again. I think the sight of me was the kick up the
ass she needed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I vowed not to do my usual and refuse to
eat in the latter stages and forced myself to take on fuel. After what is affectionately known as Coo Poo
Alley – trust me, that’s not mud - I was starting to feel better and picked it
up again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I spotted GB trail team runner, Bonnie
on the climb above Crianlarich. In turn,
I think the sight of Bonnie was the kick up the ass I needed. I was hands-on-quads marching up the hill at
that point, but even in the distance I knew she was hitting the same low I had
just wriggled my way out of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I passed her and then another two
runners, and felt a big surge of energy.
Even with only a few miles to go, I wasn’t willing the race to end. I was just content to be there. Last bottle change from Marco and I only had
three miles to go. It was only then that
Marco told me I was 6<sup>th</sup> lady.
He was trying to push me to catch Nicola, but she was end of sight
having run a storming last section.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Gibbering Midget had come out for a
run and was cheering as I passed through Auchtertyre Farm. It must have been a momentous occasion as she
took a photo. I don’t recall her ever
taking a photo before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Heading into Tyndrum the bagpipers
welcome every runner though. I’m not
usually a fan of bagpipes, but for one day every April it’s the best sound in
the world. And just one of the many little touches that
make the race so magical</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU69frnfpOF1I2Lfwl2iNCgFkSYXrj1s-kkPo20_SHAF52W_DSUS1PnI9GzC4ijW8_wPOY3IHG_1j4QhqqX8FJbw7Clu7qlwwt4Ba0xeOyOTpYvmc9N2BpyaW2Dx1CmQmy07lS5CV0Ex0/s1600/springfinishwithcairn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU69frnfpOF1I2Lfwl2iNCgFkSYXrj1s-kkPo20_SHAF52W_DSUS1PnI9GzC4ijW8_wPOY3IHG_1j4QhqqX8FJbw7Clu7qlwwt4Ba0xeOyOTpYvmc9N2BpyaW2Dx1CmQmy07lS5CV0Ex0/s320/springfinishwithcairn.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dropped by Cairn. Pic Graeme Hewitson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I turned the corner into the final
straight on the red carpet. Cairn was waiting
at the side lines, poised, ready to run in with me. It was a beautiful and heart tugging movement
…then the little buggar dropped me like a hot tattie. Consani by name, Consani by nature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRZHCRH7AdnLLYcaWuYEBWJiEX6NIrWwOyz-evG4yj-q-G0y045MkrsVasWo_I_vFe102v8Mca74rnWO5Ev8nIWGlx0LQoHplGFEMf3EWHz00BBMLmnF3wxvzaeaKeNvV3MrSoFoV-Ec/s1600/springfinishalone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRZHCRH7AdnLLYcaWuYEBWJiEX6NIrWwOyz-evG4yj-q-G0y045MkrsVasWo_I_vFe102v8Mca74rnWO5Ev8nIWGlx0LQoHplGFEMf3EWHz00BBMLmnF3wxvzaeaKeNvV3MrSoFoV-Ec/s320/springfinishalone.jpg" width="221" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I finished in 8:44 in 26<sup>th</sup>
position overall and 6<sup>th</sup> female.
A few minutes slower than I wanted, but let’s not split hairs. If I was told on Friday night, I would run
that I would have taken it in a heartbeat.
I also took silver in the Scottish champs and was first V40, with a new
masters’ record. Hey, I’m shameless, I’ll
take anything. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of the performances on the day were … wow. I have no
words. Beth Pascall smashed the ladies
record, which has stood unchallenged since 2008. Beth is like the Scrappy Doo of
ultra-running. Along with Jasmin Paris,
they are going to raise the bar for British female runners. And the guys should be seriously worried. Donnie Campbell also broke the men’s record
to finish in 6:51. Maybe he was a shock
winner, but probably not to him. Known
to his coaching clients as The Wolf, he is one fiercely determined guy. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyitDjELSdvXQgNp4iFJWf3UG7hZVfb9QgLwh70LqVT95pPDNjJXeWMWIoR2D1zuohESAr7KPKMZGfCqKkZWOPFzA9rVxCM55WpOCO7LeYosIFYAVHicNoWPDQCYlxoIQmbrlCFIVDtjI/s1600/V40podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyitDjELSdvXQgNp4iFJWf3UG7hZVfb9QgLwh70LqVT95pPDNjJXeWMWIoR2D1zuohESAr7KPKMZGfCqKkZWOPFzA9rVxCM55WpOCO7LeYosIFYAVHicNoWPDQCYlxoIQmbrlCFIVDtjI/s320/V40podium.jpg" width="217" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The old burds. Pic Graeme Hewitson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The top 11 women finished in under 9
hours, in times that would have won the race in previous years. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I think the
adrenaline and excitement of the race filtered down through the field, as there
were so many great results and PBs.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s always been a great race, but since John Duncan (commonly
known as Johnny Fling) took over as RD he has improved </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">the race experience and carnival-like
entertainment factor ten-fold. Where else could you sprint finish on a red
carpet, through a line of international flags and high-fives, at the foot of
the some of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountains in the world? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, for now, The Fling has been
flung. See you on the other side next
year …. Ding ding. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Men’s podium </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Donnie
Campbell: 6:51:06</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Damian Hall:
6:58:13</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Kim Collison:
7:00:34</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Ladies’ podium</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Beth pascall:
7:52:55</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sally Fawcett:
8:14:12</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sophie Grant:
8:15:02</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Scottish National
Trail Championship 2016 medals were awarded to…</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Eoin Lennon, Donald McParlin and John Connolly </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nicola Adam-Henry, Debbie Martin-Consani and Morgan Windram-Geddes</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKZWRURRUIJRIoq4HXKfjXA6WAGZG_yfUrZ437xHI0_RcJtNWccXnHUyx1HlSts0cYYR4PMUPVnTkg0kkC-O8lG3-KfE8wA7JwQPpQjLkfeiNGVpXsPPbDs7yLPl9Kq62SdAVIrgL3sM/s1600/finishwithM%2526C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKZWRURRUIJRIoq4HXKfjXA6WAGZG_yfUrZ437xHI0_RcJtNWccXnHUyx1HlSts0cYYR4PMUPVnTkg0kkC-O8lG3-KfE8wA7JwQPpQjLkfeiNGVpXsPPbDs7yLPl9Kq62SdAVIrgL3sM/s320/finishwithM%2526C.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to the best crew ever! xx Pics Ross Lawrie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fx7ogdQQV_xH8n2ggCri9SCCJkqINev2YbR2rjQKU4kW7O6QQzBlvELBU5anOxiZnUO9My6mQhHbU4RJND3XxGRmv8xrLlBNQY_q6ZVQ-K25N8vuhy507aHeIATsZz8kubO88TqAqYo/s1600/huggingCairn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fx7ogdQQV_xH8n2ggCri9SCCJkqINev2YbR2rjQKU4kW7O6QQzBlvELBU5anOxiZnUO9My6mQhHbU4RJND3XxGRmv8xrLlBNQY_q6ZVQ-K25N8vuhy507aHeIATsZz8kubO88TqAqYo/s320/huggingCairn.jpg" width="214" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-21671255461506037042016-04-11T06:00:00.000+01:002016-06-22T14:51:35.599+01:00Trail show review: Inov-8 Terraclaw 250, La Sportiva Helios 2.0 and Salomon S-lab Sense 5 Ultra <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNILDjuu__mml06apnI9ZQlj3UmK0YvwXW_PCjFWWDyuFYIS7aQE5I2GTW4ipeY7NJrXyN8Pxjx2ExRptXNWnuezz53ujvrbdByaPbx9LAVQgFJGPM0z8Tkd-byNzpm-Lllu80b77SQCY/s1600/threeshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNILDjuu__mml06apnI9ZQlj3UmK0YvwXW_PCjFWWDyuFYIS7aQE5I2GTW4ipeY7NJrXyN8Pxjx2ExRptXNWnuezz53ujvrbdByaPbx9LAVQgFJGPM0z8Tkd-byNzpm-Lllu80b77SQCY/s320/threeshoes.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Firstly, I should point out that I didn’t
get these for free and nobody asked me to review them, so I </span><span style="text-align: justify;">don’t feel under
any obligation to say nice things. So, views are my own. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">After much trial and error, these three will be my off road shoes for
2016. The choice will depend on terrain and required
pace. And sometimes which ones are the cleanest or match
my outfit.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Secondly, I prefer lightweight shoes. Thankfully (touch wood) I’m
not prone to injury. But don’t think I’m lucky, because my
unscheduled “rest” days are usually caused my unscheduled stunts. Plus, I’m a
forefoot striker and have a high cadence, so cushioning and support seems
unnecessary and cumbersome to me.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thirdly, I like space. I’m
a UK size 4 in my dancing shoes, but I like extra room in my running shoes for
comfort. Plus, my feet tend to swell, blister and my toenails have
been known to pop off during races. Having a little bit extra saves
my toenails getting bruised, especially on descents. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.inov-8.com/women/footwear-terrain/trail/terraclaw-250-black-red-blue.html"><span style="color: blue;">Inov-8Terraclaw 250</span></a></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fit: I’ve got size
UK5. Usually I go for 5.5 in trail shoes, but I’d could even go for<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span>4.5 these. There’s loads of room.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVOUhYUxvQmUR8t8894Xqdf36u63P-WNs-QEM6uy1TZZSE5NYH4ieYxLA1Oiuit28F7-Op007eiT-aAw3yG0IIIru0_GYN0mWoliUTD2FwZgQpILU5Kb3SMfj368EZSe8tDv3Es3BPnQ/s1600/lochlomondterraclaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVOUhYUxvQmUR8t8894Xqdf36u63P-WNs-QEM6uy1TZZSE5NYH4ieYxLA1Oiuit28F7-Op007eiT-aAw3yG0IIIru0_GYN0mWoliUTD2FwZgQpILU5Kb3SMfj368EZSe8tDv3Es3BPnQ/s320/lochlomondterraclaw.jpg" width="267" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Price: £120<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pros: Wide toe box. Great
for soft ground.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cons: Struggling to find any yet.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Verdict: Great
all-rounder. Reasonably priced and readily available.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the technical stuff, <a href="http://www.inov-8.com/women/footwear-terrain/trail/terraclaw-250-black-red-blue.html"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If I were to only buy/own
one pair of trail shoes, these would be the ones. Although if I only
owned one pair of trail shoes, it probably meant that my house had burned
down. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I’ve flitted in and out of
Inov-8 shoes since I bought my first Roclites back in 2008. They
are are reliable and trustworthy brand and probably worn by half the field in
any UK trail or hill race. Like most running brands, their products
have come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">T<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he Terraclaws provide
fantastic traction in most conditions, but come into their own when it’s wet
and muddy. After wearing Salomon S-lab Sense – which are useless on
soft ground - for six months prior to getting the Terraclaws, it took me a few
runs to have confidence in the grip, but once I ‘let go’ I could feel the
difference. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5AeFcbC8HBZWEY55DdiTswRJhNNzH063R9RhlvpjtF3vZM0AdNzOdeJl6B8O02K9hxPs-MVpVh5F580p-V0MhKWRu75ns6gKcfGAppylS26nGV1u0WIddNp89lMYSABOh-r0R_oNkH4/s1600/terraclaw.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5AeFcbC8HBZWEY55DdiTswRJhNNzH063R9RhlvpjtF3vZM0AdNzOdeJl6B8O02K9hxPs-MVpVh5F580p-V0MhKWRu75ns6gKcfGAppylS26nGV1u0WIddNp89lMYSABOh-r0R_oNkH4/s200/terraclaw.png" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The toe cap is also double
layered to offer better protection, lugs are positioned wide enough so they
don’t clog and the tongue is stitched at an angle so it doesn’t slide. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I’ve worn these on the road
on the run up my local hills and haven’t noticed I’m wearing trail shoes, so
that’s a good sign. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">They’re perfect for the UK
hills in the winter and stomping about on my favourite Kilpartick, Pentland
and Lake District hills. And I would wear them in an ultra-distance
race if I were expecting sloppy conditions. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Marco wore them on the Lakeland 100 (it's been hot and dry that past few years) and swears by them, but they wouldn’t
be my first choice for hard packed or dry trail. Mind you, in
the latter stages when my feet are feeling a bit fat, I might just swap into
them. I’ll be packing them just in case. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain-running/helios-20-womens"><span style="color: blue;">La Sportiva Helios 2.0</span></a></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fit: Sizes come up small.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Price: $125<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pros: Very
comfortable. Lacing system is great. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cons: Not available in the UK. Sizing,
especially as you’re likely to order online. The soft heel
feels great once the shoes are on. It’s a bit tricky to<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">get them on because the heel keeps
collapsing.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Verdict: Lightweight, flexible, responsive<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For technical stuff, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain-running/helios-20-womens">click here</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls6c4t9LpkGpuyRv41pVrIHFabGbdv0CO-LhNExiY21CEtD2FTuzHRh2qqhILR2V4nopIg52Ku-WfTmXuqyPweFjD16TwHu54mcXABl9lFo4vSU0SJwIyufQYwEuEOZabHSA3d77voAA/s1600/helios2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls6c4t9LpkGpuyRv41pVrIHFabGbdv0CO-LhNExiY21CEtD2FTuzHRh2qqhILR2V4nopIg52Ku-WfTmXuqyPweFjD16TwHu54mcXABl9lFo4vSU0SJwIyufQYwEuEOZabHSA3d77voAA/s200/helios2.jpg" width="200" /></span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve had a pair of the original Helios for a
while, but they’re a little too neat for me. See aforementioned
comment about space. They’re OK for about 5/6 miles, but then my
toes start to hurt. I have, however, worn them on few runs in the
Kilpatrick Hills and they are kick-ass on wet grass.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of my <a href="http://www.centurionrunning.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Centurion Running</span></a> team mates are big fans of
the Helios, so when I heard there was an updated version out, I was keen to try
them out. Nothing to do with pretty colour, honest. OK,
little bit about the pretty colour. Unfortunately, they are not
available in the UK (yet?), so I had to order them from Germany.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m glad I did as the Helios 2.0 are
considerably better. Light, soft and super flexible…they are like
slippers. They’re great on grass and mud, but cushioned and springy
on tarmac. I would even wear them as road shoes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s worth noting that Centurion RD James Elson wore a pair of Helios SR when he ran a GB team qualifying distance of 242km at the Athens 24 hour. Although they wouldn’t be my first choice shoe for a road ultra … wearing the new Helios 2.0 wouldn’t be the wackiest idea.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One concern I have is that I can feel the
rocks and stones when I wear them. I wouldn’t change that though, as
the benefit of wearing them on trails and soft ground outweighs any negatives.
I just probably wouldn’t wear them on rocky course like the Lakeland
100. Could get away with it on a Lakeland 50, but that’s a personal
choice. Anything over 50 miles and the rocks would play havoc with my
feet. They’d be perfect on trails like the Thames Path, South
Downs and Ridgeway though. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Again, the sizing is an
issue. Even though I went a half size up on the ones I have, I could
have done with another half size. That’s two sizes up on my dress
shoes. It was too much of a pain in ass to send them back to Germany,
so they’ll do. That does, however, mean I probably won’t do
any ultra races in them.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/s-lab-sense-5-ultra.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Sense 5 Ultra </span></a></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fit: Slim. Standard. I
have 5.5 and there’s plenty of room. Possibly too much space for<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">training, but ideal for ultra-race fat feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Price: £145<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pros: Fighting talk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cons: The price tag is eye
watering. Same colour, again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Verdict: Unless it’s really muddy, these will
remain my racing shoes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="380">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For technical stuff, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/s-lab-sense-5-ultra.html"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeK-uZqYaMoghzkIPNpwWvH-nW1J8oqTWLaqSc8IUM6mgKaDpZXcJvyY6qJ7iJmVo0tJZP8c0R8o9AbeZL8XEZ6tJ4XaJYEaJNWD-gW7V06iJElqS8WD0ghav-JBGckHbr4K86dU8O18/s1600/salomondevsils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeK-uZqYaMoghzkIPNpwWvH-nW1J8oqTWLaqSc8IUM6mgKaDpZXcJvyY6qJ7iJmVo0tJZP8c0R8o9AbeZL8XEZ6tJ4XaJYEaJNWD-gW7V06iJElqS8WD0ghav-JBGckHbr4K86dU8O18/s320/salomondevsils.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ah the ruby slippers. The Rolls
Royce of trail running shoes. I’ve been in love with the shoes since
I bought my first Sense Ultra 4 last summer. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At first (online) glance, I failed to see
any difference in the 4 and 5. To be honest, the only reason I
bought the updated version was because my 4s have served their time after
maxing out at 600 miles. They were sent to Salomon heaven after a
heavy duty weekend on the South Downs Way.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">They are my race face shoes. At
the risk of sounding like a complete t*t, they make me feel nimble and
fast. I appreciate that’s on my head, but there are definitely
mental benefits in the magic shoes. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There’s enough protection and cushioning for
me, and I never have feet issues when I wear them. That’s rare for
me, as my feet will always be my weakest link. With the Sensifit, Endofit and Quicklace system, my feet feel 100% secure with zero movement
- uphill and downhill.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTuVJ_X8IiDXMLoxx92Lz-UFXcXmtFw1AJbVZ9ANVVAqfY2o22DE7SniJ_RSCvxU9hdulCdIphwmLOyrNES-KOVeoeENU4OLwfejJRgPBzLPKBo_WRgQNWv7-NIKzAgp9i0vKqAPuneI/s1600/salomon5new.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTuVJ_X8IiDXMLoxx92Lz-UFXcXmtFw1AJbVZ9ANVVAqfY2o22DE7SniJ_RSCvxU9hdulCdIphwmLOyrNES-KOVeoeENU4OLwfejJRgPBzLPKBo_WRgQNWv7-NIKzAgp9i0vKqAPuneI/s200/salomon5new.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Changes are quite minimal on the S-Lab Sense 5, just some fine tuning. The
upper material is lighter and there’s slight modification to the tread
design. Both contributing factors to making it the lightest Sense
shoe to date. The lightweight upper mesh keeps out debris and the
contragrip outsole seems to provide more grip on rocks.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I sometimes give the shoe a hard time when I
end up on my backside on slippy terrain, which is a bit ridiculous as they’re
just not made for soft ground. They perform best on dry
trails. It’s like running in spikes on the road and complaining
about the discomfort.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Quick summary...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.15pt;" valign="top" width="120"></td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 122.25pt;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Inov8 Terraclaw 250</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">La Sportiva Helios 2.0</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 5</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.15pt;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Weight</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 122.25pt;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">250g</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">183g</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">220g</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.15pt;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Fit</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 122.25pt;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Wide toe box</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Neat</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Slim. Standard</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.15pt;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Drop</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 122.25pt;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">8mm</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">4mm</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">4mm</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.15pt;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Stack</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 122.25pt;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">16mm and 8mm</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">19mm and 15mm</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">18mm and 14mm</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.15pt;" valign="top" width="120"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Benefits (or just marketing spiel) </span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 122.25pt;" valign="top" width="163"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dual-C sticky rubber outsole<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Multi-directional lug pattern, which allows for quite debris release.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Double layered toe cap</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Welded overlay that wraps forefoot<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Welded sewn tongue, to restrict sliding</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">HyDrain Mesh for maximum breathability and fast drainage</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Fast lacing system for easy on and off<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Integral gusseted tongue and new heel cup design for comfort.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">MorphoDynamic mouded sole and cushioned platform</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-size: 10.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Lightweight
materials and welded construction make this the lightest Sense shoe yet.
</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-size: 10.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Quick
drying breathable mesh</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-size: 10.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Quicklace
and pocket</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-size: 10.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Endofit
and Sensifit for precise foothold in varying terrain.</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-size: 10.0pt; padding: 0cm;">Molded
EVA and Contagrip </span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-30715041161709927462016-02-06T17:56:00.001+00:002016-02-06T18:05:31.236+00:00Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest 3.0<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgpzoFgaUVEN5kek7ClyWlWcO9zQwPRsOhPMcm4Zmkhq91Icx-3a4a3TBaPTHCXePNdG3VYYNLE5zBh6DhgfDLWe6DXlAbz_raC2doRnlrG-eaZ9kzY53PGY4z4xeqtavHXw1vC9axro/s1600/UDme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgpzoFgaUVEN5kek7ClyWlWcO9zQwPRsOhPMcm4Zmkhq91Icx-3a4a3TBaPTHCXePNdG3VYYNLE5zBh6DhgfDLWe6DXlAbz_raC2doRnlrG-eaZ9kzY53PGY4z4xeqtavHXw1vC9axro/s400/UDme.jpg" width="351" /></a>I've been an <a href="https://ultimatedirection.com/">Ultimate Direction</a> enthusiast since I bought my first SJ pack in 2013 and was delighted to be a brand <a href="http://www.betaclimbingdesigns.com/about-us/runner-ammassadors/debbie-martin-consani.html">ambassador </a>a year later.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like many running products, things have changed dramatically in the last few as technology is changing, the market is becoming more competitive, runners are demanding more and athletes are contributing more at the design process. <br />
<br />
For me, the key priorities for a pack are fit, weight and accessibility: Like many female ultra-runners, I've got quite a small frame so if anything is loose it rubs and chafes; I need to be able to access things from the pack without contortion; And I don't want to carry additional weight before I've even filled the pack. The lighter, the better. I've pretty much fine-tuned essential race kit to the absolute minimum requirement, and have therefore managed to fit everything into the <a href="http://www.betaclimbingdesigns.com/products/brands/active/ultimate-direction/ultimate-direction-ultra-vesta.html">UD Women's Ultra Vest</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6evOkJr34aJKvO38aTLqIrpsAfHQlBBjUzprwldftV_uTd3Td_5UDtUK30olMRVJl7-fXaCR0y2elmGNb4zF6TJtldplb10vr1adsxod8stdWzvxL4QWcK90Aeqpkxvf0pEHJBv3yxE/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6evOkJr34aJKvO38aTLqIrpsAfHQlBBjUzprwldftV_uTd3Td_5UDtUK30olMRVJl7-fXaCR0y2elmGNb4zF6TJtldplb10vr1adsxod8stdWzvxL4QWcK90Aeqpkxvf0pEHJBv3yxE/s320/IMG_2094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">On a side note, noise annoys me so any rustling, clicking and swooshing of fluid drive me nuts. I don't want straps and whistles that smack me in the face when it's windy. Fiddly clips that I can't operate when my hands are cold are a no no. And it has to accommodate soft flasks - see comment on noise issues. I'm also a big fan of taking pictures (much to the annoyance of my running companions) so I need somewhere to keep my phone safe and dry. I'm definitely one those aforementioned runners that demand more.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCwRidUfGtWBLfznpkdEqeNIz9uuf5arggMLKUfkGFgvztJ6h9RM4LyddEpkW73JEvwcpTIFuth1zap7y_iQ1YgJQidzSYeF35Nt-ky6fR9SXNSPgdoqAj6Jzt-uTFpiKzlsNJmvEkFA/s1600/IMG_2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCwRidUfGtWBLfznpkdEqeNIz9uuf5arggMLKUfkGFgvztJ6h9RM4LyddEpkW73JEvwcpTIFuth1zap7y_iQ1YgJQidzSYeF35Nt-ky6fR9SXNSPgdoqAj6Jzt-uTFpiKzlsNJmvEkFA/s320/IMG_2095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HXRcKAJOyGO56XzKRo9Yb5uL4Q8X1Cr2Utomlc4940OwLbt8OtTLpN487YW5l5-4f122GRUJ3O7ykSdyf9IT1b8TwPuntyRFxE5iFkWskzEHk1qC2rZSNVu7Pyq0oJ1ACDOZllncigk/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HXRcKAJOyGO56XzKRo9Yb5uL4Q8X1Cr2Utomlc4940OwLbt8OtTLpN487YW5l5-4f122GRUJ3O7ykSdyf9IT1b8TwPuntyRFxE5iFkWskzEHk1qC2rZSNVu7Pyq0oJ1ACDOZllncigk/s320/IMG_2092.JPG" width="320" /></a>So...there's a new Scott Jurek designed pack out next month. <b>The Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest 3.0</b>.<br />
<br />
It's been a pleasure testing the sample, as it ticks all the boxes for me. It's not just an improvement, colour change or updated version of the original signature vest or 2.0, it's radically different.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's made with new flexible mesh material, which make it very light (176g) and breathable and the sides are open for maximum ventilation. There's one large pocket at the back, which could be used for a two litre bladder or emergency/essential kit - freeing up all the front holsters for soft bottles, food and a phone/camera. There's also a back zip pocket - with key clip - and pole holders. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_ef63VR32EMo7WFdeX0ZuaDx4gVfD0N0pNu66-E71yYzJPa5X3Y0-vQ6rWO8NriEh-FDpZG3gXP5Z6br1OH2IlnWpILTDNUghMxRMJWN801HIwmdN326KsxEw_xwJOJKi3h0PwqZ88s/s1600/udapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_ef63VR32EMo7WFdeX0ZuaDx4gVfD0N0pNu66-E71yYzJPa5X3Y0-vQ6rWO8NriEh-FDpZG3gXP5Z6br1OH2IlnWpILTDNUghMxRMJWN801HIwmdN326KsxEw_xwJOJKi3h0PwqZ88s/s200/udapple.jpg" width="200" /></a>I have running packs for various occasions - short runs, long runs, bad weather runs, commuting - but I think this is the closest I've found to a good all-rounder. It's simple and light enough for short runs that might just require a bottle, snack and jacket. Yet roomy enough for an ultra-race that requires full kit.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: start;">To give you an idea of flexible mesh (picture left) and the capacity , this is the pack empty and with mandatory race kit list. I've used Lakeland 100 as example, which includes:</span><br />
<b><u><span style="text-align: start;"></span><br /></u></b>
<b><u><span style="text-align: start;"></span><span style="text-align: start;">Back main pocket</span></u></b><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Taped seamed waterproofs: Top and bottom</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0sUFNsMwXWAkGTNk2eZS6wFE3FzdKE3srsPQK1WdXvegEVjhalm7WihjmC5RDcWnFVb0bdvm7hGYunV7i73o3_TqtedZ4p7hoR3K_749Am1JOOIuLgsuSeBEQ_z08Ws6DxH9-N917BQ/s1600/UD+pack+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0sUFNsMwXWAkGTNk2eZS6wFE3FzdKE3srsPQK1WdXvegEVjhalm7WihjmC5RDcWnFVb0bdvm7hGYunV7i73o3_TqtedZ4p7hoR3K_749Am1JOOIuLgsuSeBEQ_z08Ws6DxH9-N917BQ/s320/UD+pack+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Spare base layers: Top and bottom<br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Hat/buff and gloves</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Emergency food (400 calories)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Foil blanket</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Map and compass</span><br />
Route book<span style="text-align: start;"></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><b><u>Back zip pocket</u></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">First aid kit</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Head torch and back-up light </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><b><u>Front pockets</u></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Soft flask</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Mobile phone</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Electrolyte tablets</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Whistle (attached)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Race food - I've included gels and bars</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only teeny negative that might concern some runners, is that it's not weather proof. I'm not overly bothered about waterproofing (or back sweat proofing) as that just adds to weight and increases the chafe factor. Even if a pack were waterproof, would you trust it? <span style="text-align: start;">If there's a chance of rain - eh, I live in Scotland - I put everything I need to protect in zip-locked bags.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bxjbeK2shh0" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-72296695922501196122015-11-13T07:51:00.000+00:002015-11-13T12:06:26.520+00:00Petzl TIKKA RXP and e+LITE review<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The great head torch debate is a subject that never dies. Along with trail shoes, packs and the controversial Hoka and poles, it's a topic that reappears and is discussed at great length on social media pages.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like most products the technology is forever changing. No sooner have your settled on a head torch and a bigger (or smaller and lighter) and better one is released. And like most products, personal choice boils down to budget and what you expect from it. Everybody knows someone who swears by a £10 effort from Argos, but you get what you pay for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs7GTcJmyo8RFmGGiqdZznnMyn4SYU_Zlcy3JR8zLKyg8DRQbJ-gnvGrJ1Jw7_XmQWnX_VPjf4DvPmsXq5B9epZs5n7Vuuz2B_2Wv50_7SlxE2anjPUhvsAkpZMn63Njw2sKHdANjjr0/s1600/28B61994-CA58-43C3-B2CC-F082DA35E298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs7GTcJmyo8RFmGGiqdZznnMyn4SYU_Zlcy3JR8zLKyg8DRQbJ-gnvGrJ1Jw7_XmQWnX_VPjf4DvPmsXq5B9epZs5n7Vuuz2B_2Wv50_7SlxE2anjPUhvsAkpZMn63Njw2sKHdANjjr0/s320/28B61994-CA58-43C3-B2CC-F082DA35E298.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was lucky enough to receive a <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/NAO?l=INT">Petzl NAO</a> when I won the Lakeland 100 last year. The NAO is the Rolls Royce of head torches and the pioneer of reactive lighting. It comes with a rechargeable lithium battery and could light up a house. All great. But there's a time and place for the NAO. It's not for everyone and it's certainly not my go-to head torch. Firstly it's a bit overcomplicated for me and I was never confident I had it on the right setting. Put it on constant rapid movement mode and it will last an hour. In most situations it can been quite excessive if you only need to see where you're putting your feet. Plus, it's not exactly comfortable. Wear it for a lengthy period of time and it hurts. I used it during Spartathlon and it was a bit overkill for a course that's predominately road. Plus, it took about two days to get the indent off my forehead!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, along came the <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/TIKKA-RXP?l=GB#.VkXJ7dLhDcs">Petzl TIKKA RXP</a><span id="goog_518339867"></span><span id="goog_518339868"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>, which I used for the first time during the White Rose Ultra earlier this month. <b><u>Now this is a go-to head torch</u></b>. It uses similar reactive technology as the Petzl Nao, but is more of a toned-down version.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUfcZi3g3pD0EH-JnSJJLlhOkvv0r7nldaoHyRveDlrdE8PRC2qDqm7rLCjJ7reMLF4vGWpnOyDikT6c0yHRgx8mqOmYGk6gPhtsrYXnLgLKRoeGDwJsAYhd0Vo6VFgIIjc2TPzA_n_E/s1600/E95-RN-TIKKA-RXP-noir-bis_LowRes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUfcZi3g3pD0EH-JnSJJLlhOkvv0r7nldaoHyRveDlrdE8PRC2qDqm7rLCjJ7reMLF4vGWpnOyDikT6c0yHRgx8mqOmYGk6gPhtsrYXnLgLKRoeGDwJsAYhd0Vo6VFgIIjc2TPzA_n_E/s320/E95-RN-TIKKA-RXP-noir-bis_LowRes.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm not a very techie person, but I like gadgets. When it comes to a head torch, I want it to be bright (215 lumens), light (111g), comfortable, rechargeable (can use AAA batteries too) and have a decent battery life (up to 10 hours) and beam (70 metres). I just want to put it on...and run. The <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/TIKKA-RXP?l=GB#.VkXJ7dLhDcs">TIKKA RXP</a> ticks all the boxes me. Plus, it's competitively priced at £90.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If a new head torch is on your Christmas wishlist, I'd recommend putting the <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/TIKKA-RXP?l=GB#.VkXJ7dLhDcs">TIKKA RXP</a> on your letter to Santa. It's everything you need for trail, night and ultra running - and more! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj-9YPzn_pnHYgIn8ZVLInW-qYUcFMQFcIwDUVOEDoR6XUEJCzrgiYYLcaU9OUDMBbOv_6OMCfS5a_rnk2PjDsWMg-5NhBiT1oP8jJAlJRRwuLYkKiY6NnIL6HTf1ujFZmJEOSAbswItn4E5J_ydmshZkiTcDIKApApwgzB9VAvvheMmY0=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="E02-P3-ELITE LowRes" border="0" src="http://www.ultrarunningcommunity.com/images/E02-P3-ELITE_LowRes.jpeg" height="133" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another fabulous bit of kit is the <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Professional/Ultra-compact-headlamps/ePLUSLITE?l=INT#.VkXIxNLhDcs">Petzl e+LITE</a>. I wouldn't want to get stuck up a mountain with it, but for races that require a back-up light source or to make yourself visible on night runs, this is ideal. I've used it on city runs when the street lighting is a bit sparse. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Weighing in at 27g it's the equivalent of carrying a matchbox, so you can stick it in your pocket or pack for emergencies. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you ever tried to change the battery in your main light </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">in the dark? I have and it's nothing short of a nightmare. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Considering the size and weight, you'll be amazed by the brightness - 26 lumens. And the battery can last for 75 hours. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Search online and you can pick up an <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Professional/Ultra-compact-headlamps/ePLUSLITE?l=INT#.VkXIxNLhDcs">e+LITE</a> for about £15. Small price to pay for something that might just save you in an emergency. Just be careful when you're packing it. I lost my first one on a night canal run before I'd even had a chance to switch it on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/79669924" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/79669924">PERFORMANCE series headlamps [EN] with REACTIVE LIGHTING Technology. Beyond power...Intelligence</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/petzl">Petzl-sport</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultrarunningcommunity.com%2Fimages%2FE02-P3-ELITE_LowRes.jpeg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj-9YPzn_pnHYgIn8ZVLInW-qYUcFMQFcIwDUVOEDoR6XUEJCzrgiYYLcaU9OUDMBbOv_6OMCfS5a_rnk2PjDsWMg-5NhBiT1oP8jJAlJRRwuLYkKiY6NnIL6HTf1ujFZmJEOSAbswItn4E5J_ydmshZkiTcDIKApApwgzB9VAvvheMmY0=" -->Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-83218718038072548792015-11-05T20:19:00.000+00:002015-11-05T20:43:09.196+00:00The Idiots' Guide to Running The White Rose 60<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having only recently discovered that I didn't have the points to enter UTMB next year, I was in the frustrating position where I had to run a race to, well, run a race. It's a topic that has been discussed and slammed at great length, but I wouldn't get a foot in the door without the nine points required. I was two short and realistically my only options were the <a href="http://www.whiteroseultra.co.uk/">White Rose 60</a> last weekend and the <a href="http://www.endurancelife.com/event-new.asp?series=87&location=286">CTS</a> in Dorset in December.<br />
<br />
While still nursing the aftermath of Spartathlon, I chose the White Rose 60. It was always going to be a big ask, but all I had to do was get around in one piece. Ships burned. No excuses.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
As a late entry - with low expectations on racing 60 miles - only a few people knew I was doing it. Even the super-observant <a href="http://johnkynaston.com/">John Kynaston</a> missed my name on the entry list. He was surprised to see me at race registration, but within five minutes we'd already agreed on a mini competition - cloest lap times - and he was relaying stories of the good old days when he used to beat me. #backinthedayJK<br />
<br />
The White Rose Ultra has three race options: 30, 60 and 100. The 30 mile is stunning loop around the High Peak, Colne Valley and Pennines. The 60 is two loops and the 100 in three loops with an extra bit thrown in. It's relatively low key and relaxed. A sharp contrast to my last gig in Greece.<br />
<br />
I was so unprepared for the race that I was still debating shoe choice at registration. I had no expectations and no course knowledge, but was hoping to finish in 10 hours something. Just plucking numbers with a goal of 5ish hour laps. Mainly because I had to drive back to Glasgow after the race.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
At 8am the 30 and 60 mile participants we set off. The 100 mile race started at midnight, so most were already one lap down. There was no<br />
distinction between who was in what race, so it was hard to tell who was competing against who. <br />
<br />
There's a lot of road on the course - maybe 40% - but it was either up or down. And what was off road was boggy. Bit of a mixed bagged really, so glad I chose my Salomon S-lab Sense.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeFp_8hrWQg173ANRECjgRGGw1J4_pFWlTMupARcYKqlo5W5Xt9mNkjLRoMOOpEfIZxpgmpsV5z9M-17_-PamzIm_oCteKnGuzcGVvw_a_2otsdjeeS86iWQAQ1wSwUlwJg9FwEeOFMs/s1600/whiteroseelevation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeFp_8hrWQg173ANRECjgRGGw1J4_pFWlTMupARcYKqlo5W5Xt9mNkjLRoMOOpEfIZxpgmpsV5z9M-17_-PamzIm_oCteKnGuzcGVvw_a_2otsdjeeS86iWQAQ1wSwUlwJg9FwEeOFMs/s320/whiteroseelevation.png" width="320" /></a><br />
There are stocked checkpoints every five miles, so it was easy to break down the lap into six sections. I carried my own Torq bars, Shot Bloks and Gu gels though.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqdu7VoNf0-PXuj09u8V-etfw9nm3K_n7-Y_33dlzJD4VeCo50prY55hyphenhyphenho4uHdSRM5PoRyu4EDhVgS8UUfO1wAqMefdfxSPKVLrFdFZ8pEko7x1HOaVYVOjG9oU8r4_f6FLbtotLCgg/s1600/whiterose+Sport+sunday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqdu7VoNf0-PXuj09u8V-etfw9nm3K_n7-Y_33dlzJD4VeCo50prY55hyphenhyphenho4uHdSRM5PoRyu4EDhVgS8UUfO1wAqMefdfxSPKVLrFdFZ8pEko7x1HOaVYVOjG9oU8r4_f6FLbtotLCgg/s320/whiterose+Sport+sunday.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by SportSunday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My plan was to take the first lap steady, stick with people and get my bearings. Although the course is well-marked it's a bit tricky and easy to miss some of the turn offs. I was called back once (thanks Kate) and was very hesitant at some junctions until other runners caught up and kept me right.<br />
<br />
The weather was absolutely glorious. Hard to believe it was November 1. At points it was quite toasty and I got really dehydrated and had a tough couple of miles before the CP at 21 miles. <br />
<br />
I was back at race HQ in 5 hours 17, quickly picked up some supplies and moved out onto lap two. Speaking to some of the 30 runners, they couldn't fathom why anyone would <i>want</i> to go out for another lap, but I was fairly relax about it. Maybe because I am used to lapped races, but I think it was because I could relax and just enjoy it having already covered the course.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSFkOisoNK8n92v9rGLhTZE7VwXCRw2P7KQmxgpnOyC121E7d7m62M59g5Kjm-bwN0Or_SCPZZfmH8R-qzvijSyUqZpAKapQmNSuCEheU5ORzT1MGhIn52Jz6onWqAMqqbV7qWPBR_G0/s1600/WhiteRosepicbyMarkOliver+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSFkOisoNK8n92v9rGLhTZE7VwXCRw2P7KQmxgpnOyC121E7d7m62M59g5Kjm-bwN0Or_SCPZZfmH8R-qzvijSyUqZpAKapQmNSuCEheU5ORzT1MGhIn52Jz6onWqAMqqbV7qWPBR_G0/s320/WhiteRosepicbyMarkOliver+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Chris Baynham-Hughes. Pic: Mark Oliver </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Starting out on lap two I realised I'd forgotten to pick up my bottle of Coke. Giving my inability to eat - and my caffeine addiction - I rely quite heavily on Coke during races. All I could think about for the first five miles was Coke - and CP didn't have any. Crisis.<br />
<br />
Pushing on I spotted Matt and Rich Wilson ahead. I'd overtaken Matt in the Lakeland 100 last year and the Lakeland 50 this year, which he wasn't enamoured about. It was pretty apparent they (Matt most likely being the instigator) weren't happy about me catching them, as they seemed to find another gear. But the gap remained the same for a few miles. <br />
<br />
Most of the route is on country roads and trails, with a few road crossings to negotiate. Approaching a road crossing at around 37 miles, I made the assumption that the roads were really quiet (as they had been all day) and ran straight out. Not wise, as I was hit side on by a car. I was knocked onto my right side and just lay on the road - trying to assess the damage. Another car stopped and there was a bit of frantic panic above me, but I don't really recall what happened. <br />
<br />
The poor lady who hit me was obviously shaken and kept repeating that I'd just run out in front of her. The other chap was trying to help me up but I was bit shocked and trying to let the initial pain subside. He was really kind and asked to give me a lift home or to the hospital. He looked a bit baffled when I declined as "I was in the middle of a race". Really I was thinking: "Naw, mate. I need to the two points for UTMB". <br />
<br />
I pretty much left them standing and got going again. With my heart rate maxed out and on the brink of tears, I couldn't believe what just happened. To be honest, the fact that it hasn't happened to me before beggar's belief. I was just really lucky it was a cautious driver and not some boy racer - or anyone who drives a Merc.<br />
<br />
My shoulder, hips and ribs took the brunt of the hit and fall, but it wasn't too painful. Although I was winded and had some discomfort across my chest, I made the decision to keep going. Then my next thought was: Those fecking Wilson Brothers have got away.<br />
<br />
Being super cautious on the roads and sticking to running towards the traffic, I crossed over to take the left turn to see Frank's crew waiting at the junction. I planned on being cheeky and asking if they had any Coke, only to see on approach a little angel with a can of Coke his hand. They had overheard me asking at the last checkpoint. It was a god send. <br />
<br />
By the time I got to 45 miles, I'd caught up with the Wilson Brothers again, but they kept pulling away. Ideally I would have liked to have passed them, but I didn't want it as much as Matt did - who was checking every half mile to see where I was. Watching the turning headtorches made me laugh.<br />
<br />
I was just quite happy with finishing. I never knew where I was in the race. It wasn't until I got to a CP at 51 miles that I was told I was first lady and 5th overall. After I was trying to work out if I could break the ladies record set by <a href="http://ultra-runner.com/ultra-runner-com-trail-team/shelli-gordon/">Shelli Gordon</a> last year in 11:08. <br />
<br />
The shuddering was hurting my chest and ribs and I was so paranoid that I'd fall, but I knew if I was going to miss the record it would only be by a couple of minutes. My friend and CR teamie <a href="http://www.edwinasutton.com/">Eddie</a> had sent me a charm bracelet with the words "make it happen" on a few weeks earlier and I started chanting this over and over. Still not the craziest thing I'd done that day. I finished in 11:05.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1AKYAgOwr3nQY3tFFEtTrDHjaPYiZDs9QWvoVNbTzYS8wfipVoJGCePXT4BMy_K2Hv6DWY5C82YQRUrLf0YBf5VETgSmgV8rcn-GrMRgS2CR8B8je8vjwpScgK8cH4F6-g3qQ1frGbc/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1AKYAgOwr3nQY3tFFEtTrDHjaPYiZDs9QWvoVNbTzYS8wfipVoJGCePXT4BMy_K2Hv6DWY5C82YQRUrLf0YBf5VETgSmgV8rcn-GrMRgS2CR8B8je8vjwpScgK8cH4F6-g3qQ1frGbc/s200/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
It was definitely adrenaline that kept me going, as within half an hour of finishing I was feeling it. I could barely get my shoes off. The four-hour drive home was horrendous, arriving after 1am - and then I couldn't sleep for the pain in my ribs and hip. <br />
<br />
A race too far for me, so time for some proper recovery now. Even without the incident, my body is broken and I'm knackered. I would normally use the expression "I feel like I've been hit by a bus" but I don't want to pre-empt anything.<br />
<br />
Full results <a href="http://www.whiteroseultra.co.uk/results-2015.html">here</a><br />
<br />
1st (joint Jonathan Pritchard and John Hill) 10:55<br />
3rd (joint) Richard Wilson and Matt Wilson) 11:00<br />
5th (first female) Debbie Martin-Consani 11:05<br />
<br /></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-63922955685363779672015-10-31T07:15:00.000+00:002015-10-31T09:11:42.046+00:00Spartathlon 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
You know one of those races that you're never ever going to do? Like never? That was my initial response when I first heard about Spartathlon. That heat and all that road, forget it. But after a few years in the sport, the crazy gets crazier and the unthinkable becomes infatuation. It's one of the world's classic ultra-distance races, so ranked high on my bucket list. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was reminded by running friends in a similar way as I was when I signed up for GUCR a few years ago. "But, Debs, you hate running on the canal". I doesn't bother me so much now, but it did then. New for 2015 was "But, Debs, you can't run in heat". Valid and vital point.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The prospect of the heat terrified me and I'd pretty much resigned myself to airing on the side of misery during the race. But it wasn't the car crash I expected it to be. Granted, it wasn't as hot as in previous years, but it was still beyond the melting point for my fair skin.<br />
<br />
I'd basically sweated my ass off in the month leading up the race in saunas, hot yoga and a heat chamber. At my last heat chamber session I was surprised to report I actually felt quite comfortable for the hour. My confidence was a few rungs up from last ill-fated holiday runs and I felt as prepared as I was ever going to be. <br />
<br />
Previous participants spoke so highly of the experience, but how could running along the edge of road be the "best race ever"? What could be so "special" about it? Why would your get the race logo tattooed on your body?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqn7QdU_kmBHyNfmQLjkkJdTKmHwC4r_5__R7KVmXjMiZNgwneTdTo-0mkIGimwHJFPknzGgY5y_4uYzK6zF5-caEYPsmEEpXyoBjCCSbuPr-3Oi847y9tZRdGvn001YxUzmxSsRAYQY/s1600/BA3324F8-D3BC-4C39-801D-44AC19F8EEC7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqn7QdU_kmBHyNfmQLjkkJdTKmHwC4r_5__R7KVmXjMiZNgwneTdTo-0mkIGimwHJFPknzGgY5y_4uYzK6zF5-caEYPsmEEpXyoBjCCSbuPr-3Oi847y9tZRdGvn001YxUzmxSsRAYQY/s200/BA3324F8-D3BC-4C39-801D-44AC19F8EEC7.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: start;">Regardless of what the influx of international visitors think, the Greeks are very passionate about the race. It's ingrained in their history and culture as it mirrors the journey made by Pheidippides, the messenger of ancient Greece, who covered the 153 miles (246km) distance to request assistance from the Spartan armies. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Individually, there's nothing extraordinary about the race characteristics: The heat, the relentless road, 8800ft of ascent, the mountain at 100 miles, or the speed your need to travel at to stay within the strict cut off times. It's the combination of those factors that stop the majority from making it from Athens at day break to Sparta before sunset the next day. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;">Even despite the race's strict entry and qualifying criteria, the success rate speaks volumes about the difficulty of the undertaking. Typically around 40%, but it's been as low as 23% on a few occasions. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs9j54ctKBMhGCtYACHiddMZdyQJJTzIpMMBMKnXgAKAV7Np8xO9Wzc_gmGsz_ialRWwqR1eebdf150r8WqXLH67phVOH64dJjuTn3765xzY44_OC53jHaHXCB2bLSr1QzWAICj_-jj8/s1600/D49BE795-48D5-4380-A71A-C31EBFB976F8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs9j54ctKBMhGCtYACHiddMZdyQJJTzIpMMBMKnXgAKAV7Np8xO9Wzc_gmGsz_ialRWwqR1eebdf150r8WqXLH67phVOH64dJjuTn3765xzY44_OC53jHaHXCB2bLSr1QzWAICj_-jj8/s320/D49BE795-48D5-4380-A71A-C31EBFB976F8.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brtish Spartathlon Team (britishspartathlonteam.org)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;">This year, the field was very deep. "Stacked" as my Stateside friends would say. Arguably the best the race had ever seen. The male and female 24-hour world champions, Florian Reus and Katalin Nagy</span><span style="text-align: start;"> were starting, along with previous winners and placers and a few high calibre international athletes. </span>On paper, that would increase the percentage of finishers, as the cut-offs wouldn't or shouldn't be the major issue.<br />
<br />
As countries are allocated a specific number of places, everyone comes as a team. So we arrived as a mixed squad of 23 in our fancy dress kid-on GB kit. All part of the razamataz which I , of course, whole-heartedly embraced.<br />
<br />
Even after the race, my recollection of the experience all merged into one big mish-mash, so this is a bit sketchy.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAm8UiVzNkbLXzjkkUm14o0mIuGfbaldnLOiuU1cmn2GOadSGTTHYmyr_jBqPq7Mc5wX7NSq9JGLGCizUHDrnpSNFQqmAMTj8YwwGfH2qRbqqnrK89Gxs7lBgefmi2gtBE1HSCTkgaPo/s1600/spartinsta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAm8UiVzNkbLXzjkkUm14o0mIuGfbaldnLOiuU1cmn2GOadSGTTHYmyr_jBqPq7Mc5wX7NSq9JGLGCizUHDrnpSNFQqmAMTj8YwwGfH2qRbqqnrK89Gxs7lBgefmi2gtBE1HSCTkgaPo/s320/spartinsta.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Start: Picture by Sparta Photography Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At 7am, as daylight was creeping in, we set off through the streets of Athens - causing a major traffic jam as we went. Even after 33 years, I don't think anyone knows whether the motorists are honking their horns out of support or to show how pissed off they are. We went with the former, smiling and waving like idiots.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was pretty relaxed, but I could feel the tension around me. People racing early on, breathing harder than what is deemed appropriate for a 153 mile race. The mix of adrenaline and the fear of the dreaded cut-offs incite people to get-the-miles-in-early. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNxX7iDr6d0v_FvvyQLo-7X6c4ecchASZXLkYjWjGJ7JNR9LsmH7m-BVWllRhJ_Bf5qGOeb50IGsiS5zrQuvQ8dydfwoYmO4p2FcrGj0nlWCxQsO4t9BzFwVYirFphAyKa_PSfK__-Sk/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNxX7iDr6d0v_FvvyQLo-7X6c4ecchASZXLkYjWjGJ7JNR9LsmH7m-BVWllRhJ_Bf5qGOeb50IGsiS5zrQuvQ8dydfwoYmO4p2FcrGj0nlWCxQsO4t9BzFwVYirFphAyKa_PSfK__-Sk/s200/IMG_0367.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Media chat with Paul R</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cut offs aren't particularly tight, but there's no room for error. It's certainly not a journey you'd embark on for the social aspect. Each of the 75 checkpoints (placed around two miles apart) have their own closing time. And each checkpoints had a board displaying the CP number, distance covered, distance to sparta and closing time. Less of a gentle reminder and more of a don't-even-think-of-sitting-down-here statement. The happy bus is always looming in the background waiting to pick-up the stragglers.<br />
<br />
The checkpoints are well-stocked and you can leave a dropbag at any one of them, but I was lucky to have Marco crewing for me. He would meet me at the designated 15 support points. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy4K2FbGnnU/VjNUQfkCpUI/AAAAAAAADbc/zkoj_7fGvpY/s1600/2015-09-25%2B06.18.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy4K2FbGnnU/VjNUQfkCpUI/AAAAAAAADbc/zkoj_7fGvpY/s200/2015-09-25%2B06.18.53.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the traffic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first 20 miles are pretty uneventful. Just roadside, a few climbs and lots of a traffic. I won't lie to you, the landscape doesn't change much. But I was promised it would get slightly better after the first 50. <br />
<br />
The run along the coast was beautiful though. Picture postcard crystal blue. Never had water looked so inviting. I'm sure every runner must have looked longingly at the sea - mainly because we were getting fried at that point. <br />
<br />
Although we started in a nice stand-about-in-vest temperature - which is the equivalent to a very good summer's day in Scotland - it started to really heat up by around 11am. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shortly after this, I would see Marco for the first time in Malaga. CP11, at marathon distance, was the first time support was allowed. I arrived a few minutes ahead of my 4hr 13 plan, picked up a few supplies, changed bottle and pushed through.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At checkpoint 12, ice become my new best friend. I stuffed it in my hat, my bra and a band around my neck. It was heaven, and the difference between shuffling and swaying and actually running.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z6TL61JXQfyeKMRF-L5ntVzUpAE85P-z6duX8PRKhyphenhyphenuxNTLsaacaZ4F2BVauz2HbZEYprPSLPjfUYIJnyX6nGHup6kqkm6-5SnkcFU0sPWSq56jYluKJzD3tyPlw9OZlcC6TSK6Pf3M/s1600/SPARTATHLON+2015+%2528845%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z6TL61JXQfyeKMRF-L5ntVzUpAE85P-z6duX8PRKhyphenhyphenuxNTLsaacaZ4F2BVauz2HbZEYprPSLPjfUYIJnyX6nGHup6kqkm6-5SnkcFU0sPWSq56jYluKJzD3tyPlw9OZlcC6TSK6Pf3M/s320/SPARTATHLON+2015+%2528845%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice in my hat, bra and neck band. Pic: Sparta Photography Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whenever I use ice for an injury or inflammation, placing it on my skin is always uncomfortable, but in Greece I didn't even notice. Not only had the ice melted by the time I reached the next CP two miles later, it had dried too. I repeated this exercise at every CP during the daylight hours. Even the race marshalls were impressed with the places I could stuff ice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
My next mini goal was to get to CP22 at 50 miles in eight hours. That would be 90 minutes ahead of the checkpoint. After 60 miles, the route is very undulating and with absolutely course no knowledge, I was winging it from there. I got to CP22 bang on 8hrs. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh6n86kJSGu7vewD3Ajpox_EEFPiZInfZi7227CQcHpR43J-dhBQhP3LtWLcdA0b1fVf1QspSO52YluoJBJ41Mbb_f9_Vujqws4wBxqG43tb6VlF6TJzTyNqz0pGjMR0_du0jaweGUaU/s1600/12109152_718451031592565_4986520794705142817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh6n86kJSGu7vewD3Ajpox_EEFPiZInfZi7227CQcHpR43J-dhBQhP3LtWLcdA0b1fVf1QspSO52YluoJBJ41Mbb_f9_Vujqws4wBxqG43tb6VlF6TJzTyNqz0pGjMR0_du0jaweGUaU/s320/12109152_718451031592565_4986520794705142817_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50 miles down and HOT . Pic: Free Life Productions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 10 miles after this were certainly the hottest, but I was managing it OK. I'd pretty much lost the ability to eat, so was bonking quite a bit. I went through 100km in 10hr12, still on schedule. I was willing the hills to appear, just to break the motion of running. A good stomp was needed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It got dark just before 8pm. I love running in the dark, so was looking forward to this. When I got to Halkion at CP32, Marco told me that Paddy was having a rough time with his stomach and was not far ahead. Paddy is the king of pacing and strong finishes, so thought he'd come through it and sprint the final 50 miles.<br />
<br />
With the night came the inclines, rocky tracks, ferrell dogs and wild cats with their glow in the dark eyes, rustling in the bushes, blisters and achy legs. The Morton Stretches helped (pictured) but I opted to change into compression tights, just for the comfort factor.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leaving Lyrkia at 92 miles, en route to the dreaded 1200 metre mountain, it was relatively flat for a few miles and I was enjoying the dark and coolness. Then it started to climb and I was forced for hike. The climb went on for-like-ever. Zig-zagging. Every time I looked up there was more. Around a corner, and more. But the time I reached the "base of the mountain" (98miles) checkpoint, most of the ascent had been tackled. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSif7LlN_7Q9NBdr8Qv1S5m7EfX284p56Ow51WWnekYdQohrutkxv1BzOlM9ZqyQmTopzcVihg_HYVYKOf_-CXa01Mz7E_m1R_U3VEu0h52XdaGJIFW3JZQYoALf93ZjJAZm-118nHcE/s1600/28B61994-CA58-43C3-B2CC-F082DA35E298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSif7LlN_7Q9NBdr8Qv1S5m7EfX284p56Ow51WWnekYdQohrutkxv1BzOlM9ZqyQmTopzcVihg_HYVYKOf_-CXa01Mz7E_m1R_U3VEu0h52XdaGJIFW3JZQYoALf93ZjJAZm-118nHcE/s320/28B61994-CA58-43C3-B2CC-F082DA35E298.JPG" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Adrian Bratty Kouyoufas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I sat down for longer than I should have. Actually I shouldn't have sat down at all. Sitting on the job is not something I would condone in any race, but this wasn't a race against anyone other than myself. Plus I wasn't exactly bouncing at the prospect of the feck off climb in front of me.<br />
<br />
I changed socks and popped some blisters with the pin from my race number - classy lassy. And then the GM appeared. I was so happy to see her, as I thought I'd have company for the climb. My brain took a while to register that we was wearing a down jacket and a very sad face, and had obviously dropped out. <br />
<br />
I took a base layer, as stopping had caused me to chill quickly, and off I went. I lasted about seven minutes with the layer. The climb wasn't quite the drama I thought it would be. As usual, mountains always look bigger than they actually are. In reality it was only a 30 minute stomp, with a few sways and couple of stumbles back.<br />
<br />
I declined the offer of a comfy seat and blanket at the summit and headed straight down. The descent was worse than the ascent. A steep bed of scree and a defunct brain was not a good combo. After sliding and toe-tripping on a few rocks, I decided to cut my loses and walk. Looking around, everyone else had reached the same conclusion.<br />
<br />
At the next checkpoint, I realised I'd seen the same twin lads at practically every station for over 100 miles. I don't even know who they were supporting, but their encouragement was fabulous. Even if they only words we exchanged were "bravo" and "thank you". <br />
<br />
For the next few miles I was leap-frogging with a chap who was wearing what can only be described as a shell suit. It was quite apparent that he was getting upset about getting overtaken with a female. We exchanged no words or glances, just the mutual annoyance that we couldn't shake each other off. I won.<br />
<br />
I then went past Traci Fablo, Team USA and world 48-hour record holder. On any given day that would be a running career highlight, but it wasn't a fair race. She was struggling with injury and would later drop.<br />
<br />
Arriving at Nestini (106), I saw that Paddy had dropped and joined Marco and Sharon. I picked up some supplies and despite the fact that I was enjoying the chat and social interaction, they threw me out.<br />
<br />
The next 20 miles were all a bit of a blur. It started to rain. I was still warm, so continued to kick about in my vest. At CP53 an official seemed quite concerned and asked me if I need a raincoat to which I replied "No, I'm Scottish". He found this so funny he took to Facebook. I couldn't work out how everyone seemed to know about it.<br />
<br />
As I slowed, became increasingly incoherent and was soaked through, I did start to cool down. At the CP60 I sent Marco to car the for a change of clothes. Whilst huddled in door way, Mike Wardian's brother asked if I'd passed a skinny guy with a beard. I did try to speak to Mike at a previous CP, but he was on another planet. I told Mike's brother that he was really far gone and he might want to go get him. He informed me that he would never drop out. He was wrong. I later learned that he had chafing that would make every man cry at the sight of it.<br />
<br />
There's a lot of climbing between 120 and 135 miles. A lot, for tired legs. I was wandering up a never ending hill along a road side. It wasn't even a hard shoulder, just extra tarmac. Lorries were trundling past and spraying me water, but the honking horns and howls of "bravo" kept me awake. And smiling. They were no race signs and I was starting to panic. Up and up with no reassurance that I was going in the right direction. I think I would have rather lived there than retrace my steps. I was so relieved to finally get to a lonely CP and signs of race life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQdXQcrHOhMH-Fh4-5cDjrx53eArDYUaO_Zxzf3NJdmi81t7O34Tq1BpbpYaNGu0hBXJ2luaq5cNK7RL9Hms5adplV3AElQ-aqJ3dHwppb4QPiCG9DW-OafT_uTwaPwY3UPylI5ZV6jQ/s1600/10622817_10203371625025476_8157911667123602013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQdXQcrHOhMH-Fh4-5cDjrx53eArDYUaO_Zxzf3NJdmi81t7O34Tq1BpbpYaNGu0hBXJ2luaq5cNK7RL9Hms5adplV3AElQ-aqJ3dHwppb4QPiCG9DW-OafT_uTwaPwY3UPylI5ZV6jQ/s640/10622817_10203371625025476_8157911667123602013_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After the climb, I was overheating inside my jacket and being on the warm side was making me slow down. I needed some freshness so went back to bare arms even though we were being hit by a thunder and lightening storm. Scottish, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2V6qAfVRjhyphenhyphenP-kmSYYUvdbsHbJk3y3Jv5kP0dexzAfieLCtMgiMBOmxjrgxktVoaa2m-wZjSjNZASdALLpHLifAb73UZgNh9iAhcHag1OjHLP4PRqsRvZ1fLsug4r1FlmVBlZdqt4yE/s1600/IzandPaul.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2V6qAfVRjhyphenhyphenP-kmSYYUvdbsHbJk3y3Jv5kP0dexzAfieLCtMgiMBOmxjrgxktVoaa2m-wZjSjNZASdALLpHLifAb73UZgNh9iAhcHag1OjHLP4PRqsRvZ1fLsug4r1FlmVBlZdqt4yE/s320/IzandPaul.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The best thing about the race were the people. From Athens all the way to Sparta, the people of Greece go nuts for this race. They love it. Kids were out of schools high-fiving and asking for autographs, office workers were out cheering, people were hanging out of windows or out in the street taking pictures.<br />
<br />
I can't imagine running alongside a main motor route in the UK in the dead of night, and getting positive encouragements from drivers. I did have a few close shaves on the country roads because we were running into the traffic, but the vast majority were very respectful. <br />
<br />
The worst thing about the race was being alone with my thoughts. For obvious safety reasons earphones aren't aloud, so no music. There was just no switch off. I just had numbers - miles covered, time, distance to next CP, miles per hour, closing time, miles to go - going around in my head constantly.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
Between 115-125 miles were my lowest points. I'd worked out that if I did four miles an hours I'd finish within the 36 hours time limit. So I stomped at 4mph. Then an Austrian lady went passed me and I had a serious chat with myself. And the numbers in my head. Not only did I not want to lose placing, the idea of walking 30 miles was inconceivable. Thankfully sense prevailed and I got going again. </div>
<br />
You know when you're in a race and you can cover 5 miles without even thinking about it? Well, that didn't happen in this race. I was aware of every single mile. I decided to pick up my sleeves at the next checkpoint. Not only because it was pissing down, but it meant I could also so cover my Garmin.<br />
<br />
I got to CP68, but couldn't see Marco. The hire car was there, but there was no sign of him. So I started running up and down the road shouting his name. As I was looking slightly demented and official came out to help. Then Marco appeared from behind the rocks with a smile and a pack of baby wipes under his arm. It's all about timing.<br />
<br />
Sleeves on. Garmin covered. Don't peek. That's got to be at least two miles... Ah 0.36 miles! Although at the pace I was moving, I was looking at 30 hours. Considerably better than the 35 hours I was calculating at no so long ago.<br />
<br />
The road to Sparta is very undulating and the space to run is very narrow, but I kept chipping away at it. Walking the inclines and trying to get some life into my legs on the downhill.<br />
<br />
At CP71 I stared at the sign trying to mentally convert 12 km into miles. One the stewards asked if she could help and explained what I was trying to do, to which she informed me 12km was 10 miles. I just left it and pushed on.<br />
<br />
I met Marco at the last support point with only 6 miles to go and took few sips of coke. On paper, the last few miles look amazing. An absolute flying finish. But wow, my ITB and glutes were not happy about it. In hindsight I was completely out of it. I hadn't really taken in any calories in the last 20 miles. In my head I wasn't hungry and I was in the final stages, so therefore I was fine. Emphasis on: <i>In my head</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I could see Sparta, but I seemed like a very long way away. And I just knew that statue was going to be at the other side of town. Guaranteed. I was trying to do that positive - Just-think-about-what-you've-achieved thing, by my head was having none of it. With 5km to go Fergie went past in the car screaming like a crazy man, just before I hit CP73 on the outskirts of town.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some kids started to cycle alongside me, but even though got scared and fecked off. So I shuffled at what felt like a glacial pace, but I'm probably being generous there. I past a petrol station and a road...and then stopped. Where to now? There was a bridge, but I couldn't see anything past that. Of course there were no race signs, because there was no deviation from running in a straight line! But I wasn't of sane mind at that point. I was trying to signal to passing cars to ask directions, but I must have looked NUTS. Then one of the officials spotted me flapping about and came running towards me. The final CP was hidden behind a tree covered roundabout.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I crossed the chip mat and picked up my Union Jack. I was on my way now. A lovely lady biked alongside me and I'll never know how she managed to keep balance at the pace I was going. We talked about the fabulous support from the Greek people and she told me how she used to come out as a kid and run the finishers in. I asked her how far it was to the statue and she said 1km. I knew it was a 1.5 miles, so I don't even know why I asked. She left me in the capable hands of a group of young children on bikes and went back to the checkpoint.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUU3pgRtTyJSQrsHXVfuDdu8-jboNPi5vjmqDsty1HjEE6Fg33rphA1a7hqzlRAYrOfk4NThLMjj9clDYYex9LqzEuEl-6xbpvvaKUrK135zW0WH6FibWmV1pDHRSNGvLuuJOevuCIwQ/s1600/B2C6DD6D-9148-40E3-9A21-BD2804B0490F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUU3pgRtTyJSQrsHXVfuDdu8-jboNPi5vjmqDsty1HjEE6Fg33rphA1a7hqzlRAYrOfk4NThLMjj9clDYYex9LqzEuEl-6xbpvvaKUrK135zW0WH6FibWmV1pDHRSNGvLuuJOevuCIwQ/s320/B2C6DD6D-9148-40E3-9A21-BD2804B0490F.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30hrs 36 mins. 5th lady, 34 overall. First female Brit. 2nd overall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My conversation with the kids went...What's your name: "Debbie" "Beddie?" Debbie" Gebby?" "Yes". <br />
<br />
Followed by "How far?" "Not long". Two minutes later "How far?" "Not long". <br />
<br />
Then we turned right into the street where the statue was waiting at the end. I did seem like forever, but it was a great forever. I was treated like a hero. Even as I type this, I can still feel it and hear it. <br />
<br />
That moment when I reached for Leonidas foot...just phenomenal.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I get it now. It is truly special. There's no other race like it. For the majority, it's not about time or position. The next day the only thing strangers asked was whether you finished or not. It's all that matters.<br />
<br />
That race I was never, ever going to do? Well, I did it. And it's the best race in the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(28, 28, 28, 0.8); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iOaw436fSy0" width="854"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vJOg0IpUMCu2AQM_DldYxwpE08KosNK1bXjRQPiqUDzqflQoFpxzwottngxzyU0Vz231zWlVa3IQTtpqkhOd3KmrML2oe9L3VyyB50stnnR3kEhQC7uMoV0jk5meR7wZjmRWmHKaV5o/s1600/12047423_1501154980195773_353082486_n+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vJOg0IpUMCu2AQM_DldYxwpE08KosNK1bXjRQPiqUDzqflQoFpxzwottngxzyU0Vz231zWlVa3IQTtpqkhOd3KmrML2oe9L3VyyB50stnnR3kEhQC7uMoV0jk5meR7wZjmRWmHKaV5o/s320/12047423_1501154980195773_353082486_n+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_03-gyCr3hsA29P4nhB_3oRyaaNuryUqNQQcGrIcfjW5mv4EgjSCjjNv874nR0WAJObALNdiYBhxh9yQR3tIS8Q33v5h0SaKK7fPQIsjb_-UnwYNDeitPkS2fDcg8dl1JO-1f7Bcls/s1600/_PAN9099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_03-gyCr3hsA29P4nhB_3oRyaaNuryUqNQQcGrIcfjW5mv4EgjSCjjNv874nR0WAJObALNdiYBhxh9yQR3tIS8Q33v5h0SaKK7fPQIsjb_-UnwYNDeitPkS2fDcg8dl1JO-1f7Bcls/s320/_PAN9099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X1eba5Z-w4fcopsbUH4UZnOIXwwjHjcMA9iMLMgfg1Vr7x651SVWOI9qC2obSRr70EZIFcrD0_1ur3L49pfscLaHBNSF2wR-yA0_JllA5Q-36mEEdAKjd_Yl98SL5HxZjq3LHs6C_w0/s1600/_PAN9100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X1eba5Z-w4fcopsbUH4UZnOIXwwjHjcMA9iMLMgfg1Vr7x651SVWOI9qC2obSRr70EZIFcrD0_1ur3L49pfscLaHBNSF2wR-yA0_JllA5Q-36mEEdAKjd_Yl98SL5HxZjq3LHs6C_w0/s320/_PAN9100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSSQB9DtYD9qs7kn-cQWmTkW-zGyYjMBSAayWhGeGO_TcFTPGM4mB74SzDiM1dtgvSCoD4eq7AQ78t9h6CqikIlksLqHnVlOWswTumgZXSwpT1HMzqMddGBDGlPwBCtO44b0r_05HBpY/s1600/09410FC2-5A9A-42DD-958A-5CFEEAF440AF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSSQB9DtYD9qs7kn-cQWmTkW-zGyYjMBSAayWhGeGO_TcFTPGM4mB74SzDiM1dtgvSCoD4eq7AQ78t9h6CqikIlksLqHnVlOWswTumgZXSwpT1HMzqMddGBDGlPwBCtO44b0r_05HBpY/s320/09410FC2-5A9A-42DD-958A-5CFEEAF440AF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Huge congratulations to everyone who finished, especially the British Spartathlon Team. Thank you to the organisers, stewards and the wonderful people of Greece. Special thanks to my Mum for looking after my boy, to make these trips possible. Last but certainly not least, to Marco for top-notch crewing. Your turn next year. Thankfully you'll be hard pushed to find a shitter hire car. </div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-58512827179613410532015-09-10T07:08:00.000+01:002015-10-12T17:56:31.862+01:00The (running) tour of Arran - the return<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg94LN9KGuGBluzyzLjnF4Q5lVKyzxXZUgsKwtZoTGkdmNvgTruc3qfYWO1vcgoKMKnYkYE7quF_JRYBnkG_BFhDO5oAGWkWhyphenhyphen1_OO6cmNrUavw7e9TXPHSZbuWW5jj4lD18wLVrm5Nc/s1600/arran.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg94LN9KGuGBluzyzLjnF4Q5lVKyzxXZUgsKwtZoTGkdmNvgTruc3qfYWO1vcgoKMKnYkYE7quF_JRYBnkG_BFhDO5oAGWkWhyphenhyphen1_OO6cmNrUavw7e9TXPHSZbuWW5jj4lD18wLVrm5Nc/s200/arran.gif" width="146" /></a>So we did it again. Another 55 miles run around the beautiful <a href="http://www.visitarran.com/">Isle of Arran</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGtdfy6ppA430k9Len0SOGFnHZq6RAsGa9A3GxkPsJheM3n2nJqaHugcIBU3eh73F6gHRtA91-Bm2rOj5f2Xd7Mz6-bpdNm7JZXEjC3Zl3RbeuhBJ8YR8R8TD8xfFI4666W-MosM9EYc/s1600/lamlash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGtdfy6ppA430k9Len0SOGFnHZq6RAsGa9A3GxkPsJheM3n2nJqaHugcIBU3eh73F6gHRtA91-Bm2rOj5f2Xd7Mz6-bpdNm7JZXEjC3Zl3RbeuhBJ8YR8R8TD8xfFI4666W-MosM9EYc/s200/lamlash.jpg" width="200" /></a>The GM and I first did this route in <a href="http://debsonrunning.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-running-tour-of-arran.html">August 2012</a> and had so much fun we thought we'd do it again. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Perfect training for Spartathlon with lots of tarmac and a <i>few </i>cheeky hills. Slight temperature differential, but we used it to try out our Spartathlon fancy dress outfits regardless. The GM dubbed it #fullkitwanker day. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75vLSLgdJdSioR0jqOfdGuVagDz416NTdwn50DM84gf6dZyw2CYYwOuUt2CZ31mQZhU3wZBsZLo-z3kzZs3CIp5rRKQWe-OFVXX1WNm38WD9T3gnTnl2ap-a1uHNAf21CGc7eEYxA61s/s1600/fullkitwanker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75vLSLgdJdSioR0jqOfdGuVagDz416NTdwn50DM84gf6dZyw2CYYwOuUt2CZ31mQZhU3wZBsZLo-z3kzZs3CIp5rRKQWe-OFVXX1WNm38WD9T3gnTnl2ap-a1uHNAf21CGc7eEYxA61s/s200/fullkitwanker.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MdA: Toughest Footrace in the World</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: start;">Strava stats </span><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/380258125/overview" style="text-align: start;">here</a><span style="text-align: start;">. A sociably paced 55 miles with nearly 4000ft on bumps in 8hr:31. Average 9:18m/m</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgIglqepjU008h65cVvbpFM5EwTzxbNpbJDWVJTsfblVwGR3Te4SM6Zfkn7X-nihNai3cQtzcnOyRxFGNF5n8__7yIy-QoINmNZ6skQUgGasM3rccuuHLlXksRnIK2rKqFn6b49raAKc/s1600/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgIglqepjU008h65cVvbpFM5EwTzxbNpbJDWVJTsfblVwGR3Te4SM6Zfkn7X-nihNai3cQtzcnOyRxFGNF5n8__7yIy-QoINmNZ6skQUgGasM3rccuuHLlXksRnIK2rKqFn6b49raAKc/s200/rainbow.jpg" width="200" /></a>It was one of those days I wished I could bottle. And one of those runs I will remember forever. And for all the right reasons. <br />
<br />
We certainly kept the tourists, cyclists and the local bus driver amused.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB130bksdnkkP6ixvUIjAplXNSSHrH96rRZJOH9N36OrxYDFGIRkNdbjoLxwheSlM2ZRYlk78eE_YZFI2KCbjZiEwKADFVuzUlY8SRVCtgUMIcjFV0XmwMo7bCueL2dVbx1DS-eA4y2gM/s1600/collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB130bksdnkkP6ixvUIjAplXNSSHrH96rRZJOH9N36OrxYDFGIRkNdbjoLxwheSlM2ZRYlk78eE_YZFI2KCbjZiEwKADFVuzUlY8SRVCtgUMIcjFV0XmwMo7bCueL2dVbx1DS-eA4y2gM/s400/collage.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-4095604875486345212015-08-28T07:08:00.000+01:002015-08-28T12:36:25.460+01:00From hills to heat<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm quintessentially Celtic. Red hair, green eyes, fair skin and freckles. I don't belong in the heat. I'm just not designed for it. I go purple, moan like a bitch and swell up like a space hopper. But I like a new challenge and - like most ultra-runners - thrive on pushing the boundaries. Always searching for new levels of stupidity. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So <a href="http://www.spartathlon.gr/en.html">Spartathlon's</a> next. I don't have high expectations. It's a bucket list race, and I'll be happy happy if I get to Sparta. Ideally, on foot. <a href="http://britishspartathlonteam.org/" style="text-align: center;">Link to British Spartathon team website </a><br />
<br />
At the start of the month, we went on a heat training camp...I mean family holiday...to Croatia. Temps were around 37 degrees every day, so it was a feet-first introduction to to the similar conditions I'll experience in Greece next month.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U43ALQGE5xY" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wow. It wasn't pretty. I literally got my ass handed to me on a (hot) plate. But I spent the first 18 years of my life in desert climates and I don't recall melting and I certainly didn't wear suncream every day, so surely it's a case of adapting to heat? Maybe not adapting to comfortably running 153 miles in it, but just making it a little more bearable would suffice. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNvg_BIhfX1s-FxtQ0vxIUEzGxhRwD7vE6pVPh8cYOJsXqmAKVq5fAFVaD1t8Sl1qHeY2vsgiJGoIniBf-v_D9zlW7jM7ulZieINOoale4IMyEw_7mQbJJSfFHJ2CQ7bceE7lB1ySN1s/s1600/11822836_10154204413724498_5731715189154929116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNvg_BIhfX1s-FxtQ0vxIUEzGxhRwD7vE6pVPh8cYOJsXqmAKVq5fAFVaD1t8Sl1qHeY2vsgiJGoIniBf-v_D9zlW7jM7ulZieINOoale4IMyEw_7mQbJJSfFHJ2CQ7bceE7lB1ySN1s/s320/11822836_10154204413724498_5731715189154929116_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was actually my happy face ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first I did a few easy runs early morning and late evening, because it fitted better with our not-so-hectic holiday itinerary. OK, it fitted better with attacking the resort's buffet meals better.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Day three I went for a mid-day 10-miler. Just an out and back on a cycle dirt track, without the benefit of the sea breeze. It was relentless. I had to lie down after four miles and I honestly didn't know how I was going to get back. I was emotional, dehydrated and beyond melting point.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Taking relief from the heat while standing in the middle of a hotel's sprinkler system, I had a major confidence crisis. What was I thinking? How am I ever going to move in that heat, let alone run? But backing out of it never crossed my mind. In fact the shock of that day was just what I needed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I learned so much and subsequent runs were much better. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1) Knocking back the pace: Slow isn't slow enough. Even just 20-30 per mile made a huge difference. If I'm overheating, I'm going too fast.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2) The point of no return: I made the mistake of overheating too quickly and it was hard to back down from that. Starting slower certainly helped keep temperature in check. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2) Dousing myself in water whenever possible kept me cool. Although even after my sprinkler session, my clothes were bone dry after about half a mile.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3) The conditions were much drier than I'm used to. Scotland is very muggy and humid. Although I didn't think I was sweating as much, my skin was really salty and my clothes had white salt marks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4) I needed heat! So I went along to heat chamber session at Napier University and I'm incorporating a few sauna sessions per week from now until race day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5) Saunas attract some right weirdos. Then I remembered. I was sitting there too. </div>
<br />
<br />Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-89834427553784375902015-07-30T21:12:00.001+01:002015-07-30T21:13:48.291+01:00Lakeland 50: The stats<div style="text-align: justify;">
As per my race report, I was "hoping" to sneak in under nine hours. In my heart I knew I could run 9:05, just stitching together race-paced runs. Maybe I'd already let the sub-9 slide before I even started. Next time, I'll need to aim a bit higher. Here are my goal splits v actual splits. Close, but no cigar.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx70xo7JayFF0a5_JtUVqpu3k2mrsFy44tpHpOfnw3oQsBlDt3MX8NzltnGVqcKYuxK-4Ru-UaHJ_W1szVUiHmKeAIUqBSVs7ygKpmtDDr_vn6f5PRA7-lF1P5h0SQhsNsFzuj_nLeLA8/s1600/myracestats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx70xo7JayFF0a5_JtUVqpu3k2mrsFy44tpHpOfnw3oQsBlDt3MX8NzltnGVqcKYuxK-4Ru-UaHJ_W1szVUiHmKeAIUqBSVs7ygKpmtDDr_vn6f5PRA7-lF1P5h0SQhsNsFzuj_nLeLA8/s400/myracestats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ladies all-time top 10 race splits...just because it's interesting. Even to me, and I don't do numbers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilySD4cFOousH4Cr121HG5IS4l-711EUGqvOcE9np7ZoSWom_TIzGb6ZgHjuvZID7TMKg4JeVkzzg0lwhWLro6gTx4QfZ_9XiqF6S0F_oTo4KzcTwxYjzS06YBrX8yCp1A_LhyphenhyphenVJ-kHBI/s1600/ladiestop10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilySD4cFOousH4Cr121HG5IS4l-711EUGqvOcE9np7ZoSWom_TIzGb6ZgHjuvZID7TMKg4JeVkzzg0lwhWLro6gTx4QfZ_9XiqF6S0F_oTo4KzcTwxYjzS06YBrX8yCp1A_LhyphenhyphenVJ-kHBI/s640/ladiestop10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5039390797669625550.post-48249648972724218752015-07-29T06:52:00.000+01:002015-07-29T16:00:08.921+01:00Montane Lakeland 50 race report<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1s-85zjSnfTvGezk8gNkmqFG35_E04yTFGmCEXjG0yjwvdEuMa2_Yoj5-XvlSTLju6r-GS4pBdRrBGwoTILu_fCOUK05tXKgG-QYtCL_UEUMS84-fsZF8oGBDu38J4MdCeXv4cayxC4/s1600/logocropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1s-85zjSnfTvGezk8gNkmqFG35_E04yTFGmCEXjG0yjwvdEuMa2_Yoj5-XvlSTLju6r-GS4pBdRrBGwoTILu_fCOUK05tXKgG-QYtCL_UEUMS84-fsZF8oGBDu38J4MdCeXv4cayxC4/s400/logocropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After running the <a href="http://www.lakeland100.com/">Montane Lakeland 100</a> for the past two years, it was time to up my game and join the sprinters in the <a href="http://www.lakeland100.com/">Montane Lakeland 50</a>. Actually, it fitted better with my plan for running <a href="http://www.spartathlon.gr/">Spartathlon</a> in two months time, but I prefer the first story. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">Lakeland 50 was my main focus after running the World 24-hour in April. It's no secret that I'm more competitive at longer distances, but I wanted to give it my best shot. </span><br />
<br />
I called on my friend, <a href="http://www.centurionrunning.com/">Centurion Running</a> team mate and endurance coach <a href="http://www.edwinasutton.com/">Eddie Sutton</a> for her help and guidance to transform me from a 24 hour plodder to something that might resemble a hill runner.<br />
<br />
No mean feat, but after weeks of killer hill sessions and race-paced runs on the course, I was in a better place. Not just physically, but I actually believed in myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Using my race-paced runs as a gauge, I'd worked out a realistic race target of 9:05. Adding some adrenaline and a bit of competition, I was hopeful I could sneak under nine hours. <br />
<br />
In it's 8th year, the Lakeland 100/50 has grown from strength to strength. The atmosphere is electric. Attracting a field of nearly 1000 athletes - from the super fast to the super terrified - nobody is out of their depth as the camaraderie is magical. It's not just a race, it's a festival. There is always a huge sense of relief at the finish line, but it's sad to drive out the campsite on Sunday afternoon knowing it's over. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLoaRQ_2OBWFiPJbLe7ixGHtb2WnMN6Mq-lUE_6ce-cUtuxsSS-H6xxtrvp_X87tqUx5de5q4HwelSo67RuKI38f3e7-ht-2s7zadcLhPVTPytH3gYTdGUkDw5R1gU9mOlKrHHfylL5I/s1600/IMG_5501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLoaRQ_2OBWFiPJbLe7ixGHtb2WnMN6Mq-lUE_6ce-cUtuxsSS-H6xxtrvp_X87tqUx5de5q4HwelSo67RuKI38f3e7-ht-2s7zadcLhPVTPytH3gYTdGUkDw5R1gU9mOlKrHHfylL5I/s320/IMG_5501.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top right by Jen Regan. Bottom right pic from Susan Graham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Lakeland 100 starts on the Friday evening and circumnavigates the beautiful Lake District. I was <i>lucky</i> enough to win the ladies race last year, which rates quite highly in my life's best moments. The Lakeland 50, which starts late morning on Saturday, is basically the same route from half way. Simple, right? Not quite. It's a bit bumpy, boggy and baffling. It's unmarked, unrelenting and the weather in the Lakes is unpredictable to say the least. But if you get to the start line, you're one of the race's "Legends". And if you make it to the end? Well, you're part of the 50% that do.<br />
<br />
After seeing off the 100 competitors on Friday evening, I felt quite smug about the prospect of not losing a night's sleep. Really I should have just done the race, as I had about two hours sleep after spending the night pressing the refresh button on a mac in the school hall for results. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-f73ynBdq34-eEK60YTiNcbyZ5UPPLbEdVwgZJu4o7fRYQECK3oQyhtQ8n0TQKnKfSOrOSTPRJp-IHGMb6DYhf6Y_OM-9Or6eYs3Zy-LBJDp0LsrUvdm9KLd4zNxCoy1bVGSJqyezq0/s1600/dalemain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-f73ynBdq34-eEK60YTiNcbyZ5UPPLbEdVwgZJu4o7fRYQECK3oQyhtQ8n0TQKnKfSOrOSTPRJp-IHGMb6DYhf6Y_OM-9Or6eYs3Zy-LBJDp0LsrUvdm9KLd4zNxCoy1bVGSJqyezq0/s320/dalemain.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by <a href="https://instagram.com/jenregan1/">Jen Regan</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the race briefing on Saturday morning, it was off for the long journey to the start. Thankfully the lovely Bev and Steve (the makers of <a href="https://paulnavesey.wordpress.com/">Paul</a>) offered me a lift, sparing me the cattle bus journey. Nici and Kat - also running the 50 - were in the car too. A mix of nerves and mild hysteria made for a jovial journey.<br />
<br />
The weather was perfect. After last year's heatwave, this concerned me the most. It was heating up a bit, but promised to be clear and dry.<br />
<br />
The race was off at 11:30am. A 4-ish mile loop around some hilly fields and then we hit the route for the 45 miles to Coniston. I hadn't covered the opening section before. Thankfully it was first, as it was the only unpleasant part of the race. A grassy underfoot is my least favourite terrain.<br />
<br />
Like most races, go off fast and you'll get caught short. And like most races, loads of people still do it. I just did my usual and stuck with an effort level I knew I could maintain and was confident I could pick my way through the field. My race plan was all about consistent momentum. <br />
<br />
Prior to the race, I'd researched splits of previous placing ladies. I knew I had to keep to the slower end of the spectrum if I didn't want the wheels to come off after Ambleside (35 miles). Not that I could have recreated CR holder Tracy Dean's early times - even if the race was just to Howtown.<br />
<br />
Arriving in Pooley Bridge (5 miles) I was in my groove - on the trails and in very familiar territory. I wanted to jog all the hills, to keep the rhythm. I often feel if I start to hike the hills too early in training runs and races, it's hard to break the cycle. <br />
<br />
I got to the Howtown checkpoint a little slower than my race plan, but that was fine. Good, even. Having not covered the first section, the time was a bit of a guess. I dibbed in and was straight back out. One spectator commented on "my good checkpoint action". My plan was always to save time by topping up fluid at streams and carrying all the food I needed. Which worked out as not a lot of food. No shock there then. <br />
<br />
I was also actively avoiding anyone giving me updates on Marco's race in 100. After watching the live results through the night, I knew Marco was having issues. I was pretty sure there was going to be lots of shitting-in-bushes chat to follow. For purely selfish reasons, I just had to focus on my own race.<br />
<br />
Heading towards Fusedale - and the highest point of the course - the race breaks up fairly quickly. I was passing 50 and 100 runners. I wasn't quite sure how it would be passing runners in, essentially, another race. I'm not sure how I would have dealt with being passed if I was in that situation. But I really enjoyed the exchanging of mutual respect. I have been there twice and know what that climb does with 70 miles in your legs.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOt0c9ojGtsSfN0_0JlY3E7QxYu2Q-SSupCwK8wsZKaGjsJk2DUAiH9kXIGF01V3Qcfu7s2VzR7TUmNRThC8eKPkVwUCXVYzoFo2a9cD48VoYiYPP3ZMzFM6XbNUe2_YO3ljigLRGccN0/s1600/IMG_5498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOt0c9ojGtsSfN0_0JlY3E7QxYu2Q-SSupCwK8wsZKaGjsJk2DUAiH9kXIGF01V3Qcfu7s2VzR7TUmNRThC8eKPkVwUCXVYzoFo2a9cD48VoYiYPP3ZMzFM6XbNUe2_YO3ljigLRGccN0/s320/IMG_5498.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pics by <a href="https://instagram.com/jenregan1/">Jen Regan</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fast hiking to reach the peak, everything felt like it was starting to come together. My head was in its happy place, my legs felt light and my energy levels were tip top. I'm not the best descender, but I passed a few chaps and then hit my favourite section of the course, along Haweswater. I'd been given some information about race position by other competitors, which I took with a pinch of salt. When I got to the Mardale Head checkpoint, I knew Mel Varvel was about a minute ahead in second place. <br />
<br />
Call me a race w*nker, but I'd done my research and knew who my competition was going into the race. The favourite was GB ultra trail team athlete, <a href="http://statistik.d-u-v.org/getresultperson.php?runner=443260">Sally Fawcett</a>. Also on my list were <a href="http://statistik.d-u-v.org/getresultperson.php?runner=430833">Mel Varvel</a>, <a href="http://statistik.d-u-v.org/getresultperson.php?runner=590522">Kim England</a>, <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=713462">Joanne Hazell</a> and <a href="http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=278658">Tracy Entwistle</a><br />
<br />
As I've already outed myself as race w*nker, I may as well add that If someone comes back to me in a race, I will most likely overtake them. With Mel is my sights on the climb up Gatescarth, I gave myself the target of moving into 2nd before Kentmere. Mel is a super endurance triathlete and has some fine ultra results, but I kinda sorta actually knew she hadn't been racing for the past two years. Sorry, Mel!<br />
<br />
My next target was to find <a href="http://johnkynaston.com/">John Kynaston</a>. Over the years, John and I have had quite a few friendly race challenges. Usually involving me winding him up and his love of competition. I think he's still yet to win one. If he has, no doubt he'll be the first to comment. So, the challenge was that he was going to hold me off until Ambleside. Now, I'm shit at maths, but I was pretty sure going by his race targets and my race targets - even if they went a bit astray - that I would pass him before Kentmere. And I did. A few miles before Kentmere. He was so gracious about it. I think we were both just happy to see a friendly face.<br />
<br />
Between Mardale and Kentmere was went the calf and quad cramp started. I didn't come to much, but it was causing me great concern. I'm not sure whether it was humidity or the intensity, but it's not something I've really experienced in a race. I even considered not packing s-caps, as I'd never needed them before. <br />
<br />
I got to Kentmere in 2nd place. Phew! As I knew Eddie would be watching the results. I downed two cups of a coke and was out like a shot. My legs were shooting all over the place with cramp on the ascent up Garburn, so I tried to stay off my tip toes. Which felt completely unnatural to me. <br />
<br />
On the descent I was trying to thud my feet down because on Planet Debs that would help clear what was causing the cramp. Don't ask! I added my one and only electrolyte tab to some water I'd picked from a stream and that gave me some relief for 30 minutes. The S-Caps did nothing. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNSmidy-pQg7glxrc2eLyuATJu0FVRqiI8f5tsDzDNab4SqyZ0Cgdc7Mz09RM-vfi9IZbrcxGl-1jkd7dGoTbelYcvAq8TH9w2l59ajhyZvR6bRIw_U9k_GT9YwLMOjj9pGntEPx2VXU/s1600/IMG_5495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNSmidy-pQg7glxrc2eLyuATJu0FVRqiI8f5tsDzDNab4SqyZ0Cgdc7Mz09RM-vfi9IZbrcxGl-1jkd7dGoTbelYcvAq8TH9w2l59ajhyZvR6bRIw_U9k_GT9YwLMOjj9pGntEPx2VXU/s320/IMG_5495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by <a href="http://ultraperk.com/">Perky</a>: Everyone is staring at me like I'm bonkers ;-) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At Kentmere I was back on my race splits - to the minute - and wanted to stay that way through Ambleside. I was in such a good place, mentally, and was loving the race. Just enjoying the present and the great experience. <br />
<br />
As always, the reception in Ambleside was amazing, but I didn't stay around to enjoy it. It looked so much fun, I wouldn't have left. I must have been so focussed that I missed running passed marshals dressed as clowns! Two cups of coke and I was off.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzeDPGKuuI8d3Mlwvfv77AzrIq8FCIMEw04Y4YID6kclnoVb1cEYQiV0QFXsosa5mUgslyZ2loGfIftZshBnw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Video leaving Ambleside (35 miles) by Bev</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Only 15 miles to go. I didn't think about positions or finishing, just on my own personal times. I wanted to get there with enough in the tank to run some of the hills, and I did. Although at one point I tripped and then kicked a rock and my leg shot rigid. No more hiking, as jogging was the only thing that loosen my legs off.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVUQ6qpMBGpk7v6T9xGYbTxM2IxAQmRLYjxN4Hk4_a7mdalmXC59vnrQ-T4mYMWyDPZcDdkHCR_5yyxf59KLIT5jIyxizzq7e4bHj8mJlZo0kHB0S36gRne4Qt23H8wPkhxrq3i884w0/s1600/IMG_0853-154+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVUQ6qpMBGpk7v6T9xGYbTxM2IxAQmRLYjxN4Hk4_a7mdalmXC59vnrQ-T4mYMWyDPZcDdkHCR_5yyxf59KLIT5jIyxizzq7e4bHj8mJlZo0kHB0S36gRne4Qt23H8wPkhxrq3i884w0/s400/IMG_0853-154+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above Ambleside. Only 14 miles to go </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully the sight of <a href="http://www.strava.com/athletes/1693337">Matt Wilson's</a> back along Elterwater perked me up and kept me on pace through to Langdale. Although I got there bang on time and it pretty good shape - considering - it was the lowest point for me. Possibly for Matt too, when he spotted me approaching.<br />
<br />
I lost a few minutes from Langdale to Tilberthwaite because of cramps, but I just kept chipping away at it. Bryan passed me at this point. Not quite sure where he had been the rest of the race, but he looked pretty fresh.<br />
<br />
Prior to the race one of my mini goals was to run up the last long climb before Tilberthwaite (Fitz Steps?). I think I did about 80% of it. Or at least I made sure I was running whenever Matt looked back.<br />
<br />
We ran in and out of Tilberthwaite checkpoint, with Matt a few seconds ahead. Those steps! And that hill! Always a sting in the tail. I was another few minutes down on my sub 9 schedule. 9:05 was looking my realistic. <br />
<br />
I passed Matt, who looked like he didn't care. We exchanged a few words. Not sure what they were though. I passed another and then spotted Forest Bethall. I was keeping similar pace to him, but he shot off down the hill. Hitting the track, I was closing in on him. And he knew it. I wasn't bothered about passing him, I was just using him to keep focussed. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ys2H-2HJ40dDkZ8TQRfbEbCffzbwf70bmEocRjtaps0vnS5OzCNApimBaIS5AwzYErt0PGpTnC2bn9r8AT19ewqPNYNwSh4fGaChuh9IrSKaziGdlSaJheaL6k4xlThtcGqz9h0ThxI/s1600/racesplits.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ys2H-2HJ40dDkZ8TQRfbEbCffzbwf70bmEocRjtaps0vnS5OzCNApimBaIS5AwzYErt0PGpTnC2bn9r8AT19ewqPNYNwSh4fGaChuh9IrSKaziGdlSaJheaL6k4xlThtcGqz9h0ThxI/s400/racesplits.png" width="400" /></a>Arriving in Coniston for the sprint finish, I had full on tunnel senses. I could see people and hear people, but I was just hanging on to Forest.<br />
<br />
I got there in 9:04:30. If I was told when I signed up I was going to run that, I wouldn't have believed it. So, I'm not going to allow myself to be disappointed that I didn't hit the elusive sub 9.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0NmuOky42MCWZWzYPiSwTGdvRErGviLUHeJfjdUnjbWV5fuIZi7VY7vIJLh0-h3YVVWzASzHjRErlao3uS61Fd-gKpCbwZwU2AfPQIrzRqT8XHKPC3hLC_nOcbmy8xKVbYR6PQ0i884/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0NmuOky42MCWZWzYPiSwTGdvRErGviLUHeJfjdUnjbWV5fuIZi7VY7vIJLh0-h3YVVWzASzHjRErlao3uS61Fd-gKpCbwZwU2AfPQIrzRqT8XHKPC3hLC_nOcbmy8xKVbYR6PQ0i884/s200/IMG_5474.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaOyyPM9ght0mZo7YowpbsH1faLqAFvlLGTaVRzwZ4bIGr2-_hWymO5TpWqQKJyOH4516g0AEa4sX5PxRQqpi2jQQt8Pn-P3zR38ogakYKR0SmvXH7k8Jr7Ym8hUIxvFJiP5VOhKQhkw/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaOyyPM9ght0mZo7YowpbsH1faLqAFvlLGTaVRzwZ4bIGr2-_hWymO5TpWqQKJyOH4516g0AEa4sX5PxRQqpi2jQQt8Pn-P3zR38ogakYKR0SmvXH7k8Jr7Ym8hUIxvFJiP5VOhKQhkw/s200/IMG_5475.JPG" width="200" /></a>I was second lady to the amazing and super lovely Sally Fawcett. And 10th overall. 10th! That's the best bit. Closely followed by <u><b>NINE</b></u> <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/354023523/segments">Strava</a> course records :-)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mel had a cracking come back race to finish third in 9:21. She's a little powerhouse. Once she gets her ultra legs back, so will be a force!</div>
<br />
I managed to avoid updates on Marco, but chuffed he finished second. And as suspected there was a lot of toilet chat. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_vt22uGvQCvREdHE2cPcWBFIVCEZrraMOfTc0qZzCCyLSWx7rsizRsg-jkNVSeqfR9JlCEtj557zx-5g0Hs2zGRkptrZi_xpuZFzU7eo3vBAHybpZZl555LWSvVqVPsFczver-iDLIY/s1600/podium+times.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_vt22uGvQCvREdHE2cPcWBFIVCEZrraMOfTc0qZzCCyLSWx7rsizRsg-jkNVSeqfR9JlCEtj557zx-5g0Hs2zGRkptrZi_xpuZFzU7eo3vBAHybpZZl555LWSvVqVPsFczver-iDLIY/s400/podium+times.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Full results <a href="http://track2.sportident.co.uk/competitor_leaderboard.php?event_id=547a5317-ac4e-4055-abcb-0413bf8b6245&course_id=0D49AA00-C48B-46E5-926E-96F5E3B60D20">here </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DOACcwaM8qtKQii5I94EuDncQxlvUvKSb74YrpNUEx3MsIx-0DtiuZwZOg127nT5wUcHMoobKShnGujWLxZZ3UJG-yCXHVUPdTVWjUmZ4tg6v1aQhsqtrX-DtKK1yiTWJmwW9YUn0zU/s1600/IMG_5503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DOACcwaM8qtKQii5I94EuDncQxlvUvKSb74YrpNUEx3MsIx-0DtiuZwZOg127nT5wUcHMoobKShnGujWLxZZ3UJG-yCXHVUPdTVWjUmZ4tg6v1aQhsqtrX-DtKK1yiTWJmwW9YUn0zU/s320/IMG_5503.JPG" width="320" /></a>My Strava overview <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/354023523/segments">here </a><br />
<br />
Thank you to the organisers, marshals, supporters and sponsors who brought together comedy and misery to make dreams come true. I can't wait until next year. But will it be the 50 or the 100? Decisions, decisions.<br />
<br />
Which allows me to finish with a response to the question I was asked a few times over the weekend: Did I find the 100 tougher than the 50? Or vice versa? It's hard to say. It's like comparing a 10K and a marathon. Both require differing levels of effort, but you still cross the finish line completely fecked. With both, you leave a little bit of yourself on the course, but you take home pride, achievement and the knowing that you've been a part of something wonderful.<br />
<br />
I didn't visit those dark places, destroy my feet or peel layers of skin from my back. But I didn't have time to enjoy the ride, take in the views, share the journey with new lifelong friends, use the hills as a rest hike or even pee! Say what you like about me "only doing the 50". Just don't call it the fun run.<br />
<br /></div>
Debs M-Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710598450672711518noreply@blogger.com5