South Downs Way Part 2 (the return journey)

It was 5:30 when we pulled into Chilcomb sports ground. Centurion events have certainly evolved of the last 5 years from something that felt quite low-key on the first running of this race to the well oiled machine that it is now with James and Nici at the helm. I was feeling really good when we pulled up. I went about my race prep and said hello to the numerous people I know through running these and other events. At 5:45 James gave his race briefing to the 260 of us toeing the start line and at 6am preciously we where on our way to Eastbourne.

looking happy at the start (photo by Stuart March)

The conditions early on where perfect for running – a slight misty rain and everyone excited to be finally on their way after months of training and preparation. On the Thames Path I made the mistake of setting off too quickly, I got carried away with running with people at their pace whilst chatting. This really made me pay in the second half of the race as I ended up chasing cut offs (not a nice experience). So this time I was going to run my race, my way and not get caught up in the excitement and early pace of others.

Tony was joining Karen at QECP and the aim was to be there for 11 am so I had 5 hours to cover 22 miles. I settled in to my race pace very quickly, as I passed through the first checkpoint I was towards the back go the field. I was an hour inside cutoffs tho, so everything was going to plan. I said my thanks to the  volunteers and was quickly on my way again. I don’t spend a lot of time at checkpoints as before you know it you’ve lost a couple of hours just on checkpoint stops. As you come over the top of Beacon Hill its a very steep drop down through the fields, this was the first time I really felt it in my legs. As I was walking down towards a gate I saw Jayden talking to some cows – she was asking one of them to move out of the way of the gate and explaining she’s vegan so a  friend…. they seemed to listen and ‘moo’ ved for her. As we went through we started chatting and running together. Within minutes though, we’d missed a turning and were quite happily running through a farm when we could hear shouting. We looked around and there was a couple of people waving their hands and shouting at us to say that we’d gone the wrong way. Once back on track, we ran for a short time together but then Jayden went off into the distance as she was hoping for sub 24h but we would meet again later in the day.

Not far to go then

Coming down the hill to QECP there where a few runners in front of me, I started to pick them off as I focused on the aid station ahead. As I was half way down there was someone who seemed to be struggling a bit. I slowed to ask if he was alright, he said his quads were killing him already. We chatted for a bit when he said  ‘I can’t believe there is a nutter doubling this! As long as he doesn’t pass me I’ll be fine’. (sorry if your reading this)  I didn’t mention that nutter was in fact me, I just told him to take it easy and make sure he took on food and fluids at the aid station. As I got into the aid station, Tony was there with Karen. They both took over. Karen took my water bottles and Tony got my  food and kit. I sat down and had a quick coffee. Tony said that I was inside 24 hour pace. I did briefly think I could sub 24 this, I was feeling good. I had made a pinky promise with my youngest son, Dylan tho. He said he would run with me on the track and offered his little finger to pinky promise… “you can’t break a pinky promise” he said. So I quickly dismissed it because this was the one and only time I would really get to run with both of my boys on the track. As normally on this course I finish in 19h or so.

The humidity of the day was starting to increase now and as I was walking up the hill through the woods out of QECP I  could really start to feel it. I’d just got to the top of the climb and was about to start running again when I heard someone shouting “Foxy, Foxy wait there” I looked around and one of the  volunteers (John) was there huffing and puffing “you forgot these “he said handing me my two water bottles. The volunteers really do go the extra mile (literally)  with Centurion. I thanked him as that could have been a disaster. He said ‘no worries’ but  was gutted because he hadn’t started his garmin. We laughed that it wouldn’t count as a run then 🙂 . I made my way towards Harting Downs,  feeling good but knew that the race could have been over had John not returned my water. I told myself I must remember to double-check everything every time I leave a crew stop. I got into Harting Downs in reasonable time and as I went up to the crew bus  Tony appeared from the cooker with bacon and sausage sandwiches and a coffee. The big advantage of carrying a tracker (from race drone) is that not only can people follow my progress from home, but also crew know exactly when you’re going to arrive so you don’t waste any  time and they have things ready for your arrival. Karen took my water bottles, I think she felt a bit guilty that I had forgotten my bottles last time because she gave them straight back and helped me put them back in my race vest and apologised for earlier. I told her it was my fault, not hers so there was no need to apologise. Karen takes crewing very seriously and this is a good thing.  From here on in there was never going to be a chance I could forget again as they always got handed straight back once filled.

The next 8 miles to Cocking went OK. The heat was starting to to tell a bit and had slowed my pace down slightly. I was totally on my own for this part of the trail, no one ahead or behind me. After leaving Cocking, I received a text from Jodie to say that she and Gav had met up with he others at Amberley and that she had my ice lollies in the ice box if I wanted them.

As I went through Biggin Hill, they told me there were quite a few people just ahead of me on the trail. This gave me a real boost as I could now target people to pass and help me to keep my pace up. The section to Amberley seemed to fly past as I was now back running freely again. I came into the crew stop handed my stuff to Jodie whilst I got a drink and that long -awaited calypso.

Hard work this pacing and crewing.

For some reason I’d got it into my head that it was only 2 miles until Gav could start pacing me from here. Karen was adamant it was 4 miles and as I tried to correct  her she handed me the pacing sheet with the mileage breakdown. My response was “this must be wrong then!” Karen just responded with “if you say so after all you wrote it”. I threw the book on to the roof of the car but unfortunately it slid across the roof and narrowly missed  Karen….  I apologised straight away in case she thought I threw it at her  which I hadn’t, honest.  She gave some sarcastic reply as expected.  As I left  I thought I really could do with another ice lolly so I shouted  Jodie to ask her to run one up to me. The look as she ran up the hill was priceless when she got to me she said “Look it’s not just you who can do the double” as she ran back down to the car. Jodie has an ability to be able to make me laugh however I’m feeling and this certainly made me laugh.

I picked up Gavin  my pacer on the way through to Washington. I was looking forward to a 20 minute stop here. Time to change my kit for fresh stuff and have some hot food. I went in to the aid station at Washington and it was full of activity, Graham asked what I wanted and said he’d take it out to my crew for me whist I went to use the indoor toilet. It’s the things you take for granted that mean so much through an Ultra and a toilet is one of them 🙂 There were a lot of people sat around here; for some their race was done, others were getting themselves ready to go again. Jayden was sat amongst them, I thought she would have been long gone but she was starting to have issues that would continue throughout the rest of the race for her.

A brilliant photo bomb by Jodie and Karen 🙂

I went back out, had food  changed my socks and put fresh clothing on. As we left I knew that something wasn’t right, my feet had swollen and didn’t feel comfortable. I knew I couldn’t continue like this. It was going to be another 12 miles until I saw my crew again so I rang Karen to ask for the socks back that I’d just changed from. We had only got to the bottom of the road just before you crossover to the trail so I waited there. Chris Mills then appeared with my change of socks, he had been talking to Karen when I phoned and kindly offered to run them up to me. So a quick change back to what I had on before and we were off again.

The section from Washington to Botolphs is a nice section to run  (once you get up the hill as you leave Washington) Its mainly flat or downhill past the pig farm. Gav and I were passing people quite regularly now and we got into Botolphs in good time, I was only 1hr outside 24 h cutoff. Roni and Paul Cheeseman were at this aid station and I always know these two put on a good spread of homemade food. I could have stayed here for the night but we quickly said our goodbyes and set off up the hill.

The next crew stop was coming up at Devils Dyke. The headtorchs were on now as the night section had started. Tiredness was kicking in now so I phoned ahead for coffee to be ready in the hope caffeine could help. The support out on the course was a lot more evident this year. Anyone up at devils dyke for their Saturday night in the car park must have wondered what was going on with all the flashing lights and people in lycra running past. I had my coffee and complained about feeling tired. I got told by Jodie to stop moaning and get on with it as she’d run 200 yds and wasn’t complaining. With those words of wisdom we set off again.

Coffee at Devil Dyke

Gav made me run a lot more than I had wanted to up to Clayton windmills but that’s why I have a pacer. I don’t want someone to walk and talk to me, I want my pacer to do just that –  pace me at a pace just faster than I want to run at. When we got into Clayton there were a few people sat around. The volunteers were doing an excellent job of looking after everyone, they asked if I wanted anything. I’d barely got the words out of ‘coffee one sugar’ out and it was in my hand, I said my thank you’s and we made our way to Ditching Beacon.

By now my eyes were rolling in my head, I just needed to shut my eyes for a bit. I knew when I did the GUCR that having 10 minutes of shutting my eyes and doing nothing running related helped. So when I ran into ditching I handed my race vest to Jodie and told Karen I wanted 15 mins rest. Karen and I had are first ‘mini domestic’ at this point (not bad after 3 days!).  She was adamant I was only having 10 minutes,  I was being a bit of a diva saying ‘I’m the runner, I’ll decide how long it’ll be’ and  With that  I set my timer for 15 minutes. I can’t explain how it feels when I can just rest but I can certainly feel my body recovering and relaxing a bit. I could hear Karen saying ‘he thinks he’s getting 15 mins! We’ll see!!’.

That time  in the car seemed to last for an age but when I opened my eyes the timer still had 6 minutes to go….  I did think ‘No I’ll stay here for that time’ but I couldn’t. Reluctantly, I opened the car door to find Karen handing me my race vest with a smile. I just thought ‘well its me who’s decided to get out early but I let her have her moment of ‘told you so’ 🙂

I felt completely refreshed and set off quickly. Gav had to catch me up as my legs suddenly wanted to run again. We ran across the top section really quickly, although I did take a fall which shook me up a bit because it all seems to happen in slow motion. Then, as you lie there you slowly move hoping everything is ok.  Fortunately, everything was  apart from a few cuts. We were passing quite a few people now who had been reduced to a walk with their pacers. The ‘taking it easy’ early on was now paying off. I had no pressure of the clock as I was a good couple of hours under and I was able to run  freely. I arrived into Housedean feeling really good and looking forward to the next section.

As I left Housedean, the mist was starting to come down. I knew that once I got on to the top,  viability would be the main concern. Even though I knew this section like the back of my hand and have run it in all conditions. Including a few times when the weather had changed and thick fog has descended. As I went through the woods just passed the railway bridge, I could see someone up ahead. The man was swinging his arms saying ‘walk up like a gorilla, it helps’.  As I got closer, I realised it was Shelley and Mark. I’d met them on the NDW50. They were running the SDW in memory of Rosie who they had sadly lost a year before. I walked with them for a while, they were in good spirits and although Shelley had a wobble earlier,she was now back in the zone. These are two of the nicest people you could ever want to meet and even at this time in the morning when their emotions must have been all over the place, they both still had big beaming smiles on them. I was pleased I bumped into them and as I said my  goodbyes on the top of the ridge, I knew they would finish the race from here.

I ran most of this section down to Soutsea but when I got to the train track I had another moment….. Mark was on the platform directing people over the bridge, I looked up at the steps- he may as well have been telling me to climb Everest they seemed never -ending. My language here wasn’t the best and I did apologise at the time and since but I’d like to again say sorry, I know you where just applying the rules. As I struggled up the steps with Karen just ahead every muscle in my legs were screaming at me. This was hurting.  Going down the other side wasn’t any better and I seem to remember muttering how stupid it was to make us go up the steps when there’s a perfectly good crossing. I got to the car and just sat there for a few minutes sulking (for want of a better description). I’m best left alone when I feel like this, it never lasts long but I just needed to clear my head.

I took my Hokas off as my feet were in agony and when I looked at them the sole had totally gone- there was no way I could wear them from here. I threw them on the floor but they bounced up and nearly hit Jodie and Karen. I demanded my road shoes to a chorus of ‘ooooo what’s wrong with you?!’ from both the girls….. I again apologised and put my road shoes on. As I left with Tina pacing, I heard Karen shouting my name- as I looked around, Tony and Jodie had my trainers and threw them on the floor and pretended to sulk. I can always rely on my mates to take the piss and make me smile.

Once we where up the hill out of Southsea, Tina did a first class job of pacing. She had never paced before and we have only ever run together a couple of times so we didn’t really know each other. She ran about 10 yds in front of me, every now and again looking back to see that I was still running. This helped no end because it made me run the whole section to Bo-peep. This was the last time I’d see the crew until the finish. As I ran into the car park, Karen was waiting for us. The other two where having a kip. Tony woke up and did come out when he realised we’d arrived. I asked where Jodie was and they said she was asleep in her car. Pay back I thought for all the sarcastic comments  and piss taking. I opened her door quietly and to my surprise she didn’t wake up. I then shouted ‘QUICK! WAKE UP! EMERGENCY!!!’  The look  on her face as she woke up with a shock. Even thinking of it now I’m laughing. I had tears rolling down my cheeks, I just wish I had filmed it!!  I left for Alfriston laughing uncontrollably.

Jodie needed a drink after the shock 🙂

Tina did the same with the pacing into Alfriston, staying just ahead and looking back every now and then. We didn’t hang around long here, I knew we only had 8 miles left and wanted to get it finished. We pushed on up the climb out of Alfriston, there were a few people walking slowly up the hill. I was now walking quite fast up here. I know just how long it is and the sooner it’s over the better. When we got to the top and I stopped just to take one last look back at what we had just travelled through. I got a bit emotional – it was starting to hit me what I had done over the past few days.

As we came in to Jevington, the volunteer was sat by the church taking numbers. We made our way through the grave yard and down to the village hall. I know this aid station, it is a funny old one to be at because no one wants to stop really. As we came down, one of the volunteers was stood outside offering to run in and get anything I wanted. I thanked him but didn’t need anything. I just wanted to finish. We made our way up to the trig point. From here you can see the track.  I now knew that I just had to be careful on the descent down the dreaded V section and I would have made it and  my boys would be waiting to run the track with me.

My legs suddenly came back to me once we were on the pavements,  as we were running past the hospital we passed a few more people  I was suddenly running like a proper runner and not someone who was broken.  As I entered the track I could see my boys playing-  they saw me and ran to the gate to meet me. I had tears as Dylan took my hand, he looked at me and said ‘See! I told you I wouldn’t break a pinky promise”. We ran around the track quite quickly, Luke wanted it to be a race, not that he’s competitive or anything (no idea where he gets it from). We crossed the line together. I’d done it – I had completed the second 100 miles in 27h 20m.

The finish with the boys

My love for the South Downs had only been reinforced over this weekend. It is a beautiful trail with stunning views.  I alway felt in control throughout this weekend and the importance of pacing a race properly and not getting carried away really paid off.

I also have some of the best friends around me helping me achieve this. I would like to thank the following people. Karen and Tony for being the most efficient crew I could ever ask for, always there with a smile and putting up with my strops. Jodie for making me laugh when I really don’t want too (tho your turn to crew the first 100 of the  NDW next though so good luck) and the words of encouragement. Gav and Tina for running that little bit faster than I would have on my own. Richard for being my pacer taxi.

And finally to every volunteer out on the course. You guys are the lifeblood of this amazing sport. Your help, words of encouragment and total understanding of how the runners are feeling blows me away every time. I look forward to seeing you all on the NDW.

Again the good cause I’m running for is here, if you can donate anything at all please follow this link.

https://www.gofundme.com/mfs59g

Thankyou

 

 

The South downs Way part 1

 

The South Downs Way is my favourite race by Centurion. It was my first 100 mile race so has a special place in my heart. Also I live in Eastbourne so it’s on a trail I know very well. The lead up to this race was very calm and controlled. I had Karen Webber crewing for me as my normal crew (Tony) couldn’t get the time off work for the first 100 but would be joining us on the return journey. Karen had insisted on going through the crew stuff weeks before so she could get it all right and go over things herself to double check things (as if she didn’t trust me or something :)). So in the week leading up to the run I had nothing to do except walk to town to drink coffee and check I’d packed everything feeling slightly unnerved that everything seemed ready and I had no last minute panic about crew meetings etc.

On the Thursday I woke up with a very stiff calf muscle and my ankle that I’d injured on the Thames Path felt stiff. I hadn’t been able to do much running since completing the Thames Path, my ankle and leg just weren’t playing. I sent a text to my sports therapist to see if she could suggest anything. I’d already seen her on the Monday, when she took one look at me and said lets start from the top and work down. Then proceeded to inflict pain on all of my body (in the nicest way she even gives you a werthers mint at the end to take your mind of it :)). Sue phoned me straight away and gave me some exercises to do to hopefully free it up. She also said “To be honest if it was anyone else I’d say don’t run – I know you won’t listen but please promise you’ll listen to your body on the run” I agreed and assured her that if I thought I was doing any damage I’d pull out.

 

Karen arrived mid morning and after packing the car, double checking crew instructions we were ready for the off. We made our way to the track for 3:30. A few friends had come down to see me off. Two friends Richard and Tina had said they would run with me for the opening section. So at 3:55 a coach who was training some girls on the track asked them to stand to one side and explained to them what I was doing. I heard one of them say “Why, is he mental?” and with that in my ears at 4pm exactly I was off the reverse way around the 400m track and on my way to Winchester. I had only got to the hospital when I stopped at the garage…..It was a hot afternoon, the sun was out and nothing but blue skies so I had my first ice lolly less than a mile into the run but I also knew it would be the last for a while. We were soon on the downs and I settled into my pace. Its fair to say Richard and Tina are slower runners than me and I was glad of this because they kept me in check as I kept going off too fast. On a trail you know so well it can be hard to slow the pace and as good as it felt to be running 7 minute miles it really wasn’t wise. The opening 24 miles went exactly to plan Karen had met up with us a few times and was taking control from early on when I met her making sure I was drinking plenty in the heat and eating from the off.

I arrived at Housedean Farm at 9pm. This was the first proper stop for hot food and a coffee. Karen had it all ready for me as I arrived including having a chair out for me to have proper sit down. I had a 20 minute break here and was soon on my way again. Richard had stopped at Housedean, Tina had left 12 miles in after offering to pace me on the second half if needed which was nice as it would be in the early hours of Sunday morning. This section is very runnable once up at Black Cap you get some good views of Brighton on one side and up towards the north downs/Kent in the other direction. It was a clear night and you could see for miles, the sort of night that makes you glad to be out on trail and glad I’d found Ultra running as my hobby.

I met up with Karen at Clayton Windmills – as I approached the car I thought she’d seen me so you can imagine my shock when I opened the passenger door and she shouted ” Who the fuck are you what you doing !!!” Thankfully she had nothing in her hand I think she would have hit me with it otherwise and then gone oh it’s you sorry. 😊 It did make me smile tho. The carparks around Ditching Beacon and Devils Dyke have a bit of a reputation as dogging sites so I had said to Karen not to stay if she felt uncomfortable. So on my way up to Devils Dyke Karen called to say it looked too dodgy up there even for her (Karens words not mine :)) and she was going to make her way to Botolphs where another running friend was going to meet us with coffee and run a few miles with me.

As I approached Devils Dyke I saw in the distance a couple having sex right on the path I was about to run along. I dipped my head torch – I just wanted to run past as quickly as possible – but what happened next just had me crying with laughter!! The lad saw my head torch and with that he legged it and I mean he was off like Usain Bolt, the poor girl was left just standing there. She then looked around and saw me then started to run after him trying to pull her underwear up shouting “wait for me” as she ran down the road after him. He wasn’t waiting tho, he was gone – the only thing I can think he thought I was her dad or something and proper shit himself! I continued not quite believing what I’d just witnessed but laughing to myself thinking ‘only on the downs’….

I got to Botolphs half hour later than on the plan. Anyone who knows me knows I hate being late when I’ve arranged to meet someone so I was very apologetic to Darren as it was now 1:15 in the morning but he just handed me a cup of coffee and chocolate. The next 4 miles went by really quickly just chatting about general running stuff. It was soon time for Darren to turn back. I thanked him for coming out at that time as he had work the next day and still had to run back to his car. The next stop for me was Washington just under half way and the next hot food stop. The aim was to be there for 3 am but I had a change of thought, I phoned Karen told her I wouldn’t be stopping and that I would get food at Amberley. So I’d just need water. She did question this but I was quite sure that I wanted to crack on. Once I’d got up the hill out of Washington the trail becomes quite a fast section and I was soon running at 7:30 minute miles. Karen text to say she was at Chantry Post in case I’d changed my mind about food but I was already past that point. I Don’t think she was happy and when I got into Amberley she said “was it wise to be running so quickly”. I didn’t get this off my usual crew questioning me about what I was doing but she was right. Sometimes tho you just have to go with it and it felt good with the sun rising and beautiful trail in front of me, whilst everyone with any sense were still sleeping in the towns and villages below. It’s times like this I love running the most so I was going to enjoy it.

After being told off I had breakfast and made my way on the second half of the trail. I don’t know this half as well as the first and I’d only ever run it the other way feeling fresh. So this was really where the hard work was to begin. I still felt good tho. My ankle had freed itself and tho there was a bit of pain it was nothing for me to be worried about. I suddenly started doing the maths and realised I was on sub 24h pace. This really wasn’t in the plan so I slowed the pace right down I had to think of the bigger picture. I hate to say this (knowing she’s reading this with a smug look) but Karen was right, running this quick was suicidal and I could put the race and the double slam at risk. I went through Cocking still ahead of schedule but the day was starting to warm up. By the time I’d got to Hartling Down the humidity had really started to kick in, this was enough to take the pace out of my legs and made me think about saving some energy.

As I was running into QECP I lost concentration. I knew the way I had to go to get to the meet place but totally missed the turn and continued on the trail. I asked a walker if he knew the way, he said I’d gone wrong and the way was back there tho this trail did lead right the way around and down to QECP eventually. At the same time Karen phoned to say I was on the wrong trail according to the tracker. Karen was saying you need to be on the trail below can you cut through to it. All I could see was a sea of nettles and brambles and there was no way I was climbing through that. I was left with a choice: continue on the trail I was on or go back. I decided to go back until I could see a place that I could cut through all the time with Karen saying it’s just below you. Eventually I got back on track but I’d lost over and hour and run an extra 6 miles. As I got to the cafe I was really annoyed with myself, a stupid mistake just down to switching off for a few minutes. We both went for some food in the cafe – whilst waiting for the food to come Karen suddenly ran out the cafe, she’d been drying my gear for me and had just realised that she had left it all out over the bonnet and roof of the car. It would have been a brave person to take it tho as the sweat had been pouring off me all day. Thankfully it was all there still.

I sat in the cafe very quiet, I was pissed off with myself for running 6 miles more than I needed and adding an hour on to the run. Then opposite me a young child (2 maybe 3) threw her spoon on the floor – the Mum started telling her off and then smacked her quite hard. This made my blood boil anyone who knows me knows I don’t like this, I was just about to say something when Karen just gave ‘the look’. Considering we are only just getting to know each other outside of race conditions she pretty much read what was about to happen and I knew what that look meant. I had to leave tho it was the only way I could keep my mouth shut – in my opinion there is never a need to smack a child she had only dropped her spoon on the floor. I put on some fresh clothes and without saying much I headed out back on to the trail.

I was still berating myself over the mistake, I just couldn’t get it out of my head and the heat had taken its toil. My pace had dropped but I was still on the original plan so it was actually going well, I just needed to keep telling myself this. I’ve always thought the Downs would be easier going Eastbourne to Winchester but I was wrong, the next 22 miles to Winchester were a lot harder than I thought. The pace stayed steady tho. Karen had found a couple of places to meet on this part of the run that I didn’t know about. There are no crew stops for race day as it is the beginning of the race and you are fresh so don’t need them. One of them was a pub car park. I hadn’t seen Karen but the pub looked too tempting. I went in I just wanted a cold pint of coke. The locals in here were very funny when they asked how far I’d run I don’t think they believed me. I then saw Karen in the carpark so thought I’d better tell her I’m in the pub 😊. After a bit of good banter with the locals and a refreshing coke I was on my way again. That stop had really lifted my spirits and helped put all the negative thoughts out of my head. I continued on toward Winchester. Karen had called to say she was at the finish and would wait at the entrance in the hedge so I knew where to turn in to.

However I did have time for one more mistake……instead of cutting up along the hedge I’d continued on the road not really paying attention as I thought I could see some tape in the distance when I got there tho it was some old balloons and the main road. So back I went with a wry smile on my face this time. I entered the field and ran it quite quickly I wanted to get finished and get kit check done.

As I came down a few people were watching and clapping me in, one of them was Nici Griifin. So I ran in and James was the first person to shake my hand and say half way then.

I then made my way to Nici and without saying anything went into my back pack and gave her my waiver. Nici would love everyone to do their waiver at home and turn up at kit check with them. Not sure she ever thought someone would run a 100 miles to hand it to her tho 😉 We both had a laugh then I had the Nici hug everyone wants when you finish.

I’d done it,107 miles in total over the South Downs in 28h 34m, more or less exactly to plan except for the extra bonus miles. Now it was time to have a proper meal a beer and some rest before the return journey.

Below is the link for the good cause i’m running for this year if could give anything then it would be very much appreciated thank you.

 

https://www.gofundme.com/mfs59g

 

The Thames path 100. The second half.

7:15. That was the time on my watch as I switched the alarm off. By the time we’d booked in to the hotel and I showered it was 4:15 when I was setting the alarm. So, with just three hours sleep, it was time to get ready to go again. Surprisingly my legs felt fine as I got up and started to move around. I’d left everything in the van earlier on, so I headed to the carpark to get my stuff ready for kit check. It was a beautiful morning – a fine day for running. The taxi came at 8 to take me to registration. Tony wasn’t going to meet me until mile 22 so he could catch up on some much needed sleep. Richmond town hall was a completely different place to how I’d arrived only a few hours before. It was a hive of activity; the amazing volunteers with big smiles directing people to the correct places for registration, bag drop.etc. The usual mix of new faces nervously getting ready and the more experienced going through their pre race routine. I know quite a few people now from these events and it’s always good to catch up with each other. People who knew me were asking how I felt and wishing me luck for the return journey. Most people tho didn’t know what had happened only hours before which is exactly how it should be as this was their day. I went thro kit check and got my number, and there I saw Nici Griffin – I told her then that I’d see her in Oxford for my well deserved finish line hug. I was feeling good, excited to be part of a race and after James’ race briefing at 10am exactly the horn went and we were off. Over the next 28 hours I was going to have my question answered – could I run 200 miles?

The opening 10 miles I felt really good. I settled in to a good pace, probably slightly faster than I’d planned, but it felt ok. I ran for a good few miles with Paul Mason. We know each other thro Facebook and I knew this was his first 100 mile race. He asked about the cause that I was running for. I told him about my friend and her aim of getting a new hand and how inspiring she was as a person (see the link at the end). Paul also asked for some advice for later on. My best advice was that later on in the race you have to be selfish. By this I mean its quite easy to start walking with someone you’ve spent maybe hours running with. It can be hard if your legs are feeling fresher to leave them. You feel guilty for pushing on because you’ve gone through so much together but you can’t sacrifice your race. It’s different if they’re injured then yes, stay with them, but if it’s just general fatigue then politely say good bye and push on. Just after this advice I started to feel this slightly fast pace in my legs so I made my excuses of needing a toilet break and wished Paul luck on his journey.

The first checkpoint came quite quickly, certainly faster than I’d thought it would. When I first started to plan this double attempt the cutoffs early on were the ones I most worried about as I didn’t know how my legs would react. I was well inside cutoff at Aid Station 1, I had 1h 20m in the bag and was feeling really good considering. I grabbed a handful of food, thanked the volunteers, and went on my way again. I was soon crossing the river to the point where hours before I’d got lost and ran away from the fight happening not 20 metres away from me. How different it all was now, the sun was shining and I was feeling good and wondered how on earth I missed the Thames Path signs. I did have a little smile and thought well next time i’ll know the way. As I continued I saw my first ice cream van – I get a real craving for orange ice lollies during ultras for some reason so I just had to stop.

I ran on my own to aid station 2, I had runners around me but I didn’t have the energy to chat to people. As I got into Wraysbury Tony text to say he was waiting in the car park he couldn’t find last night. I quickly gave my number to the aid station crew and made my way to Tony. He was back in full crew mode with a coffee ready and porridge made. He was back after a good nights sleep. As I made my way towards Windsor Karen got back in touch – she’d slept and was now back in full stalker mode and told me that she’d be there until the end. Everything was feeling ok, I was in a good place mentally and the team was well rested. I ran thro Windsor after quickly filling the water bottles as I knew I had to keep pushing whilst I felt good. As I ran into Dorney I had a brilliant reception, Karen had sent messages ahead to people she knew volunteering. So I had a hug waiting for me and some very nice words of encouragement. I also got told that I looked a lot better than I had the previous year. On last years TP100 I couldn’t keep food down from about mile 15 and really suffered throughout the race. Amazingly today tho I was still within 24h pace.

I left feeling really good, the volunteers had given me a real lift. They do an amazing job and have a real knack of making everyone feel special. I messaged Karen to say thank you for everything she was doing. She didn’t realise it but she was becoming an important cog in this challenge and the little things were making a big difference. The run to Cookham went pretty much to plan, I was moving well tho my feet were starting to feel battered and sore. I got to Cookham and had the same excellent reception at the aid station. They took my number and I continued on my way.

As I ran thro Marlow, Tony was waiting in the same spot next the the pub we’d had lunch at the day before. There was no time to stop tho today – I needed to get to Henley. Tony said that Gavin was on route to pace me and hopefully he’d meet me at Reading. I pushed on to the Hurley checkpoint after running down into someones garden. I think a few people must have done this. He just said oh another one and held his back gate open and pointed toward the path! I said thanks and went on my way. The reception at Hurley was amazing even thinking of it now makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. You’d have thought someone famous had just arrived instead of me. Again Karen had messaged a couple of people and told them how I was doing. This was a real lift. I was also way inside cutoff to my surprise, and still not that far off 24h pace. I was asked if sub 24 was on but I knew that unless a miracle happened then just finishing was the only thing I cared about.

I left Marlow knowing that the next stop was half way. Peter (my mums husband) had sent me a text to say they would be at Henley to see me. They were up seeing Peter’s daughter in Reading so were in the area. I really don’t know what happened on this section. Mentally I lost it, I just couldn’t keep my pace up and although I know this section quite well I just kept misjudging how far I’d gone. I was looking at my watch wondering why the mileage wasn’t moving very fast and why wasn’t Henley coming into sight. I really started to hate the Thames Path now – it’s never been my favourite race but this very section cost me in the other direction. I was cursing the straight boring hard paths. It seemed to be never ending and the 6 miles felt more like 12. Eventually I made it into Henley. I went and checked in – my language was a bit blue here. I apologised to them all and told them if they ever saw my name on the start list again for the Thames Path to just shoot me and put me out of my misery. I asked how much time did I have before cutoff. 40 minutes was the reply. I’d lost so much time the clock was now really not on my side. I ran over to Tony a bit pissed off with myself and still cursing the Thames Path. My mum was there and I had to apologise for the language she was about to hear as well. I was broken with 49 miles still to go. Gav was here, he’d come early and was dressed in a tiger suit (as you do if you’re pacing in the middle of the night)! I was just grabbing food and water when suddenly Jodie was stood behind me. It didn’t click to start with but after speaking to me the night before she’d thought I could do with a pickup so drove Gav up to surprise me. She offered me a calypso, as when she’d asked Tony was there anything I’d want he’d told of my craving for ice lollies. So you can imagine her face when I replied “the last thing I want right now is a fucking ice lolly ” fortunately Jodie knows me really well so took it in good spirits and just said “fine I’ll take them home in the brand new ice box I bought to keep them frozen.” Talk about how to make me feel bad for what I’d just said. I really didn’t have time to hang around so I said my byes and set off with Tiger towards Reading.

Having one of my best mates running with me was a real boost. Suddenly we were running at a good pace. The chat between us was making me forget about the pain going through my entire body and we were pulling back time on the clock. We arrived in Reading in what seemed no time at all and as I made my way up those steps I was told we were 1h 20 inside cutoff . This was music to my ears. Again the reception here was amazing, Roz gave me a hug that again Karen had asked to be passed on. I had time to have some soup here as I hadn’t eaten in Henley. I knew I had to keep on top of the basics to have any chance of finishing this race.

The next section to Pangbourne has to be the hardest section of this race and the Autumn 100. Its the one part everyone moans about. It’s 8 miles but it’s a really boring 8 miles. Once you’ve run thro Reading on the hard tarmac paths dodging the drunks going home, you end up on a path with the railway fence one side and not a very good view of the river on the other. No matter what time I’ve run this there is always the drone of engineering works taking place in the background. Gav was in fast walk mode which I knew meant we were still doing about 13 minute miles. My sense of humour had definitely left me now – I think I’d left it at Henley. We eventually came out at the station where Tony and Jodie were waiting. I quickly replenished my supplies and pushed on. We went thro the housing estate and on to the fields. The temperature suddenly dropped and as I layered up the mist and fog descended and we couldn’t see anything all of a sudden. I took my head torch off and held it at waist height as this stopped it just glaring in the mist, and although I could see a little bit more it wasn’t enough to be able to run. The path was nowhere to be seen so all I could to do was keep the river in sight on my right hand side and follow it around. I could feel the time slipping away and for the first time I was starting to question whether I could do this or not. We ended up walking this section and when we finally got to the car park before the bridge Tony was there waiting – even he was starting to get concerned about the time. We made our way up to the aid station and stood in Hi viz was another amazing volunteer with a big smile in the freezing cold. We went up to the church hall and again I asked the question of how long inside cutoff – again 40 minutes was the answer.

We left straight away after saying my thankyous, I now knew I couldn’t afford for anything else to go wrong. I also needed a bit of luck that we’d have no more mist and fog to deal with. I can only ever worry about the things I can control and the weather isn’t one of them. So I knew that the next 4 miles to Streatley were very runnable. Also this was the last section for Gav as he had to be back in Eastbourne for a surprise party for his mum’s 60th. We started to pick a few runners off in this section and got to Streatley in good time. There were a few people sat around in the Aid station hugged up to radiators trying to get warm. We had pulled back another 10 minutes on cutoffs and so had 50min in the bag. I said my goodbyes to Gavin and Jodie, they had made such a difference. I apologised for being grumpy twat. I think Jodies answer was ” you’re a grumpy twat anyway, just now you have an excuse”.

I like the next section to Wallingford, I was well into my 3rd night of running and was looking forward to the sun coming up. I was starting to pass people at regular intervals which meant my pace couldn’t be all that bad. I got into Wallingford having not lost any more time but also not gaining anything. The day was starting to break tho and the birds song was starting to sound out although they sounded far too happy for this time in the morning!

I was now just putting one foot in front of the other – I tried texting Karen but couldn’t see the keypad as tiredness took a grip. I couldn’t really type a conversation so just said I could do with a chat. I don’t know why I didn’t just phone her but before the last couple of days we only knew each other really thro facebook. I’d run a few runs she’d organised in Dover, and I knew her well enough to ask for a hug at races but then so does everyone! But now I needed to talk to someone who knew me. Karen phoned straight away before I’d had a chance to go through my contacts. We had a good chat, she made me laugh even tho I was in so much pain. I think her answer to me saying it hurts was something like “what do you fucking expect you loon” my answer was “yeah but the SDW100 would be easier as I hate the Thames Path”. Karen’s experience of working aid stations and crewing before meant she knew when to be a cow (in the nicest way) but also when to give kinder words. I got off the phone feeling pretty good, everything still hurt but Karen just saying she was proud of what I was doing made me feel good .That one phone call had changed our friendship I think, or at least from my point of view. She was now not just some friend from Facebook but someone who I could class a friend and I could rely on when my back was to the wall.

The sun was well and truly up now. The path here winds around with the Thames and I could see runners scattered about in the distance. I just kept the runner in front of me in sight and used them as a target. I knew I had to be selfish from here on in, I couldn’t stop and chat I just had to keep going. I apologise to anyone I ignored along here my only focus was to get to the checkpoint. The river seemed to go on a bit, I could hear runners moaning ( as we all have at some point) how the distance markings were wrong and this was more than 8 miles. The truth is when you’re that tired everything seems further away. It wasn’t helped by early morning walkers saying “2 miles to the next checkpoint well done”, then not 500 metres down the track the next walker saying “its about 1k down there”. I eventually made it to the bridge and walked up the road to the checkpoint. I was back in a good place mentally and I had pulled back a bit of time so had 1h 10m inside cutoff. Tony had breakfast ready here as I’d text him to get my porridge and strong coffee ready and also to dig out my road shoes and fresh socks.

I left the aid station feeling refreshed, and I asked my body to please just give me one more final push. It responded – I was back to running sub 10 minute miles. I was not only passing people but running really freely. I’d done the previous 185 miles in my Hokas and now with trusty road shoes on I felt like a newish runner. I was about a mile out from Abingdon when a dog suddenly appeared from nowhere barking and jumping up. I’d been bitten a few weeks before on a run so this made me jump out of the way awkwardly. As I put my foot back down the pain was unbearable. I’d pulled something in my ankle and suddenly I couldn’t run. The dog owner was very apologetic but I was gutted – was this going to be the end of my race? I hobbled into the Aid station and shouted Tony to get my ankle support that I always have in my kit but had never had to use until now. As I sat there I could see the ankle starting to swell. I put the support on, laced up the trainer, and just set off hoping it would last. Fortunately I had pulled some time back so just focused on the next Aid station.

This next section goes through some woods and fields so the ground is very uneven. I suddenly found myself thinking what I’d do for those hard paths of Henley that I’d slagged off earlier. I was still passing some people so was hopeful I wasn’t going to get timed out. As I got to Lower Radley checkpoint there was the welcome sight of the Medics sat in their ambulance. I hobbled over and said can you strap me up to get me to the end of the race. Whilst I was sat in the back of the ambulance one of the Volunteers came over to take my number – again they were brilliant they took my bottles and filled them and brought food over to the ambulance for me. The medics were brilliant we had a laugh at the generic questions they have to ask like “on a scale of 1 – 10 how is the pain” and ” have you taken any recreational drugs in the last 12 hours” . I couldn’t help but laugh as I gave my answers . They strapped it up and said “you probably shouldn’t run on that but we know you’re not going to listen” I smiled thanked them and went on my way. As I crossed the bridge leading out of the checkpoint Naomi one of the volunteers came running over and she said “I can’t let you go without your hug.” I’d had a hug from pretty much every aid station now, tho there was only one person I wanted my hug from and that was waiting at the finish line. The emotions started to get the better of me along this section and as Oxford came into sight a small tear or sweat or something got into my eye. I’d done it – the question had been answered. This had been one of the hardest things I’d ever tried and my body had held up. As the blue finish gantry came into sight I could see the three amigos stood at the finish. Nici, Natasha and Jon, they always had such a nice welcome for everyone. As I crossed the line in 27h 05m and 11 seconds. I looked at Nici and as she gave me my medal I said to her ” I could marry you right now” I knew by her answer that it had been a long night when she said “that’s not a bad offer” as she gave me my finish line hug.

I’d made it – 200 miles in a negative split as well, that is the first time that has ever happened. As I sat there a glass of prosecco in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other, it started to sink in what we had achieved. I’m nothing special as a runner, just a bit stubborn! But I have some amazing friends. Without them none of this would be possible.

I could never thank the following people enough: Tony, you are the best mate anyone could ask for. You never question my challenges but always crew for me and are there when needed. Gavin, it’s your fault I run, you should have never talked me into doing the Hastings half marathon all those years ago! But you always come out in the middle of nowhere at daft o’clock to run with me. Karen, I really don’t think you know how much you helped from the sofa at home 😊 but when I needed someone at whatever time you were there and I look forward to you crewing the SDW double attempt with Tony. Jodie, not many people would have jumped in their car and driven for 3hrs just for me to be a grumpy twat all because I sounded a bit down on the phone. And to Centurion staff and all the volunteers it’s a total privilege to be part of this running family – I’ve made some great friends and your support out on the course was amazing. I could never thank the volunteers enough and all I hope is that when I volunteer if I’m half as good as you guys then I’ll be happy. Also to everyone who messaged during or after the race the kind words are very humbling and very much appreciated.

Before I finish if you could support my good cause that i’m trying to raise money for this year then I know Nici would really appreciate it. She is one of the nicest people you could meet and a true inspiration – please google her name Nicola Wilding and you can donate here.

https://www.gofundme.com/mfs59g

Click here to support Nicky Needs a hand by Nicola Wilding

Having lost the use and feeling in my right hand nearly 16 years ago , I found a way to have 2 working hands again!! I need my right hand/ arm amputated and have a bionic prosthesis; that’s operated by my brain, attached in its place. The NHS will pay for the surgery, I just need topay for the ha…

gofundme.com

 

 

Finally I’d like to finish with this:

My  Mum and I for one reason and another have never been particularly close and aren’t the best at communicating with each other. I haven’t been the easiest son to have but as I sat in the chair beer in hand my phone went off with a text message and it was from my mum. It simply read:- By my reckoning you must be nearly finished. I know I don’t tell you but I am very proud of you xx

That brought a smile to my face – it had been worth it for that one text.

Thank you for reading I’ll see you all on SDW100 where the finish is only a mile away from my house so would be rude not to start there 😊

 

The Thames Path 100. A tale of two halves

The First half.

The seed for doubling a centurion event had been in my head for about 18 months, but a combination of injuries and not being in the right place mentally last year meant that I just put it to the back of my head. This year tho that thought came back can I run 200 miles? I needed to find out and the Thames Path seemed like the obvious chance to answer this question.

I had only told a few close friends that I was going to attempt to double the Thames Path. I’d emailed Nici at centurion just out of respect to let them know of my intentions but that was it. I didn’t want to take away from anyones build up for their race as I know the TP100 is a popular race for people moving up to the distance for the first time and didn’t want to take away from that pre race build up on forums etc. So on Thursday night we set off for Oxford from Eastbourne with the aim of starting the first leg at about 11pm.

We arrived in Oxford at 10:40pm there had been torrential rain on the way up and I was thinking do I really want to do this, but when we arrived at the start the rain had stopped. Now obviously this had been planned to the finest detail I mean I’d 18 months of working on this. So when we went to turn down to the recreational park to the start after driving up and down trying to find the entrance, you can imagine how I felt when we realised that the gate was locked. We couldn’t help but laugh hopefully this wasn’t a sign of things to come. We walked down to a point where we could get on the Thames Path I asked a couple walking home if that was the way to London they said “yes but it’s a long way you know.” With that thought in mind I was off it was 11:30pm and I had 28hrs to get to Richmond.

I’ll introduce my crew now as I’ll refer to them a lot over the course of the two blogs and I really couldn’t have done this without them. Tony was my main crew he does all my events he knows exactly what I want and when I want it, and just ignores my grumpiness and always keeps me on track with food and water. I had Karen Webber as head stalker on the tracker she was supposed to be helping with the crewing but a broken shoulder meant she couldn’t drive so followed from home. I also had Jodie an old friend who was on the end of the phone if needed and then last but not least I had Gavin who was going to be pacing for a while on the return journey.

The opening 25 miles went exactly to plan. I wanted to take as close to 28hrs in total for the race. Normally in a race I get carried away, go out too hard and then hang on for the last 30 miles, but I knew I had to be disciplined if I had any chance of doing this. I got to Streatley in about 5 hours. The sun was up and I felt good. This was the first place I properly stopped to have breakfast and a coffee. Whilst Tony was frying up some sausage sandwiches in the back of the van I used this opportunity to have a cat nap. I’d planned in a couple of 30 mins sleep breaks in the first half. It makes a big difference even tho its not sleep, just that shutting of the eyes and resting does the body the world of good. I ate my food and was soon on my way again.

The next 25 miles also went to plan I was enjoying running at the slower pace and actually taking in the surroundings. I was sticking to the schedule and feeling quite good – I got into Henley at 11:00 am exactly the time I wanted. The original plan was to stop for food here. I was going to have a pub lunch and then push on, but I decided to push on to the next crew stop in Marlow and stop there for food instead. This was the first time I’d done something different from what I had planned. As I was leaving Henley I did wonder if I’d done the right thing but it was too late as I was on my way. Getting to Marlow seemed to take an age, for the first time my pace had dropped and I was staring to feel tired. I’d been up since Thursday morning and besides a couple of cat naps in the van I hadn’t really slept. Tony was also starting to feel tired as he’d been at work on the Thursday and then straight into crewing me.

I’d been keeping in touch with Karen throughout the day on messenger but this was the first time I was saying anything negative. I knew I needed to get to Marlow and have some food. Karen gave a few words of encouragement (we’ll call it that!) and I pushed on for what seemed like an eternity . Arriving in Marlow Tony was parked right next to a pub. I thought perfect we can go in and have a sit down and some proper food. When we went and asked for a table the waiter looked at me and sat us away from everyone else, I couldn’t help but smile. I have to admit the food and staff were rather good in there even if we had to sit in the corner away from the general public! It was good to stop for some proper food but I was fully aware that I still had 42 miles left to go just to get to halfway.

We’d arranged that the next meet would be Maidenhead at the crew stop there. We were running this to centurion race rules, so only meeting at the permitted places as on race day. Tiredness was well and truly setting in now, the mental fatigue was really playing around and I hadn’t heard from my stalker in a while. When I got to Maidenhead Tony had nowhere to park – we both weren’t thinking straight and instead of just pulling up down the road we pushed on. He did have time to tell me the tracker wasn’t working so having tried the switching on and off again I gave to it Tony to put on charge. I messaged Karen just to let her know, she was just about to get in touch to tell me to get my finger out as she thought I was still in the pub. I’d made my first big mistake here – I’d filled my water bottles but didn’t eat and as Tony went past I realised that it was going to be at least 2hrs before I’d see him again.

The tracker going down made a real difference because all day I’d been getting good luck message from friends and I had Karen keeping an eye on my pace and giving encouragement. But now I was the only one who knew where I was. For some reason I now had completely messed up my mileage count, my watch had added 10 miles on for some strange reason. So as I came into Windsor the sun starting to set I thought to myself only 22 mile from here and plenty of time I could be in bed by midnight which was well ahead of schedule. So you can imagine my state of mind when Tony said no you’ve 28 miles to go. I argued with him and said no its Windsor that’s mile 22 but then he showed me the sheet and yeah it definitely said 28 miles left. The tracker still wasn’t working so I sent a short email to Richard at Racedrone (my apologies if it was a bit snappy) and just thought I hope he gets it sorted for tomorrow. I was annoyed at myself for making such a mistake how could I be so stupid now all of sudden the clock was an added pressure. I set off running a bit too quick and really berating myself. Then my phone went, it was Richard from Race Drone. We went thro the I’ve switched it on and off stuff. He just said leave it with him. I thought wow great service at 7pm on a Friday and he’s not only replied but also going to get it sorted. At this point I went in my bag for my head torch but it wasn’t there. I stopped called Tony and told him where I was I couldn’t go any further without it I must have taken it out ready when I stopped and accidentally left it in my annoyance at myself for getting the mileage wrong.

The wheels where starting to fall off at this stage so whilst waiting I used my phone a friend. Jodie was out with family but answered my call anyway. I ranted and raved for a bit and she just laughed told me I was an idiot but doing well. I’d been on the phone for about 10 mins and still no Tony he said he was three minutes away . I started cursing him to Jodie when I went back into my bag for food and there at the bottom was my head torch. How had I missed it??! I said my byes to Jodie. I called Tony who had tipped the van upside down looking for it to let him know of my mistake and I was on my way again. Karen messaged me to say the tracker was back live and she was back in full stalker mode. Thing seemed to be back on track. Tho I was still giving myself a hard time for making school boy errors.

The next 28 mile where some of the hardest I’ve ever run. Running a 100 mile race is completely different to just running 100 miles. In a race you have other racers and maybe you do run big chunks on your own but you know there are others around. You also have the aid stations to look forward to and target and focus on. Now tho I was on my own, well into the second night of running and time running out even tho this clock was something I’d put on myself. As I arrived to what the next day would be checkpoint two, Tony was nowhere to be seen. So a quick phone call and he told me he couldn’t find the turn to take for the car park. I could tell he was getting frustrated and was very tired himself. We have done alot of festivals together and I know when he needs sleep. So I told him to go on ahead and get a bit of sleep.

For the next 22 miles it was me, the clock and Karen who by now was realising I was getting close to the time limit. Everything tho was starting to look familiar. Chris had been out marking this section up ready for the morning so I picked up the red and white barrier tape. As I followed the tape it went through a little wooded area. This is the alternative route from the river crossing – as I went through the woods suddenly I couldn’t see the next way to turn. I ended up running around in a circle and as I stood there lost I thought where is the the bloody tape. To be fair this wasn’t out for me and panic set in a bit, was I about to miss the time limit due to getting lost. Panic soon changed to taking control I always carry a map even tho I’d never used it. I know centurion say its optional but it takes up no room and now after 7 centurion events it was going to save my run, ironically on a run that had nothing to do with centurion. As I stood on the side of the road trying to find whereabouts I was a fight broke out not 20 metres away from me. It was a group of lads drunk fighting over some girl. This made me want to get out of there quickly, as a middle age guy in lycra may just become a target for some drunks. I found the road I was on pretty quickly – amazing how a bit of pressure focusses the mind! I knew I had to cross the river as the next checkpoint was on the other side. The fight was getting closer and it seemed to be escalating to a group fight so I quickly ran down the road hoping I was going in the right direction and thinking this is why I don’t go out in town anymore. I soon picked up the tape again to my relief and was crossing the river.

As I approached what would be checkpoint 1, I recieved a not so friendly message from Karen basically telling me to get a fucking move on as I was now falling behind the plan. Sometimes you need someone too be brutally honest with you and this certainly made me concentrate on the job in hand. The next 11 miles I had a mixture of emotions. I had some amazing friends staying up willing me to finish which is very humbling, and I was just about to complete 100 miles on my own without other runners and aid stations to help. It really is a different experience just going out for a mile run rather than a 100 mile race. As I ran into Richmond it all seemed a bit surreal I’d made it to the start. No one else was around, no medal, no hug from Nici – just a VW van with Tony asleep in the front seat and I’d completed it in 27h 37m. I woke Tony up and we made our way to the hotel. The only question now was how would I feel after only 3 hours sleep and more importantly how would my legs feel ?……….. to be continued.