Written by Nicola Hoy - https://nicsjourneyto100.wordpress.com
So what’s it all about?
On 30 April 2016, I found myself at Richmond Waterside, with a bunch of amazing runners about to attempt to run 100 miles. I say, ‘about to attempt’ but anyone who knows about these types of events (and for that matter anyone who knows me well of late) will understand that there was ONLY one outcome in my mind – you don’t enter a 100 mile ultra marathon with any conclusion in your head other than finishing. With my head buzzing and stomach churning with excitement and nervous energy, I think I will always remember the moment when I looked around at the people congregated with me by the Thames (some serious looking ultra runners), all fantastic gutsy people with unbelievable resolve, and thought to myself… HOW DID I get from my old world to this new world?!!
My blog will be an attempt to reconcile that story and to share some of my thoughts, tips, feelings, and to try to get down some of the endless streams of thought that go through my head (particularly whilst running). I will touch on the journey in this post (which is meant to be the story of the race) but hope you will join me for further updates, where I will look back along the long road along which I have travelled, my inspirations, my influences, my reasons, my life lessons. I also hope that you you will come with me on my journey beyond this achievement, as I am just starting to find myself and there will be many adventures ahead.
Looking back
I never used to run … correction, I never used to exercise (but to be fair I started exercising before I started running). I found exercise not long after my 40th birthday. How, why? I was pushing it with dress size 14 and did not want to start buying 16. My motivation was as simple as that. So I bought some trainers, joined a local leisure centre gym, started doing exercise classes and soon got hooked! I changed my eating habits too so initially the weight just dropped off. By the time the weight loss steadied I had already become addicted to the exercise, had made new friends at the gym and was loving the new me. Then I was hit by injuries, mainly to my feet – plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and issues with my toes (all caused by a combination of too much impact too quickly, poor bio mechanics and over pronation). To cut a long boring story short, I continued to exercise but injuries and treatment to my feet (including surgery on the left foot) prevented me from doing any real running. I managed a 10k race in 2013 but foot issues kicked back in shortly after that. Doctors and physiotherapists ‘suggested’ that running was not for me ……. red rag to a bull springs to mind! After extensive physiotherapy (luckily I am in a private healthcare scheme), and top class advice and remedial massage from my friend, exercise instructor (and more recently my personal trainer) Cameron @ jensenexercise, on 01 January 2014 I started to run again – just a couple of miles that day.
In February2014 I ran a 10k race at Greenwich Park with my daughter Natalie (who has fantastic long legs and is brilliant fast half marathon runner) and some of my wonderful friends who I had met through the gym. I had been doing bootcamps run by Cameron as part of my workouts and was loving the outdoors. By now I was doing PT with Cam too (check out jensenexercise.com), I think we both realised that I wanted to push my fitness and he really does have a remarkable ability to nurture and support his clients in finding and achieving their own goals. I ran the London Bupa 10k, but as good as it was there was something about the crowds and the road running that just wasn’t me! I had heard a bit about trail running and OCR (Cameron was a keen obstacle course racer). In May 1014 I ran my first half marathon and my first trail run in Bedgebury forest, and loved it. I did a few OCRs that year (including a Spartan race with Natalie and a Tough Mudder with my lovely friends from the gym). It was Cam who steered me towards my first Marathon (a hilly trail multi lap race called Beauty and the Beast), which I followed up with another trail marathon a few months later. Then I started googling and that’s when I discovered ultra marathons (it’s surprising how much you learn from typing the words ‘trail run’ into a search engine). Before that I had no idea that people ran anything like 100 miles, but after I found these races existed there was only one question in my head ‘Can I?!’. My inspirations are a whole new post so I will save it for another day but I did read Running Past Midnight by an awesome woman called Molly Sheridan and I think she influenced me the most (closely followed by Dean Karnazes). The renowned Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) caught my eye and I thought…’that’s my goal – one day’. Ok so moving on (this is getting quite long and the race has’t started yet ….. haha all things ultra hey). I have a memory of saying to Cameron ‘I want to run 100 miles’. His response was ‘I know that, I’ve known for a while'(another sign of a top trainer). Despite my urge to ‘jump in at the deep end’ even I realised that you kind of need to work up to 100 miles, so last June 2015 (just 18 months after starting running) I ran Rat Race The Wall Ultramarathon, a 69 mile race from Carlisle to Newcastle (following Hadrian’s Wall). That event is worthy of a blog post in its own right so maybe I will go back to it another day. It was life changing for me. I trained like a trojan and entered a world far beyond any world I ever dreamt I would be part of. A lot of things were changing in my life and I liked this part of it. My exercise, fitness and running were really helping me to find myself and to cope with everything else that life was throwing at me. Aside from officially defining me as an ‘ultra runner’ the other fantastic result of ‘The Wall’ was the friends that I made. A Facebook Community that I joined prior to the race was particularly active, and being new to ultras I found the camaraderie, tips, build up, excitement and support through training to be priceless. A small group of us like minded folk who ran ‘The Wall’ (albeit some of them I never actually met at the event and only knew virtually!) set up a new chat group with a new aim – to run 100 miles. Known as the ‘TP100 Nutters’ we chose Centurion Running TP100 as our goal for 2016. Following The Wall, I ran a 60 mile ultra (The White Rose) in Yorkshire in November. Well I say 60 mile, but due to going off course’ several times, I managed to clock up 65. Although shorter, I found that race tougher than The Wall, both physically and mentally but was not deterred.
Getting to Thames Path 100
Ok so 2 years ago I struggled with 10k. But once I started pushing the miles my resolve was unstoppable and my training became an addiction. I had no idea how to train for an ultra, but I liked learning. For both The Wall and TP100 Iooked at 100 mile training plans but never actually managed to follow them .. I basically overtook them. In the last year I have clocked up 4000 miles on my Garmin, averaging 70-75 miles a week, increasing to 80 -100 miles per week leading up TP100. I regularly run over 50 miles at the weekend, with a 30+ most Sundays. (complimented by lots strength, core, balance, cardio and circuit training etc.) I guess I am relatively lucky on the injury front. I get niggles and have had some issues, but regular foam rolling, hot baths and remedial massage (from Cameron) I seem to keep nasty injuries at bay. 11 weeks before TP100 (with training going really well) I managed an epic fall whilst out running, and split my knee open. I was wearing long running tights, and not realising how bad the wound was I continued running for about 8 miles, and it wasn’t until I looked the leggings off that I found my knee was gaping open to the bone (there’s a lot to be said for lycra). So off to the hospital I went to get it cleaned a stitched, followed by a frustrating 11 days with no running. Apart from that minor setback training went well, or as well I thought it could. Getting my head around the fact that I was going to run 100 miles was somewhat harder but I was more determined than I had been about anything.
Having entered the race back in July 2015, it was a long 9 months – but I passed it ‘chatting virtually’ to my fellow ‘TP100 Nutters’. The evening before the race we met up in Richmond and it was both brilliant and surreal to meet in person the guys I felt I knew so well but had only spoken to online. Two of them, Vikki and Bruce, I had met at the Wall, and Vikki had run the White Rose Ultra with me. Vikki is awesome, check her out at http://100milermum.com (she completed the infamous Northern 100 in New Zealand in March – just a month or so before TP100). I roomed with Vikki at hotel in Richmond the night before TP100, poor woman didn’t get much sleep with my excitement and pent up taper energy (I really don’t cope with taper well!).
A race of Two Halves – the first 50(ish)
Right, let’s get back to the waterfront at Richmond. Having passed the kit check (following a last minute nervous panic the day before that my jacket did not meet mandatory kit specifications – of course it more than did), having packed, unpacked and packed my drop bags and ultra pack numerous I stood at start wondering if I had the right food, enough warm clothes, the right socks ….. and so it goes on. James from Centurion Running gave the pre-race briefing and then we were off. I started off strong and was pleased with my running. Just into the race I found myself running with David (one of my ‘virtual’ friends), a great guy and I was enjoying chatting as we ran. Unfortunately I lost him early on and found myself quite a bit ahead of the guys I knew. Before the race, against my better judgement, I had allowed myself to set the goal finishing within 24 hours. The cut off was 28, with relative cut off times at each of the 13 checkpoints (aid stations). 24 hours was ambitious I knew, and 100 miles was unknown territory for me, so finishing was ultimate goal and sub 24 hours would be the icing on the cake. As I said I started strong and for the first 22 miles I continued strong, I was making good time for me. I chatted to people as I ran and most were experienced ultra runners impressed to have a ‘virgin 100 miler’ in their midst. This boosted my confidence, however I was under no illusion that the race would be tougher than I could imagine. The course was relatively flat meaning that the terrain would not determine pace. The Thames Path is tough on the feet and I was dreading running through the night. As most endurance sports participants know, you don’t think about running 100 miles, you break the race up and are effectively always running to the next checkpoint. TP100 was well organised with 13 well stocked aid stations and 2 mid race bag drops, so whilst you could have a crew, I was running unsupported. The fist aid station was at Walton on Thames, 11 miles in. Or so they said 11 miles, but actually according to my Garmin it was closer to 12. As the race progressed I learnt that the distances are not exact (how could they be?) and not to take the expectation of the next checkpoint distance so literally. At the first couple of aid stations I enjoyed peanut butter wraps and some other goodies provided by the wonderful volunteers. I cannot praise the people enough – absolutely amazing – more to say about them later.
I continued to run strong (for me) but the going was tough. I became conscious of the fact that my piriformis was NOT hurting, this was good. I had had a niggling injury for some weeks – literally a pain in the butt and had thought that I would be plagued with it throughout the race, but deep tissue massage from Cameron a few days before the race had saved the day. Several times I bumped into Kate Jayden, who I had met briefly at The Wall. She’s another awesome ultra runner and triathlete (she has bling from a number of 100 milers and Iron Man plus more). Kate complemented my running tights and shared her vegan Percy Pig sweets with me – it’s surprising the things you remember! I also ran with a couple of American fellas, a gorgeous French guy and others. All were welcoming and encouraging and I was enjoying my run. I remember going through sun, rain and hail. Several times I found myself with a couple of guys. One was particularly friendly and supportive but to my annoyance I cannot remember his name (I want to say Paul but I think Paul was someone else). I saw him several times throughout the race, his mate was called Bill, so I am going to refer to him as Bill’s mate. Anyway Bill’s mate suggested I stick with them as long as I could if I wanted someone to run with. He called me a little ‘speed demon’ which I really am not, but his words were encouraging. At around 22 and 36 miles I had a lovely surprise. My friends Nina and Lou (both whom I had met through exercise) were at the roadside (75 percent of race was trail but the was a little road) waving banners and cheering me on. It was great to give them a hug and hear their words of encouragement. I continued to run well ticking off aid stations and eating what I could. I was drinking water and ‘electrolytes’, which I tried for the first time thinking they would help my body to cope (I know I know – nothing new on race day!!!!). I did obviously start to slow. I tried not to stop for long at the aid stations but found it harder to get my legs going again after each stop, often walking for a while. At Hurley 44 miles (45.5 by my watch) I sat down. I starting to struggle to eat but was still trying to push food down and take in as much liquid as I could. I saw Bill and Bill’s mate who gave me more much needed encouragement. Many people seemed to be tending to blisters but luckily I was not suffering. My hip flexors were screaming however and I was starting to feel what I can only describe as ’empty’! I hadn’t seen my fellow ‘TP100 Nutters’ since the start, however I had seen Vikki’s husband who was supporting her, and who told me that Vikki had been struggling with a painful swollen ankle. I doubted very much that it would stop her but I was concerned for her and my other friends. I was still happy with my time, by my reckoning I managed the first 50 in about 10 hours 40 mins. By halfway I was slowing though and I had cleared my mind of the ‘finishing in 24 hours’- I knew I could not maintain pace,this was all about making the cut offs. Henley was the half way checkpoint (or just after) – badged as 51, I made it 53 – I know I know, I have learnt that lesson. Here I had my first drop bag so could access more stuff. I had not eaten any of the food that I was carrying and didn’t actually want the food in my drop bag either. I tried to eat food offered by the volunteers, accepted a welcome cup of coffee and sat down to try and layer up clothing to get me through the cold night. This is when I first felt the effects of the race. I was struggling to co-ordinate to change my clothes. Bib numbers needed to be visible on our fronts, so I had to unpin my number and put it onto a long sleeved top, I struggled (note to self – get one of those bib number holders that you wear on a belt around your waist!). I spent far too long at the checkpoint and think my spirits dipped a little but I was over half way now and was still feeling ok – just didn’t want to eat. I hadn’t been checking phone or social media (just the odd text) but at this point I did post an update on Facebook saying that I was over half way and heading off into a long night. Cam sent me a text message, which I did read, telling me that I would go through hell but to keep in my head how admired and loved I was. That helped. As I was leaving, I saw Vikki at the station – she sent me on my way with some encouraging words, that helped too. So I trudged on into the night.
The second half
Not long after that Vikki caught up with me, and subsequently overtook. She has a rare ability to increase in speed, while the rest of us get slower, Vikki gets quicker. I was pleased her ankle was holding out and she was moving well. I ran / walked alone and also with a couple of guys. There was Martin (who was on his 3rd attempt at TP100) and from the 51 mile point he had a pacer whose name I can’t remember (again I want to say Paul, so maybe he was – someone was called Paul!).
There was a thick fog – freezing. I didn’t feel that cold but it was eerie. We were going through fields and it was difficult to see the gates, difficult to see anything despite head torches. I ran when I could and then walked a bit. Then as I trudged along someone came up behind me and took me by the hand. It was Bruce (one of my TP100 Nutter friends, who I had met at The Wall). Bruce is a great guy – he is training to run The Spine next year (that’s a story for another day). It was great to see Bruce, and we stuck together for the rest of the race, helping each other along. Reading was the 58(ish) mile checkpoint. This one was inside, several of them were. I think it was at Reading that I was peeing black. A slightly worrying sight. All I could think of was ‘Rhabdomylosis’. I had heard of this condition whist watching a tv programme about Eddie Izzard’s 27 marathons in 27 days. The first time he had attempted it, he had pulled out due to this condition which is where the body starts to break down skeletal muscle, and if prolonged it and lead to renal failure. Luckily I recovered soon after the race. The night was long, my hands were cold despite my gloves. Bruce had a pair of thermal over mitts – fantastic they are, he gave them to me claiming that my need was greater than his. This is what Bruce wrote about me in a group chat after the race:
‘So, how do you upset Nicola Hoy during an ultra?
Simple. At mile 66 take her away from the TP route and run through an estate to a church at a dead end and say “Sorry, it’s not this way, back up the hill” More Brucie bonus miles added.
Then when the fog came down there was no way I could keep up with her so I said ” Go ahead and join those In front I can’t keep up with you”
Whoosh, gone at about 7min mile pace at which point I knew I’d messed up. She NEVER complains, when shivering uncontrollably she said she was fine, everything was fine, she never swore once, probably unable to get a swear word in between mine. I learnt a lot about fortitude during those long hours from you Nicola.
End of story.‘
I remember the detour, although I think it was my fault as much as Bruce’s, and I suspect that he just couldn’t hear me swear. Anyway they were kind words and we helped each other along. At the 71(ish) mile stop at Streatley (I think it was), neither of us felt great. One of the volunteers changed the batteries in my head torch for me. I cannot praise those guys enough. Bruce was eating beans and tried to get me to but I just felt sick and worried about retching. By now I was surviving on sips of coke and coffee. We saw Martin and Paul (or not Paul) several times. The night eventually turned into day – the sunrise was beautiful but I felt I had nothing left. Onward we ran (and marched when we couldn’t run).
The last 15
What can I say? The last 15 miles seemed like 150. My watch was already near 90 so that didn’t help the head. By now Bruce and I were realising the need for quick turnarounds at the checkpoints, so we were planning what we needed to do to get in and out. I did text my daughter Natalie at one stage. She and my best friend Sue were meeting me at the finish. I knew that everyone was tracking my progress on Centurion Running’s live tracker but I text her anyway to say that I was still alive (just)!
Bruce was trying to do Maths, trying to work out how long we had and what pace we needed to go at. I tried too but gave up very quickly – the brain could not cope with Maths at this stage, but Bruce persevered. The last 9 miles (final 2 sections) I was hot, dehydrated and running on empty. I think we redefined ‘digging deep’ that day. It took everything plus some more. I couldn’t tell you what was hurting, by now it was just everything. In the final stages we spotted Matthew Pinsent with his family beside the river. I think I stared and pointed a bit through my delirium! The last stretch of pathway went on forever or so it seemed but finally Bruce and I turned the corner to the home stretch. I just wanted it to end. We had said that we had nothing left in us to run to the finish line, but of course we found a little something – you always do!
So after 26 hours and 48 minutes I finished my first 100 mile race and was handed the coveted buckle. I always imagine an emotional finish but in reality at the end of an ultra I just feel surreal and overwhelmed. It was my Natalie who ran over, hugged me and burst into tears, followed by Sue and then Vikki (who of course had finished).
Everything hurt, I felt sick, I hadn’t slept and I was pale as a sheet. But there was only one thought in my head …….. ‘I want to do another one!’