Written by Mimi Anderson - http://marvellousmimi.com/

Now safely back home I can reflect on my last race of the year “Piece of String”

This was the inaugural Fun run known as the Piece of String dreamed up by James Adams who in turn persuaded James Elson of Centurion Running to host the race along side the Winter 100.  The idea is quite simple the runners have no idea how long they are going to be running for, it could be anything from a quick dash to weeks, the possibilities were endless.

To enter the POS we had to send an email stating why we wanted to run the event, together with the most miserable looking photo we could find of ourselves.  Apparently about 50 people applied for a place and 16 unlucky individuals were chosen.  When I saw the start list I began to feel slightly nervous, the list of achievements was outstanding, Decca Ironman, double crossing of the Channel, running across countries, good grief this was a strong field of individuals.

How do you prepare for a race when you don’t know how long it’s going to be? People were trying to second-guess the distance, lots thought it might be the entry fee but that would be far too simple for James Adams.  Mentally for me,  as long as the race wasn’t longer than 3,200 miles everything was OK.  The distance wasn’t the issue, however when it comes to racing I’m a fairly organised person and I did find the lack of being able to be organised quite difficult, but decided that the best option was to take oodles of kit to cover every eventuality and distance together with enough food to feed an army (we had been instructed in an email to bring food and enough for friends!!).  Thanks to X-Bionics I had awesome kit and on my feet I wore my usual combination of Toetoe Socks and Wigwam Socks, which works and my new Aspire pack.  We had been told to bring a couple of maps with us, these I had marked up with the START together with the W100 CPs, and this might make navigation slightly easier.  I also popped in a sleeping bag in case I needed to put my head down at any point during the race.  With the car loaded up I headed towards Streatley.

I met up with Sam Robson and Alex Flynn at about 6.30pm in Streatley where we went to the pub, had something to eat before heading back to the Hall where thankfully we bumped into the race organisers who were off to the pub for their supper, they gave us the keys which meant that Sam and I could unload our cars and get a bit of sleep.

Runners began to trickle in bringing with them huge plastic boxes of food and kit, perhaps I hadn’t bought enough! Some of the runners had already pulled out leaving 10 of us “idiots” to attempt this fun run.  I was the lucky one with 9 men to chase! About 20 minutes before we were due to set off we were given our race briefing which was short and sweet then Sam Robson was given the job of selecting one of the 5 envelopes which would be our “piece of string”

The weather over the past few days had been dreadful, flooding up and down the country, which meant that the various routes that had been planned for the Winter 100 runners and us had to be changed from a safety point of view, which was going to make our fun run even more interesting!

At 00.01 on 23rd (24th really) armed with the first set of instructions we were sent on our way, being told that at the CP we would be given our next instructions.  Thankfully the rain and gale force winds weren’t due until about 9am so although cold it wasn’t wet.  Our first section was up onto the Ridgeway heading towards Bury Down.  The front runners went off at a very fast pace, I was quite happy running at a good but comfortable pace.  I ran for the first section with Lee Chamberlain, great to catch up on his plans for next year, 4 of us went slightly wrong missing a turning, thankfully not very far so were soon back on track again.  Having run under the A34 we spotted the headlights of a car where Jennifer Bradley greeted us, checked we didn’t need anything before sending us back to Streatley for our next instructions.  The return journey Lee dropped back a bit, I shouted to him to see if he was OK which he replied he was so I was happy to continue with Chris and Mick.

I’m not one for spending time at CP’s but on this race everyone appeared to be far more relaxed which was marvellous.  The boys seemed far too relaxed, drinking cups of tea, chatting, eating; it took a bossy woman to get them going again!  We were given our next set of instructions, which would take us on a muddy, hill route round the Chiltern Way, which also included some rather creepy woods.  This section required navigation that you would have thought with three people reading maps would be easy! (Giggles to myself) The first section was pretty straight forward, however we ended up on a road that we shouldn’t have been on and after a lot of running up and down the roads to try and work out where we were (about 4am) we found ourselves back on track again.  I laughingly said to the boys that it would be very funny if James sent us back on this route when we get back to Streatley – it’s the sort of thing he would do and guess what, that’s exactly what happened!

The second loop was a little more interesting than the first as it was now getting lighter so we could enjoy the views as well as get even muddier and thought perhaps that we might be able to find the correct route this time – not a chance.  All three of us were looking for the sign but missed it again, can you bloody believe it, a bunch of useless runners we were!

Back at Streatley I changed my top but left my socks and trainers as they were, although my feet were wet, they felt good so no point in changing something that is working well.  More food, teas, chats and trying to persuade James that he could tap me on the shoulder any time to say finish (fell on deaf ears!) we headed out towards the Ridgeway on the other side of the Thames.  The route was diverted because of the flooding.  I was shocked at how much the river had risen and the mount of water in the fields, it reminded me of 2001 when I ran the Thames Meander, the Thames was so flooded then we had to run mainly on the roads.  Mud, mud, glorious mud, a hippo would have felt at home.  We wadded through one gate but decided against going through the next section, as we couldn’t work out how deep it was (a walker said the water had gone up over his wellies).  We rang James to see what he had to say.  Our main worry wasn’t about getting wet, but more concerned about the bad weather was due and so didn’t want to get stuck or put ourselves into a potentially dangerous situation, especially as the rain that was forecast had just begun.  We were told to return to base where we would be given our next set of instructions, but he would devise a route for us which would make up for the miles we missed – more than happy with that.

With new maps and instructions the three of us set off in the rain and cold towards Wallingford, which was a CP for the W100 runners.  To be quite honest I don’t really remember a lot of this section apart from the fact that it seemed to go on for a very long time.  We started on the Chiltern Way then I think meandered towards Woodcote, onto the Ridgeway (which was thankfully marked with tape) then onto Wallingford.  However, about 4/5 miles away we passed Wouter running towards us, which meant we would also be coming back this way.  Once onto the Ridgeway everything was going well, running comfortably, feeling good, but it seemed to be taking too long to get to Wallingford and we kept seeing W100 runners who we had seen not that long ago, something was wrong.  We asked the runners where the CP was and they said about 3 miles back there, a bit of a flat moment for me but there was nothing for it but to retrace our steps.  When we got to the place where we had gone wrong it was very obvious, instead of turning sharp right and going under a small road tunnel, we had continued along the Ridgeway back towards Streatley – plonkers!

Arriving at the Wallingford CP was the highlight of the race, we were greeted by Santa (Ryan Brown) and his little helper dressed as an Elf - Nicole Brown, both gave me a marvellous hug, which was much needed.  This was a bit of a low point for me, not because of the distance or even lack of knowing the distance, I was frustrated at getting lost and cold, no thoughts of giving up just a low point.  Nics and Ryan sorted me out, the boys tucked into food and hot drinks were the order of the day – a great festive CP thanks!

I was delighted to be told that our next section was heading back to Streatley but following the W100 marked route rather than the way we had come, this was such a boost we set off with a spring in our step, no navigation for a bit, marvellous.

Due to the lack of mileage on the Thames section, James had devised a 5 mile route for us to run, thankfully all along roads but was hilly.  It was lovely being able to run and all three of us enjoyed this section to be able to stretch our legs.  To keep us motivated we pretended it wasn’t raining but nice and sunny.  We did have a discussion about cold baths at one point; we had all tried them and had come to the conclusion that the weren’t for us, we were obviously hot people!

More hot drinks back at Streatley, a complete change of tops plus I added a few more layers, as I was bloody cold at this stage. Next section was to take us out towards Sonning, Reading.  Well what can I say about this section.  It was pissing with rain, the wind was picking up but we were very careful on the navigation side going through the woods.  Trying to find the correct bridle paths and footpaths in the dark was very difficult, plus to make it more unpleasant it was like wading through treacle in some parts, ok nearly all of it!  We got quite cold doing this section as running was difficult due to the amount of mud and navigation required, but all was going well, until for some reason we headed North instead of East and ended up after 8 miles of running in Woodcote.  The three of us stood under a lamp, cold, wet, pouring with rain trying to work out where we should be heading (its amazing how you can make the roads on a map fit where you are!!!).  Thankfully just up the road was a pub so we popped in there to sort ourselves out.  We took our wet gear off which festooned the pub radiators while we looked at the maps.  We finally rang James who told us to take a different route which should be the same distance as heading towards Sonning (thankfully I had my garmin on so was able to prove the distance we had done) We ran down to our favourite road Beech Lane and from there did the reverse route of the Chiltern way that we had already done twice.  It was very odd doing something the other way round, you think you are going to recognise the route but we had to concentrate or would have missed a turning, boy did it look different that way round.

Another deja Vu moment returning to Streatley, but it had a lovely warm homely feeling to it at this stage of the race.  Another change of clothes, popping waterproofs on radiators to try and dry them out (dry a waterproof out, hahaha!) more food and hot soup were consumed by the three of us before being sent out again towards the Ridgeway loop we done at the beginning.  By now it really was tipping it down – I know I’m banging on about the weather, which is very dull, but it was very wet!  I had a hat on with a Buff on top to keep my ears warm and the hood of my jacket up to try and keep as dry as possible.  My gloves were soaked through within seconds, but we kept going nice and steady.  All three of us were having problems with the sleep monster and Chris was having a bad time, but we ran as much as possible to keep warm staying focused on the car lights ahead.   The car turned out not to be a CP but crew telling us that our CP was about 2 miles away.

My body temperature wasn’t warming up; you know that feeling when your bones are cold? That’s how I felt, cold to the core, but there was no choice but to keep going.  Eventually the lights of the car appeared in the distance and like any CP at night it never seemed to get any closer!  Mick ran on slightly ahead to make sure the car heaters were on; we all piled into the ambulance, took off our wet clothes and tried to warm up with a tea or two.  I didn’t know what to do, I couldn’t warm up even in the Ambulance, I was shivering so much I could hardly drink my tea (thankfully it had a top on so didn’t spill) and we were told that the next stop was at 4 miles away. Chris and Mick had decided to stop at this stage, which mentally was a tough call for me.  Before the call was made I needed to think in my head, be true to myself about how I really felt and if I stopped that was fine, but I had to be happy it was the right choice when I woke up in the morning.  I hate having to give up, but physically the cold had got to me and I genuinely didn’t feel that it was safe for me to continue the way I felt, pathetic maybe, but it was the decision I had made and the call was put in to James – it was about 2am on Sunday morning, a very low point for us all.

When we arrived at the home CP I sat in a chair not quite knowing what to do, I was so cold and shivering I bent over towards my lap to try and get warm.  Claire Shelley said she didn’t recognise me when I came in I look so awful, but Jo Kilkenny and Claire got my dry kit, took me into a small room and got me changed, they were simply marvellous.

That was it, my race over.  I hadn’t completed the POS, I had given it my best but obviously by best wasn’t good enough.  I would like to say a very special thank you to Chris and Mick who were amazing company and it was a real privilege to run with them.  James Adams thank you for thinking up such a wonderful idea and looking after us so well, your love for what you do is very infectious and you made each one of us feel special.

James Elson and James Adams put on two amazing events in terrible conditions but their first priority was always runners safety, this they did 100 per cent and help was always there when needed. To all the support crew, what can I say, a big hug and thank you to each and every one of you.  It was lovely seeing the RD’s from other events in the UK there to support the W100 runners and us, very much appreciated.

I got home yesterday, saw HWMBO and promptly burst into tears, the emotions of the weekend just came flooding out.  I know I made the right decision so can live with that, it was a tough race under very tough conditions, but one little bit of me is very disappointed, or perhaps I’m just feeling sorry for myself?

Would I do it again? YES no question, how would I change things? I don’t think I would change the way I prepared for the race, (although how do you train for this type of race!) My plan had always been to go at a steady pace as I wasn’t in a fit state to run fast, weather – you can’t change, but I was as prepared as I could be; my head space was good – so far as not knowing the distance was concerned; I didn’t like getting lost; navigation was a real issue, which  I wasn’t expecting to be quite so hard, that made me feel frustrated, but dealt with the frustrations and the bad moments (usually deal with my bad moments by feeling quite tearful, then its gone, done and dusted).  As for kit etc I had the best and enough – so more than happy.  The ONLY bit of kit I didn’t have and would have liked was waterproof gloves! I’m not used to spending so long at CP’s but this wasn’t a normal race or normal conditions and under the circumstances would do the same again.  If I’m having issues with myself I don’t talk but tend to be quiet until they are sorted in my head, then I’m fine.

There are always lessons to be learnt which will make me a stronger and better runner.

How long is a Piece of String?

Written by Keith Ainslie - http://keithainslie.blogspot.co.uk/

Are you sitting comfortably?, if not go make yourself a nice cup of tea, grab a biscuit, put on your comfy slippers and settle down, for any race that’s 95 miles long deserves a race report of equally epic proportions.
I forced myself into an early night on Thursday night, knowing that sleep was going to be at a premium on race weekend itself, despite waking at 5:45am I quickly fell asleep again not waking till just before 10am. For some-one who regularly endures a poor night’s sleep 12 uninterrupted hours the night before a 95 mile race is unexpected manna from heaven.

OCD Kit Packing

I only had 2 or 3 small things to sort out since my kit was already boxed, labelled and packed into the car on Wednesday evening. A leisurely shower, breakfast and an hour lying on the couch reading before I headed North at 12:30. I’d borrowed my neighbour’s roof box to ensure we had plenty of storage space and since it was about as aerodynamic as a garden shed, I pootled up to Glasgow at a very leisurely pace. I stopped at an outdoor shop to pick up a small kettle and some emergency ponchos for myself and my support, I felt that given some of the less optimistic forecasts the ponchos might prove providential.

Calm before the storm

Eileen texted to say she’d found a direct train from Edinburgh to Milngavie and would arrive about 7:15, so I said I’d pick her up and get a couple of things from Tesco at the same time, it would also give her a chance to try out my car for the first time since she’d be doing most of the driving.  My car has electronic auto-hold rather than a handbrake so it can be a bit disconcerting at first. Having picked up some bread and extra nibbles for the support team we headed back to the Premier Inn, where Eileen managed to reverse park first time unlike the plonker in the Micra at the end of the row who reversed onto the grass verge hitting a lamppost into the bargain, promptly getting out locking the car and heading into the restaurant without a second glance, bizarre. 

We headed back to the hotel and I had a shower and a shave and had just got changed into my race kit when Zoe texted to say she was in the car park. OK she was in the wrong car park, but she quickly found us. Time for briefing number two and a spot of kit transfer and it was immediately obvious that the roof box was a good call, lots of extra space without being muddled with my own race kit. Back up to the room for a large cup of coffee and pretty soon it was 12:15 and time to head down for Ian’s race briefing. I was feeling really pleased my plan for the day had worked out, I’d pretty much done nothing but relax all day, was well fed and watered and hadn’t expended much nervous energy at all, in fact I was so relaxed I almost forgot I needed a drop bag for Inversnaid. We parked in the Tesco car park and walked round just in time for Ian’s briefing, a quick hello to fellow Harrier Caroline and her support crew (Lesley, Steve and Choppy) and a few hello’s and good lucks to fellow runners.

Like all of the preceding week, I didn’t feel nervous, anxious or excited I just wanted to get started and get it done.

I deliberately positioned myself at the back of the pack to avoid going off too quickly and immediately lost sight of Caroline; in fact not seeing her again until just before the presentation on Sunday. My run through Mugdock was pretty uneventful, mostly focussing on gentle 10 – 11 minute miles; not falling over and chatting to a succession of runners. “Is this your first?”, “What did you do it in last time?”, “Are your crew meeting you at Drymen?” repeating the same conversation many times over with different runners. I chatted briefly with Ian Minty, who had a particularly eventful race and went on to a well deserved and gutsy finish.

The rain came on quite heavily on the Stretch before the Beech Tree, but the improved path meant very few puddles and I hoped dry feet. I was hoping to reach Drymen in just over 2 hours, around the same as my Fling pace and I wasn’t disappointed. Across the road and Eileen was right in front of me, quick swap of the bottles, shovelled down a rice pudding grabbed a sandwich and it was straight off, my strategy being to minimise time at checkpoints and stay on my feet wherever possible to avoid cramping up. I ate my sandwich on the first walking stretch through the forest and maintained a steady run on the flats and down hills and walked every uphill. I only remember talking to one girl, who seemed pretty upset that her support had missed her at Drymen and she hadn’t re-stocked, I offered her my water bottle and some spare gels but she declined. She didn’t seem in a good place and I felt she was already looking for an excuse to bale, since I’ve forgotten her name I hope she eventually made it. Not for the first time that day I was thankful my support were all WHW veterans and knew and avoided all the possible pitfalls.

BALMAHA 3:40

I took it very easily on the descent into Balmaha and on the last stretch through the forest was surprised to be passed by guys positively sprinting into the car park. I swiped my timing chip and once again the girls we’re standing right there to guide me to the car, bottles changed again another rice pudding and it was straight through, I asked for a change of top to be waiting at Rowardennan as whilst my waterproof is bombproof, I do have a tendency to sweat like a racehorse. Having decided from the outset to be relentlessly cheerful at each stop even if I didn’t feel good, I didn’t need to put it on as I was genuinely enjoying my experience so far.

ROWARDENAN 5:17

INVERSNAID

BEINGLAS FARM 8:37

It's only on later reflection that the value of an efficient support crew really makes its mark, as once again the girls were waiting for me right at the checkpoint. The midges must have been awful as with hoods pulled up, midge nets on all I could think of was the Jawa's from Star Wars, made me smile anyway. I think I was getting the better deal as at least I could keep moving. Another rice pudding and I was quickly off again.

AUCHTERTYRE FARM 11:06

I'd phoned ahead, causing a momentary panic, I suspect, to ask for some hot soup and some attention to my feet as I could feel a couple of "hot spots" starting. Again I couldn't believe how busy the place was. A quick swipe of the timing card and onto the scales, where I think I was down about a kilo and I was jogging off to the car. It felt like a formula 1 pit stop as my team ministered to my needs. Shoes and socks off, feet dried, top changed, hot soup and zinc tape on the hot spots on the soles of my feet. Special mention must go to Zoe for the attention to my putrid; white and pongy feet, definitely above and beyond the call of duty.

BRIDGE OF ORCHY 13:16

GLENCOE 16:06

KINLOCHLEVEN 19:02:10

Quick check in and weigh, change of bottles and I was just heading out the car park, when I felt really cold so an about face and I jogged back in to change into a long sleeve top again, plus hat. I didn't take on board any food, which I probably should have.

Other more competent writers have described this section to the road as never ending, I agree it did drag on but at least it was down hill and I passed 4 or 5 runners on the down hill. I think we surprised the girls who'd parked at Braveheart Car Park and were expecting a broken man to hobble down the hill, I don't remember exchanging words, just thinking, I know this stretch its only a mile, its nearly over.

FORT WILLIAM 23:30:25

Written by Tony Allen - http://kielder10.wordpress.com/

My inspiration and interest in the Lakeland 50 and her bigger brother The L100 was from fellow Club running Team mate Neil Bennett. After successfully completing his first Lakeland 50 , he wrote about his exploits in a Club e mail I happened to read .I guess It must have been 2009 at the time I was dipping my toe into my 1st marathon that was hugely challenging to my mind and at the same time this Legend had completed a gruelling 50 miles Lakeland Ultra and went on to conquer the Awesome L100 again and again!!

Neil Bennett Lakeland Legend

                            Two years ago after I had by now completed a number of marathons comfortably including all the  Kielders , a trial marathon I thought at the time to be very hard . I decided to enter my 1st L50 and the short road to my L100 the following year was set, without me realising . Unwinding  time to approximately Ten years ago, I did little exercise expect the odd dog walk or occasional cycle and being busy working for a prestige car retail dealership, weight started to pile on and with entertaining clients resulting in a very poor diet with many pub visits straight after workings ,things were not healthy. I needed to consider where I was going .

                               One December morn I was getting ready for work, sat on the edge of my bed and trying putting my shoes on, I had to regroup and hold my breath as I bent over again to attempt to tie my shoe laces (gasping when finished!), as my beer tummy was so large it was becoming a disability ! Enough . That day I entered my 1st Great North run and regardless of many doubters and betting against , I finished what I considered to be the largest running distance a human was capable of covering on Two feet . My time was Two hours and Sixteen minutes , not the fastest but I had the running bug and my body was starting to like my decision-making . My dream time was a Sub Two Hours and the following year despite ruining lots more of the same miles, I was only Twelve seconds faster . Ha ha , well a PB is a PB . I continued to enter the GNR every year and managed to improve on time year on year to date except for One hot year and am pushing towards a sub 90 min target.

The Red Arrows over the Tyne Bridge in The Great North Run

                                     I got a little internet running savvy and started  reading blogs and finding running websites and was soon to do hills and intervals and the reps between lampposts and all ,my stamina and speed started to look canny and increase , fitness and heath improving and weight reducing nicely . 2009 was the year I entered my 1st Edinburgh Road Marathon and stood shaking at the start , on the hottest day of the year with a time targeting of 4 hours , just missed out by only 5 minutes but finished , battered and exhausted and elated . Now this truly was the longest distance anybody in the world could possibly run and there was nothing left for me to attempt to smash , everyone knows that !! I was Now Marathon man after all ;0) .Running career over .

My 1st Sub Four Hour Kielder Marathon in my 4th wonderful attempt at this running gem.

                                 2010 the legend that is Steve Cram launched Britain’s most beautiful and brutal Kielder marathon , around the stunning Kielder reservoir in its own  lushness in Northumberland . I had seen a clip on the local evening news and I was in love at the prospect even though it would never be a PB run , so many hills and switchbacks , twists and turns and more hills ,sticking well over half an hour on the similar flatter ordinary road marathons of Edinburgh and the rest . Something changed in me and running times were not now the most important of things in my head all the time , at that time my running matured. As this was an October run it gave me Two Bi annual marathons to train for and kept my fitness at much higher levels .

Kielder Marathon in the rain 2011 . Caught on camera.

                                 By this time I had just joined my local running club The Sunderland Strollers , an amazingly friendly club with very eclectic running tastes . It will be my fifth Keilder Marathon next month, my introduction into off road running and so proud to have finished 155 miles of Lakeland racing over the last 12 months too. Seriously if you are able to get there and try it , you won’t regret it , it’s a bit special .

A nervous briefing around 5pm. Pre Race Start.

                                     Now I know most Lakeland blogs tend to get stuck into the actual run much quicker than I have attempted to, but I felt a little back ground as to how my running became about would maybe give you a little more understanding as to what drove me round my L100 to complete with The biggest smile imaginable . So now I was entering all sorts of crazy running things , all new and I Loved them all equally , XC on a Saturdays with the North East Harrier League, 2 mile Relays , mile time trials , Hardmoors marathons and last year a brilliant opportunity was presented to me to attempt my 1st Ultra The Oz Phoenix , a 33 miler across the Cleveland way in the North York moors in fierce heat just a few weeks before last years L50 that I was terrified and excited to have a crack at .

My 1st Ultra

                              The Yorkshire run started really well and up to 25 / 26 miles was not a bother . But my fitness and stamina wasn’t as bold as I would have liked and my team-mate encouraged me over the last tough miles with humour , sound advice and brilliant navigational knowledge so all I had to do , pretty much was put One painful foot in front of another and develop my 1st Black Toenails that were both to drop off ( so proud ) and finish , crashing out in a beer garden for the best tasting pint I had ever drank . I was now Ultra man (lol) thanks to my friend and my hard work , who sacrificed a huge chunk of a much better running time she would have rightly ran helping me to complete . I Loved that run regardless that I struggled, the people were so helpful and friendly , the cake stops were delicious and welcome , just so different to a road marathon  experience.  

The Crazy Strollers @ Wasdale Head CP3

                                 The L50 last year was just a running / walking / flapjackeating and coke drinking dream come true . Finished just on 14 hours and loved every step but found last years heat tested my tenacity after Mardale Head to Kentmere to the limits .  I was gaining strength mentally and physically with the more miles I had covered! The training had been perfect, I was lucky to be running injury free most of the time and now had a taste for something more than a little bit special.

Strollers in the Bling, some of our 50 finishers.

                                     I had seen the Legendary L100 crew on the way , I verbally congratulated every single One I passed (or felt I had) , reading their name carefully and made sure they knew how Awesome I thought their efforts were. I didn’t tell them how fecking nuts I thought they were and reminded myself Never Ever to be so very stupid to ever consider signing up for a caper like that . And going to sleep a 50 legend I just couldn’t get their achievement and the accomplishments out of my mind . Idiots , but good on em , I slept well too .

Start of the L50 IN 2013

My Lakeland L100 was very special , some stories I openly share and others I may tell you over a pint when I’ve had One too, like the fact I couldn’t find the flush in the portaloos , desperate to bottle up and move on , finding it on the floor when standing up , then forgetting that a couple of check points up the road , as you do get a bit dizzy with stuff. My hallucinations were varied and bizarre as we know most others enjoyed equally strange mind tricks.

                                  I still don’t consider myself a runner but I obviously am , I never thought I could finish a half marathon with enough energy to somehow keep on keeping on . So I still struggle to accept it wasn’t a huge hallucination and I actually completed a hard and lengthy and respected ultra marathon and to have so many nice compliments about the style that in that I finished really puts icing on that Ultra cake . Lou blogged a fascinating and wonderful account across the various sections that we traversed , never an intention to pair up , by either of us Two very determined and independent runners , but we did and equally had all the challenging colours and emotions a testing run that is the L100 bestows up on a runner. I have decided to have another attempt at the amazing Lakeland L100 next year if I am fortunate to get accepted , I Loved it with all my heart , think I’ve learned lots about myself . Such a very special running treat to be involved with too .

Strollers over Haweswater training for 2013 events

I love the training just as much as the event itself, getting up at 4am in a cold dark wet January day to jump into the shower and head off in the car to an off road challenge or practice learning and running over part of the Hundred plus mile route. Finishing the days shattered but they are just so very rewarding and bring you so close to nature , experiencing all kinds not many others do, very spiritual and wonderful, regardless of temperatures and elements thrown at you. I was very confident when I trained for the Fifty that I would finish, I had no doubt what so ever, but the L100 regardless of lots of my friends assuring me I would do it , I just honestly did not know if luck and legs would allow. 

                    My longest training run was from Boot to Blencathera centre and returning around 34 miles in One go a few weeks before the run. Well that said it  was matched with an organised event with Claire & co earlier in the year. I wanted to do some longer runs as we all did, but it’s just fitting everything in running wise with work and the rest, but I had run lots and what I lacked in running distance I had attempted to make up in running strength and in the month leading up to the taper by aggressively running 10 miles a couple of times a week with maybe a Twenty miler at the weekend.

                      I had suffered from a weak ankle causing discomfort in my Achilles, that and a painful hip after running longer miles earlier in the year and I knew if either was to play up, they could both take me out over the run well before the finish. But thankfully they were no problem and apart from the usual chaffing that had me and my mate sharing Vaseline that was extremely funny and  painful in equal measures. You have to have a sense of humour being an ultra runner and shyness goes out the window after hundreds of miles and hours over the fells. I did madly go over on my soft ankle 3 times before Wasdale and winced at One of the falls, but running gods were on my side. So much luck, good and bad involved on such a large distance, 

              The great day had arrived, Harry  kindly drove to camp and I had time to chill a bit before the start, I was less nervous than I expected and was keen to pretty much get going. My tactic was to break the run down in to 6 hour time intervals, ticking them off, and I had considered arrival times into the first Three Checkpoints but took on board Marc’s comments at the briefing about expectations and all and I was as determined to finish regardless of time, pain or anything if I could. We were off, I had the SP where the 30 plus Sunderland Strollers would be cheering myself Neil and Lou off on our way, and sure enough we got an amazing sending, Dan High Fived me with such force, I felt my fingers stinging well up the road to CP1. 

Glorious sunshine and smiles, with such stunning views to match. So many brilliant blogs describing in detail the fabulous and testing sections we ran across, so I wont duplicate them. My high points were arriving into CP3 the Stroller run camp before midnight, completing the first of my Six hour blocks and heading off strong and full of beans up the Black sail pass. Running through the 1st nights in general , really on a high, covering ground well and in great spirits. I really enjoyed the section from Howtown  to Mardale Head after nearly pulling out, I think the combination of cooler running conditions and satisfaction that the task was now achievable was very satisfying , again such beautiful countryside and so very peaceful and chilled.

                             I commented to Lou how unlike the hustle and bustle of the L50 on that downward section with less than a handful of runners to pass/passing us, as was my experience last year. And such a wonderful reception by the  Spartans at Mardale with soup to match their smiles. Finally I Loved the last and final climb over Tilberthwaite, it was incredible how disrespectful myself and Louise were of the miles we had run, we obviously had lots in reserve and my Garmin had us from Checkpoint to summit in a respectable 29 minutes and we ran the descent , dancing over the rocks and reaching the tarmac as if we had just started a smaller fell race or park run. The feeling of pride was impossible for me to hide, and the same bunch of Strollers clapped and whistled us as we passed the bulk of them opposite the school gates, just before we collected our medals.  

           I had One or Two lower points , the painful feet after 70 plus miles was getting beyond a joke and when the cold rain joined my hallucinations on the way towards Kentmere and on to Ambleside , I think personally, that was the only time I felt a bit battered by things. I didn’t enjoy witnessing others being so viciously effected by the heat, in times like that I felt helpless, attempted to do what I could , offering words of encouragement ,but on the big L100 stage we all fight our own personal battle’s and kind words may be nice but you have to be self driven and your chance of completing is dictated to by your own inner determination.    

Two very Happy L100 Finishers

          Many people will be considering stepping up to the 100 from the 50, not sure if its 55 miles too far. I am not experienced enough to give any advice on that and it’s going to be something someone really wants to do, only we know that. It is a commitment in time and planning and I wouldn’t be put off by not getting round on the first or second attempt, what I will say is , it is such an amazing experience / event and a pleasure to be involved with . Good Luck all in 2015.

Written by Andy Holohan - http://ultramadness.co.uk/

Shoulda…..

The Lakeland 50, a momentous event of 2013 for me.

I’d done more fitness training through running with Harrogate Harriers AC in routinely doing interval training sessions, I’ve done Park Runs throughout the year knocking out 5  PB’s and slowly moving myself up the finishers table. My 10k PB has dropped by 5 mins so things were looking good.

Even better was on the recces this year id knocked a near 2hrs off of my Pooley Bridge – Ambleside time and also ran my fastest Ambleside – Consiton leg with miles in my legs from the day before. So all in all things were looking REALLY good!

My weight was also the lightest its been all year and the lightest of my previous 2 Lakeland 50 finishes! All in all i was in pretty good shape.

2011 had been my first Lakeland 50 attempt, my 1st Ultra proper, breaking 20 hours was the target. 19hr 20 mins was my time, I was ecstatic and immediately wanted to return in 2012 and significantly beat my time.

I did, by 3hrs 40 mins, clocking a time of 15hrs 40 mins. Job done and the gauntlet had been thrown for 2013.

So, 2013 was all about getting a faster time as i’ve done it before, got the t-shirts n all that, right?

Er no, WRONG!

Woulda…..

Wow, 27th July 2013 was hot hot hot!!! In the 2011 the event was also blessed with great sunshine and i coped quite well. 2012 was wet, and id coped quite well. 2013, it started hot and was to end very very wet!

I started quick thru the Dalemain Estate and made good progress via Pooley Bridge and once again the amazing support of Sarah, Isabelle, Rach, Phil, Chris, James & of course Oscar (the dog) It was then on to Howtown and  beyond to the climb of Fusedale. 1st attempt up here in 2011 was tough, 2012 was a breeze by comparison hastily leading a trail of competitors over the top, however 2013 was one of THE hardest ascents of Fuesdale I’ve ever had!

I’d had to stop on too numerous occasions to mention, swapping places time and time again with fellow runners who were suffering like i was. This wasn’t an enjoyable ascent and in reaching the top, the cool breeze and able to move more easily it was here things were to pick up.

My speed picked up across High Kop and on down to Haweswater. Progress along to Mardale Head was swifter than ever and the CP appeared sooner than expected. Id taken on lots of liquid and was making sure i was fueled up on electrolytes and of course the Pork Pies and Peperamis!

I was in and out at Mardale, same as at Howtown and my regime at CP’s was to be as quick as possible. Onwards to Gatesgarth my progress was good though i started to feel cramp on the inside of my knees. This is new to me and ive never experienced this or cramp of any kind so this was new territory for me.

With every step the cramp was worsening, only up hill, which was a bit of an issue half way up Gatesgarth. No option here tho, crack on. Descending into Sadgil was a tad easier but on the steeper descents the cramp wasnt letting up.

In the valley things eased up but this was soon to be put to the test an the ascent up, over and on to Kentmere. The rain had started here, heavy too but stopped as soon as it started, the started again. After this went on for a while i left my jacket off as it was still very warm.

On the short road section before two high wall crossing the pain was the worse it had been, could i carry this over Garburn let alone Tilberthwaite!!!

I made the Kentmere CP but i wasn’t really with it. I headed for the legendary smoothies to be greeted by the words “hi Andy, how you doing?” “I feel like shit, who are you” was my considered reply. It was Jo, amazing Marketing Officer from Montane, apologies Jo!!!

Montane have been a great support to Ultramadness and continue to be so and it was the first time id met Jo, plus i was a tad wobbly, massively lacking in magnesium and potassium as i simply wasn’t getting enough electrolytes in! I needed a bit of direction filling my water bottles!!

I shoved three smoothies down my neck, 4 cokes and a fist full of biscuits and jelly babies. I stuck my head in and thanked Jo and Paul Cosgrove who were now working hard in the kitchen and headed out onward to Ambleside.

Immediately on the lane to Garburn the cramps returned and it was a slow painful slog up to the top. The descent to Troutbeck eased a little and it was around here i was thinking this is getting worse and i cant make it like this. I knew the weather was coming in as from Garburn you can see the Langdales and across to the Consiton range.

Once on the lane thru Troutbeck the cramps eased again and i thought maybe some of the nutrients from the smoothies may have been kicking in.  This buoyed me somewhat as id text ahead to Sarah and co to let them know i was struggling and felt like i was behind on time.

As it turned out i was around 17 mins down on my previous years time which equated to only around a mile. As the 2012 event had two miles missed off at the start loop at Dalemain this actually put me ahead!!! Sadly I didn’t have the nouse about me to appreciate this tho!

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Comparison timings 2011, 12 & 13

So feeling good coming out of Troutbeck, making reasonable pace i made it onto Robin Lane. Immediately tho the pain came back, this broke me and the realisation that id really struggle to tackle the Langadale valley and Tilberthwaite just filled me with dread. Id simply be putting myself into no mans land.

I’d also started getting cold here. I was in a t shirt and had my waterproof and mandatory base layers, gloves and hat etc. What I didn’t have was another top to put on and as base layers are only to be used in an emergency i couldn’t use this.

Coming down the lane and entering Skelghyll Woods each stride was excruciating, especially down the rocks and in the fading light. I’d made my mind up, my 2013 Lakeland 50 event was over!

I descended and appeared on the Road into Ambleside. Once on the flat again i was much better and managed a run into the town where the reception was amazing. People were huddled in doorways cheering and clapping you through. Those whod had a tad more to drink didnt care and were stood in the rain.

I turned thru the arch and down to Church lane where Sarah was waiting with Isabelle outside Zefirellies. I ran straight into her arms and burst into tears!!

Coulda….

I made it into Ambleside CP, just, given the steps and my legs! I immediately presented my dibber to be removed! Fair play to the marshal he wouldn’t take it, said grab some food and a drink and take 5. Reluctantly i made my way into the CP, grabbed some coke and a bit to eat but almost immediately turned round a re presented my dibber. “sure?” he said, “yup” i replied and he cut it off! That was it, done, OVER!!

I was so relieved as now i knew i didn’t have to climb out of Ambleside and Langdale valley nor Tilberthwaite steps were waiting for me. The issue of only pulling out further along the valley at Chapel Style or worse Tilberthwaite and sitting around waiting for the broom wagon to collect me. It was almost certain to have happened and it made perfect sense to pull here.

I also knew i wasn’t prepared for the weather with my kit. Had i worn my spare base layer id have felt i was cheating not to mention putting myself in significant danger out on the fells. Had i used the kit and been kit check id have been DQ’d!!!

Had i used my kit and taken a tumble in the middle of nowhere and had no spare warm, dry kit to put on whilst i waited for help then id have been in serious trouble or worse. I made a sound on the hill decision not to put myself at anymore risk than i needed to.

I know many will read this who used their spare base layers and put themselves at risk, in my mind that was a foolish decision that came good.

Bad planning on my part for sure but i wasn’t about to start bending the rules for a finish at all costs.

Fellow Ultramadder Chris appeared as i loitered at the CP and looked in great shape with Liz. They went onto complete the 50 and hats off to them as the weather took a horrendous turn. Chris was outside his 2012 time i had completed with him but a finish in those conditions was remarkable for them both.

Its taken me a while to come to terms with my DNF at an event i’ve completed twice before especially when i had such high expectations for this year.

I felt id failed, cracked to early and could have carried on. Ive since decided i made a seriously good sensible decision and didn’t take a risk i hadn’t needed to.

Shoulda? – Yes i should have but nothings given in the world of Ultras!!!

Woulda? – I might have had i been better prepared and had the right kit. Rules is rules, id have cheated myself!

Coulda? – Of course i could, but i didnt, nor did i have to, plus it make me hungrier for 2014!!!

The Lakalend is an event that continues to grow, as does my experience of running Ultras. I’ve learnt from my 2013 DNF and will use that knowledge to return and be able to tackle it again, and again, and again i suspect! I knew what the risks were, i didnt need these to be confirmed!

The Lakeland event is turning into a bit of an institution, an annual gathering of friends and fellow competitors. Some we see regularly, others less so yet we all migrate to Consiton on the last weekend on July and push ourselves as far as we see fit in the pursuit of beating a time or gremlin from previous years.

Excellently run, supported wonderfully at the CP’s, road side and by runners families and friends.

2013 taught me something. It certainly taught me to revise my kit but i can also be strong enough to know when i’m beat or putting myself in a place i dont need to be and risking too much.

My family don’t need me to be taking that risk either!

Back in 2014, no chance, well mebbe, YOU BETCHA!!!!!

See you on the 25th!!!

Written by Keith Ainslie - http://keithainslie.blogspot.co.uk/

L50 race route

My bling

My mind-set at this time was still firmly in the never again camp, but with the dust having settled I've now switched into the fabulous experience I want to do it again category, I’ll be back for more.

Written by Steve Navesy - http://navs1962.wordpress.com/

It was hopefully going to be third time lucky. Two entries and two DNFs was the current rap sheet. I was a repeat offender. Was it going to be different this year?

2014 hadn’t been bad so far, I’d lost weight (about a stone down on last year), was running well for an old knacker. My son Paul Navesey, had put together a training plan for me and it was showing pretty decent results. I’d had a good SDW50 and knocked 2 hours off of last years’ time. Followed by a naff showing at the NDW50 and added those 2 hours back, which was entirely my fault. I learned from the first that I could do a decent 50 and the second I could screw up a decent 50. Ok, pick the bones out of that.

But this isn’t about covering 50 miles on the Downs. This about a 105 mile war of attrition against one’s body over the Fells. It’s not hard, it’s beyond hard. Montane’s slogan of ‘Further, faster’ should be ‘Further, than you think’. Because when you approach a crest, a climb, a rock filled path and you think it’s the last one before your next goal; there’s another one you’d forgotten about.

With that in mind I actually headed up to Coniston just wanting to get going. I was in a better place than the previous two years and the belief was there. If I’m honest with myself, it hadn’t been present before. And that was the end of self-honesty as I fully intended to lie to myself for the next day or so and constantly tell myself I was fine and it’s only a small hump and not a small/medium/large (delete as applicable) mountain I was about to head up.

We always get up to Coniston on the Thursday evening. It gives me plenty of time to register, overcome any last minute issues and I try to get my head down for a few hours before the start. Make sure I’m well fed and watered etc. Plus my wife Bev, gets to have a day chilling out around the area which she loves doing. As a bonus I got to have a quick beer with perrenial race marshal Clare Shannon and briefly chat to race organiser Terry Gilpin and catch up on the Thursday evening. Always good to hook up with the Lakeland ‘family’.

Registration as always, went like clockwork and the well-oiled machine of the L100 team had me through in minutes. Issued with my new most valuable possession, the SportIdent ‘dibber’ electronic timing tag. Then embarrassingly displayed my weight for all to see in black marker pen on my race number. I spent the whole race noticing that people who were bigger than me were also lighter. Well sod that, I’m still not breaking out the celery and Ryvitas. And yes, I will take two pieces of cake at the aid stations. I do believe I currently have calories to burn. But before that it was into the Endurance Store pig heaven of running apparel with my credit card yelling warnings at me about limits and other such mundane affairs. As it was it needn’t have worried as I have a fear of trying anything new at a race. But I did plump for a pair of Montane gaiters. Nice and simple and with the added advantage of spare elastics. To which I instantly thought “running pack repair kit”. Cha ching, and just £18 lighter. Then off for a kip.

Pre-race at Coniston – Photo: Bev Navesey

The pre-race briefing was the standard excellent presentation from race director Marc Laithwaite. Good information and advice as always. Just wait for ‘Nessun Dorma’ and the hooter now. In the meantime it turned out that many of the ‘Centurion family’ were in town. James Elson the race director of Centurion was attempting a Bob Graham round and my son Paul was supporting on one of the legs. Paul had been down for the L50 but after a stunning 10th in the Celestrial in Andorra a couple of weeks back and CCC in August, the L50 probably wasn’t a good idea just now. James is certifiably insane, on watching the L100 he commented “That looks fun!” Chris Mills was running the L50 and his wife Nikki was teaming up with Bev to provide support and ribald abuse as we went around our separate courses. Drew Sheffield, fresh from the Ronda Del Cims, Clare Shelly and Nici Griffin made up the Centurion posse. The four of them, less Nici, set off promising to try and get some pictures as I went past.

Early running up Walna Sca – Photo: Paul Navesey

Last minute panic pee, followed by another. Was I panicking or really just well hydrated? I decided to start lying early; well hydrated. Adjust the gaiters and laces, Nessun Dorma, countdown, hooter and off through cheering crowds. I was flying already, getting to Bev before she had her camera ready. Past the Bull at a steady jog and then everyone stops (except the truly insane) and walks up to Miner’s Bridge before heading up Walna Sca. 600 metres of climb to start a 100 miler, that’s pleasant. Normally I’d have deployed my poles immediately but this year everything felt fine. So I kept them folded for the first part of the climb and strode out.  Mindful of the warm temperature even in the early evening I had resolved to keep backed off even more than usual at the start of an event and save any work for the relative cool of the evening. Paul was at the car park half way up to grab some snaps and give an encouraging thumbs up. About 100 metres down from the peak Chris and Nikki were heading back down and delivered the first pieces of ribaldry. Guys, when you said you were just going up the hill a bit….. Ok, where are Drew and Clare? Predictably, sat on the peak. Both looking as if they had just stepped out of an air conditioned room and not hiked up a 600 metre climb. While I was already a sweating huffing mess and the poles were now in use.

Heading up Walna Sca – Photo: Chris Mills

Down the far side the first issue appeared early. The socks were rubbing! This is where the rule of ‘P’ comes in. Prior planning and preparation prevents piss poor performance. I had a pair of old, tried and tested socks in my pack. I looked for a comfy place to sit and promptly swapped the socks. Twenty or thirty people streamed past but did I care? Nope, not racing them. The first guy I’m racing is changing his socks. And I can’t see the other guy, because he’s back at the start/finish with the clock. And away we go to Seathwaite and my first double helping of cake.

Normally I work on half a litre of water per checkpoint, roughly 5 to 7 miles. I’d gone through a litre by Seathwaite. I decided to up the S-cap intake from one per hour to the maximum of two as I was drenched with sweat and it wasn’t really getting any cooler. I also resolved to throw as much water down my neck as was comfortable in the few moments I was in the checkpoint. To me it’s like a pit stop and that’s where you lose valuable time. I’m convinced that too much lost time in checkpoints greatly contributed to my DNF last year. Well if I wasn’t dibbing, filling up bottles or throwing cups of coke/water down my throat, I wasn’t staying. Off down the road cramming cake in my mouth as I went.

The climb up to Grassguards isn’t particularly challenging but I was feeling the draining effects of the heat. Time to break the poles out again and cruise up the slope. Through an unusually dry plantation. Normally a good place to sink calf deep in the mud. And an equally, and equally unusual, dry run down towards Boot. All going well. Wrong! As we crossed the fence off of the path cramp seared through both thighs. Are you serious? 10 miles in, that shouldn’t have happened for hours. 50 miles on the SDW and not a single cramp. 10 miles on the L100 and it feels like a horse has just narrowly missed kicking me in the nuts. It’s going to be a long night. I later learned I wasn’t the only one to feel the onset at that point in the race.

I wanted to get to Eskdale before it was properly dark as the path on the far side can be tricky to locate after dark. Hiking up the hill with a cup of tea in one hand and some carry out food in the other, I just about got there. It was dark but I’d located the path and not lost any time doing so. Pausing just long enough to put my crushed Styrofoam tea cup in my rubbish bag I ran down to the next checkpoint to refuel.

It was still pretty warm and that was slowing me on the climbs. Of which there are over 700 metres on this seven mile section from Wasdale to Buttermere. People were passing me but then I’d passed the majority of them in the checkpoint. After crossing the beck on the way up Mosedale I looked back and was treated to a sight I’d not had on my previous attempts. A line of bright head torches bobbing along in a line back across the fell. That was a morale boost. Over Blacksail and Scarth Gap, then the run down to Buttermere. My standard ‘pit stop’ and away with my picnic. The descents had caused me real problems previously but great hill training advice from Paul had turned that around.

Braithwaite saw me sit down for the first time, 33 miles into the event. Just long enough grab pasta, rice pudding and to put my head torches away. Yes, torches. I had a small Petzl on a waist belt with a diffuser that spread a pool of light around my feet. It meant I could see what was underfoot all the way down the rocky descents of Blacksail and Scarth Gap. For my money, it worked.

Now it was the least hard section of the course. The 28 miles from Braithwaite to Dalemain. Time to use the early morning cool temperatures and the flatter terrain to get some steady jogging miles in. This section is traditionally kind to me and this year was no exception. The cramps had eased out with the onset of morning, though the muscle damage had been done; it was manageable. Even the slope up to the Old Coach Road which is probably better used for bog snorkling was dry and springy under foot. Into Dockray to the sound of cowbells and cries of encouragement from the crew. To add to the occasion my old mate and verbal sparring partner James John Street is sat there quaffing his morning coffee. “Uh oh, there goes the neighbourhood”.

The next section is long and dry. Water is going to be an issue and I’d noted that the usual streams were mostly little more than muddy puddles. James passed me on the way into Aira Force with a cheery wave and the usual inter service insults. I responded in kind through a mouthful of ham sandwich and soup which I’d liberated from the checkpoint. I’d met up with and was having a natter with Tracy Edwards from the Dirty Daps and Muddy Tracks running club. Before she paced away from me on the climb up Garbarrow Fell. An ability that she had which was to be a life saver for me later.

Hot jog into Dalemain Estate – Photo: Bev Navesey

The run into Dalemain was hot. Following my plan of hike when it was upslope and jog when it was down only really worked when there was shade. But there was a boost waiting as Bev and Nikki were there in the courtyard to cheer me through. My second sit down of the event and some admin. Feet ache but in good shape. Shoes battered, too battered. They’ve taken a real hammering over the last 60 miles and look like a possible problem in the making. Out of the drop bag come an identical pair of nicely worn X-Talon 212s. Seven large cups of water and a hot stew later. I’m good for gels, replaced spare batteries for head torch. Nikki douses my head with enough sun block to float the Bismarck. And away. Meeting up with James again on the way out of the checkpoint. A trait we were to repeat at Howtown and Mardale. The girls were waiting at Pooley Bridge with more encouragement and instructions to keep my hat on.

Admin at Dalemain, just before the sun block assault – Photo: Bev Navesey

Fusedale was everything I’d expected, a long slow drag. The temperature of the day sapping my energy to climb. So I opted for a steady cruise up resolving to use the drop down from High Kop to Low Kop and then down to Haweswater to make up lost time. Stopping briefly to fill up an already empty bottle from the running stream part way up Fusedale, an 800 metre ascent. I got to Mardale just as James was leaving. I was knackered. A bit of a purple patch along the side of the lake had come and gone. I needed to sit down. Fortunately for me the midges had different ideas and after 5 minutes of being eaten alive; drove me out of the checkpoint. Off up Gatesgarth with my now ubiquitous soup and ham sandwiches. Though hot soup and a parched throat isn’t something I recommend in normal circumstances.

Gatesgarth is a pig. Steep and rocky up. Steep and rocky down. And foot problems had started to manifest. The dehydration was probably not helping that. On the way down I met up with Ian Blakebrough and shortly after that Tracy Edwards and Simon Bennett joined us and we made a four as it got dark making out way to Kentmere passing through 80 miles as the showers started. We stayed as a team out of Kentmere and now the rain was coming down and it was getting cold. The Inov-8 Stormshell jacket proving it’s worth here. I was able to climb better now the heat had gone. Tracy led us up Garburn Road. It’s steep and loose underfoot and I was in bits. I locked onto her heels and just hung on. Just as I was at the point of not being able to keep the pace the gradient mercifully flattened for a moment. The respite didn’t’ last long though and I was back mentally holding on to the now two pairs of feet that Tracy seemed to have swimming blurrily in front of me.

I just wanted it all to stop so I could lie down and close my eyes. At which point I deployed my pre-race stick it out weapon. I was in a hole, a big one. But I’d told my friends what I was doing. Some of these people had followed me through the DNFs of the previous 2 years and had sent me good luck messages for this year and I knew they were monitoring the updates. My family who had shared in my disappointments. Well not this time. I wasn’t going back to them with another loss. So with that mental reset it was back to the blurry feet and hang on. By the Time my vision cleared we were in Ambleside and the cheery face of Clare Shannon welcoming me into the checkpoint.

Time for admin. Blister repair, stock up and go. 16 miles to push. We’d lost Ian but gained Nick Sale. I thought Ian had maybe cracked on ahead but I learned later he had dropped at Ambleside. A real shame as I had hoped he was on for a finish. Nick soon proved to be a real bonus as he realised early on we had gone wrong in the dark. As we were cruising close to cut off with our pace his intervention was invaluable. I knew this section pretty well so after our early error pushed on to try and save time with the navigation. Though in the dark and with the lack of sleep I had to stop and think a couple of times, it cost us time but not as much as blindly wandering down the wrong route. We began to use the ground as best we could. Heading along the flat river bank we decided we should try and jog. Off we went, grabbing time where we could.

Just after the Chapel Stile checkpoint on a short but nasty little climb we lost Simon, who had been checking the road book as we went to confirm my navigation. Again Tracy had led the climb and while Nick and I dug in behind her, unfortunately Simon couldn’t hold the pace. We didn’t stop at Tilberthwaite. I told the others as they were better climbers than me and I had enough to get me through to the end, I was going to just dib and go. Knowing they would catch me on the climb. But they both said they were of the same mind and we would all go together. We cracked into Tilberthwaite with over two and a half hours left on the clock and just over three miles left to go. Our time grabbing from Ambleside had worked. We dibbed in and went straight up the steps. I hate those damn steps! Well, I do now.

I was slowly dropping back from the others and Nick was pulling ahead but in the end we stayed pretty close across the top, about 30 metres between each person. Until I could see Walna Sca through the gap ahead. The last crest! Wrong! What did I say earlier? There’s always one more than you think. Ok, it’s a small one but at over a hundred miles in, it’s still one last smack in the teeth before you leave. And then it’s downhill all the way. Except downhill on smashed quads and raw feet is not really much fun. But we ran it anyway. At least, it felt like running. I’m not sure that it looked like it. As we got near the Bull we caught up with James who gave me a big grin “Thought I’d come back and get you old man”. Cheeky sod.

Passing the BP garage Nick asked “Is this the way? It’s uphill!” There’s always just one more hill, though in this case it’s more of a bump on a normal day. “Yes mate, around the corner and we’re there. C’mon, it’d be embarrassing to get run over in the middle of the road this close to home”. Down towards the school, people still by the side of the road cheering. Bev getting out of the car by the side of the road where she’d just parked.

“Morning”.
“You’re early, I wasn’t’ expecting you just yet”.
“Well I’m not stopping”.

And finally, under the gantry. Tracy was suffering and struggling to run downhill so Nick and I had pulled ahead slightly. 38 hours and 50 minutes on our feet. Tracy wobbled into the hall behind us to the cries of “100 finisher!” I turned to high 5 her (aware I was a bit on the ripe side) and she said “Bollocks to that this deserves a hug, even if it’s a sweaty smelly one”. Bev was there with the massive grin on her face that really just said it all.

Finally, Nick and I at the finish. Tracy just out of shot – Photo: Bev Navesey

And thus ended my Lakeland 100. I had the tee shirt, I had the medal. Most importantly I had the right to own them. And to cap it off I’d met some truly exceptional people. Where else would a complete stranger work their arse off to help you?

As a footnote I checked the results and was heartened to see that Simon had indeed made it. We’d got through the night working as a team but a brutal fact of the L100 is that if you want to finish other than an emergency, there isn’t much room for compassion.

Special thanks to:
Paul Navesey taking the time to put a plan together for me, help, advice and always working on ‘when’ not ‘if’.
Bev Navesey for putting up with my obsession, making sure we always had somewhere to stay and driving me back home when I’m in bits.
Nikki Mills for ensuring I don’t get sun burn for the next 30 years!

Kit list:
Inov-8 X-Talon 212 trail shoes
Inov-8 Stormshell 150 Jacket
Inov-8 (there’s a pattern forming) Hot Peak cap
Asics Trail Short Sleeve Half-Zip T-Shirt
Ron Hill trail cargo shorts
X-socks Sky Run socks (version 1)
Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek running pack
Black Diamond Ultra Distance poles
LED Lenser H7 head torch (Petzl Tikka backup) with energiser lithium batteries
Oakley Radar Path glasses