Written by Ed Barker-Wyatt - http://edwardbarkerwyatt.wix.com
Here we are, a few days after one of the most gruelling, painful, torturous experiences of my life and I'm contemplating the 160 lol!
5am Saturday 30th April our adventure became reality. The alarm beeped and instead of the usual stretch and press snooze routine I had to force myself to get up as I new the preparation was crucial and didn't want to forget anything. So whilst prizing my eyes open and sipping on a cuppa I got the essentials ready for when Chris arrived. The bags all went in the van, which by the way looked like I was going away for the week but I wanted to be sure I had sufficient clothing and kit for all eventualities and off we went!
Once we had arrived and parked up at Filey Brigg I sauntered over to the registration tent flexing my hip and striding wide to warm up my legs a little, what a joke ha ha! Any way with the wind howling around us, fresh and crisp just to keep you alert, we entered the tent and put my name forward to receive my race number and Chris had to register his attendance too as support crew. We mulled around a little chatting to a few familiar faces before heading back to the van for final preparations and getting kitted up and ready for off. No matter how much prep you do those event nerves just make you forget little things as I kept forgetting important little items or routines that you almost take for granted. A bit of panic and nerves is good but I didn't want to forget the route description now did I! Oooops that's exactly what I did ha ha, so after revisiting the van and picking it up with some other bits and bobs I forgot we headed over for the race brief. Hustling and bustling in a big crowd awaiting Jon Steele the race director to show himself but then there was the news the start was to be delayed as he wasn't there yet ha ha! So with a slight interlude and an opportunity to go back to the van for a quick cuppa we tried again and had the race brief. We shuffled along the path a little to the flags which represent the start line and await the countdown. Its not like a 100m dash or anything you watch at the Olympics as we are going over 100 miles so no need to sprint off, its a slow steady start where everyones chatting and all joyful with a spring in there step (the complete opposite to the end of the race, no chatting, no joyfulness just desire to finish and more like a dragging leg as opposed to a springy step ha ha!). That was it though, we were off boom!
The morning was absolutely stunning, with the Sun rising around 5.30am it was now up and beaming down on Filey showing off the Yorkshire Coastline in all its glory. Even with the massive challenge that lay ahead of me it would have been difficult to not appreciate this gorgeous route. My mind was hampered with the worry hanging over my hip problem and I spent my time coming up with strategies to deal with it and protect it. It is important though to keep negative thoughts out off your head so once I had established the provisions I was going to make or allow for it I then I had to make the rules. NO thinking about it unless a real issue, it cannot consume my entire thoughts or we were going to have a problem, a big problem! Within minutes I new where the difficulties were going lie and this was with steps up and down. Lifting my right leg was the issue therefore one of my strategies was to lead with my left as much as possible protecting my injured one for as long as I could. This became difficult after a long period of time and I had to keep switching but I think once I had got past some initial niggles and warming up phases I didn't actually feel it too much, if anything I wasn't feeling it at all. This didn't stop the protection, but it was a weight off my mind, now what to worry about lol, oh yeah 110 miles!
Heading towards Osgodby Checkpoint which was at 5 miles I felt ok, as described earlier I was taking it steady allowing my hip time to warm up and get into it without making it worse and straining it more. This worked well and before long I arrived in Osgodby seeing Chris waiting near the checkpoint and cheering me in. Its a weird feeling at this point as you haven't gone far so its bizarre to stop and take a moment before heading off again. So Chris was asking all the important questions about my hip and enquiring into the rest of my health, not expecting any issues but there at the ready in case of any slight problems.
Leaving Chris I headed off towards Scarborough, I hadn't this part of the route before so I was a little apprehensive regarding the directions but I trusted my instincts and just thought 'how hard can it be!' but what my greatest fear was getting it wrong and adding extra miles. Normally on a smaller run that wouldn't bother me but to add extra on to 110 would just be silly and reckless. On my way through Scarborough and its one eye on the path and the other on the person in front of me so I could follow them, hoping they new they way through the town. It is quite fun actually going through heavily populated areas like this as people ask you questions about what your doing, they cheer you and the kids are all high fiving you which is a great boost and its these things that help keep you going, especially when you know it could quite possibly be lonely and isolated once on the moors.
Exiting Scarborough I just fixed my sights and thoughts onto getting to Crookness which is 13 miles in and a good start. At least once you hit double figures you feel like you've done a bit and your chipping away at the race, which mentally is very significant. I new my first big checkpoint was going to be Ravenscar as that was where my parents and Olivia were going to be and that will be a great psychological boost as also will be at 22 miles which is now a good chunk of miles in the bag! Running this part of the coastline was great now as I was starting to recognise certain parts of it, where I had run previously or visited while with Olivia. I recognised parts now from the New Years Day 30, especially since I can remember the pain I was in then so I knew I was in a better place for sure. I was heading towards Ravenscar Village Hall knowing exactly where it was located since our camping expedition in the summer. I just spent my time wondering whether my parents were there in time as I was ahead of schedule and worried about missing them. I was passing all the key points I had in my head so I knew I was getting close. Following the trail along the cliff edge took me passed the café where Olivia and I had ice creams so I knew I was getting close. The path took me up to the road where I could see my Dad standing great boost to see him and have a chat. We headed towards the Village Hall where Olivia and my Mum were waiting and Chris was at the ready with kit and food and the refuelling station. I checked in turned round and headed to the van for a short rest and to say hello to everyone. This was great, it really does boost you, don't ever underestimate the power of this.
So all packed up again and ready for off. Drinks bottles full, a little bit of food in the bag and its time for off. Olivia was great at this point as she was guiding me down the road and describing to me exactly where I needed to go pointing me in the right direction, what a gem! So checkpoint 4 ticked off and heading towards Robin Hoods Bay, again another part of the route I have done before so I was feeling confident and wanted to try as much as possible to keep ahead of schedule and keep banking time for later when I knew I was going to need it.
This part of the route I had done a couple of times already so I was happy to get cracking. The track led me back to the cliff top path and along the trail from the New Years Day 30. By this point I had done 22 miles and just had 4 miles to go to the next check point in Robin Hoods Bay but we had decided that we weren't going to meet up here mainly due to the traffic congestion and its only 4 miles, the decision was made to meet at Sandsend. This soon became a problem as I set off and left everyone I was just mulling through the next section and thinking about Whitby and how easy it would be to get lost and lose valuable time so I thought I'd have a look again at the route description and that was where it turned into a mini panic. The route description, we hadn't swapped as I was only carrying the current section so as not to carry more than I needed. Mmmm dilemma what should I do, carry on and risk it and try following someone else or ring Chris quickly and get him to meet me at Robin Hoods Bay. I rang Chris, had a quick giggle as we'd stuffed up and then proceeded to meet him in 4 miles time. The Sun was starting to take hold a become quite strong, increasing my body temperature and sweat ratio so I needed to make sure I was consuming enough liquid to keep up with it. The paths so far had been rock hard, the complete opposite to what I was expecting really as it had only been dry for a few days and previous to that we had down pour after down pour, yet no real signs of it as it was so exposed. This made good footing but hard ground so my feet suffered slightly but moving was better than it would have been if boggy and wet.
Running in to RHB I knew what was to come, once I had done a few steps, more steps, I was fast approaching the long up hill through the heart of RHB this was going to hurt! I slogged it out, up the main road passing all the tourists, bars, and smelling the wif of fish and chips drifting up past me! I past a number a of people who gave comments like 'you should be running up here ha ha!', 'the others ran up here!' and 'come on even I could run up this lol!' yes yes thanks for all the encouragement but for anyone who hasn't run up this road or should I say walked up this road it is steep and your heart is in your mouth. Try it one day! I got to the top and past the pub and hotel on the right which I knew meant I was close, I then spied Chris ambling down the road to meet me brilliant I was there! We walked up to the check point together, me still gasping for air and pushing my legs hard and Chris reeling off a few stories of some other runners that weren't looking to good or who had pulled out for one reason or another. All good food for thought over the next few miles increasing my positive mentality to progression and the fact we'd got this far and had no problems yet others had. I was now definitely in with a shout, I just had to keep up my pace and hitting or beating my targets.
Off I went, Whitby was in my sights now and the 'THE STEPS!' The steps coming down from the Abbey in to the town. I soon approached the Abbey on the dry mud cliff top path passing the visitors and dog walkers, I currently had another runner in front of me that I was trying to keep up with or at least keep in my sights as it happens what I didn't know was I would constantly passing or being passed by this girl for the entire race. We hobbled down the steps, although I think we went down the very old step path as opposed to the new steps as I didn't recognise it but it was just as brutal. So carefully placing my feet on each cobbled step I got to the bottom and quickly set off searching for this girl I was trying to follow. I kept the route description handed as at any time I may lose her. Then it happened my nightmare, I'd lost her aaarrrggghhh!! With route description out and a few lucky guesses I found the path and kept on.
After getting round the coast and meeting Olivia and my parents at Sandsend which again was great such a boost seeing them and having a few laughs before heading off to Runswick Bay. This was another superb section as after numerous steps (again) and bumping into Matthew one of my clients, we got to run across the beach which was just stunning, the bad news unbeknown to me was what was waiting at the end of the beach to take us up to the carpark. The path was brutal, my heart rate went through the roof and I soon began to feel ill. I reached Chris at the checkpoint and tried to eat and drink but vomiting wasn't far off, this wasn't good as I needed energy and fast! The plan now was to meet Chris at Staithes before my main target of Saltburn, with Sun out at full strength and beating down on me this was becoming tough. Only another hour or so of this heat before it starts dropping in temperature. Passing through Staithes I was with a couple of other runners but I decided to take a little time out once I met Chris, then headed off in the direction of Skinnygrove. The route took us along the beach as the sun dropped, snaking through the dunes. The sand spilling over the edges of my trainers, good training for the MdS this I kept thinking, each step becoming tougher and tougher through the soft sand. The temperature was dropping and the light nearly gone, I was waiting before putting the head torch on as I was trying to saver the batteries as long as possible.
The beautiful coastline made it easier to
run this magnificent run, I'm glad we had sunshine and not rain!
This was a brutal climb after what we'd done so far, my lungs were bursting and my heart was in my mouth. Timely rest as just had to take a couple of pics! ha ha honest!
Running in to RHB I knew what was to come, once I had done a few steps, more steps, I was fast approaching the long up hill through the heart of RHB this was going to hurt! I slogged it out, up the main road passing all the tourists, bars, and smelling the wif of fish and chips drifting up past me! I past a number a of people who gave comments like 'you should be running up here ha ha!', 'the others ran up here!' and 'come on even I could run up this lol!' yes yes thanks for all the encouragement but for anyone who hasn't run up this road or should I say walked up this road it is steep and your heart is in your mouth. Try it one day! I got to the top and past the pub and hotel on the right which I knew meant I was close, I then spied Chris ambling down the road to meet me brilliant I was there! We walked up to the check point together, me still gasping for air and pushing my legs hard and Chris reeling off a few stories of some other runners that weren't looking to good or who had pulled out for one reason or another. All good food for thought over the next few miles increasing my positive mentality to progression and the fact we'd got this far and had no problems yet others had. I was now definitely in with a shout, I just had to keep up my pace and hitting or beating my targets.
Off I went, Whitby was in my sights now and the 'THE STEPS!' The steps coming down from the Abbey in to the town. I soon approached the Abbey on the dry mud cliff top path passing the visitors and dog walkers, I currently had another runner in front of me that I was trying to keep up with or at least keep in my sights as it happens what I didn't know was I would constantly passing or being passed by this girl for the entire race. We hobbled down the steps, although I think we went down the very old step path as opposed to the new steps as I didn't recognise it but it was just as brutal. So carefully placing my feet on each cobbled step I got to the bottom and quickly set off searching for this girl I was trying to follow. I kept the route description handed as at any time I may lose her. Then it happened my nightmare, I'd lost her aaarrrggghhh!! With route description out and a few lucky guesses I found the path and kept on.
After getting round the coast and meeting Olivia and my parents at Sandsend which again was great such a boost seeing them and having a few laughs before heading off to Runswick Bay. This was another superb section as after numerous steps (again) and bumping into Matthew one of my clients, we got to run across the beach which was just stunning, the bad news unbeknown to me was what was waiting at the end of the beach to take us up to the carpark. The path was brutal, my heart rate went through the roof and I soon began to feel ill. I reached Chris at the checkpoint and tried to eat and drink but vomiting wasn't far off, this wasn't good as I needed energy and fast! The plan now was to meet Chris at Staithes before my main target of Saltburn, with Sun out at full strength and beating down on me this was becoming tough. Only another hour or so of this heat before it starts dropping in temperature. Passing through Staithes I was with a couple of other runners but I decided to take a little time out once I met Chris, then headed off in the direction of Skinnygrove. The route took us along the beach as the sun dropped, snaking through the dunes. The sand spilling over the edges of my trainers, good training for the MdS this I kept thinking, each step becoming tougher and tougher through the soft sand. The temperature was dropping and the light nearly gone, I was waiting before putting the head torch on as I was trying to saver the batteries as long as possible.
The beautiful coastline made it easier torun this magnificent run, I'm glad we had sunshine and not rain!
Yes there's more, I feel I need to do it justice and write a detailed report as this was such a monumental accomplishment for me personally and a milestone I will always look back to and say wow! That was what I had trained and worked towards for 2 years.
On approaching Saltburn as mentioned earlier this was to be quite a psychological boost as in my head that's all I had allowed myself think about regarding major goals and distances then breaking that down into smaller chunks where the check points were to make it much more achievable and not overwhelming. I arrived 2 hours ahead of the cut-off which was brilliant, I was dead chuffed as I knew I would need this time in the up coming night section. I met Chris he was parked in a separate carpark just away from the check point so once I had notified them of my arrival I proceeded to the van and rested up for 10 mins and refuelled. I was excited now as I knew I had passed my first test, no injuries that was the big one, feet were ok no soreness or major blistering, no rubbing and no health issues. We were ahead of time and feeling good, I now realised if I could get through the night section without any hiccups I might actually finish this race!
On approaching Saltburn as mentioned earlier this was to be quite a psychological boost as in my head that's all I had allowed myself think about regarding major goals and distances then breaking that down into smaller chunks where the check points were to make it much more achievable and not overwhelming. I arrived 2 hours ahead of the cut-off which was brilliant, I was dead chuffed as I knew I would need this time in the up coming night section. I met Chris he was parked in a separate carpark just away from the check point so once I had notified them of my arrival I proceeded to the van and rested up for 10 mins and refuelled. I was excited now as I knew I had passed my first test, no injuries that was the big one, feet were ok no soreness or major blistering, no rubbing and no health issues. We were ahead of time and feeling good, I now realised if I could get through the night section without any hiccups I might actually finish this race!
So all kitted up, jacket on and head torch shining the way off I went. Although it wasn't easy getting up again from having a little sit down and rest, the legs were now getting sore and tight, my quads were feeling it. I went off past the check point and typically straight up some steps which were starting to get to me mentally as I just didn't want to see any more ha ha! After passing that little test it was time to get the directions out as I couldn't work out the next bit but luckily a couple of other runners were heading out too. We went through what seemed to be a park and under a viaduct then after that it just became passageways and a few housing estates before hitting another trail which I assumed would take me to Slapewath Pub carpark where I was meeting the others and Rob was going to join me. This was where we had a slight problem, the timing of meeting up was going to be close as Chris had needed to go to Osmotherly and pick them up and then return in time to meet me, I had given him 2 hours but in reality I was only an hour and a half so what was going to happen mmmm!
I ran down a path turning a corner knowing there was a main road and I wasn't far. There was a number of cars and vans all parked up and I could make out a pub in the distance, this was it, were they here or was I going to have to wait for them. I had said to Chris I would give them 10 minutes before leaving and then would have to meet them at Captain Cooks Monument. Literally as was surveying the area the blue van pulled in further down the road as was heading towards me, wow the relief was amazing. It was a definite boost just to see the others and have a bit of banter. After getting re-stocked and re-fuelled Rob and myself headed off down the road leaving the other two and preparing for the night shift!
It was great to have someone with me now, as it was the night time, it always seems that little bit more lonely, so to have someone to run alongside and have conversation with was going to make it a much more pleasant experience. We were heading up to High Cliff Nab through Guisborough Woods which I had always been slightly apprehensive about as its easy to get lost in here I really didn't want that to happen and hold us up. Fortunately the same two ladies from earlier were still in our radar and between us we all managed to keep on the right track. Roseberry Topping was the target, I loved it now as I knew the route from here so mentally I could keep ticking off visually land marks. The bad side to knowing the route well is that you know exactly what it is to come. My short term goal was Roseberry with a slight desire to get to Chris and Amy at Captain Cooks Monument. As the darkness became pitch black, and the temperature get dropping we knew we were going to be in for a long night. The paths were easy to move on and weren't too wet and slippy as had been previously when I done them. We had Roseberry in our sights and in awe of the people already there, the spectacular sight of all the little mini head torches flickering like fire flies up the Topping. We approached it and as I warned Rob we first had to go down a tretcherous path before the base of the climb. This proved ok, a little slippy but I coped ok I was just getting ready for the tough climb and the increase in heat rate and hoping I could contain the nautious feeling I had experienced earlier. As we climbed I had to keep taking mini breaks just allow my heart rate to keep dropping, then pushing on passing the other runners heading back down. We reached the peak in decent time just to hand my number over, turn round, and head back down. Slipping and sliding trying not get my feet stuck or trapped as a little trip or fall here would probably mean the end of the race for you. Off we went, CC monument was next on the list and I felt like we had just ticked off a fairly major part of my race. Feeling good and happy with where I was at we had a liitle run where it flattened off before the steep decent into the car park for the check point. It was great to get here as psychologically I felt it wasn't far now we were nearing the major cut-off in good time. Chris informed us that we had lost nearly an hour on that section we amazed me as felt like we had done ok but it was a great reality check and meant it was important to not to get complacent. Now I firmly had my sights on reaching Osmotherly in good time and seeing Olivia and my parents, we just had to get past Kildale and push on. We said our goodbyes to the other two as it was now going to be some time before we say them again, Chris was ready for some sleep and rest as his part of this adventure was also tiring maybe not in the same way but still tiring mentally. To Oz!
We left the car park before Captain Cook's Monument and headed up the path that takes you to the monument itself, not too much to see as it was pitch black but there it stood a massive imposing dark tower. We went on past it, remembering my HM55 race where we nearly went the wrong way ha ha! We were now aiming for Kildale Village Hall where Chris wasn't allowed to meet us due to restrictions and race rules which prohibited race crews from entering the village. Crossing the moors from the monument was now beginning to become more exposed which in turn meant the weather was starting to turn to the worst. A light rain in a fierce wind chilling through your bones made the going tough, head torches shining and hoods up the conversation was now limited. Approaching Kildale meant a long slow down hill into the village, and I don't mean a short track this was a few miles, putting more pressure on already tight and sore quads. The impact of each step pounding through your body, with your toes crushing at the end of your shoes made this more unpleasant than you wanted at this point in time.
On reaching the check point, I re-stocked on fluids and had a bite to eat. By this point I was craving Coca-Cola so I couldn't get enough of it, I kept apologising for asking for another cup. The sugar was getting in to my body and asking for more more more! We only stayed for 5-10 minutes before I was wanting to be on our way, I didn't want to lose to much time, Osmotherly was the target and short break was awaiting us there. All I could think about was, having stumbled down a long winding path and road in to Kildale that could only mean its going to be a long and winding road back out of it and going on my memory of the 55 this was to be the case!
This proved to be the hardest section or it was for me. We were heading towards Blowarth Crossing check point which was just a self-clip but proved to be a massive psychological point to reach. The road out of Kildale as I remembered was a long slow winding climb which on its own wouldn't be too bad, but after 65-70 miles my legs were feeling it. Having Rob there was great just a bit of banter and conversation really helps push through the tough times as helps you distract yourself. The road turned into a path that turned into a rubbley gravel track that was unforgiving, no easy footings and plenty of turned and twisted ankles. We now had a cold wind blowing hard into our faces with a light rain that just made it unpleasant and hard to look up into. Our hoods were done up tight and heads were down and we powered on regardless praying for this check point which seemed like it would never arrive! The track just kept going upwards and head on in to the wind which was by now freezing the front of my body, which actually helped numb the pain in my legs, it was relentless. I was constantly repeating myself as was so sure I knew the route and kept saying 'I think its up there', 'it can't be far now',' just round the next corner' etc, they weren't lies I think I truly believed it each time which I also think is what helped me get through that section as I was constantly giving myself mini targets to reach. We eventually got there, managed the clip just as I think Rob's hands were now frozen and off we went, soon to bump into a friendly face, one of the marshals who I recognised. He wanted us to hold up a minute whilst he took a photograph, the sun was rising and the smiles were back.
We had made the turn and the ferocious wind that had been beating us down was now gone and we were sheltered. It was such a relief, we took a moment to look at the beautiful views as oranges and pinky reds came over the hills then we pressed on towards Clay Bank were Chris and Amy would be waiting after there sneaky nap!
On reaching the check point, I re-stocked on fluids and had a bite to eat. By this point I was craving Coca-Cola so I couldn't get enough of it, I kept apologising for asking for another cup. The sugar was getting in to my body and asking for more more more! We only stayed for 5-10 minutes before I was wanting to be on our way, I didn't want to lose to much time, Osmotherly was the target and short break was awaiting us there. All I could think about was, having stumbled down a long winding path and road in to Kildale that could only mean its going to be a long and winding road back out of it and going on my memory of the 55 this was to be the case!
This proved to be the hardest section or it was for me. We were heading towards Blowarth Crossing check point which was just a self-clip but proved to be a massive psychological point to reach. The road out of Kildale as I remembered was a long slow winding climb which on its own wouldn't be too bad, but after 65-70 miles my legs were feeling it. Having Rob there was great just a bit of banter and conversation really helps push through the tough times as helps you distract yourself. The road turned into a path that turned into a rubbley gravel track that was unforgiving, no easy footings and plenty of turned and twisted ankles. We now had a cold wind blowing hard into our faces with a light rain that just made it unpleasant and hard to look up into. Our hoods were done up tight and heads were down and we powered on regardless praying for this check point which seemed like it would never arrive! The track just kept going upwards and head on in to the wind which was by now freezing the front of my body, which actually helped numb the pain in my legs, it was relentless. I was constantly repeating myself as was so sure I knew the route and kept saying 'I think its up there', 'it can't be far now',' just round the next corner' etc, they weren't lies I think I truly believed it each time which I also think is what helped me get through that section as I was constantly giving myself mini targets to reach. We eventually got there, managed the clip just as I think Rob's hands were now frozen and off we went, soon to bump into a friendly face, one of the marshals who I recognised. He wanted us to hold up a minute whilst he took a photograph, the sun was rising and the smiles were back.
We had made the turn and the ferocious wind that had been beating us down was now gone and we were sheltered. It was such a relief, we took a moment to look at the beautiful views as oranges and pinky reds came over the hills then we pressed on towards Clay Bank were Chris and Amy would be waiting after there sneaky nap!
Heading to Clay Bank was a great section as the sun was up as was our spirits. My motivation was high getting to Clay Bank as I knew I could have a few minutes rest a quick bit of banter with the others. As we clambered down the steep bank towards the road I could just make out Chris's van so I checked in and gave my number and walked towards the van. Chris was up with the kettle on and Amy was still fast asleep, but not for long as we weren't exactly quiet discussing the night section and the horrendous weather. Chris had been giving us updates about people dropping out and various comments from other runners as they had come through the check point. Leaving the road side we headed up the next hill which was soul destroying after reaching the last and feeling so positive, we felt we had done the hills now but really we hadn't even got to the tough stuff yet. Up we went one step in front of another, heavy breathing with lungs bursting and a heart rate to scare any GP! I had to keep pausing to allow my heart rate to drop before pushing on as this was what was causing me to feel nautious all the time. We were heading towards Lord Stones and the Three Sisters, which are a group of hills that just make it seem like there are endless ascents to climb. With quads burning and heart rates rising we manages to keep pressing with odd bouts of running once on the flats, which by was becoming hard for me, just to attempt to increase pace and make my knees rise was more and more difficult. Once up and running it wasn't too bad, getting into a rhythm was what I kept myself pushing for. Rob was starting to feel the torturous climbs too with a great comment being 'its like they just find the hardest ascents then copy and paste it hundreds of times!' ha ha brilliant as that was exactly how it felt, relentless! The only thought in my head now was, Osmotherly. Mainly because it was such a psychological milestone and the major last cut-off which we had to hit with time in the bank. Plus Olivia and my parents would be there to meet us and that now was exciting as hadn't seen them since Sandsend.
I keep looking at this picture, not sure what to make of it ha ha! After the night section and with the knowledge of it not been out of my grasp I think my spirits were high yet I looked done in lol!
After passing the check point at Scarth Moor it wasn't then too far to Osmotherly. This meant a lot to me now, the psychological boost I was craving wasn't far away. Each person we met there was a brief conversation about the night section then quickly on to how far we are from Osmotherly. My legs by now were screaming, my quads were going through hell but the knowledge of how far was now all that was keep me going. We neared Osmotherly and I recognised the track that leads into the village, and at the end of it was my Dad, Olivia and my Mum which was brilliant, Olivia ran at me and gave me a hug and wanted to walk with me holding my hand and we managed a quick chat with everyone expecting the check point, only to hear that it was up to 2 miles away aaarrrggghhh!
We left everyone and headed off, they were going to meet us at the check point if they could find us! After several places that I thought it was going to be, we could see my dad and Olivia again. Wow we were ready for refuelling, I needed water and something to eat I was running low and feeling it. Once I'd checked in we went to the van, sat down, and had some much needed soup! This was the big change over for Rob and Amy. Rob had finished his part, and even after a few comments through the night of wanting to carry on once here, I think he was relieved to actually be able to finish, he was done. Once refreshed (if you can call it that) I attempted to stand up ready for off, this time it wasn't going to be as easy as that, my legs were going to take more convincing. So with a slight stagger, stumble and going back to 'one foot in front of the other' mantra there was a few "ooo's and aaarrgghh's" but given a few 100 yards I was back to it and knew I would be ok if just pushed on. The path lead us on a long slow winding up hill trail yet again, this was ok as I was on the home straight, this was now the end game, the last 19 miles!
Amy was wrapped up with more clothes than I think I've ever seen anyone where before, as the layers increased so did the size of the clothing ha ha! We were off and that was all that mattered, with only 7 miles to High Paradise Farm I wanted to get motoring and ticking off the miles. I was digging in now as each ascent was taking a little bit more of the very little I had left in the tank, but the engine kept running! Knowing the route so far was now becoming a hindrance as I knew each bit so on the down side I knew how far there was to go. Getting to somewhere near Sutton Bank was the goal, the path just kept going and going, I was chasing a guy in front of me that seemed to be keeping good pace so he was a good marker. We eventually arrived at High Paradise Farm but there was no sign of anyone, no Chris and no family, so what's happened why weren't they there? The things that effect you mentally at this stage of a race can be the smallest things, the build of excitement seeing people or achieving small targets is massive mentally so when something occurs that you didn't plan or for see then it becomes a bigger issue. After nearly bypassing the self-clip it was time to refocus and get my mind straight and set on the next task and reach the next check point. Dialstone Farm wasn't that far from here but by now each little section was taking its toll mentally. I needed to just keep going "don't stop until someone tells you too!" that's all I kept repeating to myself "you keep going to the end no matter what!" this was my chant, " I can, I will" became the mantra for the last section. Amy was brilliant, every time I doubted myself she just told me I was going to finish and I am going to get to the end and she wasn't letting me talk negative which is very important as now any little negativity soon grows into defeat and a breakdown of hope and low spirits and I wasn't going to let that happen, not now!
We were edging our way a long a path on the side of a field as we met rambles who were popping up all over the place, I could sense we weren't far now, runners from the check point were dashing past us, when I say runners I mean support crew sent to find and assist there competitors. There were a few people gathered at the end of the path where there was to be a change in direction I guessed this was where the check point was going to be, was Chris going to be here, was Olivia and my parents going to be here, who knows just keep moving forward! I got a glimpse of man that looked my Dad so my spirits were improving and a smile began to appear on my face. We had a little chat, checked in, and headed towards the van where Chris was waiting ready. After getting a mashed up version of why they weren't at the last meeting point I sat down for a few minutes and prepared myself for the last leg. Soup and a sandwich was great, water bottles full, snacks in the bag and we were off. A quick photo just to show my failing body and exhausted face but positivity was now emerging as I was nearly there.
My legs were incredibly sore standing up and trying to head off, a quick cuddle from Olivia and said my goodbyes. I staggered down the road, probably looked like I'd spent a good afternoon at the pub with the way I was moving ha ha! The last stint, I knew this bit well, which is why it made it harder.
Dragging myself down to Cold Kirkby knowing the trail heading through the fields and leading down a narrow rocky gully like path down into the woods was tough, ankles were sore and aching and blisters, not that I had many, were now beginning to reveal themselves when positioning my feet on stones. We passed over the stepping stones which was fun and moved along to Rievauxl Abbey. A beautiful site, but I knew what was coming, a long up hill and a trek through the woods with a nasty end including steep steps down which crippled me then torturously steep steps back up. Once through the woods it was a steady trail down into Helmsley, Thank God, I was nearly there. My next apprehensive bit was that I didn't know how to get to the cricket pavilion at the finish, this had been plaguing my mind for a while now. I didn't care, was the only way to deal with it, just get there and then sort it. Which is what I did, entering Helmsley there were arrows pointing the way as I'd hoped and then people dotted around cheering the final few in, i.e. me lol! Although there were a couple behind us approaching a little quicker than I liked. So I said to Amy, not that I was especially bothered about positioning just finishing was enough, but I wasn't going to be passed on the last 100 yards sorry I am still a competitive type, I said " if I have to do a sprint finish I will, I don't care how much it hurts but I'm not being passed now!" ha ha so the speed increased and I finished to a few cheers and a round of applause.
I keep looking at this picture, not sure what to make of it ha ha! After the night section and with the knowledge of it not been out of my grasp I think my spirits were high yet I looked done in lol!
After passing the check point at Scarth Moor it wasn't then too far to Osmotherly. This meant a lot to me now, the psychological boost I was craving wasn't far away. Each person we met there was a brief conversation about the night section then quickly on to how far we are from Osmotherly. My legs by now were screaming, my quads were going through hell but the knowledge of how far was now all that was keep me going. We neared Osmotherly and I recognised the track that leads into the village, and at the end of it was my Dad, Olivia and my Mum which was brilliant, Olivia ran at me and gave me a hug and wanted to walk with me holding my hand and we managed a quick chat with everyone expecting the check point, only to hear that it was up to 2 miles away aaarrrggghhh!
We left everyone and headed off, they were going to meet us at the check point if they could find us! After several places that I thought it was going to be, we could see my dad and Olivia again. Wow we were ready for refuelling, I needed water and something to eat I was running low and feeling it. Once I'd checked in we went to the van, sat down, and had some much needed soup! This was the big change over for Rob and Amy. Rob had finished his part, and even after a few comments through the night of wanting to carry on once here, I think he was relieved to actually be able to finish, he was done. Once refreshed (if you can call it that) I attempted to stand up ready for off, this time it wasn't going to be as easy as that, my legs were going to take more convincing. So with a slight stagger, stumble and going back to 'one foot in front of the other' mantra there was a few "ooo's and aaarrgghh's" but given a few 100 yards I was back to it and knew I would be ok if just pushed on. The path lead us on a long slow winding up hill trail yet again, this was ok as I was on the home straight, this was now the end game, the last 19 miles!
Amy was wrapped up with more clothes than I think I've ever seen anyone where before, as the layers increased so did the size of the clothing ha ha! We were off and that was all that mattered, with only 7 miles to High Paradise Farm I wanted to get motoring and ticking off the miles. I was digging in now as each ascent was taking a little bit more of the very little I had left in the tank, but the engine kept running! Knowing the route so far was now becoming a hindrance as I knew each bit so on the down side I knew how far there was to go. Getting to somewhere near Sutton Bank was the goal, the path just kept going and going, I was chasing a guy in front of me that seemed to be keeping good pace so he was a good marker. We eventually arrived at High Paradise Farm but there was no sign of anyone, no Chris and no family, so what's happened why weren't they there? The things that effect you mentally at this stage of a race can be the smallest things, the build of excitement seeing people or achieving small targets is massive mentally so when something occurs that you didn't plan or for see then it becomes a bigger issue. After nearly bypassing the self-clip it was time to refocus and get my mind straight and set on the next task and reach the next check point. Dialstone Farm wasn't that far from here but by now each little section was taking its toll mentally. I needed to just keep going "don't stop until someone tells you too!" that's all I kept repeating to myself "you keep going to the end no matter what!" this was my chant, " I can, I will" became the mantra for the last section. Amy was brilliant, every time I doubted myself she just told me I was going to finish and I am going to get to the end and she wasn't letting me talk negative which is very important as now any little negativity soon grows into defeat and a breakdown of hope and low spirits and I wasn't going to let that happen, not now!
We were edging our way a long a path on the side of a field as we met rambles who were popping up all over the place, I could sense we weren't far now, runners from the check point were dashing past us, when I say runners I mean support crew sent to find and assist there competitors. There were a few people gathered at the end of the path where there was to be a change in direction I guessed this was where the check point was going to be, was Chris going to be here, was Olivia and my parents going to be here, who knows just keep moving forward! I got a glimpse of man that looked my Dad so my spirits were improving and a smile began to appear on my face. We had a little chat, checked in, and headed towards the van where Chris was waiting ready. After getting a mashed up version of why they weren't at the last meeting point I sat down for a few minutes and prepared myself for the last leg. Soup and a sandwich was great, water bottles full, snacks in the bag and we were off. A quick photo just to show my failing body and exhausted face but positivity was now emerging as I was nearly there.
My legs were incredibly sore standing up and trying to head off, a quick cuddle from Olivia and said my goodbyes. I staggered down the road, probably looked like I'd spent a good afternoon at the pub with the way I was moving ha ha! The last stint, I knew this bit well, which is why it made it harder.
Dragging myself down to Cold Kirkby knowing the trail heading through the fields and leading down a narrow rocky gully like path down into the woods was tough, ankles were sore and aching and blisters, not that I had many, were now beginning to reveal themselves when positioning my feet on stones. We passed over the stepping stones which was fun and moved along to Rievauxl Abbey. A beautiful site, but I knew what was coming, a long up hill and a trek through the woods with a nasty end including steep steps down which crippled me then torturously steep steps back up. Once through the woods it was a steady trail down into Helmsley, Thank God, I was nearly there. My next apprehensive bit was that I didn't know how to get to the cricket pavilion at the finish, this had been plaguing my mind for a while now. I didn't care, was the only way to deal with it, just get there and then sort it. Which is what I did, entering Helmsley there were arrows pointing the way as I'd hoped and then people dotted around cheering the final few in, i.e. me lol! Although there were a couple behind us approaching a little quicker than I liked. So I said to Amy, not that I was especially bothered about positioning just finishing was enough, but I wasn't going to be passed on the last 100 yards sorry I am still a competitive type, I said " if I have to do a sprint finish I will, I don't care how much it hurts but I'm not being passed now!" ha ha so the speed increased and I finished to a few cheers and a round of applause.
Chris and Rob were there waiting, congratulating me in with Amy as we made our way to official finish check point. I received my medal and shirt with strong hand shake from the man himself Jon Steele a legend and honour to be meted at the end by him. It was over, finished, completed, achieved, accomplished and conquered! I sat down and tried to speak to everyone but the words didn't really make sense, and I quickly had an immense feeling of exhaustion and tiredness, it just hit me it was all quite overwhelming really. Two years of training, researching, injuries, massages, highs, lows, pain, excitement and a pure desire to achieve the goal I'd set myself of running further than 4 marathons back to back and passing the 100 mile marker I'd put there. I'd done it!
So, my instant thoughts the next day were, what's next? How far could I go if actually trained properly ha ha! Will it end, How far is too far????