Dalemain to Howtown
Joe and Kibo saw me out of the estate and helped me with some kind of quad stretch. I continued to focus on the next check point. I spent a lot of the next 6 miles on my own trying to take in the beauty around me, not think too far ahead to Fusedale and be proud of how much I had already achieved. I fast walked the ascents with my poles as I had used throughout and ran or shuffled everything else. Howtown came quite quickly and for some reason I was feeling quite teary and emotional for the first time. I was comforted by one of the awesome marshals with a nudge from the pony (dress up). I had got quite a sore patch in the palm of my hand which I had ignored since now but suddenly it felt quite sore and noticeable.
Howtown to Mardale Head
Stocked up with chia charge I left Howtown determined to keep a steady uphill pace on Fusedale. I wanted to stay positive and remember that the climbs were where I was strong but I couldn't help dread the descent down to Hawswater that had been a nightmare for me last year doing the 50. Once again prayers were answered and I managed to pair up with someone that helped take my mind of the long route to mardale head and what I was worried about. It really wasn't that bad. phew! We got held up by a herd of sheep being ushered across the river so we (myself and the guy I was with) took some time to eat and I got rid of some annoying little stones in my shoes that I knew I must sort out in order to stay comfortable. After what seemed like a long long way along Haweswater (I swear it gets longer every time), I made it into mardale head and was greeted by Joe and Kibo and some very jolly marshals. I was in 4th place. I perked up quickly, had a coffee, much needed soup and peanut butter sandwiches and grabbed some mouth tingling salt and vinegar crisps for the last big climb up Gatesgarth. 20 hours in I left the checkpoint in 3rd place. I was sore in my quads as usual, but not sleepy; stomach was good; feet felt absolutely fine; and a fresh influx of 50mile runners would be coming by soon, I had a lot to be thankful for.
Mardale Head to Kentmere
The climb was a relief after the long descent and meandering along Haweswater. I felt no pressure to be going quick, just getting to the next checkpoint in one piece and with the positive mindset that I had managed to keep throughout. As I reached the top of the climb the first 50 mile male runner came whizzing by. Boy I wish I felt that fresh. Instead I had to push myself to pick up a steady jog downhill and across to Kentmere. Going from a walk into a jog was extremely hard and painful on the legs for the first few minuets. Once I got going it felt comfortable and I didn't want to stop, weird. About a mile or 2 from Kentmere a 50 runner joined me as he was slightly injured so was happy to take it slow. I was glad of the company and his fresh energy gave me a boost. This was multiplied as I shuffled into the checkpoint and was greeted loudly by my dad, mum, brother, sister in law and 14month old nephew. It's amazing the lift you get from seeing people you love and want to do proud. I didn't want to show signs of pain and somehow kept from crying and thinking too much about how far there was to go. I still just thought of the next checkpoint.
Kentmere to Ambleside
The long descent into Troutbeck is what always sticks in my mind. Whilst this might normally be quite fun on tired legs it seems like more effort. I was determined to try and keep a steady jog and resist breaking. I was so thankful that my feet were in good shape with the really rocky terrain; my debating over and over again which shoes to wear had paid off. The scotts were perfect for me! After the agonising descent, the rest of the way was steady and the constant encouragement from 50 runners meant a lot. Heading my way through the forest with only a couple of km to go my head was down trying not to trip up on the roots and I managed to take the wrong path and ended up at a farm field. I was frustrated as it meant going back up hill to get on track but I hadn't long been passed by other runners so knew I wasn't far off. Emotions started to bubble as I hit the road. Knowing my family were there cheering me on was enough to make me blub, coupled with thinking about finishing. I hadn't thought past the next check point up until now and it hit me that one I was going to do it but that there was still 16 miles to go. Not long in the grand scheme of things but long enough when you know that there is no option of quitting now. Not that I wanted to, but I was tired!
Crying my eyes out I met up with my mum, dad, brother, Joe and Kibo and my sister Nic ran 100m to the check point with me. I think I remember asking to swap legs lol. I got some sweet flat coke down me and had some warm salty chips from Matt. Lovely words of encouragement from Hannah Mahapatra and hugs from the family saw me on my way to Chapelstile. A lovely flat section ahead. I was doing this!!!
Ambleside to Chapelstile
I discovered by this point that a jog (or shuffle) was no more uncomfortable that walking, in fact it was quite nice keeping the legs moving and good to feel I was making a little progress. Rob passed me then I managed to catch up with him and have a bit of a catch up. He struggled a bit on the flat so I went ahead to Chapelstile but I knew he'd soon catch up with me, so something to look forward to. After a fairly quick section and feeling good considering the circumstances, i.e. having run 89+miles already, I was in need of some veg stew and bread that just tasted amazing. I knew this was my last bit of good savoury food before the finish so wanted to make sure I took enough on board. By this point I realised that I would be making it to Tilberthwaite before dark, or just after. Brilliant! But I didn't realise for sure my position or the time that I would actually do it in. I was trying to calculate how slow I felt I was going and thought 31-32 hours at best.
Chapelstile to Tilberthwaite (last checkpoint before finish)
Things were tough physically, my legs hated any downs and getting into a jog on the flats was getting harder. Mentally I still felt positive, I'd make it to the end and around the 33 hour time or less. Having Rob to run with really kept me going. We encouraged each other saying we needed to get in before last orders. I wasn't convinced we'd be in before midnight but I was happy either way. Head torches came out just before the check point and once again I was greeted by my two most trusted mascots, Joe and Kibo. Joe told me I was in 3rd place and another runner said they hadn't seen another lady 100 runner for hours. I was thrilled. Then a girl came whizzing by me who had a yellow number on (100 runners wear yellow), and my heart sank. Positioning hadn't been that important until I thought it was taken away from me at the last stretch. How on earth did she have such fresh legs!!! That is the only moment that I let negativity into my head, but I did my best to shrug it off and keep on. I had a lovely surprise of friends at the checkpoint and it really was so so lovely to see them and really appreciated how so many people were out rooting for me. Position didn't matter, I had already done so so well.
It turns out the runner that passed me was a 50 runner in disguise as she was meant to be doing the 100 but missed the start. I had to tell her I was so relieved in the nicest possible way. She was lovely and apologetic. I got a bit of food and mountain fuel in me ready for the stairway to heaven...the end was so near but I'd already done 100miles!!!
Final leg to Coniston
That first step is a big ass step! But its also a step of relief. Rob and I made our way up the last climb and then my torch blinked at me. I realised at this point I hadn't changed the batteries. I tried to fumble around and get some fresh batteries out but Rob gave me 2 fresh ones and I hoped that would be enough. I was also so kindly handed another lady's spare...the whole spirit of the event right there. We got going, I felt cold for the first time but after trying to faff around and get my jacket on I decided against it and to keep going.
The descent into Coniston was the hardest part by far. Rob left me as I staggered my way down trying not to fall as I just didn't have the confidence in my legs with it being so wet, rocky and steep. I was a bit annoyed as my mind was willing but physically couldn't do it and really didn't want to end up falling and hurting myself, not with the end just there. So I slowly got down what felt like the longest hill down and onto the road. Even then I couldn't pick up speed and my torch was really low. Another runner was helping light my way and I staggered down the hill and was passed by lovely Stephen who shouted 'I told you we'd make it before 30 hours!' I couldn't believe it. I was going to be in well before 30 hours.
29 hours and 23 minutes I made it across the finish line into the arms of Joe and some marshals where I pretty much collapsed. I had finished!!! I had ran 105.9 miles, in under 30 hours and come in 3rd lady. I couldn't be happier and more relieved.
After not having sat down or stopped for more than 14 hours, and only 10-15 mins or so in the last 29+ hours, exhaustion just completely overwhelmed me! I had pins and needles in my face and wanted to be sick. I needed Joe and hated worrying my family but I couldn't stop crying and all I wanted to do was lie down. I have never ever felt complete and utter exhaustion like it. I staggered to the van clinging onto Joe and lay face down. The relief was incredible. I didn't have to run another step. But I felt so proud.
Post Race Condition
I didn't sleep much due to the aching in my legs. They had swelled up quite a lot, particularly my left leg/knee. Other than that, and feeling tired I have one bruised toe nail. The question is...what's next! 😋
I DID IT!!! I completed 105.9 miles, the ultra tour of the lake district across tough ground in tough conditions. Not only did I complete the course I did it in under 30 hours! 29.23 to be exact. Not only did I complete it in under 30 hours I came in 3rd lady, with no thoughts of ever quitting, no stomach issues and feet remarkably unscathed. Amazing!!!
After a week of rest, time to reflect and remember the weekend here goes my race report. Warning, it's a long one so grab a cuppa or a drink and get settled, 105 miles is a long way!!! BEWARE LOTS OF TYPOS BUT TOO LONG TO EDIT, WANTED TO GET IT OUT THERE!
Prep, prep and more prep. I tried really hard to rest, get lots of sleep and eat well the week before. Easier said that done. The day before I couldn't sit still checking my kit, making lists and going over the route. The weather was due to be wet and so wanted to be sure I had enough dry bags and any extra clothing in my drop bag that I may need. Something I'd hoped wouldn't be an issue but hey, it's the lake district after all!
We drove down in the van to Coniston on Thursday night so had the whole day to chill on Friday. I didn't sleep great but thought that may be the case so didn't fret and luckily after going through registration on Friday morning I managed to get a couple of good hours sleep.
16.30-17.15 Friday 28th July
Nerves and excitement build at the pre-race briefing. There is a real family atmosphere as everyone there all have the same goal and want to support one another. At this point I am hot and starting to get really quite nervous. I can feel the adrenaline building and really just want to get going.
After the briefing I tried to stay sat down knowing that I'd be on my feet for a long time. It was so special having my family and friends around me at the start praying for me and wishing me well. I couldn't help but get emotional as everything I'd been working towards and focused on was actually here. I was about to see whether I could do it. Had I done enough to make it possible? Was I mentally strong enough? Would the weather be too much for me to cope with and all the niggles I'd been feeling...would they cause me issues? Yes, so many questions running around my head and an immense desire to succeed. I felt focused on the goal in hand despite all the questions.
18.00 (Coniston-Seathwaite/CP1)
I had started my lakeland 100 journey. First stop was Seathwaite. I was determined not to think further than the next check point.
I got my poles out straight away, which I hadn't really planned but for some reason decided that was what I wanted to do especially as I wasn't going to run any of the up hill or slight inclines so may as well take pressure off the legs whenever possible. I remember chatting to a couple of people as we set off, but then the rain set in so it was waterproofs on and head down . Fortunately it wasn't cold, I was just wary of getting wet through and then being really cold during the night so wanted to take precautions with waterproof top and bottom. It seemed to settle once I starting the first decent so they soon came off.
After the first km of descending cramping started in my quads and my stomach was in stitches! What on earth was going on!? I was running with a friend at this point and honestly felt really disheartened thinking that something was wrong to be feeling this only an hour and 20 mins in. I kept thinking of what Joe said to me and knew I needed to stay positive. The pain in my legs would slow me down a bit and keep me steady and there was a long way for them to loosen up. But it was sore legs from there on in. I made sure I had my electrolytes and got some food in me. Onto Boot!
Seathwaite to Boot
There's not much to say about this section other than boggy, slippery and steep. I only fell once but it was hairy and going slow was the only option if I wanted not to risk an injury. It did seem to go fairly quickly despite the horridly technical terrain, and after a quick water stop and some nibbles of food I was keen to get going and make it most of the way to Wasdale before dark set in with it being a section most unknown to me.
Boot to Wasdale
From being quite anxious about running in the dark strangely I started to look forward to it. By this point I knew I'd get most of the way to Wasdale in the light and that there would be people around me most of the way. I was running with a couple of people and enjoying good chat whilst we navigated our way across a very indistinct path, particularly with such wet conditions. We nearly went wrong before we reached the tarn and I found it quite hard in the half light to make out structures. But my watch kept me on track and we just took our time and made it to the tarn where the path became more obvious. A few km from Wasdale the head torches came out and I felt comfortable, despite sore legs, going into the roller disco checkpoint where I was looking forward to some hot salty soup. I was greeted 200m from the checkpoint by Joe and Kibo which really lifted my spirits and that extra little surge of energy to go through the night. And as always the marshals were fabulous encouraging and supporting you full on.
Wasdale to Buttermere
Stores replenished (soup and bread never tasted so good) I was ready to take on black sail pass climb. I had weirdly been looking forward to this knowing that I climb well and that the ground conditions would be better than the previous bog. It didn't disappoint and I just loved looking back down the valley at the lights from head torches streaming behind me. Things were made even better when I met a friend Marcus at the top and we agreed to run together. So when we went a bit wrong going down into Ennerdale I felt strangely calm, especially as this was the bit I was worried about, and we managed to get back on track fairly quickly. Descending into Buttermere was also tricky, especially in such wet conditions and there was a group of us who went a little off course but I knowing the route well I am proud to say that, for a change, I was the one who quickly got us on track and we could then enjoy a gentle jog along the lake to the next checkpoint.
I was feeling it quite a bit in my legs at this point, which I expected with the descents and it felt very muggy, so made sure took on salts and my electrolytes along with more soup and bread. My feet felt pretty good so decided against a sock change and Marcus and I carried on.
Buttermere to Braithwaite
Once I got to Buttermere I knew I was on home turf, knew the section well and was sure that would give me a boost. However; it felt long and tough, especially on my sore legs and getting into Braithwaite I felt a bit deflated and quite low for the first time. Seeing Joe and Kibo was such a relief and just what I needed. He reminded me to eat lots and thinking about it I possibly didn't take on enough fuel during the section. So I chowed down on anything that was going, rice pudding, fruit (so refreshing), sandwiches and nuts and a couple of paracetamol with caffein. I felt ready and focused, this section was one of my faves and a bit of leg pain wasn't going to stop me enjoying it!!!
Braithwaite to Blen Cathra
After having a difficult leg I had really prayed that I would pick up and be able to ignore the discomfort in my legs. Prayers were answered and I felt fantastic on this section. This was helped enormously by the company I had (Stephen Braithwaite I think was one guy) and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed running. Being in the dark felt like a privilege and light wasn't far off. The usual pick me up from the marshals and some more food and I soon set off for Dockray. I normally find this part quite tedious and boring but quickly turned that around in my head and looked forward to some easy ground to run on. I had already been out longer than I ever had done, survived the night section and about to have run the furthest distance too. No feet issues, no stomach issues and despite the sore quads, I was feeling really proud and still not wanted to give up.
Blen Cathra to Dockray
I admit that this was not a section I was looking forward to. A couple of miles or so on the road and then the long old coach road. I spent most of it on my own I seem to remember but in the end didn't mind it that much. I do remember taking a bit of time to just wander along the old coach road, enjoy dawn and really loved eating a mixture of nuts, seeds, dates and salt and vinegar crisps. With no real ascent or descent it was a welcome break to the concentration that had taken place and the added difficulty of the dark.
I was welcomed to Dockray by a beaming Murray and Julia who lifted my spirits no end and I even got a bit of a rub down of my burning quads. As always the soup and bread tasted amazing and I think I managed to gain a place at this point. Not that I had been really paying much attention to position to be honest as that wasn't my focus at all. Onwards to Dalemain, over half way was in reach!
Dockray to Dalemain
Running along the side of Ullswater in the early hours was really special. The rain had stayed away for a while now and with more food in and the extra boost from seeing friends gave me a bit of a spring in my step. Mentally I was feeling positive and strong even if my legs were complaining. I did try to have a bit of a stretch of the quads here and there but generally just accepted that they were sore but hopefully wouldn't get much worse.
I ran a lot of the last 3-4 miles with the second place lady Wendy. She was extremely strong and determined and an experienced runner. I knew that she would end up doing really well and it was nice to be able to say I had run quite a bit with her. She was clearly more conditioned than me as if it weren't for my legs I think I would have been a bit more of a contender for her. Nevertheless I was pleased with how I was doing and even had a 'proper' loo stop that was a struggle with sore legs but was a relief all the same lol. Wendy wasn't going to stop at Dalemain but I wasn't bothered, I was looking forward to this slightly longer break and time to re-charge.
About 18 hours of running I had arrived at Dalemain and I still didn't want to throw in the towel. I dried and talced my feet and changed my socks. I decided I was going to stick with my shoes as I'd incredibly not had any issues with my feet!!! Brilliant. A change of top, topping up my bag and brushing my teeth was lovely when you've been eating all night long. I grabbed my iPod, a quick bowl of stew and I was ready for the 'second half'. I forgot to change my torch batteries which caused a bit of grief later but not too bad. It was onwards and upwards!
The next part of the journey will be in a separate post. Don't want to risk losing this!
