race report part 2

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! 😋