I started the year in a positive mood
After a healthy Christmas with not too much food
New Year's resolutions I don't tend to make
But I do set goals and give my attitude a shake
January was training, running and work
Long runs in the dark I never did shirk
Training hard through wind and rain
Preparing to tackle the Arc again
Time off work but not to relax
Keeping the mileage to the max
Rain and mud and coastal trips
Then came the taper to rest my hips
February saw me on trip south west
To conquer Cornish coastline I'd do my best
My second attempt at the Arc of Attrition
To finish this time was my mission
The train journey to Cornwall was not great
Down the train loo went my iPhone, what a state!
An emergency phone purchased in haste 100 miles to run, no energy to waste
Regrettably the Arc buckle wasn't to be :(
Although some more of the coastline I did get to see
Despite my determination to get the job done
To hyperthermia I eventually did succumb
MudCrew were great, the medics were too
I was gutted AGAIN but what can you do?
Dusted myself down and entered again
In 2019 my AoA buckle to gain
March brought a cold spell and with it snow
We don't get chilly weather often nowadays you know
Running in the woods was enchanted and white
Even though my hands nearly got frost bite
In April my birthday, a big one this year
I turned 50 ....I know I look nowhere near ;)
Age doesn't worry me, no concerns to show
For 50 is the the new 30 you know :)
I was still training hard - I don't take a break
Springtime - the next challenge to take
TP100 my goal, I'd run it before
My first 100 miler, I was back for more!
In May came the race, with it a heatwave
It's flat with little shelter, but my best shot I gave
Sweltering and monotonous along the Thames Path
103 miles of hot tow path, not such a laugh.
But it's what I love and it's what I do
So many of my Centurion friends running too
I dug deep and in 26 hours I got to the end
A PB and buckle number 5 brought my drought to an end :)
Work was busy, bank holidays were needed
Training hard, a rest my legs pleaded
Supporting friends and friends helping me
My Natalie's birthday filled me with glee.
June was work and lots more training
A heatwave descended - no more raining
Record temperatures across the land
It would last all summer, a struggle to stand
More miles as we went into July
The heat made it tough but I still had to try
I caught up with friends whenever I could
Remember our loved ones - we really should
World Cup fever descended upon us
The country caught up in football fuss
Footie didn't come home, although England did ok
The nation's hopes have to wait for another day.
On a short training run one Tuesday night
I took a dive and a tumble, it gave me a fright
Bruised and grazed I hobbled back
Seemed ok with all but my pride intact.
But later that night the pain began
With a cracked rib (I think) I still ran
Long training runs in the hot sun
But temporarily not much upper body work done
I ran a lot on the North Downs Way
As NDW100 was approaching faster each day
PT, gym and Circuits I kept up too
Strength helps the running I already knew
With August came NDW100 for the 3rd time
Such a tough course but a favourite of mine
The hottest weather to be endured
And my sore rib not yet cured (ouch!)
I knew the course, ran it times before
But the heat made the challenge more
I had to dig deeper than ever I had
To get to the finish I was glad!
Buckle number 6, my confidence regained
Enough points for UTMB I had retained
My third year of trying, I would get a place
2019's challenge in the Alps I would embrace :)
My body recovered from the race, it's usually fast
But a pain in the foot decided to last
RICE, tape, rest - I tended it well
Hoping it would mend quickly, no problems to tell
6 weeks until Snowdon 100 miles
My next challenge that would be full of trials
That my foot would heal I did hope
I tried to be positive and not to mope!
The heat continued all summer through
The days long, the skies blue
Sticky nights, difficult to sleep Long summer memories to keep.
After a few weeks rest, to run I tried
But the foot got worse and tears I cried
I researched treatments, and rested again
I went to the GP, X-ray to obtain.
Snowdon not to be, I had to pull out
The right decision without a doubt
To get the foot right for the Arc was my aim
By 2019 I hoped I'd be fit again
In September to see a Consultant I went
MRI scans on the foot and for tests I was sent
Damage to bone in toe joint they did concur
I was put in an air boot to rest it some more :(
So more weeks in the gym, very confined
Restricted, but exercises I did find
I never missed training, not a single day
But I so missed the trails in every way!
The days got shorter, but it was still mild
I missed the Autumn colours and running in the wild
But work was busy and I could still train strong
My arms hoped my legs would be back before long!!
October, November seemed to go fast
Busy working, no spare time to last
Foot slowly improving but still confined to damn boot
No running for months, my plans to shoot!
With much regret I pull out of the Arc
I've had enough of this injury lark!
So gutted another race not to meet
But in 2020 my nemesis I'll beat.
All of a sudden Christmas came round
So much holiday to take off work I found
Not able to do much, sick I couldn't run
Catching up with family and friends was fun :)
So that's my year, the bits I'm happy to share
Thank you to everyone who for me has been there
I truly am blessed with the people I know
Such wonderful friends, the caring they show.
Some of friends have had a tough year
I try to be there for them, for to me they are dear
All my hopes and wishes I send
For a better 2019, their troubles to end xx
All that's left for me to say
On the 11th hour - almost New Years Day
I wish you all have a wonderful year
Health, happiness, love and plenty and of cheer!
Happy New Year!
So this is the blog that I don’t want to write!  But then the one thing that I actually find equally as therapeutic and soul cleansing as running through trails for hours on end, is writing, so maybe  I should.  I do not profess to being good at either but running ultras and writing are 2 things I love, so why not write about running ultras!  The reason I didn’t want to write this one was because it didn’t quite go to plan.  But hey let’s just write it and see how I feel at the end.  As always, I apologise in advance for the frequent digressions and the fact that I will probably warble on for far too long.
The start and beyond
I’ve said it before, and no doubt I’ll say it again … arriving at a Centurion Registration is like coming home for me.  So many friendly faces, an air of excitement, people milling around contemplating the adventure ahead.  I arrived at the school in Farnham early, having stayed the night before in what must have been one of the largest Premier Inn rooms ever allocated to a single person (not bad for a last minute deal 🙂
I was on a mission for my 5th Centurion 100 mile buckle.  My first 100 miler was TP100 last year (2016).  On a high from that I ran NDW100 (from a waiting list place) and ended up running A100 too (again from the waiting list).  As is well versed in my linked blogs for those races, I was a bit gutted that I didn’t do SDW100 last year (as if I had, then I would have had my grubby mitts on one of those awesome Grand Slam buckles!). But 3 100s in a year was pretty good going, especially as I had only been running for less than 3 years. So this year I did run SDW100 and 8 weeks later found myself at the start of NDW100 for the second year running.  Why do NDW again?  Despite it being IMHO the toughest of the four 100 milers, it is my favourite Centurion race and I couldn’t wait to undertake the challenge again.  Last year, it was hot and I found the race challenging, but pushed on and got myself to the end, meeting some amazing people along the way.  I had no doubt that I would do it again.
I train a lot, probably covering more training miles than most, but perhaps less races.  I don’t run marathons, but I do run 30+ miles pretty much every Sunday.  I love it, getting out into the country and running the trails and woodlands, watching the changing nature, and running off the week.  I average about 75 miles per week (that increases leading up to a race but obviously decreases during taper and recovery).  I also do a lot of  strength, core, cardio and other training.  I have a brilliant Personal Trainer, Cam (jensenexercise.com), who has been on this  journey with me and ensures I get a well rounded mix of  training (and makes me taper!).  He’s also an excellent sports therapist and a great friend, so I am lucky.
I’m not saying that my high mileage and all is the right way to train, I’m not saying that I am particularly good or fast, I’m just saying that I enjoy it and it seems to work for me. Â Anyway, I digress (told you I would!). Back to registration…
Kit check done, all registered and bags dropped.  I had a brief chat with Alf Menzies at bag drop, a guy I’d met at my first Ultra (The Wall) 2 years earlier.  He was volunteering (as opposed to running) due to a nasty injury that he picked up at SDW100.  It was good to see him though.  I was greeted with a big hug from the ever smiling Stuart March, the superb photographer who manages to capture out adventures so well, and can even make me look like a runner.  Mel Varvel was outside with her  Totally Wonderfuel partner and their shiny silver retro catering trailer, serving the most amazing porridge, smoothies, coffee, energy boosting brekkies you could  imagine.  They had some great balls too!! 🙂  After some deliberation I opted for coffee and what was probably the best banana smoothie ever to have been blitzed.  I was not disappointed (I literally snorted it down – it was that good), this is the fuel of champions, highly recommended, and the retro set up is awesome.
Race briefing from James, with a reminder that this one is a little over 100 miles (probably more like 103), his usual words of wisdom and caution, then we made our way  down to the start.
The first 25 to Box Hill
At 6am on the dot we were off. I always usually find it difficult to get going. Â I am much happier once I’ve chipped off a couple of aid stations, but that said I started well and felt strong and comfortable pretty much straight away. Â Although a daunting challenge, this was after all my favourite race, conditions were cooler than last year and the ground was softer, so it was about as good as it gets. Â I ran on my own, chatting to other runners at times, and generally felt pretty excited.
The first aid station was Puttenham at about the 7 mile mark. Â I was glad to get there as it always good to get the first one down, the mood was good and the ever wonderful volunteers filled my bottles whilst I munched on a peanut butter wrap and a jam sarnie. Â Off I set again, still going strong. Â I chatted to some great people, there were some awesome ladies out there, I had a nice chat with Laura about shoes (following her FB post I’d commented on).
Newlands Corner was a welcome sight, I guzzled some coke (never normally drink the stuff but crave it in races) and I was eating well. Cheery atmosphere at the aid station, welcome refreshments and food. I did make a bit of a boo boo, filled a bottle myself from a jug with what I thought was water, but was actually Tailwind.  I didn’t really need Tailwind this early in the race.  For me I find it a bit heavy on the stomach and prefer to just have a little bit, heavily diluted later on, if at all. So I was carrying a bit less water than I would have liked.
Stu appeared from trails and bushes to take pictures and it was great to see his smiling face. If you’re looking for a photographer check him out stuartmarchphtography.co.uk
There were quite a few woodland sections with an abundance of tree roots. Conscious that I’d taken a tumble over a root last year (at about mile 20) and winded myself, I exercised some caution, but was still running confidently. Â I ran for a while with a nice fella, can’t remember his name, we did take one slight wrong turn but we were soon back on track, he had the GPX file in his watch – think I might try that next time.
The first 25ish miles of this race are a great run through beautiful picturesque scenery with some stunning views, including an amazing vinyard.  I remembered from last year that things got a bit tougher at the dreading Box Hill steps, so I settled down and enjoyed the first sections.  The atmosphere was good, although it was a bit hot (nowhere near as hot as last year mind you!).  It was about 10 miles from Newlines Corner to Box Hill aid station, seemed  a while coming but I was feeling good.  I made it to Box Hill (25 miles by my garmin) at about 10;45am, was happy with that time.  But I knew well from last year that the first 25 miles of this race lulls you into a false sense of security … now for the fun part!
Box Hill to Reigate Hill – a tumbling time!
At Box Hill aid station, feeling good, I stocked up on water and ate some food.  Didn’t stop for long, best to push on, 8 miles to the next aid station.  Over the famous stepping stones and then came the steps!  A tough section this, with a long steep climb to the top of Box Hill via a multitude of steep woodland steps, so that got quads going!  There would be more of those to come later on.
Having slowed down during the ‘steps’ section, I picked up a bit of pace wherever I could and enjoyed the stunning views. Â I wanted to get some momentum again, but it was hilly and the ground quite slippery. Â I had been happy for rain during the week leading up to the race, as I like to run on softer ground, but it was it was rather slidey in places so maybe that wasn’t so good after all.
I was at about 26 Â / 27 miles and had been climbing, so was pleased to see a gently declining section of trail ahead – looked like I could get some momentum again, so I stepped up the pace. Â This ‘nice’ looking section was actually pretty muddy and I must have slipped (or possibly tripped), as the next thing I knew I was mid air, then skidding on my front through the ‘rocky mud’. I came to a halt as my face hit the trail. Â I had pulled my calf a little as I fell and I lay there for a moment (not so much in pain, more shaken up). Â A guy and a girl,who I think were running together, stopped and helped me up. Â I was covered in mud, my legs were scraped and bleeding (particularly the right one), and I had a few other scrapes etc. Â My right knee had taken the brunt of it. Â I also had a graze on my cheek bone under the eye (looking at the trail, I think I’d hit my face on a bit of brick or something – should have put my hands out – hey). The couple who helped were very kind, cleaned me up the best they could and covered my knee with gauze held on by plasters (which unfortunately didn’t stay on). Â It took me a minute or two to get over it, but I felt ok to carry on. Â I did walk for a while, Â I was a bit shaken and it slowed me down a bit but I soon got going again and was running ok despite a very sore leg.
Reigate Hill – patch up
When I got to Reigate Hill aid station, the volunteers said that I had arrived much sooner than they expected, as the guys who helped me when I fell had warned I was coming and might be struggling.
At Reigate I met Lindley and Maxine. Lindley is a runner and Race RD for Challenge Running. He’s also a coach and was supporting one the guys he coaches.  Lindley and Maxine just happened to be at the aid station when I arrived (muddy, bloody and bruised) and Lindley just happened to have an awesome first aid kit in his (I’m talking paramedic standard 🙂 – and kindly offered to clean and patch me up. So my cuts and scrapes were cleaned (and sprayed with iodine) and Maxine did a fab job of bandaging my leg.  There was plenty of bruising to come out but I had a race to get on with first, so after  scoffing some food and filling up water, I was off again.
Running with Tracey, tree roots and rain storms
Just as I was about to leave Reigate Hill aid station (as I was stuffing my face with water melon) the lovely Tracey Watson appeared next to me.  Tracey is an awesome ultra runner and a super lady.  She is going for the double Centurion Grand Slam (so 4 x 100 milers and 5 x 50 milers for the second consecutive year!!).  She’s very modest with it and always great to talk to.  Tracey and I are of similar pace so we set off together.  It was good to be running with someone.  One of the first things Tracey said to me was,”this is a **** of a course isn’t it!”.  I had to agree with her but we both laughed and talked about how much we love it all the same 🙂
Then came the rain! Now I love running in the rain and we welcomed it at first as it was refreshing and it cooled us down.  But as it turned heavier (more biblical) Tracey and I decided that waterproof jackets were  in order to prevent us getting too wet and then cold later on.  Putting on a jacket is a faff.  It involves stopping to take of race pace, putting on jacket, then putting pack back on.  In James Elson’s video of ‘best way to pack your race pack’ he suggests a bigger jacket that pulls on over the pack (negating the need to take pack off and keeping kit dry too), but mine is way too fitted for that.  The rain was heavy and we had the odd electric storm (thankfully when we were out of the woods).
I was enjoying the woodland sections, I run woods a lot and these woods are awesome. Â Care is needed one the tree roots though, Tracey commented on how I dance over the woodland trails. Â I think I just enjoy it. Â When I do short training runs, I often do a woodland circuit, making use of logs, gates, branches, steps etc. for other exercises as I go. Sorry I digress again (warned you!!)
Tracey has a fab hubby, Pete. Â He was waiting at crew points with a car boot filled with an abundance of ultra goodies. Â They gave me a rice pudding which went down well. I think I went through Caterham with Tracey, we were yo-yoing a bit, I was often ahead, but she would catch up / overtake. Â At Caterham aid station we took off our jackets. Â The rain had stopped. Â Tracey hit the nail on the head when she said she felt like a ‘boil in the bag dinner’!
I was on my own for a bit after that, it was raining heavily on and off – it seemed that whenever I took my jacket off it would start and whenever I put it on the rain would stop! Â The trail was wet and very muddy in places making it treacherous and I heard stories of more tumbles along the way. Â It’s a tough course and I was starting to feel it in my hip and piriformis (a bit prone to tenderness there) and in my quads. Â Knee was pretty sore and was swelling up a bit. Â But this is all part of challenge and I was ok.
At Botley Hill, I could Stuart up ahead with his camera, smiling and offering encouragement as always. Â He snapped away and we chatted briefly about my fall. I was going slower than I would have done without the injury but was running all the runnable sections the best I could.
I got to Knockholt (the halfway point) in just over 12 hours, I was happy with that considering the earlier stop for first aid etc. Â I changed my top and enjoyed some hot pasta.
Second half into the night
I saw Tracey at Knockholt and we were going to head off together, but missed each other (think I was too busy eating!) so I headed off on my own. Half way is aways a mental boost to me. Â My watch was a couple of miles ahead of the documented points (it can never be exact, so I was making sure I checked how far to each aid station).
The section just after Knockholt I know fairly well. Â The route goes past Dunton Green and through Otford, this a section I sometimes include in my training runs, so I was on ‘home territory’ for a while. Â It’s strange running fairly close to home on an ultra, I remembered thinking the same thing last year. Â More of those steps at Otford, onwards and upwards.
I won’t lie, it was tough going but I was still feeling positive, despite my knee feeling pretty sore. Â I ran with people on and off, a guy called Marcus, a guy called Peter and several others. Â But we were pretty spread out and I was on my own a lot. Â There was one guy who I yo-yoed with a lot and we kept each other on track. Â Many people had poles (I always wonder if maybe I should get some?), and I would often hear the clipping noise of the poles on the ground when another runner was coming up behind me. Â The muddy sections were quite slippery in places and the trail was touch on the feet. Â But I’d done this before and was determined to push on through.
Free Pants and a pick up
By the time I got to Wrotham it was dark, so I used that aid station to dig out my head torch and also put my watch on charge (it was starting to get low so I thought I’d give a charge for a while – it charges on the go just fine).  When I went inside the Cricket Club, I felt  pretty sick and light headed but food helped a bit.  I stopped here for probably a bit too long – it really is best to keep going and not take root at the checkpoints.  Wrotham was a sponsored aid station – the crew from Runderwear were there giving out free pants., I got a lovely pink pair!  A lovely lady from Runderwear  saw my bandaged bloody knee and sore face and broke into a song that went something like “Nicola .. you’ve got this, you’ve got this Nicola” – thank you Runderwear Team – you definitely gave my spirits a lift 🙂
Food helped the nausea and getting back out helped even more.
I love night running and the night sections don’t usually worry me too much, but we had a couple of long sections and there were roads and bridges as well as trails. Â More steep climbs, more steps, more down hill and some relentless gnarly woodland paths. Â It was muddy and lumpy under foot. Â I kept moving forward and tried to keep up a march whenever I wasn’t running. Â I had slowed somewhat though and my knee was feeling pretty stiff. Â I got to Holly Hill and tried not to stay too long but probably didn’t eat enough.
I crossed the ‘never ending’ bridge, over the motorway  which I find very poignant, it strikes a chord seeing the signs across the bridge to call Samaritans any time day or night.
Bluebell Hill – 76 miles (my watch was saying 78 – so somewhere around that) was a sight for sore legs. Â My knee was stollen and I was moving slowly but still getting some good runs and still in good spirits.
Pushing on to Detling
A long section to Detling, and I was still on my own. Â Had I been with others I might have pushed faster, who knows? Â You can always look back and say you might have done something differently – I should maybe do a bit less of the hindsight analysis. Â I had layered up at Bluebell Hill, the temperature had dropped, it was noticeably cooler than it had been last year.
I tried to pick up pace on a straight flat section, crossed some slippery mud and went flying AGAIN! Â Landed on the sore knee and that hurt! Â I struggled with a couple of styles, knee didn’t want to bend.
I pushed on and eventually arrived at Detling Village Hall, was pleased to get there. Â My watch was on about 84.5 miles (I think it’s officially about 82 so there was probably about just over 20 miles to go). The volunteers at all of the aid stations were brilliant as always, I can never thank them enough, but the guys at Detling really were fantastic. Â Cheese on toast, coffee, sympathy, smiles, advice – just what was needed. Â I was worried about time (was later than I had planned to be). Knee was pretty swollen, and not bending too well by now, legs were very bruised and seizing up and I didn’t feel that great if I’m honest. But I’d done this before and sure as hell was determined to do it again! Â So off I hobbled to tackle the section to Lenham including lots more of those steps.
The bit I don’t want to write!
Despite my efforts to run, I was moving slower than I wanted to.  After about a mile or so I got to the first set of steps, steep downhill. I started to make my way down the steps, I was moving painfully slow and it was really hurting my knee (which did not want to bend). I was worried about time.  I had enough time, I still had some buffer in the bag, but I was going to need to move faster than I was and I suddenly became panicky about losing too much time on the steps. I painfully got about  halfway down the first set, then for the first time (EVER in any race) I lost my resolve and my head suggested giving up.  I stopped and was wavering for a minute, thought ‘no it’s silly to go on’, turned and started to climb up, quickly changed my mind and headed down again.  Knee was hurting and I was moving slowly.  In a split moment’s decision I decided to pull out of the race and go back to Detling.  I still can’t believe I made that decision – whether it was the right decision or the wrong decision – I quit and I just hate the fact that I quit. It goes against my nature and it goes against the spirit of my race. But it happens! So I turned and hobbled back up the steps and along the trail.  I eventually came across a Centurion sweeper taking down markings and he phoned James to let him know I had dropped and would need picking up from Detling.  I hobbled along the trail and back onto to road.  As I walked up the road Dave Brock (one of the Detling crew) pulled up in his car, he’d come to take me back.  Back at Detling, the guys were great, they were packing up but still shared some kind words with me.  I waited with 2 others for the ‘scoop up’ bus which would take us to Ashford.  The mood on the bus was actually quite jovial, I was chatting to the other guys who had been forced out due to injury … it happens.  Sometimes it just isn’t your day.
At Ashford I received a bit hug from Stuart (although it should have been from the track at the finish line after he’d taken my photo). Â It hadn’t quite hit me yet as I sat with my hot dog and coffee, chatting to the guys. Â I should have had a another buckle!
I’m gutted I didn’t get to Lenham, my buddy Rob Cowlin was volunteering there and I was looking forward to seeing his face and receiving a hug. Â I had met Rob a year earlier on the North Downs Way when we both had epic finishes (read in my last year’s blog North Downs Way 100 (another 100 miles))Â – what a difference a year makes!!
Tracey finished (of course, she is awesome), as did many others, some with amazing displays of courage and fortitude. Â Well done to all.
I was picked up by my friends and my daughter and taken home.
Trail wound!!
Thoughts since the race
I am kicking myself for giving up, for quitting – really disappointed in myself for not pushing to the end (time chasing or not). Â I always give it my all. Â This is not my first DNF. In February this year I attempted the Arc of Attrition (a brutal 100 miles around the coast of Cornwall), I time out of that race but it is a tough one. Â I am going back next February to finish what I started in Cornwall, I will beat the Arc. Â So this year was meant to be about training hard and getting some more races under the belt (or buckles on the belt!) in readiness for some tougher challenges next year.
I have always been so proud of my Centurion finishes (the last one being SDW100 a couple of months ago. This time I feel a bit of a fraud, for giving up when in the company of so many amazing people with so much courage.  But I did the North Downs and this IS STILL my favourite race 🙂
I am healing well.  I’ve got a bit of a shiner from where I hit my face, that’ll get people talking – haha 🙂  Legs are good now.  Knee is still swollen and a bit sore but hopefully it’s just tissue damage and bruising and will healed very soon, it is certainly better than it was.  I usually get back to running within a couple of days, but this week I’ve stuck to arms, strength and core work – been letting the knee heal.  But I’m itching to get out there ?:)
I have received so many kind words and so much support, but it’s the demons in my own head that I need to silence.
What next?
Ok so I’ve mentioned the Arc of Attrition, which I will go back to conquer next February (Tracey is running it too this time). Â After this experience, I really want to get back in the ‘100 mile saddle’ as soon as possible, so looking to sneak another one in this year.
I really want to get into mountain ultras. Not sure how I’d do but you just don’t know what you can do until you try. Â Having gained more than enough qualifying points I did apply for UTMB this year but was unsuccessful in the ballot, so am hoping to be more successful for next year. Â I will be 50 next year so wouldn’t it be just amazing to go get myself Arc and UTMB buckles! Â There are several smaller races abroad that I like the look of too and I would love a bash at LL100 (or even LL50), so we’ll see. Â In the meantime I need something else this year, so I will be back soon. Â And I do love Centurion races and runners.
Final Words
So I feel pretty deflated right now – didn’t have myself down as a quitter but there are 3 things for me to remember here:
It happens …. it can’t always be your day!
Unless your name is Kilian, it you pick a fight with a trail you are unlikely to win!
Through this mad sport I have met so many inspirational, amazing people and I continue to do so.
So am proud? ……
of keeping going for about 85 miles … YES!
of giving up …. absolutely NOT!
of the gutsy, determined, courageous people I ran with … HELL YES!
of the amazing Centurion Army who looked after us ….. ABSOLUTELY!
Will I be back soon? … You bet!
In the meantime I still have these (considering 3.5 years ago I struggled with 10k)
So this was the blog I didn’t want to write but I am glad that I did!
You’ll see me on the trails soon!
You can read my previous blogs / race reports here (if you are still awake!):
Arriving at registration for a Centurion ultra marathon is like coming home.  It’s like arriving at a gathering of family that you haven’t seen for a while.  Whether I know people or not, they all just feel like people I belong with. Home is not a place, it’s a feeling of belonging, and that is exactly how I felt.
It was Saturday morning and Goring Village Hall was buzzing.  Upon arrival, I was greeted with a big hug from Stuart March, a fantastic guy (pretty awesome ultra runner) and amazing photographer, who always manages to capture the real essence of an event and who brings our adventures to life, capturing the moments that make the memories.  Honestly … check out his work! stuartmarchphotography.co.uk  The greeting from Stuart made me smile, he had recognised me from my previous race, NDW100 and it settled my nerves to see a friendly face. A strange feeling, having catapulted into this ultra world pretty quickly, it just amazes me how many people I have met and how they are so welcoming.  I never dreamt I would be a part of anything like this – never dreamt.
I went through kit check, always feel a bit clumsy at this point. Â The volunteers and staff are great and never rush you, but I always seem to have to pull out the complete contents of my race pack to produce the items that they ask for at the kit check. Â They always smile. Â Disclaimer signed, drop bags dropped to the lovely lady with a handmade sign on her head saying. ‘I’ve got baggage’, race number collected. Â I almost forgot to collect my order from the Centurion store (maps of Thames Path and Ridgeway National trail in case of loss of navigation – but more for souvenir status!), but I remembered so all was well. Â I wandered around the hall, taking in the atmosphere, and nibbling on a brioche roll. Â Runners were greeting each other, taping muscles, packing ultra vests, filling water, nibbling on snacks, chatting excitedly and giving instructions to crews. It sounds manic, but it is actually very calm. Â Nici Griffin (how can I describe Nici? – the heart and sole of Centurion Running) was calmly (on the outside) organising everyone, smiling and making us all feel good – as only Nici does. I bumped into Paul, and it was good to see him. Â I ran most of NDW100 with Paul, really nice guy, we kept each other going. Â Paul was going for the Centurion Grand Slam (all 4 Centurion 100 mile ultras in a year – well actually in less than 6 months). Â I had was about to undertake my 3rd (had missed South Downs Way 100).
I had spent the night before at a pub/hotel in neighbouring Pangbourne to be close to the race start.  The hotel was fine, if basic, but I do wonder if it was actually the same place that was illustrated in the photographs on their website!  In the morning I met other runners on the train to Goring.  Walking to registration I found myself chatting to a woman, who I couldn’t place but knew I’d seen before. She told me about the numerous ultras (100 milers) she had run, and confessed to just getting over a lung infection!  After chatting to her again at reception, the penny dropped and I realised it was Roz. I knew of her through a mutual running friend, Bruce, and she had actually given Bruce and I the kick we needed to get out of Reading Aid Station at mile 74 (I think) on Thames Path 100, with hot sweet coffee, when we were both flagging!  Thinking back to that race, and realising I was rocking up to the start of my third 100 miler reminded me of the surreal journey that I had been on so far!
Somehow I was starting my third 100 miler (all 3 Centurion races).  I was never sporty, started exercising at 40 (originally to lose weight), started running really only less than 3 years ago at 45/46, following some foot issues (which I still have to manage).  I ramped up distance quickly, discovered this thing called trail running (to me much more exciting and motivating than road) and pushed myself to complete a couple of trail marathons.  Then I learnt about these ridiculously long distances that people run called ultra marathons. I read some pretty inspirational books and learned that people do actually run 100 miles non stop.  Well the rest is history, as they say.  I am not belittling this challenge by any means at all, quite the opposite, but little old me got it into my head that I was going to run 100 miles! In 2015 I ran 2 ultras (The Wall – 69 miles and White Rose 60).  Then I entered Centurion’s Thames Path 100 (TP100).  I went for 10k to 100 miles in 2 years.  You can read all about my journey to 100 and my TP100 race in my blog  Did I really run 100 miles? – TP100.  Needless to say it was the toughest thing I’d ever done, but I loved it, you soon forget the pain a relentless challenge to get to the finish line.  So on the waiting list I went and ended up getting a place in North Downs Way 100  (NDW100).  Now this one was a different beast, in my view the terrain was a lot tougher but I got on better with nutrition and hydration, and despite the hot August weather, I think that one was actually my favourite.  You can read about that one too North Downs Way 100 (another 100 miles).  After NDW100 I joined the waiting list again (don’t even remember doing it), and just 4 weeks before the race I entered my 3rd 100 miler, Autumn 100 (A100).  It was just 5.5 months since the first, and seeing as my goal was just 1, it was a pretty surreal feeling being at the start of my 3rd in less than 6 months, already having earned 2 coveted 100 mile buckles!  Despite my late entry, I had not stopped training. I have been lucky with my post race recovery and after both TP100 and NDW100 I was back to full strength and mileage pretty quickly.  I cover a lot of mileage, averaging probably 75 -80 miles per week, peaking at higher in preparation for a race. I run 30 plus miles pretty much every Sunday and I like to build up 40 miles before a race. I’m not saying that is the right way to train or that I am fast or a good runner (I am definitely not), but it seems to work for me.  I also try to do a lot of cross training, strength, cardio, a bit of weights, core, circuits etc.  I have had Personal Training for about the last 2.5 years with a good friend and great trainer, Cameron at jensenexercise.com.  Cam has supported and encouraged me, and is particular good at tailoring training to his clients’ needs, getting fantastic results.  He probably realised that I wanted to run ultras before I did, and he has worked with me on my strength and core training in particular, and constantly reminds me of the importance of rest, recovery and hydration.  He’s also an awesome Sports Therapist, I swear by his deep tissue massage.
Anyway, back to that Village Hall in Goring – I spotted the Centurion Grand Slam Buckle. It is awesome, it is big. I was kicking myself for missing South Downs Way 100 (in June), I was about to complete 3/4 of the job and felt that I had it in me and could have gone for that GS Buckle.  But that was not the original plan, and so I had to remind myself to happy with being on the start line for third 100 (the last one being only 9 weeks ago).  I saw Alf outside the hall at Goring.  I originally met Alf at The Wall (my first ultra in June of last year).  He is a good ultra runner but has dogged by injury so today he was volunteering.  It was good to see him, the world of ultra running seems a small one.
At Goring Village Hall
I walked with the other runners the short walk to Streatley where the race would start.  James Elson (Ultra Runner supreme, founder of Centurion Running and Race Director) gave the race briefing.  James was the course record holder, and smiled wryly as he said that conditions were good and he expected both male and female records to be broken. At 10:00am on the dot we were off. A100 is formed of  25 mile 4 spurs (or legs), each roughly 12.5 miles out and back.  The first is little shorter and the last a little longer, but there or there abouts.  The first and fourth spur are Thames Path National Trail and the second and third are Ridgeway.  At the end of each spur the runners return to Goring & Streatley. The other 2 100 mile races I had run were both point to point, so this was a different dynamic and a slightly different mental challenge.
Spur 1 – Goring to Little Wittenham and return – Thames Path
Running an ultra on the Thames Path is difficult as it is relatively flat and therefore the terrain does not determine pace.  When I ran TP100 I went out too fast and probably paid for that later on.  There is a fine line between getting the first half of the race completed quickly (bagging time for later) and over cooking it early on.  I was determined not to go out too quick on A100, but go out too quick I did, as did quite a few others.  The first 12 miles went well.  It was a sunny morning, hot for mid October.  For the first part of the race runners are less spread out, so whilst I ran on my own a lot, I did chat fellow runners and there were always people around me.  The first Aid Station was about 6.5 miles in, I was feeling good, stocked up on water  and made sure I ate some food.  At the turnaround for the first leg I met Paul, and we ran together for a while heading back.  At this point I was aware I’d gone out a bit quick (Paul said he had too), so we reined in our pace just a little.  I say ‘we’ but I actually lost Paul after a while.  I stopped to check for stone in my shoe and he was moving well, so I didn’t actually catch him up again.  Paul went on to finish the race in 23 hours, so not only did he get his Grand Slam buckle, but also got a special ‘1 day buckle’ for completing A100 in under 24 hours – awesome achievement!
I ran with a guy for a while who had a fantastic blue mohawk hairstyle. Â It was hot and he was running without his shirt, just his ultra back and sporting some cool tattoos. Â It’s good to see a bit of colour and eccentricity on the trail and I complemented his hair. Â He said that he liked my purple hair, but I don’t think I was pulling off my look anywhere near as well as he did his. Â I can’t remember his name, but unfortunately he pulled out of the race after 25 miles with severe plantar fasciitis pain (I know all about that so I was full of sympathy).
Shoes – should have got new ones!
I am proud to say that I have never had blisters from running shoes (or at least I was until A100). Â For distance I wear Brooks Adrenaline ASR (a hybrid shoe), which although not the best for technical trail, are supportive, comfortable and good to my feet. I have had pair after pair and they work for me. Â So, back to A100 – first leg – Â I stopped to check for a stone in my shoe, but it wasn’t a stone. Â What I discovered was the material coming away on the inside of my left shoe and had started to rub my foot. Later on in the race the outer part of the shoes would actually start to come apart. Â It’s not that they are bad shoes, it’s just that the pair I was wearing had done more miles than they probably should and I should have bought a new pair before the race – Schoolgirl error number 1! Â I adjusted my sock and shoe and carried on, it wasn’t too uncomfortable at this stage.
I completed the first 25 mile leg in about 4 hours 20mins (having checked my pace a bit) so was happy with that. Stocked up on water and food (Alf looked after me), now for leg 2.
Spur 2 – Goring to Swyncome Farm and return, Ridgeway (a leg for the girls)
The second leg was the most fun. Â It was only 4 miles to the first Aid Station, so that came fairly quickly. Â It was still pretty warm so I was glad of the flat coke and water top ups. Â I was making myself eat. Â The terrain was a bit more varied. Â I had slowed down, maybe a bit more than I would have liked, but I was still going ok. Â The shoe was still rubbing and my hips were feeling it but nothing too bad. Â The race leaders passed me, coming back on their return, both male and female were absolutely flying, they just seem to glide over the trail. Â The leader was running 7 minute miles, how on earth does he sustain that over 100 miles? Wow!
Ultra running is a male dominated sport.  No, that probably doesn’t paint the correct picture.  There are many outstanding women ultra runners, but percentage wise there are a lot more men than women in the races. However, I seemed to meet a lot of crazy, lovely women during A100. I ran on an off with a group of ladies during the second leg.  One of them was Emma, she was great fun and really encouraging.  Ultra running does strange things to your digestive system and I’m not sure who was burping the loudest out of me and Emma!!  There was Jane and Becky too, and we paced each other well.  The turnaround seemed a long time coming, it was about 8.5 miles. I was trying to spend as little time as possible at the aid stations.  The longer you stop, the more you seize up and the harder it is to get going again.  It seemed a long way back, you have some long fields on this section of Ridgeway trail plus woodlands.  By now my feet were a bit sore and I could feel it in my legs but I was going ok and was enjoying occasional chat and banter with the girls.  We pushed on well.  Early evening, it started to rain.  I like running ing the rain and at first it was quite refreshing.
Goring is Evil
I made the half way point at Goring (50 miles) in about 10 1/2 hours, I was happy with that. Before the race, someone had said “Consider Goring as evil”.  This was the best advice.  You really have to stop yourself taking root at an aid station.  It’s all about knowing what you need to do before you go in and just doing that and getting out again.  I was trying to do this but I did faff around with my drop bag a bit at the half way point (didn’t really need it to be honest).  Alf helped me fill bottles and made me coffee. I ate some food but finding it more difficult to eat by now. Nici was calmly having a crisis with her laptop and dealing with everything else at the same time!
As I said before, the half way point is a big boost mentally, effectively you are counting down from then on. Â But it is also where the race really starts. Â I was already tired, my foot was sore, hips were aching, it was dark and thought of another 50 miles was quite daunting. Â But you just have to get out there and carry on and that’s what I did – on into the night for leg 3.
Coke, coffee, electrolytes and grub
Ok so maybe that heading should be ‘Hydration and Nutrition’.
I don’t take gels, I never have done.  I try to eat something at every aid station.  As the race goes on it gets more and more difficult.  By the half way point I was finding it more difficult to swallow food, I had to chew it a lot or eat soft foods.  In the latter miles, it was a real struggle to get food down, but when I did it would really help.  I can’t say it enough – flat coca cola – gets me through ultras.  I never usually drink coke, but in both NDW100 and A100, I was craving it and the thought of coke was spurring me on to the next aid station.  Electrolytes – I putting an SIS tab into a bottle of water every so often and I really believe it helps.  A cup of warm coffee at the aid stations was another ‘pick me up’.  These are the things that work for me!
Spur 3 – Goring to Chain Hill and back (not my best leg)
I set off on the 3rd leg and found myself with Emma and Becky again. Â It was 8.5 miles to the next Aid Station at Bury Downs, so quite a long section. The trail was quite uneven in places, so I was feeling it on my feet. Emma had a friend of hers, Keith, pacing for her on this leg. Â He was a friendly guy, and a pleasure to run behind – his backside was the best view on the Ridgeway! Â ;0)
Bury Downs Aid Station – quick stop and push onwards.  Not long afterwards, at about mile 60 I took a tumble, just lost my footing and came down hard on the trail.  It took me a minute to recover before I got up (Emma later said that from a distance she thought I was being sick), and it took me a few more minutes to walk it off.  I wouldn’t recommend falling over at mile 60 but I eventually managed to get going again.  Chain Hill seemed a very jovial Aid Station and everyone was in good spirits.  I got moving again quickly on the long slog back to Goring.
I lost Emma and the lovely Keith whilst faffing around putting my garmin on charge. Â It was beeping ‘low battery’ so I charged in on my wrist from a portable USB charger. Â I was still making good time (for me), managing to run at a decent pace and walk when I needed to. Â The trail was uneven and I worried about falling over again. Â By now, my feet were quite sore and ankles and shins were hurting.
It was a beautiful night, the sky was clear and the stars were bright, at this point I could still appreciate it (just about).  This section of the Ridgeway is very open and the night was so bright, you could probably have run it without a head torch on (not that I tried).  I was keeping good pace running and walking a bit when I needed to.  It seemed a long leg but I passed back through Bury Downs and kept moving forwards.
Bury Downs Aid Station 3.05am – taken by Michael Hinchcliffe (one of the volunteers)
The detour
By my reckoning I was about 4 miles from Goring, it was 3am. Once I got back, there would just be one leg left to go. It was getting tougher now. Â Early on, if you feel pain you can pinpoint where it is, but as the race goes on it gradually blends to an all over ache until it’s a case of ‘everything hurts!’
I was running on my own, had been for a while. I was pretty zoned out intent on getting back to Goring. Â I suddenly came to my senses and thought, ‘I don’t recognise that section that I’ve just run’ and became aware that I hadn’t seen a course marker for sometime. Â But I had been going straight with no junction, so decided to keep going a bit further, sure that I would see a marker soon –Â Schoolgirl error number 2! Â Shadows and tiredness can play tricks on your eyes in the night on the trail and I kept thinking I could see a marker only then realise it was just leaves or a branch. Â I came to a section of houses and thought ‘this definitely doesn’t look right’, so I back tracked a bit. Â I saw no other runners and faffed around for quite a while convincing myself that I had not actually gone wrong. –Â Schoolgirl error number 3! Â Not sure why I didn’t get the map out of my pack! Not sure why I didn’t straight away go back track to the point at which I had last seen a course marker. Â I was getting a bit panicky worrying about lost time. Â In the end I did backtrack, which I should have done much earlier and I eventually found the left turn that I should have taken about 3 miles back. Â As soon as I got back on track I could see other runners. Â I had lost time and added distance, it was a big mental blow and would put pressure on me despite still having enough time in the bank, I could have kicked myself (but that would have hurt too much :o). Â All I could do was suck it up, put it out of my head and keep moving forward. Â I got back to Goring at 5am, a good hour later than I would have, had I not taken the detour.
The last leg – Goring to Reading and back -Thames Path – (a little bit of hell)
I was annoyed with myself for going wrong and losing all that time but had to push it out of my mind. Â I set off on the last spur, the longest section to Reading and back again. Â I was back on the Thames Path, which is anything but pretty when you have been running for 19 hours!
My feet felt shredded. Â My shoes were falling apart. Â Then came the rain, heavy torrential rain. Â It was ok at first, but as it got heavier and heavier I was getting more and more soaked and started to feel cold. Â There was a section of woodland with a lot of tree roots, rocks and slopes. Â There were fields, which in the rain became muddy and water logged, my feet were so sore.
Whitchurch Aid Station was only about 4 miles from Goring, that was a welcome site. Â The Marshall there encouraged me to get going again quickly. Â The race was still doable within the cut offs but it was advisable to keep moving forward.
The 9 miles from Whitchurch to Reading felt like 90. Â It was pouring with rain, I was soaked and I started to shiver. Â My feet could feel every stone, every step. Â My garmin battery was low again (I hadn’t charged it for long enough earlier). Â I tried to put it back on charge, but it just didn’t seem to be charging. Â I think maybe I hadn’t charged the USB charger for long enough – Schoolgirl error number 4. Â Subsequently my watch became a bit flakey, sometimes working, sometimes not (due to the low charge), when I desperately needed it to work out my cut off times and mileage.
Relentless Forward Progress
There is a book about ultra running called ‘Relentless Forward Progress’ and in my view it is the most aptly named book you will get. Â That is exactly what an ultra marathon is! Â Before I did my first 100 miler, I thought that the night would be the toughest part. Â Running all night long isn’t easy, but I actually like it. Â It is the next day when the sun is up, it’s a new day and you are still going – that’s what I find the toughest.
I eventually got to Reading, shivering and in pain.  The Aid Station was Wokingham Waterside Centre seemed and it seemed to take forever to appear.  I asked other runners, who were returning on their way back how far it was and they kept saying I was nearly there – nearly there was forever!
The last 15 (ish) miles of a 100 miler is  relentless,  painful and filled with a desperate need to get to the finish.  That return journey from Reading to Goring seemed to go on and on.  I was thinking that I was closer to the cut-off than I actually was. I had time to make it, but by now my feet were in agony!  Despite this feeling, there wasn’t a moment when I wished that I wasn’t there, not a moment when I regretted and not a moment when I doubted I would finish.
The Finish
I eventually made it back to Whitchurch and then the longest ever 4 miles to Goring. Â As I approached the finish, I felt myself welling up. Â I have never had a crew or a pacer for my ultras, happy to run with other runners and make the most of the amazing volunteers at the Aid Stations. But amazing daughter Natalie always insists on being at the end of every race, and as I headed towards the finish I could see her cheering me on. Â I felt the tears come (have never shed a tear in previous races), Natalie noticed, took my hand and ran the last few steps with me. Â At 26 hours 56mins I reached the finish line. Â Had I not taken the detour it would have been somewhat quicker, but I got there and was proud.
I was whisked into a side room of the Town Hall, where the ever smiling Stuart was taking superb Finish photos. Â I was congratulated and hugged by Stuart and by Nici (who had hugged every sweaty runner). Nici presented me with my t shirt and my 3rd 100 mile buckle.
I joined the other finishers in the hall, sat down and everything hurt.  I somehow managed to get my shoes off.  My feet were a state, massively blistered underneath.  I threw my shoes away, they were fit for nothing.  I wondered how on earth I would get anything on my feet to travel home.  I had been hoping to go straight to friends’ barbecue but realised that that had been a bit too ambitious.  I ate some food a bit too quickly and felt a bit sick.  But that didn’t matter as I was holding my 3rd 100 mile buckle :o)
Volunteers
Once again, the volunteers were amazing. Â Some worked 30 hour plus shifts. Everytime I got to an aid station, there would be someone offering to fill my water, make me coffee, pour me coke. Â There was food and incredible words of encouragement. Â It inspires me to volunteer myself.
The People
Ultra runners are awesome. Â I’ve made some great new friends through running and at each race I meet more incredible people.
Several people I knew were celebrating completing the Grand Slam, including Paul (who I ran NDW100 with), Tracey and Kate, an outstanding achievement by all.
Tinu
At A100 I met an incredible lady. Â Tinu epitomises ultra running. She had attempting 100 miles twice before but unfortunately had not made the finish. Â It was Tinu’s birthday on Saturday when we set off and she lit up the trails with a smile and tinsel skirt! Â She was the last runner for a lot of the course, but she did not give up. Â A lot of people may have thought it was beyond her, but Tinu perservered and finished well ahead of the final cut off. Â When she arrived at Goring everyone sang, ‘Happy Birthday’ as she was presented with her buckle. Â I honestly don’t think there was dry eye in that village hall when Tinu finished.
 What Next?
I have a dream of doing Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Â I have sufficient qualifying points, so I will enter the ballot. Not sure I have that much chance of a place but will keep trying each year until I get in.
Now I’ve seen the Centurion Grand Slam buckle and it is special. Â So do I go back next year, do the 3 races I’ve done this year plus SDW100 and get the Grand Slam? Â That will be foregoing other races and there are quite a few I’d like to try, so we’ll see.
All I know is that I was never a runner, I set a challenge, had a go, enjoyed it, so tried it again and then again! Â Every achievement starts with the decision to try. Â I was never sporty I’m not fast, I’m not a great runner. Â But I saw something that I really wanted to do, so I gave it a try and I think I’ve found my sport. Â I am proud of my 3 buckles, here’s to many more! :o)
Early on an August Saturday morning I found myself in a Primary school hall in the beautiful Farnham, registered and waiting for the pre race briefing for what would prove to be my toughest challenge yet. This was my second 100 mile ultra marathon, as I had run Thames Path 100 just 3 months earlier. You can read all about that (and my journey to get there) in previous post Did I really run 100 miles? – TP100. Wind back 2 years and you would find me training for my first trail marathon (having only just completed a half marathon, and only having been running a matter of months). A couple of years back I didn’t even know that Ultra marathons existed, and had no idea that people ran 100 mile races, but as soon as I did know, the seed of an idea was sown. I was a late comer to exercise, finding a bug for it in my 40s, and was even later to running, following a lot of problems with my feet (which I am still managing). So here I was (at 48 years old) standing in a hall full of ultra runners about to embark on my second 100 miler in just over 3 months. Despite being a relative novice, a part of me had wanted to have a bash at the Centurion Running ‘Grand Slam’ which involves completing all 4 Centurion 100 mile races in one calendar year (in reality it is actually within about 5 1/2 months). But cost, planning (or lack of it) and other circumstances prevented me from entering them all, and having missed South Downs Way 100, it is not a possibility for me this year. That said, my original goal was to run 100 miles (so TP100 was this year’s objective), but anyone who either knows me, knows the wretch of the’post race low’ or both will understand exactly why I went on the waiting the list for NDW100 during my post TP100 blues. So I had entered the race just 5 weeks ago meaning not too much time to build up and think about this one. That’s not to say I didn’t train. I train hard, with high mileage each week supplemented with other training too, including PT with my friend and trainer Cam (jensenexercise.com). I had recovered well after TP100 and got back to training quickly, and so just needed to increase intensity and focus when I entered NDW100. It was Cam who got me to the start on Saturday morning, literally (and physically and mentally). I was both nervous and excited in equal measures, knowing I would need to dig deeper than ever and thinking to myself, “Am I ready?” I never start a race with any other outcome in my head than finishing, but I was thinking “Where am I going to dig this from?”
So back to that hall, kit check complete, drop bags dropped. James (Elson), Race Director (and founder of Centurion Running) gave the pre-race briefing. I digress but must point out how well Centurion is run. The races are organised fantastically, the waiting list is managed really well, and if you ever email a query, you always receive a quick, friendly and helpful response from James or Nici (the other lovely face of Centurion). “Look after each other,” James told us, “Don’t get lost, it is hot out there, make hay when the sun goes down.” Wise words these would turn out to be!
The first 25 miles
Let’s get on with the race (before you all switch off ;-). Off we went at 6am, 240 of us started this time. The first few miles I settled in quite well, the group is fairly close at first so there are always people around. I remember earlier on, I was running behind a couple of guys who were chatting. Both of them relayed stories of experienced ultra runners they knew of who had been completely broken by this race and not completed it. I put my fingers in my ears!
During TP100 I had got very dehydrated and had not taken on enough nutrition, which had made me feel pretty rough and I was determined to be better with that this time. So from the start of NDW100 I made sure I drank and I ate at least something at every aid station. The bacon sarnies that a very nice guy was handing out went down well too!
The first 25 miles was an enjoyable run, great trail, great company, good spirits. Puttenham and Newlands Corner Aid stations came and went with the first of the amazing volunteers that looked after us so well.
At mile 20 we were in woodlands and I managed to trip (on a tree route or something), making a spectacular dive and landing face down with a tree trunk straight in the chest and stomach. It got me in the diaphragm so winded me completely. Other runners came to my aid, a particularly nice guy was telling me not to worry and to breath slowly, others stopped too. I sat in the dirt for a minute while I caught my breath, then got up and carried on. It was a bit early in the race for circus tricks and I was determined not to let the tumble ruffle me. That said, I was pretty shaken and felt rather bruised and scraped.
I’d heard people say that it got tough from Box Hill and they weren’t wrong. The first 25 miles almost lulled us into a false sense of security. The stepping stones at Box Hill were a bit of fun and Stuart March (the superb photographer) was there getting some great shots. After the Box Hill aid station we had our first taste of those STEPS! A big hill that we climbed via woodland steps that appeared to be never ending. At the top we were rewarded with the most stunning views but by now it was starting to get hot.
Hot slog to half way
From the top of Box Hill onwards, the course was hilly, but the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking. It was getting very hot. I had been running with a guy named Miles, it was his first 100. I saw him on and off during the first 50 miles. From about mile 26 ish (I think) I ran with a guy named Paul. We got chatting and ended up sticking together for pretty much all of the race. Paul is a great guy, really good to run with and I am so grateful that he was there to keep me going (particularly later on). Conscious that I needed to keep hydrated, I was making sure I drank lots of water and filled up at aid stations (those awesome volunteers were quick to fill our bottles throughout :-). I also took electrolytes and was consciously dropping a tab into a water bottle every so often. Haunted by the memories of feeling sick during TP100, I was ensuring that I ate something at every aid station. Bananas, sandwiches and wraps were going down particularly well, and at Reigate Hill we were treated to ‘Percy Pig’ and ‘Colin the Caterpillar’ sweets! The heat was energy sapping and it kept getting hotter (far hotter than the forecast!). We were up and down a lot of hills now too … gone was the comfort of the first 24 miles. A lot of the hills were steep (or were wide woodland steps), not particularly runnable and difficult to push yourself up or down. By now the quads were starting to protest. Paul and I were running and walking intermittently. Paul is a ‘Slammer’ (so going for the Centurion Grand Slam), so he’d done Thames Path too. Both of us said that we had run out of steam and pretty much walked the last 30 miles of TP100. We didn’t want to do that this time, and heeded the words of James to take it easy and not overcook it during the day. It was still tough going though and, feeling sore from my fall, I was still thinking “Where am I going to get the energy for 100 miles of this from?”. I text my daughter Natalie at around mile 38 (Caterham), just to let her know I was ok but that the race was brutal.
Coke saved the day
At the aid stations I was guzzling Coke (that brown fizzy liquid really is a endurance athlete’s best friend). I very rarely drink Coca Cola, but on a race I positively crave it! Paul was feeling the same, and throughout we were desperate to get to each aid station, not only to chip off the miles, but to get to the Coke! At Botley Hill and Knockholt, the volunteers couldn’t pour the stuff quick enough.
Halfway boost
As my fellow ultra runners will know, when you run 100 miles you are always running to the next aid station, so the aim is always the next checkpoint, and gradually you chip them off. There were a couple of tough sections leading to half way but the thought of getting to the halfway point was big mental plus. I ran with Paul a lot, and Miles too leading up to Knockholt. The field was starting to space out more, but we would see some of the same people every so often. People walking the trail would ask us what we were running and were often amazed at the distance we told them. One guy said “Oh so you should be finished by about tea time then?” “Erm a little bit longer but hopefully by tomorrow midday was my reply!” Not even the winner would quite make it to Ashford in time for tea! Knockholt Pound seemed a long time coming, but eventually we got there, a town hall this time (a lot of the aid stations were gazebos or tents), and we had drop bags and hot food. I think I made it there in about 12.5 hours, which I thought wasn’t bad considering the toughness of the terrain. I managed to eat pasta, which was a big positive as at the TP100 halfway point I had been unable to eat anything. I spent a bit longer at this aid station, people generally do (and I actually sat down), but as much as you want to stay in the comfort of the room, the legs will cease up and it will be harder to start again. That was a mistake I had made during my first 100 miler. The volunteers at Knockholt were as lovely as as at all stations. There was one particular guy who was asking us how long we had been there and telling us not to ‘take root’, so armed with paper cups of hot coffee (for me) and tea (for Paul) we headed off again. By now my feet and legs were hurting, but knowing we had past the halfway point was a massive boost. My friend Vikki (who I met through ultra running) text me with kind words of support – that helped.
Passing home (almost)
There was a tough section after Knockholt (all of it was tough really) but this was a 10 mile stretch and seemed a long one. I had actually run not too far from where I live and at one point I was faced with a sign ‘9 miles to Bromley’, which probably meant it would be less than that for me to actually run home …. how tempting! Actually not tempting, just a little odd feeling. I had not given too much thought to the route before the race, had I checked or thought about it a little more this would have been obvious. We passed through Otford, a village where I have run through a few times on my training runs, albeit from a different direction. I made a mental note to make sure I include a bit of the North Downs Way next time I am in that area. We ran through a lot of corn fields, which reminded me of my training runs arounds Lullingstone and Shoreham (makes sense as we were not that far away). And the hills kept on coming! Paul and I were running whenever we could despite being tired. This ultra was tough. A lot of people were dropping at the aid stations, I really felt for them.
Garmin times and getting lost
My Garmin (Fenix 3) was always ahead on the mileage. The mileage can never be exact (as James had reminded us during the race briefing, this is not exactly 100 miles, it is a trail race). I was a bit ahead of the published mileage, so was making a point of asking at each aid station how many miles to the next, then working out on my watch roughly when we should get there. When you are pushing onto the next aid station (everything hurting, so tired and craving Coke), if it takes a lot longer than you are expecting it is really hard mentally. Wrotham seemed to take forever to get to and by now it was getting dark. We were in and out of the aid stations quickly. Despite the fact that the body wants to stop for a while, it is better to get moving as quickly as possible. I was hurting and aching but the good news was that I was still eating and drinking. My Garmin bleeped ‘low battery’ warning (so much for 24 hour battery life hey). But no problem, as it is very easy to charge on the go provided you remember to pack the charger lead and a USB charger (which I had). I think it was between Wrotham and Holly Hill that Paul and I took a wrong turn, I should know but am not sure. It was around about mile 65 I think. Throughout the race I was a bit paranoid about going the wrong way. The North Downs Way is a National Trail so is way marked, and in addition to this Centurion Running mark with reflective tape, particularly at points where we deviate from the trail or where there is a choice to be made. There were several occasions when I was worried as I had been going for a long time without seeing a marker. Spotting a strip of reflective tape in a tree was a major comfort and stress relief. The further you get into the race (and particularly at night) the more tired you get an less you want to get lost or run extra miles. But that’s what Paul an I managed to do. We came out what I can only describe as a ‘cow proof gate’ and set off down a path that we thought was the right way. After about a mile (probably a bit less), we were conscious that we hadn’t seen a marker for some time. Out came the map and Paul attempted to locate us on Google Maps. When you are not sure where you are, it is difficult to work out where you want to be, and I think I should give most of the credit to Paul for getting us back on track (albeit I did dismiss his idea of a different route to meet the correct trail, insisting that we back track). So that lost us a bit of time and added about a mile onto our distance. We picked up pace to get back on track and make up time.
Pushing on….everything hurt ….
The night time was dark but still warm. I didn’t even need a long sleeved top. (TP100 had been very different, the night had been very cold). By now everything hurt. The hills were still coming and steps too. The trail was loose and hurt my feet. A few other runners would pass and we would pass them, and at times with the pack we ran. Running as much as we could and walking when we needed to, we all tried to push each other on. I was desperately trying to keep up as I didn’t want to be left on my own during the night, too paranoid that I would get lost. The trail was tough and it was easy to trip in the dark. Everything hurt. Bluebell Hill to Detling, we pushed the pace, I started to worry about time (although there was enough, I just wanted to chip off the miles). The guys I was running with on and off (including Paul) made up pace and got ahead. I was slow getting up some hills and extra careful down the steps. But I managed to push on, upped my pace somehow (not sure how) and caught up at the aid station or just after. I wasn’t really stopping now, just to fill water and to grab food. My feet were so painful!
Rob
There was a guy named Rob who I met several times. He was running his first ultra in a bid to break the record for the largest person to run 100 miles. A super guy, he had friends pacing him for various stages from half way. At one stage towards the end he seemed to be a bit despondent and I really hoped that he would manage to keep pushing.
That Bridge
I think we passed over the motorway 2 or 3 times. There was one passing where we went over a very very long bridge. It is obviously a bridge where people take themselves at desperate times, as there were numerous signs on it saying ‘Samaritans are here to listen 24 hours every day’ and listing their number. I found that quite poignant 😦
Detling (82 miles) to Lenham (91 miles) …. OH MY GOD!
Ok so picture this ….. I’ve run 84 miles (by my watch), the quads are screaming, feet are shredded, it’s 4am, I’ve been out there for 22 hours, eating is now getting difficult, I’ve just pushed for a few miles to make time and progress, everything hurts! Then comes some of the toughest 9 mile of the race. I’d heard people say early, ‘If you make it to Lenham, then you’ll finish!”and I soon found out why. Hill after hill, loads and loads more woodland steps, up, down, up, down. Field after field, hilly and bumpy. The hills were often steep and the steps unevenly spaced. More steps! It took everything to push the climb or get down the steps (down was often worse). The legs said NO, the quads screamed, everything hurt. But I had to keep going. I was pushing a run whenever I could. I was worrying about time (doing bad Maths). I just wanted it over! The sun came up, which was probably stunning but I didn’t really notice. More steps, more hills, more bumpy trail. I kept tripping but managed to gain my balance (I was thankful for all the core and balance work my trainer Cam gets me doing – I’m sure it helped). Every jerk of the body hurt all over. This section was long and had some big hills and so many steps. If anything was going to break me it was this section, but I wasn’t going to let it …. I was determined to get to the end and get that buckle!
Cows on the trail
One particular field (which was occupied by cows), the field led straight onto the trail, the trail being narrow through the woods. Some cows had got right onto our track, and the only way to get through was for me and another runner who was just behind me to literally nudge them out of the way!
The final 12
At Lenham I didn’t stop, I just gave my number. I asked the Marshall if there were more steps. He promised that there weren’t and that it flattened out from now on. I had about 5.5 hours left before the 30 hour cut off and had 12 miles to complete. Pace was slow now, everything hurt and I felt there was nothing left in the legs. But I managed to keep pushing. I had dropped back a little from Paul, but I caught him again and we jogged on as much as we could, walking when the legs ceased up. It was a lot flatter but the trail was often stony and there were other obstacles such as gates and styles. My Garmin bleeped 100 miles, and no sooner had I acknowledged it, I was faced with another style. Lifting the legs at this stage was was unthinkable (but only if I thought about it), it had to be done. We weren’t totally sure of how far we had to go, but when we finally made it to Dunn Street (the final aid station), the volunteers confirmed that it was about 4.5 miles. All I can say is that it seemed the longest 4.5 miles ever! The first 1.5 – 2 miles was trail, then we deviated from the North Downs Way and headed along roads to the Julie Rose Stadium for the finish. That stadium seemed to take forever to come. At one stage I asked a man how far it was, he told us about 800 meters, but it was at least another mile! Paul and I were watching another runner ahead and kept waiting for him to turn but he kept going. By this stage I couldn’t run. There was grit in my shoes, my feet were hurting, my back ached, my legs were shot and I was feeling battered and bruised. My arms were scratched and grazed from the trail and I was bruised from my early fall. I just needed it to be over. But I was almost there and I was going to get my second buckle!
The finish
I eventually shuffled into the stadium with my new buddy Paul, and of course you have to run to the finish line. It was only 100 meters and somehow you find it at the end, so I pushed the legs and feet to run to the finish line. My daughter Natalie and my friend Nina had come to ‘scoop me up’ and had been waiting patiently. They cheered and filmed me as after 28 hours 34 minutes I finished the North Downs Way 100! I clocked up 105.7 miles, not quite sure how I completed that race but I did it!
Stuart was at the end (with Sarah) taking some amazing photos. Of course Nici was there too dishing out buckles and hugs. I was presented with my second buckle and felt so proud, despite being barely able to walk. Oh and Rob finished not long afterwards, putting him in the record books!
As for me, well 240 people started the race, 153 finished, 23 of those who finished were women, and the 13th woman was little old me! I’ll take that. Oh and guess what ….. I want to do another one!
Family
When you run an ultra, you are not running alone. You can run in solitude if you choose to, but every runner out there is looking our for each other. It’s like you are a family on the trail, the camaraderie is second to none. Then there are the volunteers, they are just amazing. They feed us, fill our bottles and bladders, look after us, fetch for us, make sure we are ok, encourage us and direct us. They are always smiling even throughout the night and they give up their time to help for free. I would like to volunteer at a race and I would love to give to runners some of that special support that volunteers have given to me!
What next? …..
My bucket list needs a very big bucket …. there are some amazing ultras out there. As many know, I have a real ambition to do UTMB. I now have 11 qualifying points, so only 4 needed from 1 more race. 2018 is the plan for that to celebrate 50th Birthday. There are a few others that I would love to do too. Right now, I have an adventure running up Mount Snowdon in a few weeks time with my lovely daughter. But I am also eager for another ultra to train for …. so watch this space 😉
I got to Knockholt (the halfway point) in just over 12 hours, I was happy with that considering the earlier stop for first aid etc. Â I changed my top and enjoyed some hot pasta.
Road to Ultra - Nicola Hoy 
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