Back on track (or tow path)! TP100 2018

Why am I here?

Why did I find myself getting up early on Saturday morning to travel to Richmond?  Why had I entered this race again? I had asked myself this question many times leading up to the race and if I’m honest I had grappled with the decision more than once; there were a number of factors.

Looking back …… those who know me will know that I haven’t been running long, only about 4 years.  I’m not really what I’d call a ‘proper runner’ – I just like being outside for a long time and I like pushing my limits (hence ultras).  I didn’t come up through the ‘traditional marathon route’, I did a couple of trail / natural obstacle events at marathon distance, then went straight to ultra. In 2015 I ran my first 2 ultras (69 and 60 miles) and in 2016 I decided to have a go at 100 miles.  My first 100 was TP100 in 2016; despite the difficulty of the challenge I had the bug and followed this with NDW100 and A100 in 2016 (both of which I entered from waiting list – not originally on my plans).  I guess if I had one regret, it’s that I didn’t do SDW100 that year, as I think I would have been capable and I would have had the Centurion 100 Grand Slam.  I did however do SDW100 last year (2017), so I had done all 4.  I was on an ultra high, then the wheels kind of fell off! Aswell as my 4 buckles, I also had 4 DNFs to my name.  I attempted MudCrew’s Arc of Attrition twice (2017 and most recently this Feb); this is tough 100 with a high attrition rate following the SWCP around the coast of Cornwall; first attempt I timed out and second attempt I got the basics wrong and eventually succumbed to dehydration and hypothermia near to Lands End.  I am going back next February to nail that Nemesis!!!  I also had a DNF on the North Downs last year (fell and busted knee at mile 26 – hobbled on to about 86 but had to call it a day at Detling steps) and I timed out on the Cotswolds Way Century in September.  I’m not the fastest, but I  train really hard, both mileage and strength / cross training, and whilst I fully accept that anything can happen in this mad sport, the run of DNFs had given me a bit of a mental kicking!.  I entered the UTMB ballot for 2017 and 2018 and have been unsuccessful twice (so that’s one for next year – no ballot needed, just need to refresh points 🙂 – so I hadn’t entered races this year (partly due to funds and partly due to waiting to find out whether I had a UTMB place).  I was in a bit of a ‘no man’s land’.

Back to where it started

So back to the now and why TP100 again.  Well I had joined the wait list for Centurion races – still got a niggle about wanting the Grand Slam buckle (it won’t be this year now), and I do love Centurion races. When a place came up, I decided to enter TP100 as it had been my first 100, I knew I could finish it (although I have learnt never take an ultra finish for granted!), and it would give me 5 of 9 UTMB points that I still needed.  It’s not my favourite Centurion course – I much prefer the Downs (NDW being my favourite).  Thames path is flat and difficult for different reasons, it is monotonous, but it is still a great race. So this was all about getting my confidence back, getting the elusive buckle number 5 and enjoying an event with the ‘Centurion family!’

Race Preparation

I never really stop  training.  I average around 75 miles per week and also do other stuff; PT, core, strength, circuits, spin etc. I’ve been having PT for the last 4 years with Cameron Jensen Jensenexercise.com.  Cam really helps his clients to realise their fitness and wellbeing goals, he has been a great support and friend to me, helping me improve strength and all round fitness, supporting my race prep etc.  He’s also a fab sports therapist and helps me with injury prevention / management and muscle recovery.  I had a few niggles leading up to the race.  I suffer with hip and piriformis issues and had also been feeling associated pain in my knee. Cam  helped with these.  My training, as usual, took me up to 100 mile weeks at peak, with my longest run actually being a 40 miler on the Thames Path (20 miles out and back from Richmond).  That aside, most of my training was probably on hillier trails and as with all of the other runners, due to recent weather, pretty much all of my training had been in cooler conditions, very wet and very muddy!! ……. We were certainly not expecting a heatwave on 5 May … the hottest weekend of the year (hottest on record for that time of year)!

Registration and the Off

I got up early to travel to Richmond via train – (one train into Waterloo and a second train to Richmond).  Engineering works caused a lengthy diversion to the first leg of the journey, and probably due to nerves I was getting a bit panicky about being late, but actually had plenty of time.  I always say this, but arriving at an ultra registration is like arriving home (especially Centurion).  Kit checked and registered at Richmond Town Hall, I went out onto the waterfront and mingled with other runners.  I have met so many awesome people in this sport, everyone is so nice, and a lot of them were there.  I passed Dan Benwell (who I knew from SDW and CWC) whilst I was approaching the Town Hall; he was going to buy water and he offered to get me some.  I caught up with others; Dave Brock, Emma Bird and Jane Stephens to name but a few.  I first met Emma and Jane on the A100 in 2016.  Jane is RD to MudCrew, so I’d seen her in Cornwall at the Arc.  A lot of these guys are going for the Grand Slam this year, part of me wishes I was, but I also want to do different stuff too.  I also saw my lovely friend, Tracey Watson and her husband Pete.  Tracey is doing her 3rd consecutive double Grand Slam (so 4 x 50 milers and 4 x 100 miles all in one season). She’s awesome and it’s always good to see her. I received a hug from Stuart March , the photographer, who gets amazing shots of us on the trail and at the end. Stu is such a nice guy and it’s always good to see him.  I reminded him not to take any photographs of m walking 🙂

James Elson (Centurion RD) gave the race briefing, warning us to go easy in the heat, keep hydrated and look after each other. He also reminded us that this is a trail race, it is NOT exactly 100 miles and there are no prizes for presenting a watch with a distance of 103 or anything else. The aim was to complete the course. The hour was 10.00am and we were off.

Walton-on-Thames and Wraysbury (the first 22)

I went off like a rocket (well maybe not a rocket .. but pretty quick by my standards!).  It was already hot, I HATE the heat, and I usually take a while to settle into a race, but despite all this I found myself going at a good pace and settling into the run pretty quickly.  It was hot (I’m going to say that a lot – be warned!), and my hip started hurting very early on, but I was happy with my pace.  My aim was to try to get to Henley (half way point) as quickly as I could and then grind out the second half, but there was the heat to contend with, so I knew that I might have to adjust. The first aid station was Walton-on- Thames at 12 miles and I got there in under 2 hours so was pleased with that.  It was VERY hot.  It was good to see Stu just before the aid station.  I was extremely conscious that I needed to keep hydrated (I don’t always get that right – a factor in my DNFs no doubt), and the heat requires even more hydration.  The volunteers at Walton Aid Station were frantically filling bottles – they were concerned that their TailWind supplies would not last, everyone seemed conscious of the need to hydrate and take on electrolytes.

I quickly had some food and topped up fluids and set off again.  The next aid station was Wraysbury at 22 miles (ish).  The midday heat was already making me feel a bit sick – this was going to be a tough race!  During this section I realised that I would have to adjust my pace, slow down a bit or I was really going to struggle.  I took a couple of short walk breaks and eased the pace a little.  The tow path trail was  tough on the feet and there was a section that takes you on roads, there was no shade and it felt relentless even at this early stage.  I reached Wraysbury, made myself eat and stocked up on fluids.  I had lost some time but was still within 4 hour mark so no panic.  I felt pretty light headed though from the heat and was already hurting.

Hot Slog to Henley

I’m not going to lie – the heat was horrendous!  Tim Lambert, one of the other runners, described it as ‘ungodly’ – that hits the nail on the head for me.  I kept pushing on, always aiming for the next aid station, chipping off the miles. I was trying to keep a good pace, but did do some walking as I was suffering in the heat and my hip was hurting.  I passed Emma, then she passed me – she was moving well, a solid consistent pace and looked very focused.  I ran with various others but was on my own a lot.

We passed many people along the tow path during the day. Some would ask what we were doing, how far we were running.  Probably around the 30 mile mark I passed a woman sitting on a bench, “Did you really start from Richmond?’, she asked in an amazed voice,. “Yes” I said. “And are you really going all the way to Oxford?!!!!”.  “We sure are,” I responded, “100 miles!” “YOU MUST BE MAD”, she bellowed! I couldn’t argue that one.

I was with Jane for a while, we walked for a bit – she was finding the heat a struggle too.  I was consciously drinking a lot and eating what I could, although I probably needed to eat more.  I passed a couple of runners throwing up, they said they were ok but I really felt for them.  It was SO HOT and the heat would take casualties!  The volunteers, as always, were great – filling our bottles, preparing food, dipping our caps and buffs in cold water.  I pushed on and chipped off Dorney, Cookham and Hurley.  I never drink coke normally but in races, I crave the stuff and a cup of flat coke was the nectar motivating me to the next aid station.

Arriving at Cookham – Aid 4

Arriving at Cookham – Aid 4

I was slower than I had been 2 years ago, and although I knew I was well within cut-offs, my mind was doing overtime trying to work out required splits.  I did have some short spells of walking, to regulate my temperature and ease the hip.  At one point I walked with a guy (with  a really impressive Ultra CV) – he said that he was going to walk until the temperature dropped and make time up during the night.  I felt that I would need to push harder once it cooled down too.  I managed to pick up pace a bit during the early evening, I was hurting but moving ok, it was still pretty warm.

Half way

I eventually made it to Henley – (53 miles by my Garmin) in 11 hours 7 mins (about 45 mins or so slower than I was in 2016).

The half way point does one of 2 things to you mentally. It’s either totally terrifying at the thought of having to start the ‘tougher half of the race’ or it’s a mental boost, as from now own it’s about counting down.  Luckily for me it’s usually the latter.

Henley aid station resembled a field hospital.  Dropped runners sitting wrapped in space blankets, blister surgeries, people putting on warmer clothes.  Despite it being an outdoor (gazebo) station, there was hot food.  I know from experience that, despite not wanting hot food, if I can get it down me, it really helps. So I thankfully accepted a small paper bowl of pasta with tomato sauce.  The volunteer serving kept saying, “I hope it’s ok” – if she happens by chance to read this, I just want to say ‘it really was!’ It hit the spot, perked me up and I had a second helping.  Just what I needed 🙂  I really should have told her that!  I was determined not to sit down.  When I ran this race in 2016, I sat down at Henley and faffed around for far too long, and it was really difficult to get going again.  So this time I stayed standing.  I did have a drop bag, and I did change my top.  There was another runner sitting on a chair by me. He had crew and supporters, they were helping me to – that’s what I love about these races.  Sadly he decided to drop.  It happens and it was probably the right thing for him to do, but I felt for him – a DNF is not nice – I’ve been there.  You don’t participate in this sport and win every time … that’s for sure.  Anything can happen and all of us are forever learning.

Onwards into the night

It was dark now, so head torch on, I headed out from Henley.  The second half is a different race and I knew it was going to be challenging.  I already felt wiped out from the heat and hip and legs were hurting.  I pushed on.  It was about 7.5 miles to Reading but it seemed a long time coming.  I was alternating running and walking, but running as much as I could.

Reading aid station (Wokingham Waterside Centre) was sponsored by ‘Runderwear’.  I climbed the steps into the club house and was met by more amazing volunteers.  Inside a lady said, “Hi Nicola, I remember you”.  It was Tanya from Runderwear.  She had been at an aid station on NDW100 last year and had given me my promotional Runderwear pants (which are pretty good I might add).  How nice that she remembered me.  I was knackered, hurting and lonely.  When you feel like that, a friendly face is so welcoming. Tanya told me I had lost a lot of salt and to take some electrolytes.  The Tailwind wasn’t going down so well now, so I took an S-tab, and with hindsight it helped.  When you go into these indoor aid stations, it is a real mental battle.  You know that you need to get out as quickly as possible, but your body and mind keep finding excuses to stay longer.  But I did’t hang around, I stocked up on water, ate a little food (probably not enough as the dry stuff wasn’t really going down by now) and off I went.   The next section to Whitford was about 9 miles,  I knew from both my previous experience of this race and this stretch in the A100, that this was a particularly grim section! 9 miles felt like 90!

The fall

At around mile 63 (I think), you leave the trail temporarily and go through a housing estate.  Despite having done this before, the fact that it was the middle of the night, I was dehydrated, hurting and tired, I became disorientated at this point, totally missed the curb and went flying.  If you are going to fall over in an ultra, it is probably better to get it over and done with a bit earlier, as by this point the body has pretty much lost its ability to get up again.  Flat out on the pavement in the middle of the night!! I managed to pull myself up, my right knee was bloody and I had hurt my back, but I managed to walk it off for a few minutes and get going again.

Keep pushing onwards

I was pushing on as fast as I could, paranoid about timings.  I charged my watch on the go a couple of times.

That 9 mile stretch seemed to last forever, but I made it to Whitchurch.  There I was greeted by Lynn Cunningham, another runner I know, who was volunteering.  She told me which runners had gone through and seeing her gave me a massive boost.  I ate a little food and was on my way again.

I ran alone for most of the night (well for most of the race really),  I did yoyo a number of other runners, and chatted at times, but this was a pretty lonesome one.  I have never had crew or pacers in a race.  I seem to do ok on my own (and with the other runners), but it is tough out there on your own.  All of my training runs are on my own.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the solitude and it I believe it is good for the soul, but it can be a very lonely sport sometimes.

During the second  half there is a lot of field trail alongside the water.  The temperature dropped, but not nearly as much as 2 years ago when I’d run this race.  In 2016 it had got really cold, this time I didn’t even put my jacket on. I was consciously trying to keep drinking and wasn’t trying to work out splits and timings in my head (although by this stage mental arithmatic is a challenge!

I made it to Streatley, where I managed to eat some beans.  I really wasn’t eating much else by now, just a little fruit.  I couldn’t really swallow the dry food.

The Sunrise

There were only about 9 hour of darkness, despite it seeming like longer.  Both of my head torches were about as useful as a chocolate teapot (batteries just didn’t last long at all) – note to self … an upgrade is needed!

The temperature did drop somewhat and in the end my hands got quite cold. I had to ask a volunteer to help me put my gloves on, as I could’t do it myself.  Volunteers are a godsend, they really are :)I was in a lot of pain and just wanted to get it finished.  I kept chipping off the miles, always aiming for the next aid station.

A mist crept in across the water during the early hours. When the sun rose it was beautiful.  Here are a number of photos taken by other runners.   I take credit for none of these, I didn’t take any photos on the course.

People often ask why we do this ….. here’s one reason ……….

 

The final 30

The final 30 miles felt like 300!  I was still in good spirits, but I hurt ALOT and when the sun came up, it soon got hot again.  I really didn’t want to face another morning of running/ walking in 26 degrees, but the weather will be what the weather will be! I was constantly trying to do the maths on times and splits … brain was a bit mashed!  I wasn’t too concerned about missing cut offs but wanted to get it done.  I was trying to keep 13 – 14 minute miles – believe me, that is difficult at that stage, a lot were slower.  When I couldn’t run I was marching as fast as I could.  Field after field, never ending trail!

Through Wallingford and Clifton Hampden aid stations.  I was just topping up water, not eating by this stage.  I did manage some fruit but that’s about it.

Abingdon to the finish

Abingdon (officially 91 miles but about 93 by my watch) seemed a long time coming.

As I  approached the Aid station, I saw Phil Bradburn.  I had seen him earlier in the race too.  He had been crewing for a friend, who had unfortunately dropped earlier due to dehydration and was in hospital (I hope he has recovered ok).  It was good to see Phil, another friendly face.  Then volunteering at Abingdon aid station was Alf Menzies.  I first met Alf in 2015 at the Wall, my first ultra.  His greeting words to me were, “The one person I wanted to see come through,” and he gave me a hug. When you are hot, hurting, tired and dehydrated, I can’t describe how good it is for someone to say something like that!  I had a quick chat with Alf – he told me just 9 miles to go,  4 Lower Radley and 5 to the finish.  Another lift from a friendly face.

The last 9 miles, in particular the last 5 seemed so long.  There were morning runners on the trail, moving so fast compared to my shuffle / march.  I passed other runners who were really struggling, I just hoped they would make it.

The last stretch seemed to go on and on and on (I remembered this from last time), but finally I approached Queen’s College Recreation Ground, Oxford.  As I turned the corner to run to the finish, I was crying (but nobody noticed).  It may not be the race a nemesis race, but the DNF curse was lifted and I was going to get my mitts on the elusive Buckle number 5.  I managed a sprint (well sort of) finish!  I crossed the line in 26 hours 3 mins, although I didn’t know my time until later, as I forgot to stop my watch – DOH! I made the distance about 103.6 miles. Despite the challenging heat, I finished 45 minutes quicker than in 2016, with a 100 mile PB.  I was presented with my buckle and tea shirt and receive a big hug from Stu, before he took my finish photos.

Dave Brock was at the finish line – he’d done an amazing sub 24.  It was Dave who picked me up from Detling on the North Downs Way last year, when I had soldiered on after falling on my knee.  He noticed the same knee was bloodied and said. “Can you not run a race without falling on that knee?!”

I was then looked after by Richard Stallion, who was volunteering at Oxford.  I had him at it a bit – fetching drinks, food, bags, chairs… all sorts! I was in agony and felt sick and shivery, but I had finished.  Jane finished shortly after, she did brilliantly too.  Emma had stormed in at 22:25 – incredible, and Laura Swanton had earned 2nd lady prize at 19:26. Many dropped along the way, the DNF rate ending up at 42%.

As for me, well I turned 50 a month ago, so have gone up into a new age group.  I was second in my category (women 50-59).  I’m not too bothered really – a finish is a finish but hey if you filter enough on the results, you can usually find a good statistic! 😉

 

Buckle number 5!

Journey Home and Recovery

After recovering for a while at the College sports ground, I shared a taxi to Oxford station.  The journey to London was a real challenge, I could hardly walk and felt awful. Due to train disruptions, I had to change trains before we’d even moved anywhere.  The journey across London was even tougher.

I could have done with one of these! 

Luckily for me, a friend from the gym saw me hobbling home from the station and gave me a lift.

Recovery has been ok, it’s probably taken a day or so longer than usual but I am running again, and the legs have pretty much forgiven me now.  A massage from Cam helped.  I have been hit hard by the ‘post race blues’ .. so need something to pull me out and motivate the training!

What Next?

So the curse is broken!  That’s me done with flat for a while … I want to get back to the lumpy stuff.  I need 4 more points for UTMB next year, so that’s find of a priority.  Maybe another Centurion race from wait list?  Maybe something else?  I’m also looking at some others, Snowdonia and The Lakes, or maybe the South West.  Need to look at finances and work it out.  I’m heading back to Cornwall in February to conquer the Arc, but hope to a couple more in before then.

Last Words

One of the other runners posted this on the Centurion Running Community page, “In case folks were wondering just how hot it got, the Garmin Temp sensor on the back of my pack registered a peak of 39c/102f!!!!!! This is what we endured in the direct sun”

Thank you to James, Nici and all at Centurion. Thank you to everyone who supported me or gave my spirits a lift during the race.  If I have not mentioned you, I apologise but it was good to see you.  If I have mis-quoted where I saw you, again I apologise … ultra brain fog!!

I’m back on the trails and am back looking up races! Want some cooler, lumpier challenges!

Autumn 100 (my third 100 mile challenge)

Goring & Streatley (how did I get here?)

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.  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.  They always smile.  Disclaimer signed, drop bags dropped to the lovely lady with a handmade sign on her head saying. ‘I’ve got baggage’, race number collected.  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.  I wandered around the hall, taking in the atmosphere, and nibbling on a brioche roll.  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.  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.  I ran most of NDW100 with Paul, really nice guy, we kept each other going.  Paul was going for the Centurion Grand Slam (all 4 Centurion 100 mile ultras in a year – well actually in less than 6 months).  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.  It was hot and he was running without his shirt, just his ultra back and sporting some cool tattoos.  It’s good to see a bit of colour and eccentricity on the trail and I complemented his hair.  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.  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).  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.  So, back to A100 – first leg –  I stopped to check for a stone in my shoe, but it wasn’t a stone.  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.  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!   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.  It was only 4 miles to the first Aid Station, so that came fairly quickly.  It was still pretty warm so I was glad of the flat coke and water top ups.  I was making myself eat.  The terrain was a bit more varied.  I had slowed down, maybe a bit more than I would have liked, but I was still going ok.  The shoe was still rubbing and my hips were feeling it but nothing too bad.  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.  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.  But it is also where the race really starts.  I was already tired, my foot was sore, hips were aching, it was dark and thought of another 50 miles was quite daunting.  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.  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.  He was a friendly guy, and a pleasure to run behind – his backside was the best view on the Ridgeway!  ;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.  It was beeping ‘low battery’ so I charged in on my wrist from a portable USB charger.  I was still making good time (for me), managing to run at a decent pace and walk when I needed to.  The trail was uneven and I worried about falling over again.  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.  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.  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.  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 – Schoolgirl error number 2!  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.  I came to a section of houses and thought ‘this definitely doesn’t look right’, so I back tracked a bit.  I saw no other runners and faffed around for quite a while convincing myself that I had not actually gone wrong. – Schoolgirl error number 3!  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.  I was getting a bit panicky worrying about lost time.  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.  As soon as I got back on track I could see other runners.  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).  All I could do was suck it up, put it out of my head and keep moving forward.  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.  I set off on the last spur, the longest section to Reading and back again.  I was back on the Thames Path, which is anything but pretty when you have been running for 19 hours!

My feet felt shredded.  My shoes were falling apart.  Then came the rain, heavy torrential rain.  It was ok at first, but as it got heavier and heavier I was getting more and more soaked and started to feel cold.  There was a section of woodland with a lot of tree roots, rocks and slopes.  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.  The Marshall there encouraged me to get going again quickly.  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.  It was pouring with rain, I was soaked and I started to shiver.  My feet could feel every stone, every step.  My garmin battery was low again (I hadn’t charged it for long enough earlier).  I tried to put it back on charge, but it just didn’t seem to be charging.  I think maybe I hadn’t charged the USB charger for long enough – Schoolgirl error number 4.  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.  That is exactly what an ultra marathon is!  Before I did my first 100 miler, I thought that the night would be the toughest part.  Running all night long isn’t easy, but I actually like it.  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.  As I approached the finish, I felt myself welling up.  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.  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.  At 26 hours 56mins I reached the finish line.  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.  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.  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.  There was food and incredible words of encouragement.  It inspires me to volunteer myself.

The People

Ultra runners are awesome.  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.  Tinu epitomises ultra running. She had attempting 100 miles twice before but unfortunately had not made the finish.  It was Tinu’s birthday on Saturday when we set off and she lit up the trails with a smile and tinsel skirt!  She was the last runner for a lot of the course, but she did not give up.  A lot of people may have thought it was beyond her, but Tinu perservered and finished well ahead of the final cut off.  When she arrived at Goring everyone sang, ‘Happy Birthday’ as she was presented with her buckle.  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).  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.  So do I go back next year, do the 3 races I’ve done this year plus SDW100 and get the Grand Slam?  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!  Every achievement starts with the decision to try.  I was never sporty I’m not fast, I’m not a great runner.  But I saw something that I really wanted to do, so I gave it a try and I think I’ve found my sport.   I am proud of my 3 buckles, here’s to many more! :o)

 

My previous Race Blogs:

Did I really run 100 miles? – TP100

North Downs Way 100 (another 100 miles)

Did I really run 100 miles? – TP100

 

So what’s it all about?

On 30 April 2016, I found myself at Richmond Waterside, with a bunch of amazing runners about to attempt to run 100 miles. I say, ‘about to attempt’ but anyone who knows about these types of events (and for that matter anyone who knows me  well of late) will understand that there was ONLY one outcome in my mind – you don’t enter a 100 mile ultra marathon with any conclusion in your head other than finishing.  With my head buzzing and stomach churning with excitement and nervous energy, I think I will always remember the moment when I looked around at the people congregated with me by the Thames (some serious looking ultra runners), all fantastic gutsy people with unbelievable resolve, and thought to myself… HOW DID I get from my old world to this new world?!!

My blog will be an attempt to reconcile that story and to share some of my thoughts, tips, feelings, and to try to get down some of the endless streams of thought that go through my head (particularly whilst running).  I will touch on the journey in this post (which is meant to be the story of the race) but hope you will join me for further updates, where I will look back along the long road along which I have travelled, my inspirations, my influences, my reasons, my life lessons.  I also hope that you you will come with me on my journey beyond this achievement, as I am just starting to find myself and there will be many adventures ahead.

Looking back

I never used to run … correction, I never used to exercise (but to be fair I started exercising before I started running). I found exercise not long after my 40th birthday.  How, why?  I was pushing it with dress size 14 and did not want to start buying 16.  My motivation was as simple as that.  So I bought some trainers, joined a local leisure centre gym, started doing exercise classes and soon got hooked!  I changed my eating habits too so initially the weight just dropped off. By the time the weight loss steadied I had already become addicted to the exercise, had made new friends at the gym and was loving the new me.  Then I was hit by injuries, mainly to my feet  – plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and issues with my toes (all caused by a combination of too much impact too quickly, poor bio mechanics and over pronation).  To cut a long boring story short, I continued to exercise but injuries and treatment to my feet (including surgery on the left foot) prevented me from doing any real running.  I managed a 10k race in 2013 but foot issues kicked back in shortly after that.  Doctors and physiotherapists ‘suggested’ that running was not for me ……. red rag to a bull springs to mind!  After extensive physiotherapy (luckily I am in a private healthcare scheme), and top class advice and remedial massage from my friend, exercise instructor (and more recently my personal trainer) Cameron @ jensenexercise, on 01 January 2014 I started to run again – just a couple of miles that day.

In February2014 I ran a 10k race at Greenwich Park with my daughter Natalie (who has fantastic long legs and is brilliant fast half marathon runner) and some of my wonderful friends who I had met through the gym.  I had been doing bootcamps run by Cameron as part of my workouts and was loving the outdoors.  By now I was doing PT with Cam too (check out jensenexercise.com),  I think we both realised that I wanted to push my fitness and he really does have a remarkable ability to nurture and support his clients in finding and achieving their own goals.  I ran the London Bupa 10k, but as good as it was there was something about the crowds and the road running that just wasn’t me!  I had heard a bit about trail running and OCR (Cameron was a keen obstacle course racer).  In May 1014 I ran my first half marathon and my first trail run in Bedgebury forest, and loved it. I did a few OCRs that year (including a Spartan race with Natalie and a Tough Mudder with my lovely friends from the gym).  It was Cam who steered me towards my first Marathon (a hilly trail multi lap race called Beauty and the Beast), which I followed up with another trail marathon a few months later.  Then I started googling and that’s when I discovered ultra marathons (it’s surprising how much you learn from typing the words ‘trail run’ into a search engine).  Before that I had no idea that people ran anything like 100 miles, but after I found these races existed there was only one question in my head ‘Can I?!’.  My inspirations are a whole new post so I will save it for another day but I did read Running Past Midnight by an awesome woman called Molly Sheridan and I think she influenced me the most (closely followed by Dean Karnazes).  The renowned Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc  (UTMB) caught my eye and I thought…’that’s my goal – one day’. Ok so moving on (this is getting quite long and the race has’t started yet ….. haha all things ultra hey).  I have a memory of saying to Cameron ‘I want to run 100 miles’.  His response was ‘I know that, I’ve known for a while'(another sign of a top trainer).  Despite my urge to ‘jump in at the deep end’ even I realised that you kind of need to work up to 100 miles, so last June 2015 (just 18 months after starting running)  I ran Rat Race The Wall Ultramarathon, a 69 mile race from Carlisle to Newcastle (following Hadrian’s Wall).  That event is worthy of a blog post in its own right so maybe I will go back to it another day.  It was life changing for me.  I trained like a trojan and entered a world far beyond any world I ever dreamt I would be part of.  A lot of things were changing in my life and I liked this part of it.  My exercise, fitness  and running were really helping me to find myself and to cope with everything else that life was throwing at me. Aside from officially defining me as an ‘ultra runner’ the other fantastic result of ‘The Wall’ was the friends that I made.  A Facebook Community that I joined prior to the race was particularly active, and being new to ultras I found the camaraderie, tips, build up, excitement and support through training to be priceless.  A small group of us like minded folk who ran ‘The Wall’ (albeit some of them I never actually met at the event and only knew virtually!) set up a new chat group with a new aim – to run 100 miles.  Known as the ‘TP100 Nutters’ we chose Centurion Running TP100 as our goal for 2016.  Following The Wall, I ran a 60 mile ultra (The White Rose) in Yorkshire in November.  Well I say 60 mile, but due to going off course’ several times, I managed to clock up 65.  Although shorter, I found that race tougher than The Wall, both physically and mentally but was not deterred.

Getting to Thames Path 100

Ok so 2 years ago I struggled with 10k. But once I started pushing the miles my resolve was unstoppable and my training became an addiction.  I had no idea how to train for an ultra, but I liked learning.  For both The Wall and TP100 Iooked at 100 mile training plans but never actually managed to follow them .. I basically overtook them. In the last year I have clocked up 4000 miles on my Garmin, averaging 70-75 miles a week, increasing to 80 -100 miles per week leading up TP100.  I regularly run over 50 miles at the weekend, with a 30+ most Sundays. (complimented by lots strength, core, balance, cardio and circuit training etc.)   I guess I am relatively lucky on the injury front.  I get niggles and have had some issues, but regular foam rolling, hot baths and remedial  massage (from Cameron) I seem to keep nasty injuries at bay.  11 weeks before TP100 (with training going really well) I managed an epic fall whilst out running, and split my knee open. I was wearing long running tights, and not realising how bad the wound was I continued running for about 8 miles, and it wasn’t until I looked the leggings off that I found my knee was gaping open to the bone (there’s a lot to be said for lycra).  So off to the hospital I went to get it cleaned a stitched, followed by a frustrating 11 days with no running.  Apart from that minor setback training went well, or as well I thought it could.  Getting my head around the fact that I was going to run 100 miles was somewhat harder but I was more determined than I had been about anything.

Having entered the race back in July 2015, it was a long 9 months – but I passed it ‘chatting virtually’ to my fellow ‘TP100 Nutters’.  The evening before the race we met up in Richmond and it was both brilliant and surreal to meet in person the guys I felt I knew so well but had only spoken to online.  Two of them, Vikki and Bruce, I had met at the Wall, and Vikki had run the White Rose Ultra with me.  Vikki is awesome, check her out at http://100milermum.com (she completed the infamous Northern 100 in New Zealand in March – just a month or so before TP100).  I roomed with Vikki at hotel in Richmond the night before TP100, poor woman didn’t get much sleep with my excitement and pent up taper energy (I really don’t cope with taper well!).

A race of Two Halves – the first 50(ish)

Right, let’s get back to the waterfront at Richmond.  Having passed the kit check (following a last minute nervous panic the day before that my jacket did not meet mandatory kit specifications – of course it more than did), having packed, unpacked and packed my drop bags and ultra pack numerous I stood at start wondering if I had the right food, enough warm clothes, the right socks  ….. and so it goes on.  James from Centurion Running gave the pre-race briefing and then we were off.  I started off strong and was pleased with my running. Just into the race I found myself running with David (one of my ‘virtual’ friends), a great guy and I was enjoying chatting as we ran.  Unfortunately I lost him early on and found myself quite a bit ahead of the guys I knew.  Before the race, against my better judgement, I had allowed myself to set the goal finishing within 24 hours.  The cut off was 28, with relative cut off times at each of the 13 checkpoints (aid stations).  24 hours was ambitious I knew, and 100 miles was unknown territory for me, so finishing was ultimate goal and sub 24 hours would be the icing on the cake.  As I said I started strong and for the first 22 miles I continued strong, I was making good time for me.  I chatted to people as I ran and most were experienced ultra runners impressed to have a ‘virgin 100 miler’ in their midst. This boosted my confidence, however I was under no illusion that the race would be tougher than I could imagine.  The course was relatively flat meaning that the terrain would not determine pace.  The Thames Path is tough on the feet and I was dreading running through the night.  As most endurance sports participants know, you don’t think about running 100 miles, you break the race up and are effectively always running to the next checkpoint.  TP100 was well organised with 13 well stocked aid stations and 2 mid race bag drops, so whilst you could have a crew, I was running unsupported.   The fist aid station was at Walton on Thames, 11 miles in.  Or so they said 11 miles, but actually according to my Garmin it was closer to 12.  As the race progressed I learnt that the distances are not exact (how could they be?) and not to take the expectation of the next checkpoint distance so literally.  At the first couple of aid stations I enjoyed peanut butter wraps and some other goodies provided by the wonderful volunteers.  I cannot praise the people enough – absolutely amazing – more to say about them later.

I continued to run strong (for me) but the going was tough.  I became conscious of the fact that my piriformis was NOT hurting, this was good.  I had had a niggling injury for some weeks – literally a pain in the butt and had thought that I would  be plagued with it throughout the race, but deep tissue massage from Cameron a few days before the race had saved the day.  Several times I bumped into Kate Jayden, who I had met briefly at The Wall.  She’s another awesome ultra runner and triathlete (she has bling from a number of 100 milers and Iron Man plus more).  Kate complemented my running tights and shared her vegan Percy Pig sweets with me – it’s surprising the things you remember!  I also ran with a couple of American fellas, a gorgeous French guy and others.  All were welcoming and encouraging and I was enjoying my run. I remember going through sun, rain and hail. Several times I found myself with a couple of guys. One was particularly friendly and supportive but to my annoyance I cannot remember his name (I want to say Paul but I think Paul was someone else).  I saw him several times throughout the race, his mate was called Bill, so I am going to refer to him as Bill’s mate.  Anyway Bill’s mate suggested I stick with them as long as I could if I wanted someone to run with.  He called me a little ‘speed demon’ which I really am not, but his words were encouraging.  At around 22 and 36 miles I had a lovely surprise.  My friends Nina and Lou (both whom I had met through exercise) were at the roadside (75 percent of race was trail but the was a little road) waving banners and cheering me on.  It was great to give them a hug and hear their words of encouragement.  I continued to run well ticking off aid stations and eating what I could.  I was drinking water and ‘electrolytes’, which I tried for the first time thinking they would help my body to cope (I know I know – nothing new on race day!!!!).  I did obviously start to slow.  I tried not to stop for long at the aid stations but found it harder to get my legs going again after each stop, often walking for a while.   At Hurley 44 miles (45.5 by my watch) I sat down.  I starting to struggle to eat but was still trying to push food down and take in as much liquid as I could.  I saw Bill and Bill’s mate who gave me more much needed encouragement. Many people seemed to be tending to blisters but luckily I was not suffering. My hip flexors were screaming however and I was starting to feel what I can only describe as ’empty’!  I hadn’t seen my fellow ‘TP100 Nutters’ since the start, however I had seen Vikki’s husband who was supporting her, and who told me that Vikki had been struggling with a painful swollen ankle.  I doubted very much that it would stop her but I was concerned for her and my other friends. I was still happy with my time, by my reckoning I managed the first 50 in about 10 hours 40 mins.  By halfway I was slowing though and I had cleared my mind of the ‘finishing in 24 hours’- I knew I could not maintain pace,this was all about making  the cut offs. Henley was the half way checkpoint (or just after) – badged as 51, I made it 53 – I know I know, I have learnt that lesson.  Here I had my first drop bag so could access more stuff.  I had not eaten any of the food that I was carrying and didn’t actually want the food in my drop bag either.  I tried to eat food offered by the volunteers, accepted a welcome cup of coffee and sat down to try and layer up clothing to get me through  the cold night.  This is when I first felt the effects of the race.  I was struggling to co-ordinate to change my clothes.  Bib numbers needed to be visible on our fronts, so I had to unpin my number and put it onto a long sleeved top, I struggled (note to self – get one of those bib number holders that you wear on a belt around your waist!).  I spent far too long at the checkpoint and think my spirits dipped a little but I was over half way now and was still feeling ok – just didn’t want to eat. I hadn’t been checking phone or social media (just the odd text) but at this point I did  post an update on Facebook saying that I was over half way and heading off into a long night.  Cam sent me a text message, which I did read, telling me that I would go through hell but to keep in my head how admired and loved I was.  That helped. As I was leaving, I saw Vikki at the station – she sent me on my way with some encouraging words, that helped too.  So I trudged on into the night.

The second half

Not long after that Vikki caught up with me, and subsequently overtook. She has a rare ability to increase in speed, while the rest of us get slower, Vikki gets quicker.  I was pleased her ankle was holding out and she was  moving well. I ran / walked alone and also with a couple of guys.  There was Martin (who was on his 3rd attempt at TP100) and from the 51 mile point he had a pacer whose name I can’t remember (again I want to say Paul, so maybe he was – someone was called Paul!).

There was a thick fog – freezing.  I didn’t feel that cold but it was eerie.  We were going through fields and it was difficult to see the gates, difficult to see anything despite head torches. I ran when I could and then walked a bit. Then as I trudged along someone came up behind me and took me by the hand.  It was Bruce (one of my TP100 Nutter friends, who I had  met at The Wall).  Bruce is a great guy – he is training to run The Spine next year (that’s a story for another day).  It was great to see Bruce, and we stuck together for the rest of the race, helping each other along.  Reading was the 58(ish) mile checkpoint.  This one was inside, several of them were. I think it was at Reading that I was peeing black.  A slightly worrying sight.  All I could think of was ‘Rhabdomylosis’.  I had heard of this condition whist watching a tv programme about Eddie Izzard’s 27 marathons in 27 days.  The first time he had attempted it, he had pulled out due to this condition which is where the body starts to break down skeletal muscle, and if prolonged it and lead to renal failure. Luckily I recovered soon after the race.  The night was long, my hands were cold despite my gloves.  Bruce had a pair of thermal over mitts – fantastic they are, he gave them to me claiming that my need was greater than his.  This is what Bruce wrote about me in a group chat after the race:

‘So, how do you upset Nicola Hoy during an ultra?
Simple. At mile 66 take her away from the TP route and run through an estate to a church at a dead end and say “Sorry, it’s not this way, back up the hill” More Brucie bonus miles added.
Then when the fog came down there was no way I could keep up with her so I said ” Go ahead and join those In front I can’t keep up with you”
Whoosh, gone at about 7min mile pace at which point I knew I’d messed up. She NEVER complains, when shivering uncontrollably she said she was fine, everything was fine, she never swore once, probably unable to get a swear word in between mine. I learnt a lot about fortitude during those long hours from you Nicola.
End of story.‘

I remember the detour, although I think it was my fault as much as Bruce’s, and I suspect that he just couldn’t hear me swear.  Anyway they were kind words and we helped each other along.  At the 71(ish) mile stop at Streatley (I think it was), neither of us felt great.  One of the volunteers changed the batteries in my head torch for me.  I cannot praise those guys enough. Bruce was eating beans and tried to get me to but I just felt sick and worried about retching. By now I was surviving on sips of coke and coffee.  We saw Martin and Paul (or not Paul) several times. The night eventually turned into day – the sunrise was beautiful but I felt I had nothing left.  Onward we ran (and marched when we couldn’t run).

The last 15

What can I say? The last 15 miles seemed like 150.  My watch was already near 90 so that didn’t help the head.  By now Bruce and I were realising the need for quick turnarounds at the checkpoints, so we were planning what we needed to do to get in and out.  I did text my daughter Natalie at one stage.  She and my best friend Sue were meeting me at the finish.  I knew that everyone was tracking my progress on Centurion Running’s live tracker but I text her anyway to say that I was still alive (just)!

Bruce was trying to do Maths, trying to work out how long we had and what pace we needed to go at.  I tried too but gave up very quickly – the brain could not cope with Maths at this stage, but Bruce persevered.   The last 9 miles (final 2 sections) I was hot, dehydrated and running on empty.  I think we redefined ‘digging deep’ that day. It took everything plus some more. I couldn’t tell you what was hurting, by now it was just everything. In the final stages we spotted Matthew Pinsent with his family beside the river.  I think I stared and pointed a bit through my delirium!  The last stretch of pathway went on forever or so it seemed but finally Bruce and I turned the corner to the home stretch.  I just wanted it to end. We had said that we had nothing left in us to run to the finish line, but of course we found a little something – you always do!

So after 26 hours and 48 minutes I finished my first 100 mile race and was handed the coveted buckle.  I always imagine an emotional finish but in reality at the end of an ultra I just feel surreal and overwhelmed.  It was my Natalie who ran over, hugged me and burst into tears, followed by Sue and then Vikki (who of course had finished).

Everything hurt, I felt sick, I hadn’t slept and I was pale as a sheet. But there was only one thought in my head …….. ‘I want to do another one!’