Paintedrunner, INVINCIBLE until proven otherwise: 2017

Hardmoors 110 6/7th May 2017
Marathon #47

The weeks and months running up to the event involved a lot of planning. Not something that I am used to, I am used to just turning up and running, but a support team was necessary for the Hardmoors 110 because I had not completed a qualifying race that would allow me to compete unsupported. Billy was going to support in the car going to the accessible checkpoints and John, Jane and Kim were going to be my safety runners through the night.
A few weeks before, Billy and I drove the route for the checkpoints marking them on the Sat Nav and letting Billy see where the meet points would be, as he does not know the area. This recce made us realise that Billy needed a fair bit of car park money as the parking was not cheap and Billy would be in the car parks for quite some time. We also decided not to drive from home near Bedale on the morning of the race as that would eat into both of our energy stores. I booked a hotel in Scarborough close to Checkpoint (CP) 2 and set about working on realistic timings for race day. I was allowed a support runner from Saltburn but it would be nowhere near dark so I opted to meet John at Slapewath before entering the woods. Then sunrise would be before Osmotherley but the closest checkpoint was Osmotherley Square Corner beyond the village. There Kim would leave me to go home after the toughest section was over and I would do the last 20 miles on my own again.
Here is the plan.

As race day approached I got more and more nervous as I looked across the Cleveland Hills on my way home from work. I worried about not having recce d the coastal sections that I had not raced on. Also I hadn't run as much this year, I had changed my regime opting for spinning and circuits as well as my triathlon training to have whole body fitness and strength rather than lots of miles in my legs. I also have dropped a few pounds in weight and was worried that it would mess with my nutrition as I used to carry a fair amount of fat which also holds water, this has in the past allowed me to race on very little food and water, but no longer would I have that resource.

Having the car was a luxury that I made the most of, I filled it with spare clothes, shoes, and food, water and coffee.

Final checks made we set off to Scarborough on Friday evening, stopping in Helmsley for fish and chips. we were two minutes too late for ice cream, the shop had closed. We carried on our journey to Scarborough.

We arrived at the Ambassador Hotel.

We checked in to be told that we had been upgraded to a bigger room with a bigger bed, we were on the third floor. the hotel was definitely not a five star, it was a bit tired to say the least, but a bed was a bed and there had not been much choice when I booked. Billy asked about breakfast, It started at 7 am we were told, Billy asked if it was possible to have something earlier as I had a race, we were told it was not possible. If this room was an upgrade, I was glad, because it was not very big but the bed was a king size, the room was really warm, we opened the windows and went to Tesco's to get me something for breakfast, Billy would go back for his breakfast after the race start. I picked some chocolate biscuits and some almond croissants.

Before returning to the hotel we drove to CP2 Scarborough Holbeck, so that Billy would know how to get there and from what direction I would be coming.On return we found that the room had not cooled down, it did not promise to be a comfy night with the soft bed and hot room.

It had a strangely nice inland view. If we had been stopping here any other time I would be heading out to explore that obelisk in the morning.

Watching telly, checking the Hardmoors 200 tracker and winding down, I turned over and my left leg was gripped with an incredibly painful cramp deep in my calf, I tried to relax and breath through it, such bad timing. Eventually the pain eased but it left my leg stiff, non the less I soon fell asleep half in and half out of the covers.

The alarm woke me at 05:30 giving me time to wake up gently and eat my croissants ant a couple of biscuits. I checked the tracker for the Hardmoors 200 runners and was surprised to see that 8 of them had already passed by the hotel. They were doing really well.

I wasn't really hungry and had to force myself to eat. I dressed carefully putting Lanacane anti friction gel on all the places I thought my clothing would rub and on my toes before fighting my way into my Injinji toe socks. There had been barely any rain in weeks so I decided to wear my Brooks Adrenaline road shoes.

Dressed and ready, it was 06:30 and time to leave.

BBrrr!! it was really chilly. The drive to Filey was uneventful and we soon arrived at Filey Brigg for registration. We parked up, I filled my bottles and went for kit check.

Hat and Gloves
Waterproof Jacket
Minimum of 1 litre water/sports drink to be carried
Headtorch/Torch
Spare Batteries
Cleveland Way Map or OS Maps
Whistle
Survival Bag (bag, not just blanket)

Mobile phone with Race Directors number stored in phone (07909 797872)
Emergency food supply (chocolate/energy bar)

I had everything so was moved into the gazebo to get my number (83) and my tracker. The tracker was attached to the right shoulder of my running pack. I checked that my large lightweight running jacket, which I can put on over my pack, would not affect it. I had my photo taken and was ready to go.

Billy and I wandered down to the toilet block so I could use the loo one last time before starting and then we headed back to the car. We sat in the car until briefing because it was so cold. The occasional 200 runner arriving at the checkpoint and moving on again.

At race briefing I saw friends, all nervously just wanting to get underway now.

With Jane Raper taken by her mum Ann Brown

With team mate Claire Baker at registration.

After Jon's briefing we gathered on the Brigg for the start. I was too far forward, I dropped back a bit but not too far. It was quite cosy for a few moments amongst the crowd of runners

Filey to Scarborough 7.7 miles
Race start 08:00 Filey Brigg

And we were off. I tried not to think of the whole distance, but to focus on each checkpoint. The first checkpoint was at Osgoodly at about 5 miles, Billy would not be there so I focused on CP2 Scarborough Holbeck 7.7 miles. I was trotting along comfortably when I heard a familiar voice, Ali, we chatted and trotted onwards together, I was more than a little concerned that I could see Claire ahead, I worried I was going too fast but remembered that Claire had said that she would like to complete the race in under 30 hours too so maybe it was OK.

It was lovely to see Gill out on course as well supporting Ali. As the course had a few more twists and turns after 4 or 5 miles I finally lost sight of Claire and felt more like I was running my own race.

We soon arrived at Scarborough Holbeck and Ali ran through the checkpoint and I searched for Billy as arranged. I didnt see him at first, he had to call me because he had a black jacket over his blue one. I didn't need the fresh bottle as I hadn,t really drunk anything yet, but I did take the chocolate biscuit. Billy said I was ahead of target and that it was just over 14 miles to Ravenscar and the next checkpoint. The first cut off. The cut off was for 6 hours and I had no idea of the terrain for most of the route.

7.7 miles done

Scarborough to Ravenscar 14.3 miles

I now had lost sight of Ali too, but I was not at all concerned. I ran down to the beach and gingerly crossed the sand careful not to get any in my trainers. I ate my biscuit as I ran along the seafront and past the pavilion. There were already quite a few people arriving for their day at the beach, bemused at the stream of runners running along the promenade. A lady called good luck out of an upstairs window and the smells were building as businesses got ready for the tourists. As I ran below the castle there was a disgusting onion smell, yuck too early, and I passed a stall with the biggest onions ever hanging outside. I continued along the promenade and found myself running with a couple of fellas, one was from near Masham and said his brother was going to open a cafe in Ripon, I cant remeber if I asked their names. We ran past Jane and Ann at the Sea Life Centre, Ann tok these pics,

We chatted all the way to Scalby Mills then we were split up by the steep steps. The next stretch of coastline was hard path with some steps and some parts where the path was scarily close to the cliff edge.

I was glad that we were running the route this way round as I would not like to risk running these coastal paths in the twilight or dark.

At some points it was just a ridge to run on. There were still plenty of runners in view at this point too, that was useful on unknown territory.

I passed some 200 runners, I passed the time of day and congratulated them on their efforts, feeling guilty as I passed by.

Eventually though I entered the trees at Hayburn Wyke. I ran through this on the Hardmoors 30 back on New Years day. It looked very different now with greenery everywhere, the steps were no different though.

I now knew that I was only a few miles from CP3 at Ravenscar and the longest section would soon be behind me. There were still a few runners in sight and buoyed up by the prospect of a village hall and the chance to go to the loo, I must have picked up the pace, I caught a couple of runners up, I was moving nicely when I put my left foot in a hole, twisting my ankle. AAArrrgghh! so frustrating, this often happens but not with 88 miles to run. I tested it, I could weight bear, so I carried on to the Village Hall.

On the road up to the village hall there were lots of runners going both directions. I soon forgot my sore ankle and was happy to see that Billy was there.

I checked in, Ali was on her way out as I entered the hall, there were lots of runners in the hall sitting and standing around getting refreshments. I went to the loo and ran back out to Billy, I had rice pudding, pork pie and a sip of coffee, but that was too hot. so I had some cola and ran off down the road feeling good, sore ankle temporarily forgotten as I confidently headed to Robin Hoods Bay.
22 miles done
Ravenscar to Robin Hoods Bay 4 miles
Again this section was familiar from the HM30, Fortunately it was not muddy so was easier going than back then and was much more runnable.

There were less runners in sight now.

There were still plenty of steps to tackle though.

But being only 4 miles the section was soon over as I arrived in Robin Hoods Bay and set off to run as much as I could up to the top car park and CP4. When I arrived there was no sign of Billy, I took a drink and a jaffa cake then I heard a voice above me. Billy was in the actual car park. I climbed the bank to him and had more pork pie and some cake, swapped my bottle of Tailwind and set off on the next section.
26 miles done
Robin Hoods Bay to Sandsend Car Park 10 miles
I followed the coastal path round to Whitby, it was hard ground and some steps but relatively easy going. I had now completed the first marathon and was feeling OK, My ankle was tender on the uneven sections but I put the pain away and looked forward to Whitby. There was a runner in the distance, I was not gaining on him nor was I losing ground either.
Soon the Abbey came into view and as I got nearer the other runner disappeared between the caravans. The path which had been reasonably quiet til now was suddenly very busy, I had to dodge dogs and prams as I approached the Abbey. The occasional walker wished me well but most had no idea that there was a race going on.
I turned to run down the Abbey steps which were busy with tourists struggling up heads down and others stopping dead to take pictures and admire the view. Soon I was run walking between the tourists on the cobbled street heading to the bridge, fortunately there was no traffic so I ran on the road and got round loads of people. there were definitely no runners ahead or behind. I ran along the harbour and up more steps to the Whalebones. I stopped to catch my breath and take a pic before looking for the Cleveland Way signs. I could not see any and a lady told me that all the other runners were going along the road. I went as directed and soon noticed a black and white Cleveland Way sticker on a black lamp post. I felt confident again.

Whitby is one of my favourite places but today I was glad to be leaving its crowds behind. I followed the stickers along the cliff, past the golf course and out to the road. As I approached the road I could see two more runners further down the road. This section was nice on my sore ankle, even though it was hard pavement it was even.
As I approached Sandsend I finished off my Tailwind ready for a new bottle. As I approached the car park I saw Ali with Gill. I ran past to Billy, calling my number to the checkpoint staff.

Billy was parked at the foot of a steep staircase which was where other runners were heading. Ali set off up as I changed my bottle and had coffee and pork pie. Billy told me that some runners were really struggling now, especially with the steps.
36 miles done
Sandsend to Runswick Bay 5 miles
I set off up the steps, eating cake as I went. They were steep. Ali was no where in sight and I relaxed into jogging along on the wide track. I was passed by a couple of men who I then passed at the bottom of yet another set of steps as one tied his shoelace. I was still feeling OK and trotted along quite nicely and soon saw Ali in the distance. I eventually caught her up and we chatted as we ran along together. We clambered over rocks and ran along the beach on the hard sand from the receding tide. We could see Gill on the ramp to the beach. I ran on to the car park where Billy and I had arranged to meet. He wasn't there. I heard him call my name from somewhere above, I couldn't see him but Gill said he was further up. We followed the path up, up, up. It was probably the steepest we had climbed all day that didn't have steps.

At the top I entered the car park, gave my number to the check point and set about changing my bottle, drinking coffee and eating as was now my routine. How am I doing I asked. Billy said I was doing OK making good time and Claire was not too far ahead.

41 miles done

Runswick Bay to Saltburn 12 miles

I set off out of the car park and saw the Cleveland Way sign, I followed it, and then heard some one calling me back. I went back, I had gone the wrong side of the hedge, Doh!

There were now a couple of runners ahead, and a couple passed me by, but I had people to follow. This section was mainly the same as the past 41 miles, cliff tops and steps, but this was the last section before heading inland. As I neared Saltburn I started to recognise bits from the HM Saltburn Marathon, but it felt much longer at this point of the race and in this direction than it does then when it is at the beginning of the race.

I dreaded running through Staithes as I thought it would be crowded like Whitby, fortunately it was very quiet and I was through the pretty village in no time heading up a rally steep hill. My foot was giving me grief and I had picked up some grit in my right shoe. I found a bench and removed my shoe getting the tiny piece of grit that had felt massive out. I replaced my trainer and decided to loosen my left laces to relieve some of the pressure as my ankle had swollen. I didn't want to remove the shoe though. There was a marshal who had orange segments, that was very well received. Thanks.

I was relieved to descend into Skinninggrove. Ahead I could see Ali again, she was running with someone towards the beach. As I got to the beach and the sand dunes the fine sand sieved through the mesh of my road shoes filling them. I exited the beach by the steps and looked out for a bench so that I could remove my shoes and empty them, I couldn't see one so I used a stile. I removed my shoes and poured the sand out, rubbed my socks as clean as I could and replaced them. I couldn't refasten the left one as tight as it had been, my stupid ankle was still swelling, I vowed to ask Billy for some Deep Relief when I got to Saltburn. I knew now that it was not too far to Saltburn, I was passed by a couple of runners and Ali and her companion were still ahead. When I looked back there were other runners behind. It was quite comforting to know that I was surrounded by other runners.

I ran along the cliff top and descended into Saltburn, ran along the sea front where Billy met me, we ran to the car park, I went to the ladies and then went to the car for food and drink. Billy said Claire was struggling with her knee, I hoped it was nothing serious. He also said that I was about on target for my predicted times.

53 miles done

Saltburn to Slapewath 5 miles

I asked where the checkpoint was and Billy pointed a little way towards the pier on the other side of the road.

At the checkpoint I was directed up more steps and along the road, There were two men ahead, I followed them of the path after the bandstand and into the Valley Gardens, feeling confident about the route again. Then I saw a sign with Cleveland way on pointing a different direction, I looked around I was alone again. I set off back, I didn't want to be inadvertently on the wrong path. As I was running back I saw Ali, how did she get behind me? She asked what was wrong, she said she was sure this was the right way, I turned and ran back, along the valley towards the viaduct. I ran quite hard as I knew there were quite a few people behind me. I ran and walked up the lane, my left ankle aching, I had forgotton to get the Deep Relief, next stop I would, where I first met Ali and Gill at the HM Saltburn Marathon in 2016, with a male runner, he stayed with me a while before leaving me once more alone.

As I headed down into Slapewath I was met by John who was the first of my night safety team, we ran down to the car.

58 miles done

Slapewath to Battersby Bank 11 miles

At the car there was Billy, Jane (John's daughter) and Michael from Ripon Runners. Claire was not far ahead, I was glad she was still going.

I was feeling a bit sick by now, I was drinking but I wasn't wanting food, and I know the toughest part of the race was ahead. I forced down some rice pudding and the meat of a piece of pork pie. Ali and her run partner Antonio ran past as I refuelled.

John and I set off in daylight, we crossed the main road to Whitby and entered the woods that we would run through all the way to High Cliff Nab. It was good that it was so light for this section. We soon caught Ali and Antonio, we ran and chatted a while and as we walked up the concrete road and my ankle gave me grief again, I realised that I had forgotten again. I put the pain away somewhere in the back of my mind and concentrated on the task in hand. John and I chatted as we ran and walked the wide forest tracks and soon we were at High Cliff Nab as it was becoming twilight. "Right, we need to find the steps down" I said, I walked to the edge, John expressed his doubts, I have not gone down the steps before, I down a couple of grassy steps, it was apparent that this was not the right way, "We will have to go down the path" I said, we headed down the path and there, to the right was the steps. we made our way down and through the little wood and out onto the moor.

Although it was twilight, it was a clear night and we could easily see the stone slabs that marked the route. we could hear voices behind so there was no time to waste. We left one moor and entered another, finally putting on our head torches as we headed for Roseberry Topping. We worked our way down past Little Roseberry and into the dip, there were lights on Roseberry topping and lights coming towards us, one group of lights was Claire with her safety team Matt and Alex. They had already been up to the top. Its windy they warned us. I asked about her knee, Claire said it was not too bad.

John and I worked our way up Roseberry topping and near the top, oh boy it was windy, a nasty cold wind too. We checked in and cautiously descended, passing Ali and Antonio on their way up, They were never far behind us.

Back on the moor we jogged towards Captain Cooks Monument, It was nice to jog a bit again.

as we descended to Glibdale Terrace, we were met by Jane, I was confused, this was not an arranged meeting point because when we recce d the route, the road had been closed and we could not get near.

We ran to the car together, Billy and Jane explained that the could not find the Battersby Bank meet point outside Kildale. I re explained it and John and I carried on, hoping that they would be there when we arrived.

On a nice day, it is a lovely run from Captain Cooks Monument down into Kildale, but in the dark the roods and uneven ground made it safer to walk. As soon as we hot the road though we made the most of the run down to the bridge, and then we walked up to the cafe and into the village to the village hall.

I made use of the facilities after checking in and then we headed out of the village, Turned left and headed for the Cattle grid. There were cars there, Yes it was Billy and Jane.

69 miles done

Battersby Bank to Clay Bank 10 miles

I refuelled and set off with Jane this time as safety crew. It was a big hill which did not seem as big as usual,so we walked, and then headed out onto the moor. The track is nice and wide, easy to see, but uneven so I chose to walk, we were making decent time, I started to put a charge into my watch as it was at 25%. My Duracell charger was working a treat, we walked a decent pace chatting away, Jane seemed to think that I was fourth. I was stunned, I hadn't given it much thought and Billy had just told me if I was running close to target times, which I was. Apparently Claire was second, we were doing well, but it was still early days.

As we got closer to Bloworth Crossing there were lights ahead, we watched for them turning back slightly towards us, that would mark the Crossing. Soon they turned and then we were there to. some kind person had left oranges there.

We didn't take any we now had about 4 miles to Clay Bank, the time and miles were passing quickly as we walked and chatted. When we turned, we were faced with a cold howling wind, I unplugged my watch and put it back on, it was at 67% and Jane helped me put on my jacket over my pack as we caught a couple of runners, We jogged a bit as the path turned down and I knew Clay Bank was close.

Soon we started to descend and we approached more lights, It was Claire, Matt and Alex. we were almost at the checkpoint as we passed. 'Go for it first lady' Claire said. I was a little confused.

We Crossed the road, found the car and it was time to swap to my last safety runner Kim, I thanked Jane and John who could head home for a well earned rest.

79 miles done

Clay Bank to Osmotherley Square Corner 11 miles

It was now about half 1 in the morning and I was still on target. Billy had still not said anything about the race positions, only that I was on target.

That was my focus but i also asked Kim about the positions. I think we had set off from Clay Bank over the Three Sisters before Claire, but she is really good at ascents, so she would probably pass me again soon.

Kim said that Claire had been second to someone who was about an hour ahead, but then their tracker had gone down at Saltburn, Since Saltburn I had been fourth. I said that John and I had passed a couple just before Kildale. So it all made sense, but there was still a long way to go and four or five big climbs before we next met Billy at Osmotherley Square Corner.

I have to admit I struggled with the steep ascents, I had to keep stopping to get my breath, We walked the tops as it was easier by torchlight, and the wind howled, it was bitter up there. We were passed by a couple of men as we worked our way over the tops. We struggled to find our way through the stones at the top of Wainstones as it was difficult to discern the path in torchlight. Eventually we found our way down but the other torches now danced along way ahead. There was mist as well on the tops to contend with with the torchlight bouncing back at us. But soon we had the Three Sisters done and were heading for an unusually silent Lordstones. There was no checkpoint here due to road works, the CP had been moved to Scarth Nick and I hadn't wanted to confuse Billy by trying to direct him somewhere he had never been in his life.

We crossed the road and headed up the next climb, as the path flattened out we could see head torches way ahead bobbing along and then suddenly they were really high. That meant another climb.

Finally we descended into Scugdale passing cars with people sleeping in them we headed down the lane over the footbridges and up the field. I thought we were gaining on the light ahead, but we weren't and we would just get ocasional glimpses for the next few miles.

When we got to Scarth Nick the marshal said I was the first female, that was confirmation.

We had a drink and headed for Osmotherley across the fields to the woods.

I started to notice birdsong, just one, then more, and we realised that it was getting lighter and turned our torches off. The birdsong became a cacophony after the silence of the night that had been broken only by Kim and I chatting for the last few hours.

It was lovely to see dawn break and the sun rise. We entered the woods and I was a bit unsure of the path having never run this bit in reverse, but we did not lose too much time and were soon definately on our way to Osmotherley.

As we entered Osmotherley a lady in a car stopped and asked us the way as a runner was lost in the village, I said there was an alley on the left hand side and she drove off.

We went to see if the public loos were open, they weren't.

I texted Billy to say we would be about 25 minutes and went though the alley. We were being very quiet but that didn't stop a dog hearing us sneak past and it started barking, oops!

It was tough climbing up to Square Corner, I felt a bit sick, my back was sore and my ankle pain had spread to my lower leg.

We were greeted by Billy as we got to the top of the climb kicking his heels wearing my dry robe, we both laughed.

Time for Kim to go and get some rest, I thanked her and then tried to set off quickly, but Billy made me wait while I refuelled.

We hadn't seen anyone for ages but I felt that Claire and Ali were not far behind, I didn't want to stop for longer than necessary. I took my mp3 player, walking poles and a slice of bread to try and beat my nausea.

90 miles done

Osmotherley Square Corner to White Horse 12 miles

I had downloaded a 101 running songs album and what a load of rubbish, but it was a distraction and helped keep my pace. The poles helped my sore leg. The terrain now was not too tough, there was the climb out of Square Corner but from there to High Paradise Farm the going was quite good. I notised that I had been going nearly 24 hours, I kept my eye on the time for a bit and shocked to see that i had covered 98 miles in 24 hours, on that terrain, gosh!

Occasionally I would catch a glimpse of someone in the distance but essentially I was on my own.

From High Paradise Farm the terrain is a bit more changeable but so familiar, that I was ticking landmarks off in my head, the little wood, Boltby Bank, the mole hill field, old barn then narrow path to the cliff tops.

All too soon I was run walking above Gormire Lake, I even passed a runner as I ran past the cycle paths, Gill flew past on a bike to meet Ali. That meant that Ali had passed Square Corner and Gill had driven from there to Sutton bank, she was gaining. I ran to the view point. I turned the corner and emerged on Sutton Bank There was Victoria, She had said that she would try to be there, It really boosted me to see her there, she asked if I was stopping for a rest, I said I couldn't as they might catch me.

She took this pic

Only another mile to the checkpoint. I saw the occasional runner coming towards me as I ran walked the cliff path past the gliders. Soon I turned down into the woods. My lower leg was really painful, but I was so close, still first, I've never won any race, I didn't want to lose it now.

I emerged into the car park, there was Billy and Tony, I don't think Billy was expecting me. He said my tracker was down and he had to change it. I was worried how long it would take. He changed it over whist I made a fuss about how they were going to catch me I couldn't stop. Tony fed me soup, I had more coffee, changed my bottle and set off up the steps.

102 miles done (longest distance ever)

White Horse to Helmsley (finish) 10 miles

Billy came with me up the steps, Victoria was there.

The steps did not seem as bad as I had dreaded. This was it, check points done, I was on my way home, I just had to try not to be overtaken.

Billy came with me to the point where the Cleveland Way left the cliff path feeding me the chocolate my son had given me, it was some German caffeine chocolate. It was nice, dark and brittle but a new flavour after eating the same stuff for hours. We said our goodbyes and I headed to Cold Kirby, I was passed by a man and could not keep up with him, but i kept him in sight for ages, it gave me something to focus on.

My leg was really sore, I couldn't touch it and it was very hot. I was finding it harded and harder to put the pain away now but every step was a step closer to Helmsley. The gates felt so heavy the inclines so steep, I would jog bits but get out of breath though my heart rate was under a hundred. I chewed on the now stale bread that was in my pocket, washing it down with Tailwind. I passed the landmarks, the rocky hill, stepping stones, ponds, up the road past the farms to the hump back bridge. there's some one ahead, I'm gaining, Reveiux, the hill, into the woods, past the cottage, I'm gaining. Ah! I forgot about those steps, down and up, I am catching up, I'm passing there's someone else, but I'm not catching him, He is running well. I go down the lane to the stone at the start of the Cleveland Way. Right that's that bit done, half a mile to the finish.

I ran walked to the church and onto the lane where the Sports centre is

I've done it I thought, I've completed the Hardmoors 110.

There was Billy and Jill, I welled up. It was a very emotional moment,

I turned into the car park and leg pain momentarily forgotten I ran into the hall for the finish.

Helmsley Sprt Centre 111.73 miles 27 hours 35 minutes and 17 seconds. I received my medal and tee shirt. Everyone was looking after me. I was stunned, I did it, I completed it and I was first Female and first FV50.

And then it came back. My lower leg was agony. Someone put a deep freeze patch on, I had a little to eat and drink, then came over funny, so had a little lie down with my feet up. That did the trick.

I had a massage with Karen and started to feel better.

I went and put some clean clothes on and sat and waited for the others. Ali came next.

Jon did the presentations early as we had to get off,

but I wanted to see Claire finish, Jill said she was not far away.

We saw Claire finish. She too was in agony. she was fifth. We did good.

Thank you to Jon and Shirley Steele for all of your hard work organising these races and thank you also to all of the volunteers at checkpoints, and also to the cooks of all that fabulous food.

We stopped in Helmsley on the way home for that ice-cream that we had missed out on on Friday evening.

When we got home it took as long to unpack the car as it had to pack it, I had hardly eaten anything, I hadn't used the spare clothes or shoes, but the option had been there should it have been needed.

Team work soon had everything sorted and put away and the washing done. I stayed awake until 8pm and slept fitfully with a combination of twitch legs and leg pain.

Work was tough the next day and I had the dog to collect from kennels. I did manage a swim, one legged but as far as DOMS go I was walking up and down stairs as normal as my leg would allow and the swim warmed me up so i could do some good stretching.

This arrived on Thursday, a special gift from Billy.

Ten days on I had a sports massage with Libby and finally I can run again.

It is now two whole weeks since I completed the Hardmoors 110, I finally feel recovered and my leg is 99% back to normal. It has taken this long to organise things in my head.

Now I am planning the LDWA MYN100 next week. no support or safety crew, only one 13 mile route recce, so that will be a whole new challenge.

Can I really do two 100+ mile races in a month?

Paintedrunner, INVINCIBLE until proven otherwise

Friday 29 September 2017

Marathon 49, Hardmoor's Wainstones

LDWA North York Moors 100

Wednesday 2 August 2017

Half way there

Sunday 21 May 2017

Run, Walk, Hobble, Hardmoors 110.

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