Wensleydale Wedge

Wensleydale Wedge is a 23 mile Long Distance Walkers Association event that welcomes runners, it is organised by the Nidderdale LDWA group. It is a self navigating event.

This year was the 25 th running of the event and it is a favourite with Ripon Runners, it's only £11 to enter, there is food along the way and again at the end. It starts and ends at Askrigg in the Yorkshire Dales and has stunning views (normally).

For the last week weather forecasts have been closely observed, and so the 40-50 mph winds and torrential rain causing flooding was no surprise. There was a lot of standing water on the roads as we drove to Askrigg and as dawn broke it revealed that the River Ure had burst its banks, big style. 

When we arrived and registered we were informed that there was a route change, we were to run by road to Bainbridge and stay on the road until we reached the track at Stellingbusk, this was to be the first check point. 

The walkers and runners gathered in the village hall.

Soon it was 8:00 and the runners and walkers gathered on the road outside Askrigg Village Hall, there were noticeably less than usual on this sell out event. We set off down the road into a fierce headwind. My ponytail prevented my peaked cap blowing off, I used a Buff to keep it in place, Billy doesn't have a ponytail and had to go back to pick his cap up, I gave him a spare Buff to hold his on too. I have cycled this road a few times, but it seemed much longer, running it. Approaching Bainbridge it was apparent why we had been diverted, the path was deep under water. In Bainbridge it was lovely to see the Archemedes Screw turning the raging river into electricity. Now we started to run uphill, we were hammered by the wind, headwinds and sidewinds, we carried on past the stile where we usually have to queue and carried on up the right hand road, as we got higher it was easy to see over the wall and the floodwater in the valley, it was as if Semerwater had moved a mile or so closer to Bainbridge. The usual off road route was more undulating than the road, the road just seemed to climb forever and the winds made even the flatter bits seem like mountains. We waded through flood water. My view was hampered by the peak of my cap but that was stopping the driving wind and rain from stinging my eyes and face, most of my view was Tarmac and the feet ahead. 

At Stellingbusk we checked in and continued upwards but now on a rocky puddly track, which was doing a good impression of being a river in many places. There was less rain though and there was a chance to lift my head and admire the view of the valley with patchy mist and silvery streams. The last corner of the track led to the steepest part and finally the wind was behind, shoving us to the second checkpoint of the day.

Now we changed direction heading for soft boggy grass and muddy rocky tracks, the wind was behind, pushing, shoving, forcing the pace, making me run faster, faster faster, too fast, I couldn't stop but I didn't like the uneven ground and lack of control, but that all eased as we set off down the other side. The paths now we're crisis crossed with deep fast flowing streams. Wet feet were the order of the day. At a fork in the path, we were in a group and were unsure of the way, I thought left but most thought left, but it felt wrong. We went onto the left hand track, ah! That's better, I recognised some trees. The track was uneven but the wind felt less brutal and we made good time. As we approached Thoralby the track was very rocky and my left foot flipped under me (it does this often :-( ). I ran to the checkpoint at the Village Hall but my foot was not reacting properly, it was rolling side to side on impact. Inside the hall was a wonderful array of food and drink, I went to the loo and then got some pork pie, cheese and cake whilst Billy went to the loo. 

No messing, we were back out the door. My left foot was still not acting properly on the hard surface of the lane. To our right you could see the fields were flooded and we had to take an earlier entrance to the fields because the road was flooded. My foot was a bit better off road, phew! The fields from her to Aysgarth were mainly grassy hills seperated with stiles (the gap in the wall type, narrow and gated). We crossed the road and ran down through Aysgarth churchyard and onto the bridge by the mill. The River Ure raced through Aysgarth and the falls, churning cream and brown, a spectacular sight. We ran along the road to the next checkpoint. They had cheese and biscuits, I took some Wensleydale and a custard cream, and we left, walking and eating.

In the river valley it was much warmer and less windy than on the tops, we took our waterproof jackets off. There was a stunning rainbow, very vibrant over Castle Bolton. It was nice to be without them a while. More mud, more water up and down we ran. We ran down a narrow pathway between trees, it was really muddy and slippery, but the further we got down the path the wetter it became until we were running down a narrow stream to Little Thorelby and a self clip. 

By now my legs were arguing with me, I was beginning to feel last week's Goathland Marathon, which had been 28 miles of mud wind and rain. I was also beginning to regret signing up to turbo everyday, which added to my Runstreak takes a bit extra energy everyday. I took a caffeine energy gel to help me get through the last section.

We walked up to Castle Bolton as I put my waterproof jacket back on, it's a steep road section but it's rewarded at the top with a checkpoint with flapjack and tea cakes, some with jam on. I took some flapjack and a piece of tea cake with jam and set off for the last 10km. We knew it would be windy again, but tired legs had the wind thinking it was winning the battle to keep us away from Askrigg, but the gel and food kicked in and we pushed onwards crossing swollen becks and avoiding molehills. There was another rainbow, a double one.

This section has loads of gates, Billy ran ahead and opened them, I ran through and he closed them and caught me up. We were no longer running together, I was chasing him and refusing to give in. On previous years I have felt reasonably good on this section, today I hurt, my legs were tired and I was struggling for breath in the head wind. I was running head down to keep my face out of the wind and rain, following Billy's feet and praying I wouldn't trip. 

Finally we emerged from a lane to see the van that was the final check point, I struggled up to it, "Only a mile" the man said. It was like someone had pushed a switch, I ran to the stile and down to the woods, the tiredness lifting, through the fields and narrow gated stiles ( one of which I got stuck in) It's like the energy was in reserve, never daring to be used in case of emergency, but now it was released. At one stile there was a young boy in hi vis, offering encouragement ans at the next another who held the gate then ran ahead to the next one, holding that, then running back up the field to do it all again for the next runners and walkers. Now we were on the road, my foot was rollling again but it wouldn't stop me from charging (well that how it felt) down not Askrigg, through the village and into the village hall. Yey! Did it! 

After checking in and getting changed out of my soaking clothes I enjoyed a lovely cup of coffee and some rice pudding with peaches. I didn't have the stew I case it had onions in. Billy had it, he said it was lovely. After food and a chat with other runners and walkers, we collected our commerative mugs, patches and certificates before going back out into the rain to walk to the other side of the village to collect the car. On the way out a volunteer warned us that the road was closed due to flooding at Wensley bridge and to go back by Redmire, which we would have been doing anyway, but it was nice to be informed.

Well done to everyone completing this event today. Annekeneke and Bill, first man and lady, both Ripon Runners  The conditions were dreadful, special well done to Ripon Runners Linda, Lucy and Bully. Out in that for over 7 hours. Amazing determination.

So after getting home I still had to turbo, I just picked an easy gear, 90 cadence and kept my heartrate low, it eased my legs after the journey home. 

Hardmoors Goathland Marathon

I entered this race back in August, it was full and I was put on a waiting list. Last week, I got an email offering me a place. Needless to say I took it. I ran this race in 2013 on a cold bright day and got some cracking photographs to remind me of the georgeous views.

This week it has been foggy, I've dreaded it being foggy in case I got lost, it has also rained a fair big over the last couple of days. Today it was rainy when I set off to Goathland. En route I had a massive fear to face, I had to drive up Sutton Bank. That probably sounds like a normal thing to do for most of you, but I have a rediculously fear of hills in vehicles. But sometime necessity is the best way of tackling a fear. I wanted to race, I needed to get there so no choice really. I got up the hill in pouring rain and summit end into thick fog, blooming great driving conditions, dark, raining, fog and the roads were doing a great impression of rivers, but I'd done it I'd got up Sutton Bank. First victory of the day.

When I arrived in Goathland (the village where TV series Heartbeat was filmed) the fog had drawn back but the rain persisted.

For the first time I ran a whole race in my waterproof jacket. The race started outside the village hall with a road descent to start with, but not for long soon we turned left towards Mallen Spout, a waterfall which today was amazing. The trail by the river were steal steps, mud, leaves roots and wet rocks. A steep muddy trail of grass and muddy steps led us out of the river valley and onto the road. We crossed the road and ran along it a few yards before heading up the first of many muddy wet trails, still the rain persisted but as we got higher up the wind got stronger. The rest of the race was mainly over moors where the paths were now streams.

Along the way, which was marked with yellow tape, there were several checkpoints and marshals, all waterproofed up and smiling offering words of encouragement and plying us with goodies like Jaffa cakes, brownies jelly sweets, water and Cola. One had a box of chocolates and another some maltesers. There was almost enough to get round on, I supplemented these goodies with 2 gels and some Trailwind energy drink. Approaching the Hole of Horcum, where last year I took a lovely pic, suddenly today the mist came down, the rain started and turned into hail and sleet, fortunately the wind was behind me at the time. At the next checkpoint there was a stunning rainbow. From then the skies brightened for the rest of the run. From 15 miles I ran with Fiona, we were similar paced so ran along together. chatting and laughing as we slipped and slid through the mud, at one point Zi sank to my knees nearly Fylingdales in a muddy hole, but I cleaned up Shen I crossed the beck where the water was up my thighs, Fiona watched and went in in a different place and went in under her knees. But at least I was clean now with little more than 5 miles to go, but I wasn't clean long. The mud in the last 3 makes was the worst, it was stickier, and slippier than the rest of the route.

Yey we were done, 27.8 miles in 6:21. 15 min slower than 2013, but way tougher in my opinion.

Medal, t shirt and Chia Charge bar. 

Fiona got me a coffee,it was amazing. There was also an amazing spread of savoury and sweet snacks.

I got cleaned up and put dry clothes on for the drive home. It was getting dark already. I had quite a while to bolster myself for the most dreaded part of the day, the descent of Sutton Bank, as I approached the rain started again, but I took a deep breath an breathed a huge sigh of relief when I arrived in Sutton Under Whitestone Cliffe, Phew! It was done. I'd got  to do a great event with only a couple of falls and faced one of my greatest fears.

After I arrived home and had one of Billy's fab homemade pizzas I went on the bike on the turbo for Turbovember4 a challenge to do at least  30 min turbo session every day in November. I set the resistance low and just span my legs out, which eased them from stiffening up whilst driving home.

Guy Fawkes 10 mile

This morning it was foggy, very foggy, bbrr? Looked like it would be a chilly race today.

I set off early not wanting to rush with the lack of visibility. The fog started to clear as I approached Wormald Green and by the time I got to Ripley it had cleared, the skies were blue and the moon was still up. Oops! I never brought my sunglasses.

I was rediculously early the carpark was nearly empty and there was no loo queue, bonus.

Guy Fawkes had arrived though and was helping park cars.

I registered and went back and relaxed in the car waiting till closer to the start time 10:30 

The sun was getting higher in the sky and the temperature was rising, looked a good day to race, Wish I'd brought my glasses though.

As race start neared I set off to Ripley village centre, stopping to talk to friends. Soon we were all gathered outside the castle entrance.

The race started and was pretty congested for the first mile or so, it was tricky getting past people, but soon We were out on the road and there was room to spread out abit. This was a new way for the race start, nice to see Ian and Sarah there supporting at the junction with Clint Bank. Soon we were back on the old route heading down into Birstwith, over the bridge through the village, no water station here this year, cross the road and start the biggest climb of the day. Where previously we would only have to run 3/4 way up the Beast, as it's known, the new rout had us continue to the top, turn left on a more level lane, and there it was, the much needed water station. Then a much needed downhill section to let the legs and heart recover befor the next big climb at six miles, then a nice long down section into Hampswaite, through the village, there was Ian and Sarah again and Paula too. Eight miles in and another very welcome water station before the last big climb up Clint Bank to the point we had joined and turn back down to the castle. The lane was not congested now and I could run freely through the woods then a sharp down and up, turn through the castle gates and finally the finish line.

10 miles 1:34:01  

Next collect water, goody bag and tshirt 

Mmm! Chocolate, obviously zero calories after running so hard for one of my best ever 10 mile times.

I met with friends and teammates.

The fog was starting to descend and it was getting cooler for the last few finishers

But the surroundings were lovely.

And so the drive home was once again in thick fog.

 When I got home, after lunch I did my first turbo session for Turbovember where I will aim to turbo at least 30 min a day for the month of November.

Bit of a catch up

Since my birthday I have been taking things a bit steadier, I have still run every day, but last week I put cycling back into my training, I've done some sessions on the turbo but Ive also been out and about a couple of times. It was hard on the seat at first but it's getting easier.

On Thursday I started at a Pilates class. That was enlightening, I've previously only used YouTube videos, but they helped me pick up some moves. The instructor helped me perfect my positioning, and I had an enjoyable hour.

Yesterday I went for my first swim in 9 weeks. That went ok, I only did half an hour, for my first session. I tried to concentrate on form rather than pace.

Today I was going to go for a Halloween night run up at Swaledale, but common sense prevailed and instead Billy and I went and ran around and up Roseberry Topping instead. After all I'm only just learning to run off road in the dark, and just learning to do steep stuff in daylight. I would have help people up and possibly put myself off. Any how, we had a great 5.5 miles of mud and steep stuff today.

Tomorrow is The Guy Fawkes 10 Mile road race at Ripley. A new route this year so exciting stuff.

Bridlington Half Marathon

Many years ago, well in 2009, it was my first year taking part in the Black Sheep Series. A series of local races, mainly 10 km but also a 10 mile race and the brillian Burn Valley Half Marathon. This half marathon fell on one of my running partner's birthday in July, so we looked for one on my birthday too. Vicky found the Bridlington Half Marathon on 18 Oct. my birthday, so we signed up. 

Vicky and I did the Brid half for 3 years running but in 2012 we went to Dublin for the marathon on Oct. the habit was broken.

This year my friend Caroline decided that she would do a half marathon and had picked Brid. I looked at the date, it was to be on my birthday again, so I signed up too and planned to use it to finally get under 2 hours for a half.

Since Vitruvian middle distance triathlon at the end of August I have not cycled or swum, I have put all my energy into running. Firstly to be able to complete Equinox24 and run 100 miles in 24 hours. I achieved this. Then I wanted to get under 7 hours at the Round Ripon Ultra (35 mile) a fortnight later, which I did. A fall on the ultra has made the last two weeks uncomfortable for running, as my ribs have been bruised. But I kept working on pace and achieved a PB at the Yorkshire marathon last week. My half marathon split was just over 1:57. So the signs were that I should be able to run a stand alone half marathon in under 2 hours, but now it would really need to be under 1:57 to be a true distance PB.

I have also been running every day this year and yesterday (day290) was just 1.7 miles, but it was awful, my ribs were sore and I could not get my breathing to regulate.

Love my birthday gift from Billy

So today it is my birthday. I got up early, had breakfast and set off alone for Bridlington. I was meeting Caroline there and Billy had a monster bike training session. So this was also a challenge for me, having recently got back to driving and not being keen on motorways. Brid is nearly 2 hours drive away. I got there no problem.

Bbrr! It was not very warm, time to evaluate clothing choice. I'd packed an extra vest and a long sleeved top. I decided to put the extra vest on. I also put on a disposable Mac and made my way to meet Caroline. She was looking calm to say it was her first half marathon. The crowds were building so we got amongst them to keep warm. We were about halfway in amongst the pack. There was no rush though we had timing chips.

Suddenly the supporters were clapping and the runners were running, I started my watch and we were off, running along the promenade.

The route is undulating with more up than down in the first 8 miles and I remember a definate hill at 7 miles. 

It took me about 2 miles to feel warm. The miles seemed to be passing quickly, I dare not check my watch in case I was disappointed. Once the weaving and passing had settled I tried to keep it, that if I was passed I would try and pass someone. I remember a water station about 4 miles, gutted, it wasn't there, I should have checked the race details, I just assumed everything would be the same. I ran on everything else seemed the same, I felt as if I was running well, my ribs ached but I was managing to control my breathing. I made sure I got plenty of water on board at 7 miles, and ran on, Where's the hill? Yes there was an incline, a long incline, but it didn't feel like a hill.

 I turned towards mile 8 and picked up the pace for this predominately downhill section.

 I decided to check my watch as it buzzed 9 miles. Last mile 9:11. 

Oh no, that's not fast enough, if that was a downhill mile, what were the others. 

Oh well can't change it now, just gotta run these last 4 miles as if my life depends on it.

And I did, I moved slowly though the group for a couple of miles but soon I found myself speeding past others as we turned towards mile 12 .

One mile, just one mile. I ran as hard as I could and was soon back on the promenade, it felt like it was uphill, I was tired but not giving in. 

The race clock was obscured bu supporters on till the last few feet.

1:54:?? I'd done it, I had nothing left, no sprint finish. I was done. But so happy.

I got some water and was starting to feel the chill. I looked around. No sign of Caroline so I jogged down the promenade to meet her. I didn't need to go far, there she was, I ran up with her she was smiling, so happy. And so she completed her first half marathon in just over 2 hours. Fantastic. It was great to share that with her before she had to dash off.

Me, well there was always a bit of a tradition for Vicky and I, a paddle and fish and chips before the long drive home. On the way to the beach I got my official time via text.

Bbrr! The water was cold, but it felt so good on my hot feet and calves.

No swim this year, they've knocked the leisure centre down and are building another.

Looks lovely so far.

So that's it. It's only a month since Equinox24 and I've been steadily reducing my distance but had a PB at 35. 26.2 and 13.1 miles. A great birthday pressie.

Oh and Billy made me a fab gin and lemon cake.

It is very yummy.

Don't bite off more than you can chew (Yorkshire Marathon)

Today was the third Yorkshire Marathon, held at York, it is not really hilly, in fact there is less than 800 ft of elevation in the whole 26.33 miles (that's what my Garmin measured), so reasonably flat and not too many twists and turns. 

The event sells out quickly, so I entered months ago and set myself a target of sub 4 hours. Last year's 4:17 gave me a good start in pen 2. I set off behind the 4 hour marker but in true form, I soon was in front and running hard. The pacer was planning to run a steady 9:09 min mile pace. I'm rubbish at consistency. I'm also rubbish at negative splits so positive split was the plan, in other words, run like heck then survive.

At 10 km I thought I was going too quick, I tried to slow it a bit. The weather was far better than last year, no fog and quite bright, so there was lots of support on course. 

It was hard running with bruised ribs, but I knew it would be, what I didn't expect was the twinges in my piriformis, meaning my left leg started to give way about 12 miles. I forced onwards and passed halfway at 2:02 on the clock. I was off the planned pace and needed to fight onwards. I turned in Stamford Bridge, the first out and back, the crowd boosted me for a while. 

At 15 mikes the 4 hour pacer and his followers passed me. I missed the water station, I took a gel but the lady was shouting use both sides of the road there's more water further up. There wasn't, I'd misunderstood. She had meant to go the other side of the table. Hey Ho! Not the end of the world. 

I had needed the loo since the race start but I kept seeng signs for toilets ahead but not seeing the toilets. About 16/17 miles I saw toilets, I detoured. Feeling relieved, I tried to get my mojo back and catch the group I had been running with, but was almost floored with a stitch, I tried to shove my fingers into the pain but that and my bruised ribs made breathing a struggle. I ran with my elbow out like a tea pot for ages until it started to ease, gutted as my group got further and further away. At the waster station I grabbed a bottle, took a gel and struggled onwards and upwards. 

As I turned towards 21 miles I was still struggling. So far it was very similar to last year and again by 22 miles I had settled back into it. My head was willing but my legs screamed walk, my piriformis was preventing me running fluidly, I felt like I was limping and tried to stay away from the left hand side of the road as the camber was aggravating it. The miles started to tick by again, only 4 miles, just a park run. 

At 40 km there was a clock 4:04 the sub 4 was impossible, but I was doing better than I thought. Right, get a grip, sub 4:15 is possible. I tried to pick up the pace as I put as much of the pain away as possible. The hill towards the end was brutal and a sprint finish was impossible even with the downhill.

I crossed the line and stopped my watch. I hardly dare look, it could have gone either way.

4:13. Oh My, I did it. A PB at last. My marathon PB has been 4:16:26 since the first Manchester Marathon in May 2012. A long time coming. But my text said 4:13:35 and the tracker 4:13:15. Either way I'm a happy bunny tonight.

sub 4 was always a tough target, too big a chunk to bite off, especially with the recent event I have in my legs. So hopefully nibble away at my marathon times and one day achieve a sub 4.

One Misty Moisty Morning, When Cloudy Was The Weather {Round Ripon Ultra)

One Misty Moisty Morning, When Cloudy Was The Weather, There I met a few men and women clad all in lycra.
The Round Ripon Ultra is a 35 mile multi terrain race organised by Go Beyond Sport. It has been running since 2010, where there were 36 finishers. this year there were 126, the race has grown. I first ran it in 2011 I was 42/46 in 9:05. In 2012 I ran it again and was 71/100 in 8:15. In 2014 I ran it again and was 40/66 in 7:23. So i set myself a target of under 7 hours today.

It was foggy, I hoped it would clear as the day wore on. The race was its biggest yet with over 120 runners and we gathered outside Studly Rodger village hall for the race briefing at 08:45 after registering and collecting our long sleeved technical tees in black and a waterproof phone case. There was a good turn out of Ripon Runners, Alex, Paul, Matt and Simon representing the men and Anneke, Claire, Nicole and myself representing the ladies. Chris was there taking pics. It was great to see him in his Equinox hoody.
5,4,3,2,1, go, and we all ran around the corner and queued for the kissing gate. I took it steady, long day ahead. We ran through Ripon and to North Bridge where we joined the Ripon Rowel walking route. There were still lots of runners in a long trail so I was patient and started to move through the pack as we hit the tarmac again. I was now running a bit quick but felt fine so just kept going through North Stainley to Slenningford Mill caravan site and CP1 (8 miles).

Quick loo stop, refill bottle, get cake and set off again eating. Around the River Ure to West Tanfield, cross the road and head for the woods. The next section was a bit over grown and the fog still surrounded me. it was a bit other worldly. By now I had 2 ladies running with me. I took a wrong turn and they came too. I got us back on track but involved climbing a fence. We ran though Mickley heading for Hackfall Woods, ahead was Simon and Nicole, the had passed us when I had led us astray. In Hackfall it was muddy in places and at one point I slipped and slid on my left side getting a little muddy. I caught up with Simon and Nicole who were enjoying their first RRU and ran with them for a while. I was chatting to Nicole and realised I hadnt had a drink for a while, I pulled out my bottle and raised it to drink, stubbed my toe and ended up rolling around on the floor. The group helped my up, my right arm, knee and re but not too bad, I put the discomfort to the back of my mind and carried on to Masham, where I detoured to the loo, then carried on to CP2 (16 miles).

Quick refuel, more cake and I set off for the shortest leg, down the lane, across some fields and then a downhill road section, an undulating lane and another road descent before the first big climb of the day, time for a bit of run/walking. It was amost all uphill from here on to the Swinton Bivouacand CP3 (20 miles)

Again, a rapid refuel and a run down a field to the bottom of Ilton Bank and the biggest climb of the day. Once up the hill I set off on the short new section and onto the moors. It was still foggy. I ran alone catching up and passing other runners as the emerged through the mist. Soon I was back on the road passing more runners before entering the moors again, I could see runners in the distance and just kept onwards, taking the uneven sections steady as I didnt want a third fall. This is the longest section of the race and also a bit tricky for navigation. Up past the tower and back to road and track, I caught another group and as I passed the lady with them came with me, we passed another group, one man was in a kilt. and then they all passed me as we approached Grantley and CP4 (28 miles)

The lady left first then me, leaving the group of men at the CP. It was still foggy as I headed back downhill, As I approached the bridge the lady came from the opposite direction, she had taken a different path, but it made not much difference. We ran together a while, she had a GPS and was using that, I was using the force and sometimes they didn't match. As I approached Eavestone I realised she was not with me anymore. I carried on alone, around the lake and passed some walkers in the woods but saw no runners. Approaching the fams the route was not clear but I used the force to get through and finally arrived at Pateley road. I crossed the road, grinning, I was nearly home, Soon I would be at Sawley. At Sawley I turned down past the church for a mile or so and then left the lane to enter Spa Gill Woods, Nearly home, along the track over the stile up the hill and then I was on Fountains Road, AND there was a runner, i tried to catch him but it was a bit tiring so I went back to my plodding style, past the visitor centre and though the gate to Studley by the ST Mary's. Yey, I was grinning from ear to ear and was gaining on the only other runner in sight. I ran down the drive, my Garmin buzzed for 34 miles. The road was busy with cars and walkers, and then a huge crowd came out onto the road, They had been photographing the deer, They parted as the runner and i approached. I found another gear as Sarah cheered me on. I overtook the runner. Had I gone too early? there was about half a mile to go, I dodged the walkers and vehicles, running for home, more Ripon Runners waiting for Nicole, including her mum Linda, cheered me on, cattle grids, arches, Kelly and Sam, nearly there run, run, another cattlegrid, but someone held the gate open so I didnt lose momentum, turn the corner, there was the finish gantry, I tried to turn it up a gear, dont think I succeeded, but it was all over now. I asked the time, 6:46 i was told. Yey! I did it. Mission accomplished.

We all had a good day, the Ripon Runners, Alex first, Anneka and Claire first and second ladies, Paul and Matt both finished well up the field, Nicole and Simon just a few minutes after me.

Me well I was 7 th female, 45/126 6:47:26 and very happy with that.
Lack of photos due to lack of view because of the fog

Equinox 24 Solo but never alone

19-20 September 2015, midday to midday run as many 10 km laps as possible in 24 hours in the shadow of the stunning Belvoir Castle neat Grantham.

I decided a couple of years ago that I would like to run 100 miles in 24 hours. I investigated 100 mile races and worried about getting lost in the dark, so I decided that a 24 hour race over laps would be a better plan. I found Equinox 24, a brand new race that had only run once, so I figured that would be a nice one but it was too close to Ironman Wales in 2014 so I planned for 2015. I picked this event because I had done a Triathlon at Belvoir earlier in 2014 so had a good idea of the route.

I entered in October 2014 and planned my triathlon training to incorporate extra running, I decided to do a Runstreak in 2015 to get used to running tired and tried not to let it get into my head too often (failed)

The weekend finally arrived and I was excited, I just wanted to get on with it. Billy was my support crew, he picked me up from work and we drove down to Belvoir. We arrived around the same time as Chris who I had roped in to do the challenge too and his wife Cathy. Chris and I went and registered and collected our event T shirts and then went to set up our bases. Chris had a tent and I had a gazebo. Once set up close to the first turn on the course we all set off god the local Premiere Inn where we were sleeping that night. 

We booked in the Premiere Inn and then went for tea and an early night. I didn't sleep well, what's new I never sleep well before an event, especially one so big. Next morning I had a full English, Unusual for me on a race day but it was only 07:30, plenty time to digest it before race start at midday.

After breakfast Billy and I set off to fully set the base up.

We arrived at Belvoir to a far busier campsite than the one we had left around 18:30 the previous evening, the place was buzzing. We set a table in the gazebo up with snacks within reach from the race route.  I hung Yorkshire Rose bunting around the gazebo and hung a flag on the fence. 

I was starting to get fidgety, constantly asking for time checks but soon the kids race started. 11:00 there were loads of youngsters running past the base, they had a lap of the campsite to complete, and it was a big camp. The main event was approaching.

About 11:30 Chris and I headed for the start area with Chris and Cathy for race briefing. Now the nerves kicked in, but meeting old friends soon settled me back down. Graham, Sid (Who was running in a morph suit), Julie and Chris, and finally got to meet Michelle, Sid's better half.

Johnny did the briefing overseen by Laura. These two had set this whole event up, which is a massive undertaking for two people. They seemed to gave got it right in this, the events third year, there were over 140 solo entrants and over 170 teams of 2-8 people

Time to get in position to go. We filed around the timing mats teams, solos and people doing only the first 10 km. I needed to be behind the 10 km runners to prevent going off too quick. I had a plan and that was to walk the inclines and keep my heartrate around 140 bpm. I turned my Garmin 910 xt on to get satellite signal. I'd left everyone I knew to get into my own space in my head.

The race started and it was the slowest race start I've ever had, soon the field was well spead out, even before we left the camping field. 

So this was it, stay cool (tough when the sun is blazing in the sky) keep the heartrate down, the first field had a slight incline and was rough underfoot. The course was marked in Kms and they passed steadily. The long incline was my fist walk, I walked from the ramp to the cattle grid then ran steadily again. 5 km, wow that was quick, water station, met up with Graham, then back off-road and down a really steep hill, turn and up a short steep hill, definately a walk, then running down down down towards the lake, slight up through the wood, not enough of an incline to walk, turn and back onto the camping field. That was not so bad, 15 to go. We crossed the timing mat then split, Graham to his base and I headed for my base, focusing on my flag. 

Billy topped up my Tailwind ( nutrition, a powder I add to water to give me a steady flow of carbs). I ate a couple of sweets, grabbed a mini Soreen loaf and set off for lap 2. "Slow down" Billy said. I tried, but I felt fine and had a rhythm going. I said the Kms out loud as I passed 11, 12, 13 and soon I was back focusing on my flag, only 14 left to go. This time I took my Go Pro out with me. . The footage is not great. It's too shaky really. I ran with Trudy a while, she was solo too. The team runners were cheering us on. The atmosphere was lovely and the sun shone down.

Getting there, 3 down, now just another 13, and so it went, Billy topping my drinks up and me trotting round, keeping a check on my heartrate. I kept seeng Wendy, she was running well, even after a fall. And Ruthie, she was always smiling. There was a lady with a flamingo on her head and people dressed as super heroes. Sid was steadily getting through the laps in his morph suit. It was great keeping seeing the others.

After lap 6 I recharged my watch battery. I did this by having my each charger plugged into my Duracell mobile charger which was in the bum pocket of my shorts and the wire ran to my loosened wartch. About 3 km in I was getting warnings off my watch. The memory was full. I tried to find the right screen to delete some activities, which I have never done mid activity before. I couldn't see without my glasses, I asked a passing runner to help. He did. Paul from team bear with the cowbells, read the screen and I deleted old activities and the watch was charging again, and we ran together a while.

At the end of the lap my watch had 100 % charge again and it was approaching 7 pm so head torch time. Billy said I was in second place. Whoa, I'd never considered that I could do so well.

I managed about 6 km before I had to give in and put the torch on, the sun sank, now it was the bit I dreaded, running in the dark. The route signs had glow sticks on but that was all the light there was. I thought I'd find someone to run with, but everyone else was faster or slower, so I plodded on but the times on my own were getting longer. The whispered, "well done" keep going "'s from the otherwise silent dark camp site buoyed me up Just before midnight I asked Billy to come with me. Buddies were allowed in the dark hours I changed trainers and Billy dealt with a blister on my toe and we set off together. I was now third.

We did 4 laps together, chatting the night away, encouraging others and being encouraged by other runners and the Marshall's. After 2 laps the torch batteries needed changing, tired hands and fading torchlight made it take longer than planned. On the fourth lap the sun finally rose setting the geese of chattering and as we went up the short hill a cockerel crowed, that was it, back to lone running.

I took my MP3 player to keep focused, counting down the laps doing sums in my head, counting down, only 4 more laps, keep going. Since nightfallI I had walked the incline in the field because it was uneven. Now it was daylight I couldn't find the strength to run it. It was great to be able to look around again, there was mist on the fields and over the lake, very pretty. I saw Chris still going , he looked strong.

With each lap my goal grew closer, it would be close, could I really do it? Was it really possible. I was in fourth place now, I had to keep going. On the 15 th lap Billy gave me a bacon butty with ketchup, I don't normally like ketchup on bacon butties, I didn't know If I could eat it, I set off at a walk whilst I ate it, I walked with Julie and Chris, they were on their 10 th lap, to give them 100 km. We walk/ran together for a while, then the buttie kicked in and I got back to my steady plod. I crossed the timing mat and aimed for my flag and refuelled, I was still fourth, "I've got to keep going" I said and went out on my 16 th lap. I felt a little re energised, in my head I now knew I could do this, I could run 100 miles in under 24 hours, I just had to keep going, and I did. I kept fighting back the emotion, 1km walk the field, 2 km past the wood, turn up the lane, past 3 km, turn for the long hill, through the wood, 4 km, keep going to the ramp, walk fast to the cattle grid, run, slowly, 5 km, Water station,  off road, 6 km, down the hill, up the hill 7 km, down towards the lake 8 km, check watch. 99 miles, I'm gonna do it, feel choked, fight it back, over the bridge, throught the wood BUZZZZ 100 miles, oh my Goodness. I've done it. The guy in the truck that had been topping up the water, and checking up on us all day and night got out and gave me a hug. Keep going, 9 km, turn, back onto the camping field. "Well done" "keep going"  The cowbells had moved to the finish, I could hear them, along the lake, turn, there'ds the finish, keep going. Timing mat, stop watch. 

It's over, I did it. The Marshall came over you can do #onemorelap. "No, it's over I've done 100 miles" and my brain let go of my body, I could barely stand and the tears flowed. I was congratulated and consoled by a wonderful Pirate.

And there was Billy waiting. He had been awake as long as me, supporting me, he had run 40 km with me and I couldn't have done it without him.

I couldn't stay upright, I gad to have a seat before I fell. Billy queued for my medal whilst the man from the massage tent got me some water. Johnny came over with my medal and congratulated me.Then Billy got me an IceCream. I turned round and Chris was there he had done 76 miles. We were both ecstatic with our achievements.

Every time I tried to walk I needed to lie down. I lay in the marquee, feet on a bench and eventually had to watch Billy finish my ice cream because I couldn't eat it lying down. After a while we went to buy a hoody, still feeling a bit dodgy. Chris from Swimzie gave me his coffee and finally I began to feel human again.

Billy went to check timings and I was still fourth female and tenth overall. I was stunned. There were still runners out there so it could change.

Billy had packed up the base so we got set off home and I slept the first half hour. Felt loads better afterwards.

So when the final results came out I was fourth female and twelfth overall out of 142 solo runners. I am very pleased with that. 100.9 miles in 23:38:22 

GOAL ACHIEVED

Photos were taken day and night by Glenn Curley Photography and were available for us to download and share.

I highly reccommend Equinox 24. It's well organised, has a great vibe. The commeraderie is awesome.

It's so good I've entered again for next year and so has Billy.

Thank you Johnny and Laura for an amazing event.

Thanks to Spenser for his great advice.

Thanks to the other competitors for cheering me on.

Thanks to all my friends and family for your support.

Thank you for sponsoring me

https://localgiving.com/fundraising/lenaconlin