I have seen someone describe the Adidas Thunder Run as four seasons in one day, it is pretty hard to argue with this summary. Over the course of 24 hours you expect changes to the weather, but we pretty much had it all! Hours of the heat, a hour or so Thunder Storm which was the prelude to 7 hours of torrential rain, causing the course to become a treacherous mud bath followed by the return of the sun for the final few hours!
The Thunder Run has been my 'A' goal for 2013, after a disappointing 2012 in regards to fitness achievements in October I decided that it was time I returned to the Ultra scene and this time I wanted to take part in a competitive event as opposed to the previous efforts myself, Martin and Mike had done which put incredible stress and strain on those supporting us.
The Thunder Run seemed like a good choice. It had very good reviews and a set 24 hour event sounded like the perfect challenge. Things quickly fell into place in regards to a support team as well. As soon as I mentioned the challenge to Ben, he said he would be there. Rosa followed suit, having been out of the country for the best part of a year we met for breakfast just before Christmas, I told her the plan, she got out her diary and was confirmed! Mike, I am afraid has little choice - he knows I need him there and although it was never really discussed I knew he would be there as he has been on every other occasion!
The addition of another 3 solo runners, also with their own support teams meant that the entourage was always going to be pretty sizeable. Martin, and his now professional support team member Niki. Simon, with Lauren, Luke, Amber, Tim and Caroline and Mike Gossage with Jen and baby Zuben also on site!
In addition to this and very luckily for me, Claire who used to run with the Up and Running group took it upon herself to also enter a relay team. This was a great boost 8 more people around the course. I spoke to a woman who had parked her car near our tent on the morning of the race I felt guilty that she was running solo...and unsupported, she really was solo and I was there with the best possible people around me.
Nic, Anna, David, Claire (c), Darren and myself pre race (missing Jamie, George and Liam)
Myself and Mike grabbed a lift off Martin and Niki on Friday afternoon. The traffic was heavy all the way up, but we safely arrived at around 1730. Martin and Niki are both experienced campers and helped us set up the tent they were lending us and soon after we registered and picked up our rather bright yellow t-shirts! At this point I was feeling quite nervous about what lay ahead over the course of the weekend. My nerves were helped though when I went to see the Up and Running team who were pitched up about a 5 minute walk from the start finish line. With them they had a wonderful card signed by loads of people from the shop and the most amazing t-shirt that they had made with messages on it!
Mike, Julia me and wonderful t-shirt and Niki.
Soon after I was picked up by my Uncle and Auntie, Chris and Julia who live around 30 minutes from Catton Park. I knew that getting the maximum amount of sleep prior to the 24 hours would be essential so had opted out of the camping option and instead was treated to reassuring and comforting company, a nice bowl of pasta and a comfortable bed. I slept ok, but thoughts of what lay ahead did occupy my thoughts and it wasn't easy to switch off. In the morning I ate some porridge and Shreddies and tried to relax as much as possible prior the task in hand.
Myself and Mike were dropped back off by Chris and Julia at around 0930, Ben had already arrived and was now talking with Martin and Niki. Simon had also arrived with Lauren and they were trying to put up their tent, which Mike kindly assisted with. It was immediately reassuring to have Ben there. For those who don't know Ben is one of the best endurance cyclists on this planet. Holder of the record for Lands End to John O'Groats and BACK (1880 miles in 5 days 21 hours and 8 minutes, with only 210 minutes sleep!) 4th at 2012 World 24 hour championships in the States and veteran of 24 hour races up and down the UK where he often beats strong relay teams on his own.
Talking tactics with Ben on morning of race.
The arrival of friendly faces continued, Luke and Amber turned up from their new home in Lincolnshire about an hour before the race was due to begin and I knew it would be a huge advantage having one of my best mates at my side during the weekend although he did have the split job of looking after Simon (his brother) as well. Luke had two weeks previously completed the gruelling Race to the Stones in temperatures topping 30 degrees, the 62 mile event began at Chinnor and finished at Avebury and on a day when a lot of the field DNF'ed it was great to see Luke stick with it in really really testing conditions and I had taken a lot from his resolve and character. Rosa and her Mum (Nikki) and Dad (Rob) were the last to arrive. I very timely boost as nerves were beginning to creep back to the forefront of my mind, but the expectation and excitement that the trio bought reminded me that whatever took place over the next 24+ hours I was surrounded by a wonderful team. My teams job was solely to give me the physical and mental capabilities and capacity to continue around the course. They would have to constantly assess situations, whether it was internal factors or external factors, they were all in for an extremely demanding weekend, but I had absolute faith in them. In reality I had the simplest job of us all, all I had to do was keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Ben, Rosa, Rob and Nikki...worryingly finding something amusing!
Myself, Martin and Si headed over for the race briefing; bit of history of the race was given, then the inevitable safety announcements. I had been keeping an eye on the weather forecast in the build up to the event and at that moment in time the sun was blaring down on us so sun cream and sun glasses were on - the forecast however was for heavy rain for sustained periods during the course of the night. The briefing appropriately mentioned thunder and the fact it would be each runners own decision whether to persist should the conditions become dangerous in anyway, it was all set up for an entertaining 24 hours and I was now itching to get a lap or two under my belt. A quick return to tent to grab final bits and bobs and a few seconds with all the important people each to feed off the positive energy they were all giving out and I was finally good to go. A quick word of luck for Mike Gossage and the Up and Running lead out man Darren Hann and I found myself stood alongside Simon and Martin waiting for the countdown on the event I had been waiting for 9 months for. It hadn't been an easy 9 months and it wouldn't be an easy 24 hours but I was there, I felt ready and I was not going to let anyone down.
Simon, me and Martin - nervous smiles all around!
The first lap was always going to be an interesting one. A mass start on a technical and hilly 10km we knew would create bottlenecks and walking sections but there was no rush to get around, if anything it would be sensible to take it easy, learn the course and settle in for the long haul! So people have an idea, here is the breakdown of the course:
- 600-800m grass with camber 0.6km *
- Up steep single track hill (always walked) through woods to 1km sign
- Slight gradient at 1.5km
- Back into part of campsite at 2km
- Downhill and flat section to alongside solo campsite at 2.3km *
- Twisty, turning narrow section through section of trees 2.5km
- End of campsite (with team Up and Running occupying last tents 2.9km
- Hill number two (always walked) 3.3km
- Wooded section 4km
- Drinks station 5.3km
- "Conti climb" hill 5.3km
- Come out of wooded section and up a hill 6.1km *
- The "maze" very narrow and very technical section 7-7.5km
- Exit wooded section up a steep hill 7.8km
- Out onto open area which was easiest section to run on throughout 8km
- VERY steep short downhill returning to campsite 8.7km
- Flat section alongside campsite 9km
- Short sharp uphill 9.8km *
- Start finish area 10km *
The course, red arrow being start/finish straight.
As expected the course was a test, the positives of this was repeated laps shouldn't get too boring as it included a lot of variety and hazards to pay attention to. The biggest advantage was the fact that the course allowed for regular contact with my support team. The places with a * next to them are when I would always be greeted by Ben, Rosa and Mike. Luke and Amber would also more often than not be at these points or similar ones, or Luke had a wonderful knack of just appearing when I needed a friendly face and some company! It was an incredible start to the race with around 400-500 people leading off either as solo or team runners and thousands of people lining the course. I completed the first lap in 1:01:14 - a little bit quicker than I intended but not too far off. I had to remember I was in it for the long haul though, with around 130 other solo runners the first lap was nothing more than a learning curve, a chance to run the inevitable nerves out of my legs and prepare myself for the task in hand.
One lap down...only 23 hours to go!
The weather at this point was warm, I had drunk pretty much all of my electrolyte drink during the first lap so the only adjustment needed at the start finish line was a refilled bottle, I threw it to Luke, it was caught successfully and they would get it sorted and handed back at 2.3km. Things were going well! I remember spotting Rosa and her Mum and Dad on the railings as I set out on lap number two, I made a short detour to high five each of them and off I went to do it all over again! The crowds of runners had began to settle down a little and the second lap was easier to negotiate on this front than the first. In hindsight I was running a little too quickly on the runnable sections at this time, there were four hills that I would walk every single lap, but slight inclines were still being run at this point resulting in laps two and three (57:10 & 59:09) being quicker than they needed to be. It was during my fourth lap that I lapped Martin for the first time. I am sure he won't mind me saying that at this point he seemed to be really struggling with the conditions (temperature was around 25/26 degrees I believe). He had completed his first lap a lot quicker than he intended (1:11) and this had began to catch up with him. I walked with him up the hill we were on, I didn't need to give him advice as he had a plan of taking it easy on this lap to recover, get some food down him and go again. I knew he would be fine, Martin is as hard as nails and as stubborn as myself but I didn't like leaving him. The fourth lap was also when I started to feel a couple of problems surfacing. My back was hurting, I think primarily because I was often putting my hands on my legs when walking as quickly as possible up hills. I scrapped this approach and concentrated on my posture and hoped that it would settle down. I was also beginning to feel the very early signs of cramp in my hamstrings, at this point the heat was still beating down and I was sweating a lot so knew I would have ensure I was replacing the salts I was losing through food and fluids. Lap four was judged a little better being completed in 1:05:43.
Luke kept me company for prolonged period, which was extremely helpful.
Myself and Ben prior to the event had discussed the fact that the approach would be to take minimal breaks, and for me to be out on course for the absolute maximum amount of time possible. I remember asking on lap five, "will I be able to have a short break at the end of this lap" Ben, rightly, replied "no, we will make decisions on whether you stop at the end of laps, you might feel good and therefore there would be no need". He was spot on, it didn't make sense to decide upon stopping an hour in advance of doing so we could make the decision as late as 9.8km into a lap. What was helping me stay on course was the support I was receiving, random people in the campsite sections were fantastic. I had a yellow solo number and was getting a lot of additional support from all those around the course as a result of this. The regularity of seeing my own support team and other people I knew was also really motivational. Tim and Caroline Hedges had arrived just after the race began and I loved seeing their friendly faces. Lauren Hedges was also working overtime for Si but kept giving me words of encouragement whenever she saw me! Niki Willows always had a big smile and the right words when I saw her near the solo camping area. One of the most impressive supporters was Rosa's mum Nikki. They had bought a bike along with them and somehow she was flying around to all different parts of the course to give me a shout and words of encouragement. Amazingly, she could appear on numerous occasions during lap! 4.5km, 5.5km, 7km and 8km all in one lap on one occasion! What a remarkable woman and it was wonderful to have her there!
The sun was starting to go down and thankfully so was the temperature so during laps five and six (1:13:15 and 1:11:09) I preferred the conditions then the previous few and think the routine I had settled into in regards to walking/jogging/running was becoming an effective and economical way of tackling the laps. It was at 66km that we discussed another break, the team felt that as it was now 'dinner' sort of time and I would of completed 70km we would pull me in for a 10 minute maximum break. I was briefed by Ben to get to his car, sit in it and everything else would be taken care of for me. On completion of lap 7 (1:12:19) I left the course for the first time, continuing with running to Ben's car, taking off my t-shirt and plonking myself down next to a mix of food and surrounded by people who were efficiently carrying out each of their roles in this pit stop. It was nice to sit down, but I was lucky it was out of direct view of the course as I would of found it hard watching competitors moving when I wasn't. Ben did some massage on my legs, Rosa and Amber sorted out my t-shirt whilst Mike and Luke fixed up my bag and changed my socks and made sure I was eating as much as I could. I tentatively picked at the dry bits of pasta on the plate of warm pasta and meatballs that was sitting next too me. I wasn't hungry and didn't want to eat but I knew that I had to try and force whatever I could down.
Pit stop number 1, 70km completed.
It had been nice to stop, but I wanted to get going again - I didn't want to seize up and I knew I had one more lap with some light to work with before we would enter the night section. I rejoined the course and had my head torch in my bag. It was now drizzling with rain, which was a welcome relief in comparison to the warm temperatures that the initial laps were run in. At exactly 20:00 though, there was a flash of light, followed by a loud rumble. Those around me on the course reacted excitidly, I however was slightly concerned. I knew how difficult the night section would be regardless of the weather conditions, I knew that the course dynamic would alter significantly if it rained heavily and it wouldn't only become a case of survival of the fittest, but also of the bravest. It didn't take long for the rain to start matching the thunder and lighting and it was quite a spectacular show. It was at this time that Mike, Rosa, Ben and Luke had their work cut out on so many levels. Firstly they themselves were out in the now sheet rain and due to the lighting they were braving it without umbrellas as well. Their job required them to be waiting for the majority of the time. I don't know how they were all personally feeling, what I do know is that whenever I saw them they worked absolute wonders. They were comforting, supportive, giving me words of advice and encouragement. Most of all they were still always smiling and my short term goals were no longer complete a lap, it was simply a case of seeing them at one point, then pushing myself as hard as I could until I saw them again and repeat this process over and over.
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10151815901561214" width="720" height="480" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Due to the now persistent rain I struggled round a rather sloppy lap in my Brooks Cadence road shoes which had been very comfortable but did not have the grip required, perfectly demonstrated when on the drenched muddy camber towards the end of a lap I had my only big fall of the event. I slipped and was lucky to avoid falling on anything other than mud so no damage was done. It did however mean a change of shoes was required. I knew that the Inov8 Roclite's were the only viable option I had in terms of tread on them, but they have never really suited my feet and often rubbed so I was worried about wearing them for the next 15 hours or so. The change was made without leaving the course, my shoes were swapped just past the start finish line and under a couple of umbrellas and off I went again.
The Thunder Run, lived up to its name.
The laps in darkness all really blend in together and I can't especially distinguish what happened on each lap or even the correct order of certain memories. Running in the dark didn't start well though with my own head torch lasting just 15 minutes before it seemingly became waterlogged in the bad weather, so I had a delay whilst I waited for Mike to run and fetch my back up head torch at the 2.3km point of a lap. I remember running up alongside Simon in the latter stages of a lap probably around 2130. We trudged up a hill in the pouring rain and discussed how shocking the conditions had become. It was nice to speak to someone out on course. Luke had kept me company for a couple of sections during the daylight hours but I knew that sustained contact with anybody over the next 6 or 7 hours was likely to limited and the amount of competitors on course was down as well with many solo runners and teams opting out of the worsening conditions.
Night settling in, I am green jacket in distance.
I had prepared for the fact that the hours of darkness would be a massive test and quite probably the hardest part of the whole process. What I hadn't fully prepared for during my training was for it to rain for the whole time that it was dark and the knock on effect that this would have on the course itself. The rain was relentless, it was like being in a shower constantly and there was no sign of it letting up either. The 10km loop contained plenty of wooded sections, but somehow under the cover of the trees the rain actually felt harder than out in the open. I was completely soaked and although my laps were not grinding to a halt they were slowing and in turn this was causing the wet clothes against my body to result in me feeling increasingly cold. I therefore had to try and reduce the walking as much as possible in order to stay warm but I couldn't do anything on the hills or now even certain parts of the mud bath other than walk as quickly as possible. I was getting cold and this was effecting me. I kept asking Ben and Rosa for information as to how many hours of darkness I had left to contend with, I was told sunrise would begin at around 0420 and that I should be looking to complete 5 laps in the 7 or so hours of darkness. For some reason this seemed to me like an ambitious target but I didn't argue, I just put that information to one side and continued to make whatever progress I could.
On what must of been lap number 10 which took place around 2300 the wet and cold was now becoming an issue I couldn't ignore. On seeing what was now becoming the most comforting sight possible, Rosa in a reflective high vis jacket, I told my team that I was cold and it was really starting to effect my performance and morale. I didn't have another waterproof coat, but luckily Ben did and my team decided to surprise me at the completion of the lap and change my top half of clothes. Just before the 8km sign Nic from the team entered by Up and Running ran past me as I trudged up a hill. Rather selfishly considering my speed in comparison to hers I shouted her name, in the hope she would keep me company to the end of the lap. She was delighted to see me and was more than happy to sacrifice a speedy lap to coax me around to complete lap number 10. I specifically remember complaining about how cold I was, she offered to help in anyway she could but I knew the most important thing was she got me to the end of the lap as quickly as possible. The entourage grew when at 9.5km we saw Martin up ahead, this again gave me another timely boost as we completed the lap together, catching up on each others progress. Nic went on her way and handed the team baton to Jamie having done a key job over that couple of kilometres, it was also about 20 minutes away from being her birthday, which was a nice thought for us both - but I have to be honest I was less worried about her birthday and more relieved that I wasn't far away from being half way through the event.
Ben was rightly concerned that if I would of even stopped for a few minutes at this point of the night, in the physical and mental state that I was in it would of been a big ask to re start again so my team had prepared for a rolling kit change which by all accounts was a masterpiece in organisation and execution, this is how I remember it. On completion of the lap my trusty team of four were stood waiting for me to arrive. Between them they had two umbrellas a bag full of fresh clothes, talcum powder and a towel. My role in the pit stop was to take my current coat and t-shirt off, after this it was a big blur - all I know is I didn't stop moving, before I knew it I was towelled down, covered in talcum powder, (of which Ben also took a face full as he stood behind me with the umbrella) in a fresh t-shirt and a new waterproof coat. It had worked, I felt warmer immediately and the coat was offering much more resistance to the rain that continued to beat down. The 0000 target and half way into the challenge was also reached now. Prior to the event I would of been really pleased with 17 laps and 170km covered within the 24 hours (due to the buffer of being allowed to complete whatever lap you are on as well). I had done sums in the lead up and thought that if I could get to 10 laps within the first 12 hours it would give me a good chance of making 17 laps as at some point I would inevitably fade and slow. I was therefore pleased to just pip even my most optimistic of targets but knew that the harder 12 hours was what stood in front of me now.
The next hurdle to negotiate was my wavering morale which came in in unison with feeling increasingly sleep deprived. Although my pace had not spectacularly slowed and I was still managing to run certain sections of the course, I felt at times like I was barely moving. The darkness was absolute and the course was fairly quiet, instead of enjoying seeing other people on course they were all moving past me now and this also served to have a negative influence on my mood. My mind drifted, I thought about Laura a lot during these laps. I thought about the fact that following her death at the beginning of the year how I had said to numerous people I would do everything within my power to win the event. Since Laura passed away, running had been my main coping mechanism, ironically now it was thoughts of Laura and Dad that I channelled into a coping mechanism for continuing running! I felt like they were both with me, but was I doing enough? Could I go quicker? I spoke to Ben when he kept me company for the latter sections of a lap. At this point I didn't know my position in regards to the field, I hadn't even actually considered it but I told him that I had really wanted to win, to which he replied "whatever happens, you will be a winner". I liked hearing this from him, I couldn't have any more respect for Ben and I was pleased that he felt we were going along well.
During the next four or so hours I battled as hard as I physically could. The condition of the course was now extremely dangerous and worsening. People were falling over regularly and the rain continued to persist. Mike, Rosa and Ben were working wonders in keeping me going around that course - I don't know how they did it in all honesty but their warmth and encouragement was somehow giving me the energy to continue making forward progress, I knew that the quicker I moved the quicker I would see them along with Luke and Amber. My aim was to survive until the sun came up in the hope that this would breathe new life into my legs and I knew that it would also bring other supporters and thats what I was clinging on for now. The slow rising of the sun was certainly a sight for sore eyes and in the lap that resulted in the end of requiring a head torch saw me pick up the pace (a little). My morale picked up and in turn so did the weather as following over 8 hours of solid rain the sun decided it was going to see the event out.
17:37:04 in and the morning light was a welcome relief.
Remarkably my team between them had slept a matter of minutes rather than hours during the night. Ben who had left London at 4am to avoid being late for the midday start had a small amount of sleep in the early hours, Rosa grabbed little more than 10 minutes and Mike (not to be out done by me I guess) didn't sleep a wink. I was amazed that their performance as a team was in no way effected by the challenges they themselves were facing, this naturally fed back to me and was huge in keeping me going. My times throughout the night did slow but not too drastically, unknown to me I had actually managed to work my way through the field during the course of the night. Originally we had an intention of pulling me in for my second rest (intention of 5 minutes) after 140km, but with the sun up and me feeling relatively capable still I made the decision to push it out to 150km before coming in.
State of large sections of course following 8 hours of rain and thousands of runners!
It was just after completing lap 14 that I got my first update from Ben and Luke as to my position in the field. In the laps during the night Ben had been informing me he had "some good news to tell me" and would do so when I next came in for a break. I didn't ask what, I didn't ask why, I banked the information and kept on moving. However, as I was pushing onto that 15th lap and missing out on my news I finally asked. I think it went something like this, "Am I winning?" Ben looks at Luke…not really sure whether to give me any information "No" he replied, "what position am I in?" "You are third but moving into second". I was surprised, I didn't even consider the fact I could be so high up in the field. It was a pleasant surprise but I didn't want to throw it away, "where is fourth?" "you are quite comfortably ahead of 4th" I could tell from their answers and faces that I should be less concerned about 4th and more concerned about cementing second, this was good news. Then the question that Ben has since said was very hard to answer but he felt he had to be honest, "do I have a chance of winning?", "No" was the reply. It didn't bother me that this was his answer, false hope would of been very damaging and at this point the leader was over 3 laps ahead of me and although this had come down from 4 it was going to take something miraculous to overturn the lead he had established.
I digested the information I had been given over the rest of the 15th lap and decided that I would come in for a short stop and change of clothes but I wanted it to be as quick as possible, after all I now had something to protect and I did not want to throw everyones hard work away. Lap 15th took me 1:19:26 which was quicker than the 5 laps previous, I was conscious that I wanted to earn the 5-10 minute rest. 150km bagged and I was treated to a bacon sandwich of which I attacked the bacon and avoided the bread. Another change of clothes, removal of the coat, a quick clean of my muddy legs by Amber and Ben did some very quick maintenance on my tiring legs. With little over 5 minutes spent I once again felt motivated to get back out on course and see the job through. Somehow I was still managing to run certain sections of the laps, slight slopes and inclines in the initial laps had now somehow become hills and thus were being grouped in the walking category. Another boost that my team gave me was reporting back that they hadn't seen any solo runners running at any point over the last couple of hours, if I could just keep piecing together some constancy in my laps then hopefully I could forget about 4th, and move away from 3rd as well.
Taking instructions from Rosa at around 20 hours in.
Lap 16 saw a lot more activity around the course, it seemed busier, people were awake in the campsites again and I felt relief as much as anything that my pre race target of 17 laps was looking increasingly attainable. The biggest concern was that the precarious conditions could at any moment result in an injury, I had one moment when I slipped towards a barbed wire fence, luckily still having the capacity to make the decision to grab the fence pole as opposed to the barbed wire. I had a word with myself (quite probably out loud at this point!) to keep concentrating and not make any silly mistakes at such a late point in the event. Then as if by magic up popped Rosa's mum and her trusty bike, which somehow she managed to cycle alongside me in the bog of a course! I knew the friendly faces would get me over the line, they had done so much up to now and I just had to keep going as best as I could.
My dream team! Luke in distance, Ben and Mike and Rosa closest to camera.
Luke, Amber, Rosa, Ben and Mike waiting at 2.3km on Sunday Morning.
My spirits were high, although I was tired, hurting and struggling for large portions of the course - I was weirdly enjoying all of this and knew that I wasn't going to be leaving with any regrets as long as I could see out the final few hours. I couldn't resist pulling Ben's leg though at 169.8km and walking up the slight incline before 'running' down the home straight I looked at Ben and announced "I am done at the end of this lap", he shot a look at me and started to reply "no your…" when he looked at the wry smile that was on my face he knew, that I knew there was still work to be done, no way was I stopping.
A new issue was becoming increasingly evident, my heels were hurting more and more and I knew it could only mean one thing - blisters had arrived and unlike the rain, the dark or even that mysterious back pain they were not going anywhere and were only going to get progressively worse! At 172.3km I remember saying to Ben "I'm really suffering with blisters, its going to slow me down", Ben, measured as ever enquired "Is it hurting every step", "yes" I dejectedly announced, "ok, it won't be as bad as you think, do your best to ignore it there isn't anything we can do". Rosa was spot on in saying at no costs should my shoes come off, firstly because no other pairs of shoes would of been safe in the conditions but more so because I would not of physically of been able to put on another pair. I did my best to ignore the blisters but it was extremely painful.
Hilly, muddy and now busy on the early hours of Sunday.
More and more people were arriving to support and I was trying to feed off this as much as possible. I saw Mike Gossage, saw the Up and Running Team now the sun was up at their 3km cheer point. Tim and Caroline were back as were Si and Lauren, Niki was still doing a phenomenal job keeping Martin on course and he was making incredible progress. Nikki and Rob were back for another stint of stellar support along with Chris, Julia and my cousin Sarah. Luke and Amber were working overtime to all my needs and my trusty three were as incredible and strong as they had been from the beginning!
I had achieved the distance I wanted to reach, but I now had bigger goals, not only did I want to complete the 18th lap I wanted to make sure I crossed before the 24 hours was up so that I could complete a 19th lap and in turn hopefully seal a second place finish. The blisters were my biggest nemesis but the pull of being now between 2-3 hours from finishing was dragging me around the course. The sun was becoming increasingly strong now and Mike applied some sun cream on me whilst I walked up the hill. The pace had really slowed now, the running sections were much more of a shuffle and my walking sections were becoming laboured as well. The blisters were the biggest pain but generally I was really starting to feel the accumulation of the 22+ hours of exercise that I had done. After reaching the last part of the 18th lap Rosa joined me over the the start finish line and a random supporter shouted "are you doing one more lap!?" I announced (rather dramatically) "one more lap, one more lap". The support between the 18th and 19th lap on the start finish straight was phenomenal, not only were all of my friends and family there it was also packed full of teams cheering on their penultimate or last lap runners making it a very special place to be.
"One more lap" accompanied by Rosa on beginning of final lap.
So the hard work was done, I had crossed and started my 19th lap with time to spare and technically could take as long as I wanted to complete it. Two reasons meant that I didn't want it too take too long, firstly because I was desperate to get done and off the course but primarily because of my pride and my laps had been slowing and I didn't want the last lap to look too out of place when compared to the others. Luckily I had a pacemaker, Rosa in her wellington boots was 'running' alongside me. After about 500m with me attempting to run and Rosa just behind me (I would imagine a walk being sufficient to keep up!) I heard a splat and although I don't even remember turning around it was obvious that Rosa had done what countless others had done during the 24 hours and taken a tumble. I asked if she was ok, she very quickly assured me that she was and that I should push on she would catch right up! It didn't take long and she was back alongside me caked in mud, we both couldn't help but smile!
The last lap, relief!
I found myself a little more relaxed on this lap, this did change however at 2.3km though there had been some confusion as to how close 3rd place was in relation to myself in second and I was told I couldn't afford to switch off completely. I took this as motivation to test my body and see what I had left in the tank. I remember during Ben's ride, whilst he was struggling at Wick on the way up, I spoke to him and said that an endurance based challenge is 50% physical, 40% mental and the last 10% comes from the heart. Ben himself had alluded to this during the course of the weekend and although those percentages had not necessarily come in that order for myself over the 24+ hours I wanted to try and tap into a combination of the three aspects and complete the task. I set off 'running' as if I was really being chased down, at 3km George from Up and Running was kitted up and ready to run with me. My instructions to her were simple, "make me run the flats, make me walk quickly up the hills - we need to get this done". We pushed as hard as we could, and I was turning my legs over as quickly as possible. I was making solid progress but I was feeling it and tiring extremely quickly. I was pleased to have the company of George, she chatted away and kept me as occupied as possible when my legs were screaming out at me to slow down I resisted the urge as much as I could. At 4.5km I could hear in the distance the microphone announcing that 24 hours was up and loud cheers accompanied this, it was strange still being out on the course when the 24 hours had been completed but knew it would soon be my time to rest as well. Thankfully at 5.3km my team bought me the news that 3rd place had stopped and completed 17 laps - I had done it, second place was sealed.
I did spend the next 20 minutes or so walking, I couldn't take the smile off my face but I also couldn't get my legs to do anything other than walk, I tried making them and was even talking to them but they didn't seem interested. Liam from Up and Running caught up with us and joined what was still my walking party and I was told that Jamie would also shortly be with us who was completing Up and Runnings official 22nd lap. I knew seeing Jamie would give me a boost, as it had done at any other point during the weekend! Nikki cycled alongside the four of us as I we walked between the 6-7km, I announced I would run at 8km and try to make it running to the end. At 8km, my legs groaned back into action but they did slowly co-operate with the task in hand. I wasn't moving fast as I am sure the others can testify but it was quicker than a walk and I was now within sight of the finish. At 9.8km of the lap none of my team were there for the first time, but that was because I knew they were waiting for me just a minute or so away. For the first time I ran up the short but steep incline, ran around the corner and the finish line was in view for the 19th and thankfully last time.
Jamie (front) Liam (back) demonstrating depth of the unavoidable pond...refreshing!
The last lap, Liam and George on foot and Nikki on her bike/time travelling machine!
It was incredibly emotional approaching the line, flanked by the Up and Running team behind me and being greeted by a huge group of people.
Final few steps, followed by the Up and Running Team.
I crossed the line, I had finished - I found what I wanted immediately, the arms of Mike. We hugged, we had done it - we had achieved everything we had set out to do and more. The hundreds of hours of training had paid off, I was surrounded by incredible people and was experiencing an incredible feeling. I wanted to bottle that moment and never let go of it, I hope I will always remember it as clearly as I currently do.
Me and Mike.
I quickly found Martin next and we hugged. He had finished a little before me but had achieved his goal of 24+ hours solid and completed a fantastic 13 laps. This is someone who has basically not been able to train for the event due to injury and he easily exceeded his own expectations, to which I am so incredibly proud and inspired by. He always delivers when I talk him into these crazy plans and a lot can be learnt from his resolve and strength of character.
Me and Martin.
I sought out Ben, Rosa and Luke amongst the melee of people. I embraced each one, thanked them as best as I could. In hindsight and over the last week or so I have continually thought of things I want to say to thank them for their incredible involvement, I won't ever get bored of thanking them and will never be able to thank them enough. Each one of them along with Mike were the primary reasons I managed what I did. I was only as good as my team around me, they were faultless and together as a team we had got the job done. I was interviewed by Vin Cox and I don't especially remember what I said, again I wish I could of planned my responses and specifically thanked everyone who was there, or who had been watching from home, keeping an eye out for updates and sponsoring both myself and Martin either in the build up to the event or whilst we were taking part.
Nikki, Rosa, Ben, Luke, Me, Martin, Mike, Amber & Niki - some of those involved at TR24 but there were many more!
To be done was a relief, it felt alien not to be on the course any longer. I didn't miss it, I was pleased to have finished.
The rest is all a bit of a blur really, I remember taking off my shoes and inspecting the damage to my feet, I remember people gasping at the rubbing under my arms, I remember making my way up to collect my trophy and congratulating both the winner (Paul Giblin, 20 laps) and third placed finisher (Martin Terry, 17 laps).
Martin Terry, Paul Giblin and me on podium.
It was sad that everyone then went their separate ways, I didn't want to say goodbye to anyone - I wanted the experience to last. I can't thank everyone enough for their involvement in the event:
- Those who sponsored, THANK YOU - you made what we were doing worthwhile. Also the people who tracked the progress and sent messages of support, you all played your part.
- For those who have personally helped me reach the fitness level I did; Adele Cordy for running with me in three different countries this year in preparation and dragging me around the Cardiff Ultra, Brian at Natural Health physiotherapy for helping me overcome my injury issues over the last 10 weeks before the event and generally being a great guy. To Keith James at Keith James physiotherapy for his advice and support when I needed it most. Rick Wallis my boss, has been incredibly helpful and generous in both my own and the teams preparation for the event, unfortunately Rick couldn't run at the event but his influence was integral.
- To the Up and Running team, organised by Claire - it was a pleasure to share the course with you guys and you all had a great knack for arriving when I needed you most! Claire, David, Jamie, Nic, Darren, Anna, George and Liam THANKS. Also Hodi for her support throughout the whole process of my training for the event, it was a huge shame you were injured for the weekend but there is always next year!
- To everyone who was up at Catton Park that weekend whether I knew you or not, there are far too many to mention but you all know exactly who you are! People came from all over the country, gave up their valuable time in order to support myself, Martin, Simon and Mike Gossage and I know I can speak for all of the others in saying a huge thank you to you all.
- To my fellow solo runners; Martin you are incredible, I hope that when I am your age I am half as brave and fit as you are, I love you. Also on a side note as Luke said you are either wearing t-shirts that are far too small or you are working out far too much! Simon, I know you didn't get the result you wanted but it was amazing to have you there and throughout the whole build up you were someone who I regularly spoke to about it which was integral to preparing. Mike Gossage, it was a massive shame that you were sick during the course of the event but huge respect for showing up and getting that ultra distance bagged, bring on next year.
- To Ben, Rosa, Luke and Amber for their unwavering support, their ultimate faith and incredible hard work over the course of the 24 hours as a team we got the job done - at no point however hellish the conditions were did it even cross my mind to throw in the towel and that was because of you guys. I will always be in your debt.
- To Mike, an incredible young man, I draw strength from you every day of my life, I love you.
- To Kate, such a inspirational young woman - the way you deal with things in your life makes running for 24 hours seem like a walk in the park, I love you.
- To Grandma and Grandad, two of my best friends, I am sorry I do these things and also drag Martin into them…but we always "take it steady", I love you
- To Mum, I am sorry for putting you through these events, but I am not done - any good qualities I have I have learnt from you (except maybe endurance running!), I love you.
- To Laura and Dad, I miss you both everyday, thank you for everything you ever did for me, I love you.
