Where to begin.?
On Saturday my day began by getting up at the ridiculous time of 4.15am.Got to the start at 5.10am , delivered my drop bags (that had enough food to feed the whole race) and then collected my chip.Nearly time!
At 5.50 am we were called for our final brief and the nerves kicked in. At 6.00am sharp we were off.
The first leg up to Drymen was fine. Flattish, not too rocky underfoot and the weather was dry and cool.Got talking to a couple of men, so the time went a little faster.Made it to Drymen in 2.10.
The second stage -to Rowerdennen. Steady climb all the way from Drymen to the top of Conic Hill. Got talking to a couple of girls en route but they soon ran ahead. Conic Hill was actually not as bad as I expected going up but that descent was horrendous.My reward was food at Balmaha.
Then it was off to Rowerdennen for my next check -in. On this stretch my legs were starting to feel a little tired. Thankfully there was only one steep hill , just before Rowerdennen and I got to there in 3.44 (5.54). More food.
Next stage -off to Bein Glas Farm.Wasn’t looking forward to this bit. By this stage my legs and ankles were sore and it was now very hot. The underfoot conditions were rocky for about 7m. At this point I could have cried and gone home. But I kept going and made it to Bein Glas in an appalling 4.50 (10.47). Guess what – more food.
Final stage. TYNDRUM. I had never ran this stage and didn’t know what to expect ,except mostly uphill. So uphill it was, then down, then up, up, up and down. By this point my knees couldn’t go down the hills and I was having to walk down as well as up. But the last 3m were flat and with 50m behind me I wasn’t going to stop now. So off I was and I made the finish 3.35(14.23). Exhausted!!
Not the best time but I FINISHED!! Position 308 from 321 finishers.
I would like to say a very big BIG thanks to all my support on the day – Syd, Ben, Mum + Dad, Duncan, Caroline + Stephen, Caroline + Chris, Fletcher, Jim, Lindsay + Douglas, Irene+ James + Alan who all put in a lot of effortt be at each of the different stages.
A special thanks to Chris for all his help and advice – I couldn’t have done it without him.
Thanks, Margaret
