Page 64 - RADC Bulletin 2021

SPORT & AT
because ‘What else would you want to do on a Sunday!.’ I enjoyed chatting to people along the way, the energy was great with people encouraging and supporting each other. Once back on track we carried on and eventually reached the second checkpoint. Fantastic as they had lots of food and drink, we helped ourselves to cake, bananas and
a little bit of fizzy pop. The volunteer at this checkpoint politely informed us that the next incline was the steepest. He wasn’t wrong.
It was a mountain side covered in ferns up to chest height and who doesn’t love a false peak or two.
A pattern quickly emerged consisting of climbing a mountain, running along it for
a while then descending to a checkpoint, refuelling to then ascend another mountain and repeat this process. As we were reaching the 15 mile point I was experiencing quite bad muscle cramp in my legs, something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It’s
not fun. However, we came prepared with a drink mix which helped but evidently slowed our pace a little. We continued on but as I hadn’t looked at my watch for a while I was unaware of our current mileage. We were climbing a mountain up a narrow rocky path and were coming to the top when my friend said this is the point where you can decide to do the marathon or continue with the ultra.
It was around the 19 mile point. I didn’t want to think about it, I was just so determined to keep going and that’s what I did.
Luckily as we progressed through the race, my stomach was gladly accepting
the food I kept eating at the checkpoints. Sometimes your body can reject food when long distance running especially if you’re not used to it. I was feeling very motivated to finish because it was becoming more of a possibility with every stride, with my friend running it with me. My muscle cramps in my legs persisted intermittently and later in the race I started to get a niggle in the back of my right knee but that wasn’t going to stop me, I was on a mission!
Last Checkpoint to the Finish
There was an 11 hour cut off time but at the pace we were going at we would be well
within it to finish, even with the minor issues we faced. We passed the 30 mile point with one checkpoint to go, descending down
a huge mountain. I stocked up on some more electrolytes and food, chatting to the volunteers before we set off to complete the last 4 miles. As we were running along this farm road I had a little emotional moment because I finally accepted and realised I would finish the race. It was an amazing feeling and without realising our pace had quickened to 9 minute miles. We were hopping over fences, sliding down muddy banks through a forest before reaching the last field to the finish line. Observers and participants were clapping and saying well done as we ran through the finish line... sweaty brows, muddy legs and massive
smiles all round. It was great receiving the medal.
We ended up doing 37.2 miles due to coming off track for a bit but still finished the race in about 10 hours and completed over 8,500 ft elevation. The route provided incredibly beautiful views and challenging inclines throughout. It was a great test for me as I really thrive on pushing myself to find out what I’m capable of doing. All the people I spoke to thought I was bonkers
as I’ve never even ran a normal marathon never mind a mountainous ultra. But I really enjoyed it and will certainly consider doing another similar race in the future. I am
still trying to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK so if you wish to donate please contact me and I can send a link, thank you.
62 RADC BULLETIN 2021