So, my year to 100 miles did not quiet go to plan, training went to pot (no reflection on the coach I would like to add), I started off ok then had a series of issues with my left foot and ankle. I just put it down to training at the time little did I know then that I would be waiting for a rheumatology referral at the end of 2024 for a RA diagnosis (Rheumatoid Arthritis).
I rocked up to the start with hardly any sleep, I think I knew before I had even started in my heart that this would not be the finish I wanted, but what did I have to lose. I strapped my left ankle up which helped throughout the event and set off after having a photo taken with the armoured guys, I’m not sure where my photos even are, after the first check point about 8 miles in my jeff became a walk. To the first check point was not too bad underfoot it went down the canal which was compact and then onto hard pathways. It was after here that it began to get muddier, and I had underestimated the thick ankle-deep mud pulling on the legs constantly, there was a couple of occasions I lost my shoe. Shortly after check point two I was greeted with the pacer and three other gents who I walked with chatting away through the all the sludge at the side of the canal. I can remember walking to the next check point through some woodland that was quite hilly and then descending a really steep cobbled bit, there was another lady who had made her mind up to stop here as did one of the gents and I wobbled thinking there was no way my legs would get me back up that cobbled steep part, but as stubborn as I am after a cup of tea and some crisp I threw my back pack back on and kicked my butt out, tackling the hill wasn’t as bad as I thought and the pacer chatting away really did help take my mind off, whilst we trudged back over the woodland and muddy fields. I could feel my self-loosing energy and my knee began to twinge knowing I really was racing against the clock began to deflate me as I knew there was no chance, I would make it all the way. We got to a road, and I was informed we had about two hours to the next pit stop and that I could just make it at the pace we were going, it was this point about 38 miles in that I decided today was not the day and made the call for a pick up returning to the campsite where my trainers were disposed off and I filled the showers with so much mud.
Was I disappointed? Yes but I think I knew from the moment we set off to Chester that this was not going to be a victory event, I am glad I went and had the experience, I will be honest I don’t think it is an even I will return to in the future and over the 6 months after I released my goals may have to change which really took some accepting and getting use to.
I may fail at my 2025 goals but if I sit on the sofa and don’t try, I will never know. Which is why I have decided to restart my blogging on my site, I am not even sure if anyone reads my ramblings but if it helps me keep my focus and gives me something to look back on then it has done its job.
So here’s to hopefully completing 100km in 5 months time and 100 miles in 10 months time!!
