13 Valleys

 I will try to do this blog more quickly than the previous two and whilst it is still fresh in my mind! It was a repeat visit as I also did the race in 2025. I was a little nervous as I felt a bit under prepared as I had barely done any running training. I hoped that H200 (I only did 120) at the end of May/ start of June, L100 at the end of July and GRP at end of Aug would count for something. I had also done loads of via ferratas and some serious SUP during our holiday. I had no great expectations and there seemed to be more women entered than last year which is good. I couldn't find a start list until Opentracking appeared showing 30+ women but then on the day many fewer- confusing but hey ho. I also didn't know any of them except Nic F so could not judge what the field was like. I guessed I was unlikely to replicate last years 3rd place.

Having done the race before is good in some ways as it can be good to know what to expect of the route and also the CPs etc. We drove up on Friday lunch time as registration was very slick and speedy. I chatted with Joe and Stu from Nav4 who were doing the hill safety and lots of other friends who were volunteering. The afternoon was spent faffing with gear and then just relaxing in the van. By 4.30 I was back at HQ handing my drop bag over and then whiling away the time. 

The forecast kept changing but it looked like it might be chilly over night but not really cold and that it would be mostly dry.  Having spent 7 weeks in the continental heat wave I opted for more clothing than many. I had also got used to having no rain and so the very wet terrain came as a bit of a shock. The start is a bit fast and furious and I got tempted along despite my best efforts to reign it in. It was nice to chat to Eeke as we headed below Cat Bells but she was stronger and faster. I am wise enough to know when to let another runner go! This year I did not need my torch until I was almost at Honister and yet I only reached the CP 4 minutes earlier. I think I was 4th woman at this stage.

Bright red beacons led us upwards and then there was the gnarly descent to Gatesgarth. My old eyes, slower reactions and less bouncy muscles now fear a tumble on such trails and so I was cautious. It's annoying to get overtaken by many that you have passed on the climbs. I arrived safely at the farm and prepared for the climb over to Wasdale. 

I like this wild section and the band at Black Sail was a real delight. What an atmosphere! They had me buzzing all the way to Wasdale and beyond. The lady with the kettle of cold water was very welcome too. I made sure to eat and refill bottles at the CP. I think I had now moved into 3rd as one woman was feeling ill.

All this is the L100 in reverse and so I was confident with my nav but it was still nice to have torches ahead and behind to confirm the route and also to help me keep the pace up. The flat area near Devoke Tarn was very very wet but Boot soon appeared. A short detour and I was at the CP. I managed lots of food here (something I am not always good at). tea, Soup, Cheese and marmite sandwich and rice pud! The next section is the longest between CPs and so refuelling was important. It was a wonderful night and an amazing moon.

Although we were heading for Coniston where the L100 starts the route was not identical and twice I went astray. My watch was not giving me alerts as it usually does. I spent much of this part running with a lovely guy who lives not far from me. We chatted about ultras, the army and much more. I climbed well up Walna Scar road and descended quite well for me too. The CP had moved slightly and again I made time to eat. I set out alone but once in the woods en route to Hawkshead there was company again. The climbs from Coniston to Wray are not big and I was happy jogging along with about 8 other runners for company.

Nav4 friends doing hill safety

Last year at Wray I was rather sick so it was good to eat more and feel OK this time. I left the CP with a trio of lads- two of which I knew from the Fellsman. We stayed together most of the way to Elterwater and then Langdale. A few times I let them pull ahead but then gradually reeled them in again. I think running as a group can mean you suffer each others slow points. Not long after Wray it was light enough not to need our torches but the sky had suddenly got much darker and the tops were shrouded in cloud. We were going to get wet. So much for the forecast. 

Just before the Langdale CP we caught another woman. Again she was not feeling great and I felt a bit bad racing on. We got a great welcome form the CP staff but sadly the porridge pots were gross so I grabbed banana and two donuts plus a cup of tea. The lads set off before I was ready and I guessed I wouldn't see them again. I was surprised to catch them towards the end of the flat valley section.  We climbed a very wet Rosset Ghyll chatting away. I was glad of my waterproof as showers kept coming through but it was really the wind that was brutal. Despite the weather Louise doing hill safety was out watching over us. I wanted to put my over trousers on but knew it would be a faff. Somewhere between the big tarns I lost the lads and caught up with  a new friend- I think it was Jonny Ulett. We chatted all things Ultra and he was especially interested in the Transpyrenea race. 

We were still talking about this when we met the race photographer and interviewer as we dropped into dropped into Borrowdale. It was now so much warmer and the wind had vanished. The run through the lower part of the valley was much easier and we were soon at the CP. As I sat eating Darren appeared- he often catches me half way through a race so perhaps his pacing is better.

I set off alone but by now there were more runners from other distances around me now. Darren soon caught me and although I tried to stay with him he was far too strong. I could see Lining Crag up ahead in the distance and at least the weather now looked good. Having runners from other valley races to pick off helped too. A quick wave to the safety marshall and we were off down into Easedale on a path that gradually improved. Darren was still only just ahead as we continued on the coast to coast path  into Grasmere. A change of CP venue had some runners confused but I trusted my GPX as it took us on a little loop east over the river and then back into the show ground. Here I got my long awaited drop bag almost 120km into the race.  I had made a silly error and not carried any clean socks in my pack. I love my VJ shoes but the open weave does let grit in and I knew I had a couple of bad rubs on my feet.  It was warm enough to sit outside and my priority was to get me feet dry in the fresh air. I couldn't face pasta but enjoyed my box of custard, a cup of tea and a few other snacks. I sorted my torch ready for night two and swapped to my bigger over trousers just in case as they are easy to pull on. In all my faffing with torch and clothes I forgot to collect the food I had intended and so did not replace the caffeine bullets or the MF gels, what an idiot. I did check the tracker link, just once, here. I was very anxious that Lizzie might be catching me up but in the ened sensibly decided that if she did there was nothing I could do about it.

Darren had already left but said he was going to walk with family for a bit so I ran through the village and caught him just before the path leaves the road and drops to the lake. He was still running strongly and I couldn't keep up although I could keep him in sight. This continued along Rydal Water and then the back lane into Ambleside. I dislike the next little section along the main road as it is always busy with traffic and pedestrians- the L100 route is nicer here. I think this caused us to push the pace a bit here. Darren stopped for the toilet at Waterhead and I pushed on alone and was relieved to climb up into the woods. I jogged on alone but then at Troutbeck suddenly there were other runners, including Darren. More donuts, banana and cheese/marmite sandwich.

The drop to the main road and then up the start of the Garburn track was easy and a relief not to be climbing all the way up to the pass here. Troutbeck valley seemed to go on forever though so I must have been getting more tired now. The weather looked worse up ahead and I prayed it would not be as bad as last year. It did at least motivate me to hang on to Darren's tail! I was glad of my cag but had to stop to put gloves and head torch on. I had a moment where I thought the torch was failing but it was just my hood. Darren kept a good pace across to High Street , around the Knott and then on the less than lovely drop to the Filter House. It was misty and quite windy but nothing like the awful conditions last year. 

We refuelled, had a chat to the CP staff and pushed on. My quads didn't like the drop to Hartsop but it is a decent track so I tried to ignore the discomfort.

A voice suddenly said 'Broughton High School' - it was a parent whose children I had taught. I now worked out that it was Emma who had shouted Mrs Nash in Grasmere. Again Darren seemed stronger and was always ahead as we ran to Patterdale and Glenridding. I stopped for 2 min sit down in the car park but then caught the group as we went up past the Travellers Rest. The climb up past Nicky's house seemed OK, although the road was busy, so perhaps I wasn't trying hard enough. The CP was very welcome and I knew I wanted to eat lots here before heading up Sticks Pass.  More lovely staff fed me tea, pizza and sandwiches. Last year I was a mess here and I worried that I must be going slower if I felt OK- in fact my splits show all race that my pace was very similar to last year and just a few minutes slower all the way round. Twelve minutes slower after 157km is nothing and it had been wetter underfoot this year.

We set off together up the pass and could soon see the lights of the hill safety team up ahead.  The path down to Legburthwaite is now in a shocking state and seemed much worse than I remembered in the dark and after the rain. The top of the descent is at least just boggy, the rocks come later. Despite being a wuss on this we overtook quite a few people. A quick wee stop at the  bottom before the short section along the verge of  the main road was coned off for us and then we were on the slightly dodgy path in the woods- OK so long as you don't slip or trip as there is a big drop to the right. I always feel totally disorientated along this path section and it felt like being in an Escher painting until we emerged onto the lane below Low Rigg. 

From here I suddenly felt like it would all be OK and that the end was in sight.  The climb over Low Rigg was boggy but soon passed and then I was jogging down towards Burns Farm. Somewhere here I lost Darren and pushed on ahead with Martin. Our van appeared and I stopped for a very brief chat with Bob. I asked if Lizzie was catching me as I didn't want to lose 2nd place after all these miles. I was gobsmacked when he told me I was in first place as Eeke had retired some time ago. No time to linger- Martin and I pushed on towards Threlkeld and the Blencathra Centre. There was still about 12km to go so I was keen to eat but suddenly my body was less happy. I am not sure if it was the tomato soup or the water melon but I raced outside to be violently sick about 8 times. Ultra running is such a glamorous sport! Once empty I felt better and set off. Martin was now long gone but I knew the way. A mix of running and walking got me round Glenderaterra Beck and onto the path below Lonscale Fell. This path seemed awful with bogs and rocks and so much water.  Then my head torch failed! It took a few minutes to replace the battery. From the car park below Latrigg I did run but it seemed to go on and on. I gave up chasing my 2025 time even though I did pass runners in the lower part of the woods and the A66. The flags led me through Fitz Park and into town. My tired and befuddled brain started to struggle here but a kind supporter pointed the way- there were also signs! It is a cruel end to the race as when you emerge from the underpass and reach the park you get sent on a loop to Booths, along a lane and then to the back of Crow Park. I caught an American guy here who confirmed we were on course. It felt like a sprint finish up the path in the park and over the hill to the finish gantry- it probably didn't look like one to others.

Wow- a run through the finish banner with poles raised in triumph. Bob waited until the official photographers had finished before he came for a kiss and photos.  

He took my poles and heavy trophy as we moved inside to collect my drop bag and have a sit down. It was almost embarrassing how delighted people were for me and how they used words like amazing and inspirational. 

 

Lee K was amazed at how consistent my splits were with 2025 and Shane came to say well done too. After a cup of tea what I really wanted was a quick wash and my bed in the van.

A few hours sleep and a big fried egg on bread breakfast and then Bob drove us home. I have been totally humbled and overwhelmed by all the kind words from friends and people I do not even know. Old but not ready to quit yet. If it inspires just one other woman to believe that she should have a go and might succeed then that is great. It was wonderful to see Nic F gain 3rd place as she had been so nervous before the race.

1st F, Ist M/F V55 and 60, 2nd F/MV50 and 15th overall. 

35hrs 58 mins so 22 minutes slower than last year which mostly happened from Grasmere onwards.

GRP

 This would be my 7th running if you count the 220km that in the end was about 180km due to storms.  It is always billed as 160km but usually around 165-168km. 

Scary big

This year it would be 174km we were told. My watch told a story of a longer run. Most said 178km mine said 183km and 11,077m of climb. Bonus miles indeed.

A shock after 40C heat wave

The entries were odd this year with very few older women seeming to have entered. There was only one FV60 and not many FV50s. We still have not figured out why.

We arrived on Tuesday and parked up in our usual spot by the river. The river was roaring. 

Cyril that gave me my biggest adventure yet

I had a day of rest with just a wander for an ice cream and spotting friends to talk to- Carol, Cyril from Transpy, Simon a RO, moustache man and then later my friend from the village. The Sunters, Mark and Mike arrived too.

Thursday was registration and bad drop. Registration went smoothly and fast now they do not bother with a kit check. My drop bag took longer because I had forgotten they were closed over lunch. I used the time to look at the stalls in the event centre. The Kailas Fuga shoes looked interesting and I spoke to the guys at Oxisitis and explained about my voucher last year. After the recent heat waves it is definitely cooler but I guess that is better for running so long as it stays dry. It didn't. There were thunderstorms and rain on Wed and over night. WE saw Jordan finish on Wed eve after a great run and then went to bed. I struggled to sleep.

Up at 4am to race at 5am. Ugh! I hate those early starts but once up it is fine. I wandered up to the start in the square but couldn't find Martin this year. 

It is always very emotional with motivational music and a count down. I tried to start steady but it is difficult in the crowds and along the road to Vignec. At this point it was dry but then the drizzle started.  

Not mine - we were in clag this year

I tried not to look at my watch and just to run on feel. Getting the first climbs out of the way and arriving at the Col de Portet is always a good feeling. I stress each year about the cut off here but in fact have never been close. By then it is properly light too although this year the cloud blocked a nice sunrise. A quick toilet stop at Merlans and I was soon on my way.

I love the next section through Bastan and Campana. Beautiful Neouville scenery of mountains and little lakes. It's not easy running but the views are the best. I am much less a fan of Serpolet and that area. The path was treacherous. Muddy, eroded and tricky. I slipped and bashed my knee but there was little blood and it seemed OK. La Monji was all indoors this year and in the drizzle this was wise but it also felt more organised. We were separate from those getting support from family too. I ate and topped up my drinks. There was a kit spot check but I found my gear easily.

Up to Col de Sencours felt tough and I had a couple of brief rests and tried to eat then. At this CP on the way up you only get drinks so I pushed on. Despite struggling to the Col I made great time up to Pic du Midi and enjoyed myself. It was chilly up there so I did not hang about for photos. I ran down well for me and was soon back at the Col and into the tiny CP for food. Soup with pasta and then a bowl of mash. Lots of staff know me now and it is always nice to be recognised and made a fuss of. 

Soggy

The section from here to Hautacam is remote and wild. Despite some mega climbs I like it. I took it easy on a couple of technical descents and had to rest a couple of times on climbs but I as making good progress. We couldn't see the big Lac Bleu in the clag but what we could see was lovely. The extra CP near the tiny hut had water again, thank you. We were now settling into our pace and I was around the same runners for most of the time. Having others about helped keep me going. At Hautacam I had a lemon and ginger tea hoping that the ginger would settle my stomach. I didn't have much to eat.

One of the 4 meats at the finalbuffet

I am not a fan of the new route to Pierrefitte, especially the bit which crosses the hillside where there is not really a path. Once off this and the steepest bit of descent I met a guy about my age and we ran together most of the way to town. He was one of many who without any fuss asked how old I was. I must be looking old. There was a change of route through town and this I did approve of as we longer had to climb the steep muddy hill by the hydro pipes.

The CP is big and friendly. The staff all want to help. Once I had my drop back I moved a chair and sat by the door where it was cooler. Again, they do not let supporters inside and this makes it so much calmer and more roomy. I knew I needed to eat and decided on soup. All was good until I got tempted by a crepe. I was violently sick in the toilets. I then tried to refuel with my custard and CP rice pud. It did cause some concern and introduced me to a group of 4 lads who wanted to take me under their wings. They were surprised I was solo and had no support either and even more surprised when I said I wasn't at all worried about heading out on my own. In the end I did set out with them and their company helped.  This section was a bit of a low point for me. It was dark and I was running on empty as we climbed and crossed two huge cols. There was a new CP in Estaing and a new route to it. After all the rain this was very muddy with deep muddy puddles. It went on forever. I was expecting the Scout CP where they made me hot chocolate and crepes. Disappointed. This year it was outside and no Scouts. I was still struggling to eat and so drank lots of MF and kept eating the babybels.

From here to Cauterets is a bit of a blur. It got light and warmer. There was a great sunrise. I remember a big Col and trying to keep up with the runners ahead. I didn't keep up but did overtake some before the next town. I ran quite a bit alone here which was fine. I remember a big long 4WD track that went past a small refuge and then better paths down into town. I have slept at this CP before but nnot today. I didn't stop long but sat outside, topped up my bottles and some rice pud.

There is a huge climb next up the Col de Riou and I was overtaken by a line of runners. Once at the top though I overtook several including a female runner. Agaiin the next bit is a bit of a blur but I remember paths cutting the road zig zags and then all the way down to Grust. I made a small error here looking for the fountain but soon put it right and arrived in Sazos. From here to Luz is pretty much downhill and easy, plus there are huge cheers on arrival. I got my drop back and restocked some stuff but I didn't really need much. I decided that I was far too warm and changed top and shorts to be cooler. I was still feeling sick and so couldn't face pasta etc. I  ate custard, rice pud and nibbled babybels and hula hoops. I was now also using Bob's caffeine bullets. The volunteers from Pierrefitte had arrived and were concerned that I was still not really eating much. We had quite a chat, they acknowledged that I had done it plenty of times before etc. It is interesting how many runners have 'assistance' and how shocked the lads were that I didn't. They also were amazed that most of our routes are not flagged. 

I set off alone again but knew there would be other runners about. I prefer the old way to Tournaboup as the new one is in blazing sun and has lots of irritating climbs just to drop down again and also much more tarmac. I tried to just consider the lanes were easy miles. It is a long way up the valley and I always underestimate this. It was hot and I was so glad I had changed to lighter clothing. I made a couple of irritating errors- must be tired.

Tournaboup CP had moved very slightly and it was a bit chaotic trying to figure out how to reach the marquee. I had fruit salad, rice pud. I knew I was needing to get more calories in and so even had a gel. It seemed a shame to ignore all the lovely sausage and cheese but hey ho. There were now LOTS of 80km runners and those from other courses.  Mostly this was quite good and helped keep the pace up but it also made the paths crowded and for the first time ever I actually had to queue on a couple of rock steps/narrower bits on the way up to the next CP. It was nothing like as hot as last time and that was a relief and it meant I spent less time soaking my buff and throwing water over myself. I kept an eye out for Albert, Mark and Mike here but never saw them ( I later found they had bailed hours ago)

Wild Neouvielle

Refuge d'Aygues Cluses CP was very busy so I just took water. The climb up to Hourquette Nere is big but it seemed to go quite quickly. We were back in amazing Neouvielle scenery and that certainly helped. I took a moment to admire it and take photos before the big descent. I love this and overtook a number of runners including women on my course. I made the most of it knowing that the path in the woods would be much less fun. It is badly eroded and has lots of rocks, tree routes etc. I was slow here and actually got stuck on top of the big stile and my legs would not do as commanded. Eventually I swung on the tree and got down. By now I always know I can make it. 

It seemed to take a long time to reach Lac d'Oule and then to climb up to Merlans but in this section I did overtake another two women. Annoyingly my phone kept pinging. I ignored it and then worried. It was a group family chat thing that I really didn't need right now. Peter from climbing had also messaged me during the race- as an ex Trialthlete he should know I was busy. At Merlans I ran straight through without even collecting water and I was soon marching up to the Col de Portet in dying light. It had been a long race and I am usually here in plenty of day light.

We had a new route from here instead of the big ridge and Soulan. I think I had been this way once year ago but cannot really remember. In the end it was good. Initially steep it soon became a good piste with a path and was downhill and very runnable once my quads were in gear.  My eyes though were now struggling a bit and the sleep monsters were hilarious.  Too much caffeine and not enough sleep. On one easy path I was struggling to see in 3D and gauge perspective and this made me slower than I should have been on what was an easy path. It was now raining steadily and getting heavier; at least it wasn't cold. The good progress continued to Espinaube and beyond. The path in the woods was so much better than the one I vaguely remembered that I am sure we must have gone a different way. Somewhere here my watch did a wired thing- or I inadvertently pressed a button. I thought it had failed yet there should have been loads of battery left. Turns out there was and my random pressing of buttons had not helped. There was one turning where I was unsure which way to go but the good track continued to Granges de Lias and then it was lane to Vignec. The path the cuts the zig zags was awful especially in the wet but I stayed upright. My time would be one of my slowest but given the extra distance this year that was fine. I kept trying to do the maths and work out how far was left and what time I could aim for but my brain was really struggling. My km on my watch were already more than expected so I could not use that to help. 

The crowds in Vignec lifted me and I ran well until I was asked to swerve across the road to a timing chip and twisted my knee slightly. I was aiming for 11pm as a deadline but knew in my heart of hearts that I would not make it- those pesky phone pings costs me. We were not going along the river path this year which was possibly wise in the wet and knowing how bad the trip hazards had become. The pavement was bad enough and I had one group of young men that seemed oblivious to my needs for a clear line. Back on the river path they had not put out the usual count down banners so I just ran the best I could and then suddenly the final ramp and bridge were in sight. I did manage to run up the ramp and down to the square quite well. It's quite emotional with all the cheers, the RO announcing you to everyone and then Bob being there.

Beer makes it all OK

I was almost tearful that I had missed 11pm and Bob consoled me that it really didn't matter. My hip suddenly locked up so I hobbled to collect my hoody and then announced that I really really needed to sit down. I was so tired. Bob got me a beer and I slowly recovered. Back at the van it was a strip wash and bed. There was no way I was standing in the rain waiting for the navette to the shower, especially as the water might by now not be hot.

Wet but completed

Sunday was collecting drop bags, podiums and prizes followed by the fantastic buffet. I was 1st FV50 and 60, 2nd FV40, 10th F and 99th overall. Ironically my time per km might even be a PB. 

I walked up to the square early and then my phone ran out of charge- luckily DDs bar let me use a charger.  Bob came up closer to the actual prize giving and we found some shade and even seats. 

We chatted to Dave  and Stephen but still no Martin- turns out he was equal last finisher and so got his own video clip on the website. He was still sleeping. 

The Sunters etc had all walked up for beer and to see us too. 

The buffet was a amazing as always and the queue much less than previous year. 

We ate more than was sensible and had so many beers. 

Some of the prize haul

The band were superb and it was a wonderful atmosphere. I love the GRP. We finished off the day with a river swim/wash. 

Chilly water but very refreshing.

L100

 Hmm. Can't deny it but I was nervous. My failure at H200 had knocked my confidence and our van has had so many issues- bless the van it is old but starting to get stressful. We parked up fine in the overflow field and although the queue was long there were many friends to talk to and it was dry so who cares. Although dry it was definitely cooler than recently and this prompted my to change my clothes (yes , I regretted it later). The trackers are now much upgraded and can go in a top pocket which is great for those of us with bony collar bones. I had several wanders around the field and lazing in van, even managing a sleep. 

I didn't go to the briefing as I wanted time to just get prepared. Pre start I was worried I had too much clothing on and just hoped once the evening came it would be cooler. 

Bob had walked up to the Miners Bridge to see me and was then going to do his own thing. I can never decide what to do at the start- race hard to the bridge or get stuck in a queue. 

In the end I was chilled on the line as the music doesn't get me in the way that some others do. So many friends- Rory, Lawrence, Jackie and so many more.

In the end I did run fairly hard on the first bridge as I couldn't face the idea of queues at the bridge and on the narrow path afterwards. I was then more steady up Walna Scar road. I am now such a wuss on rocky descents. 

I had swapped shorts for 3/4 and a ls top!

The initial drop was fine but the rocky section before the road was terrible. Anna and Shelli both got ahead of me here. 

CP1 with the Irish was lovely and the Guiness chocolate cake was wonderful. Once in the woods I diverted for a wee stop only to find 4 lads followed me. 

Once back on track I ran with Una for a while. There seemed many more runners around me than in previous years but I couldn't figure out if this was because I was slower, faster or if there was just a different field this year.

The new path near Harter Fell was a welcome bonus and the ground was much drier too. There were lots of supporters in Boot as usual and big cheers from those at the pub. The path up towards Wasdale was drier than usual which made for good progress. It was wet around the tarn and stream but I guess that is never dry. Again I was slow on the descent to Brackenclose and the light was starting to fade. I caught Elaine  as she stopped to put on her torch and decided to do the same before chasing her along the road and into the CP. 

The fancy dress here was awesome and I made sure I ate, drank and filled up my soft flasks. I felt OK, probably because I was a little slower this year. The trail of lights as we climbed up to Black Sail Pass is always stunning and on the zig zags there is lots of opportunity to appreciate this. 

I topped up my water again at the hut. I was cautious on the descent down to Buttermere. One guy fell badly and then towards the bottom I met Dan Bye who had also fallen and hurt his knee. I ran most of the way to the CP which was good and perhaps the slightly slower early pace was worth it. Despite the dark it was still very warm and I was regretting changing my clothes options. 

The CP in Buttermere is not my favourite as it is tiny, outside and always seems a bit chaotic. I now know to ask for chocolate milk and just the sausage of a hot dog. The next section is up and up and up. Never really steep but it does go on. The bracken was high but some of the grassy paths made for decent running. I focussed on staying in touch with any lights just ahead. Once off the rocky paths the last bit of descent into Braithwaite is lovely and we had the breeze on our backs. 

The CP had moved next door this year and was in the school. I drank and ate a bit but should have stayed for more. I needed the loo and these were outside, should have gone on the way in and then been in less of a rush. I was alone along the main road for a while but caught a runner and there were others just behind. WE missed the path off behind the traffic barrier but I realised straight away. It seemed very overgrown this year and it was a relief to reach the road near the Pheasant Inn. I felt slow up Latrigg but just kept plodding. There are always going to be 'bad' bits and I have tried to learn to just go with it. Some over took me but I feared a trip. From the virtual CP I felt better and had company all the way to the Blencathra CP.  This year in tribute to Little Dave there was lots of pink and tutus rather than School of Rock. The tables were laden with chocolate cake of many varieties- LDs mum used to make a chocolate cake for the CP. In the past I have arrived here feeling dreadful so it was nice to be able to have cake and tea. I should have stayed for toast etc too.

It was nice to have company from here to the Coach Road. Once on that track I reeled in Una and overtook two others. The wind was on our backs, the daylight had arrived and I was feeling OK. The Hardmoors CP has now moved to the pub in Dockray so we were not fending off midges. I was very hot though and this meant I sat outside and missed the piles of food that would have slowly tempted me to eat. I should have also taken a layer off!

I ran OK to Aira Force and around Gowbarrow. There were huge waves on Ullswater but luckily not a headwind for us. Nobody passed me and we were now more strung out and set into our pace. I actually overtook a couple of runners on the fields and then the lanes. Approaching Dockray I stopped for a quick wee- good to know I was drinking enough. The coaches were all arriving full of 50 mile runners but the CP was calm and well organised as usual. I changed my socks and shoes but actually my feet were OK. The soup went down well but then thinking I should have solids I tried bread and was spectacularly sick. What a waste of time and effort eating. I had my box of custard and trotted on the best I could. 

It was a relief to be out of the parking fields and away from crowds.  Joe B was at the road waiting for his wife who was doing the 50 and it was nice to get a hug. Then I met Elaine walking back to the CP- her race over. Lack of food inevitably meant a lack of energy so it was slow through Pooley Bridge and out onto the Common. I ran with another woman most of the way to Howtown trying to drip feed my body small bites of Baby Bel cheese and the odd Hula Hoop. By the CP I decided I needed to risk more food and managed fruit and boiled potatoes. I like Fusedale even though it is tough. Suddenly there seemed lots more runners around me again. Were they slowing? Was I speeding up? I met Dan again as his damaged knee was causing him problems. The 50 started earlier this year and the first runners had already passed us. This became a real problem on the narrow Haweswater path. The bulk of the field/main fast pack were now catching us. I stepped aside for over 100 runners and was getting well pi**ed off! It was frustrating, slowing and kept breaking my stride. It was all made worse by very tall bracken this year. When you think you can see the end of the reservoir here you really can't. Knowing this makes it a bit easier to deal with as the path goes on and on. 

At some point along here I ran with Amy and Kelly which was a surprise as I had last seen them near Boot. At Mardale CP I had tea and fruit but was struggling to even consider solids.  I made great time up Gatesgarth which was just as well given how slow I was on the descent the other side. It was pleasantly cool on the tops but very warm in the valley. One poor guy thought this was Kentmere and I had to explain it was only Longsleddale with some hills to climb before Kentmere. Somewhere around here I met Tom again, friend of my brother.  There were cows guarding the gate again but they soon moved. On the way to the CP I passed Mike my previous MV60 friend and then at the CP saw Phil who won MV60 last year. Sadly he was setting off and I knew I needed to stop and eat. I got a lovely welcome at the CP from Jamie and his family but could not face pasta. I sat outside with two big smoothies. When I left I could see Phil up ahead on Garburn but could not catch him and I knew he would be much faster than me on the descent to Troutbeck. 

I lost a little time here when a guy took a very bad fall and bashed his head. He was running with his daughter so once he was upright and insisting he was OK I left them. It was a relief to reach tarmac. In the village I saw Ken and Karen M and I topped up my water as the pub had put out bottles. 

The section from here to Ambleside is much easier with no big climbs and very little gnarly track.  Running into the town is always quite emotional and one of the places where Marks dream of recreating the UTMB atmosphere has really taken off. The crowds line the streets with lots of cheering. They are mostly knowledgeable too and so know that when they see a red bib we are doing the 100. Our bibs this year had our super hero names and it was odd to hear shouts for Banana Girl. At the CP I felt rough and so had no solids. I was still taking small bites of Babybel and the odd Hula Hoop but knew that really I needed more. In the park I met the Billinge Runners but Mark S had already left.

I was slow around Latrigg but a bit better by Elterwater. Here I caught Tom again. Initially I was faster but then he took paracetamol and shot off. Crossing the cattle grid at Baysbrown I  lost my balance and almost fell.  By the CP I felt grim and thought I might be sick. I sat outside just in case and managed to drink.  The path through Langdale felt busy with runners and quite a few 'cheated' . I spotted it but it was Matt N who was cross about this when I saw him the next day. I was happy to get beyond Blea Tarn in the daylight so my overall pace must have been OK. The section to the virtual CP on the road was much easier in daylight! After the easy road section I caught Tom again but he was better organised and when I stopped to find my head torch he shot off.  The midges here were dreadful. 

Despite being slow on the gnarly track I was soon in Tithberthwaite. All I wanted now was to finish and get my 5 yr slate. I must not fall or get lost. I still have not stopped for a cheese toasty - one day!  It was now properly dark and I concentrated on keeping with the lights ahead.  The rock steps were OK and I jogged even though I was not really running. The descent was a bit grim in the dark but I knew it would be- ageing eyes, tired legs and drizzle didn't make it easy.  Once off the hill I recovered and ran all the way to the Miners Bridge and down into Coniston. 

I had one short stop near the petrol station before the downhill to the finish gantry. Bob was waiting and Sally was there to shepherd me into the marquee. 

I was 1st FV60, 9th F and 99the overall. Time was 29.21. I think it is the first time a 5yr slate has been won with a runner also getting a Vet slate each year they have run. So I now have a 'family' of 5 little FV60 slates and a larger 5yr slate. 

I was not as trashed as in some previous years so perhaps I had not pushed hard enough? Bob got me a beer and my chilli. Then it was a walk to the van for a quick strip wash and bed.  

Sunday began with our traditional fried egg breakfast. 

The prize giving was a wonderful atmosphere as always. I sat with Amy and Phil but there was no run to the stage holding hands as F and M went up separately this year. 

So many people said I was inspirational- it's quite embarrassing. Next year? Who knows, I said no and had not expected a vet win and another free entry.