Short race, short blog

 UTYD 50km is definitely at the lower end of ultras and I knew what to expect.... shorter, faster, flatter (in places) so much more runnable than any of my more recent races. ie I would be under-prepared and I would suffer. It's a shame that the 100km was not more popular and more viable but I understand why the RO has axed it, for now at least.

The forecast was good. No rain all day, chilly start but not really cold and a cold wind but not gales. It was going to be a good day out in the beautiful Dales. Bob is injured so his plan to join me and do his own thing did not materialise. I did not sleep well and so was up even earlier than I had intended. Quiet roads meant I was parked in Grassington with plenty of time to spare.

A short walk and I was registered and had tracker fitted. It was good to chat to Colin and others. Soon after this Simon, my brother, arrived and we managed a short catch up.  Then other friends appeared. Unlike some races this RO keeps the Si entries list private and so I had no idea who to expect. I had not seen Tony Harris for a long time nor Jim and Zoe. Albert and Jordan appeared but few others that I knew even just by face. Many people congratulated me on 13V and I tried to explain that this race would be very different and so not to expect too much. I had already told Simon that he would likely beat me as this distance/ time seems to be his forte. It would have been nice to race together but I was not going to ask him to slow down to accommodate me.

Before 8am there was a short briefing. Mel seemed concerned that people might venture up Buckden Pike as the 100km used to but I think a bigger issue is the CP in Arncliffe being slightly 'hidden' and off the obvious route. The GPX showed it clearly but even so more than one runner headed straight along the river.

By 8 the sun was up, the sky was blue and it was getting warmer. I started off with too much clothing but was pleased to have a thin pair of gloves on.  The start as expected was speedy along tarmac and initially downhill to the river. Simon was already 100m ahead at this point and one female runner shot by me too. We were quite strung out by the time we had passed the rugby fields and crossed the main road into Skirethorns Lane. Those ahead were running strongly and extended their lead plus a few others caught me up. 

Mastiles Lane

I slowed to remove my light-weight cag and then ran on into wonderful sunshine over the moors. I don't consider myself speedy on gnarly descents but female 1 was even more timid and I caught another runner when they almost went the wrong way. The climb from the river up to Weets was never steep but fairly relentless and there was no way I was running it all. Simon was now about 500m ahead. 

No floods this year

Fast running (from others, not me) along the lane and then up to Mastiles Lane meant I dropped a little further behind. I tried hard once on Mastiles Lane but the others were though the car park and off on the short grassy paths by the tarn. 

Peaceful Malham tarn

Climbing onto the moor I could see them up ahead and worked on trying to close the gap as much as I could. By Middle House Farm I had closed with some and perhaps they were slower through the huge herd of belted Galloway cows and calves. I love this section high above the road that links Arncliffe and Malham. I soon caught female1 as she confessed to being hopeless on rocky and muddy descents. I skipped off but could not catch the guys and ran into the village alone. It feels odd turning right but I knew where the CP was. I didn't stop long this year- no cup of tea but I did leave eating several small blocks of cheese, pizza and a banana. Doing so I moved up one place in the field. At the edge of the village I spotted another female runner just ahead. How come? I realised she had missed the CP and tried to shout her back but did not know her name. After a few 100m I caught her hesitating and realising her mistake. She reluctantly turned back and I wondered how long it would be before she caught me.

Arncliffe- turn RIGHT

The next section is flat running almost all the way to Litton with just the small obstacle of the stepping stones and then a gnarly old track. 

Even less water this year

The river was virtually dry this year so no need for a diversion.

Litton, then the big climb

It was getting warm now and I needed to take a layer off. In doing so I almost took a wrong turn at an open gate.  Fortunately I was called back. Next came the big climb over Birks Moor/Firth Fell. I pushed on trying not to be caught by the guy I had overtaken at the CP. Colin marshalling at the top was a welcome sight. 

Then comes the wonderful descent to Buckden. It's a bit boggy and skiddy in places but I like it and I think this lengthened my lead on those just behind me and I was alone when I got to the farm and then the lane heading towards the village and Dales Way river path. 

From here on I was dreading being caught. I had not expected to be in the lead but now that I was it seemed important to keep that position. I could not see any runners up ahead  but the path was busy with family and DoE groups. I pushed on as hard as I could knowing that it was perhaps 12km to the finish now.  Fast flattish running is not my forte and it hurt. I passed the bridge and path to Starbotton and knew I was half way to Kettlewell. Keep pushing- come on, keep trying they must be gaining on you.

NO PHOTOS ARE MINE THIS YEAR- busy running!

I didn't stop for water in Kettlewell which was perhaps a mistake but I made what I had last , just about. I ran all of the lane to Scargill House and then stomped up the hill on the big track. Easy running now on wonderful wide grassy paths led pretty much all the way to Conistone Pie. I made one small error, which I have made before and had to climb out of the sheep pen and back up to the path but it only took a couple of minutes. Another hill marshall was there to greet us at the top of  Scot Gate Lane. I am sure there have never been that many marshalls out on the hill before. More wide and grassy paths would now lead towards the ice-cream farm and the edge of Grassington. All these long grassy paths allowed good views back along the course and I could not see any other runners. Couldn't see any ahead either but I had given up all hope of catching Simon etc.

At last I allowed myself to believe that I might keep my lead, less than 2km to go now. I didn't stop but did ease my pace a little, especially on the very crowded main street where there were so many tourists. From the old race HQ in the Institute it is all downhill so apart from the hazard of dog leads, prams, people wandering aimlessly and in random directions it was easy running.

Mel greeted me at the finish line with  my medal and people seemed surprised that I had done so well so soon after the 13V. This felt much harder and I knew already that my quads would be trashed for days longer. Simon had waited to see me finish, about 20+ minutes behind him. He had a superb race to finish in 4th overall. I was slower than last year but happy with 1st F and 6th overall.

Simon shot off home for a shower and I wandered inside for food, lots of tea and to chat. Joe's chilli on yorkshire puds was good but the sticky toffee pud and custard really hit the spot. The primary school chairs and benches had seemed fine at registration but were not so easy to lower onto with tired legs! Staying to eat meant I was able to congratulate others as they finished. 

2nd F was 10 mins behind me so I was glad I had pushed hard. It would have been head to head racing if she had not missed the CP in Arncliffe. The other female that I ran with near the start had gone awol on Birks Moor. A good day out. More should enter.

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.