Thames Path 100

As it turned out it wasn’t a 100 mile run from Richmond to Oxford due to the Thames bursting its banks in some areas.  So in the end it was a run from Richmond to Cookham, back a bit, back again and then turn around for the finish in what was around 102 miles (bonus miles, that we wouldn’t even have to pay for, as they referred to them in the briefing).

The main aim was to complete the run, but truly I wanted to do it in under 24 hours.  There were many concerns going into the race.  The weather looked awful, and waking up seeing heavy snow and sleet – my heart sank.  However, as the start approached though the snow began to ease off.

The first 22 miles felt good.  It was a bit wet underfoot in places, but I was 45 minutes up on the plan and feeling fairly comfortable.  The next section was just 6 miles, and then a quarter of it was done – how hard could it be?

It was horrible.  Wet and skiddy, with the added benefit of a narrow section of not only jarring your legs as you skidded on the track, but also had a handy barbed wire fence next to it to catch your fall when you did go.  My exuberance started to wane a little.

The course was re-routed as the track got worse the further up you went, and we still had another 10 mile section out after we got through this horror show.  Also, as it was an out and back course, we would have to run this section again twice – and almost certainly in darkness.

Arriving at Windsor the water underfoot took a turn to the ridiculous.  However, the next section was practically some of the easiest track of the course, and the world seemed to get a little better again.

My trusty support was on hand on the return to Windsor as darkness descended (she had planned on surprising me in Oxford at the finish, only to find that the course had changed).  I think willingness to stand in a muddy field at night to see you for a few minutes is surely one of the highest forms of love.  This was the only check point I took my time at.  The lift in morale was incredible and I felt ready to attack the horror section again.

I changed into my trail shoes to get a better grip, and headed off.  It soon became apparent that the batteries in my head torch were dying.  With a quick check I also found my back up torch had completely given up.  My quick check of both before hand now seemed incredibly stupid.  I stuck as close to other runners for as much as I could to try and get some light, but it really felt that a couple of AAA batteries could be the reason I would be unable to finish.

Neither of the next 2 check points had any available.  Just when I was giving up hope and thinking if I could go on, a fellow runner got me some spares from his support crew.  With that little hiccup sorted, I felt on top of the world again.

At 80 miles I was feeling pretty incredible.  Knowing that I could crawl the rest and still finish, and that barring any disasters I should make it in under 24 hours.  I couldn’t believe how fresh I was feeling and thought I could skip the rest of it.

As is usual in any ultra event though, this didn't last.  Like being slapped in the face with a wet fish, the reality check was sudden and unpleasant.  My energy levels were dropping, my legs were starting to seize up, and the last 15 miles were arduous.  But now it was just a case of gritting my teeth and trudging forward until the finish.  These miles felt long and slow, but at least the sun was coming back up now.

My final finishing time was 22:39:30, in 29^th place.  I was delighted.

It was an incredible race, and although it would stretch the truth to say I loved every minute, it was a great to be back out there again.