It hadn’t started well. As we waited to cross the start line of the South Coast Challenge on Saturday we heard that the Black Rabbit, the pub that held my dream pint at the end of the course, was now a ‘Harvester’
There were 100km and a sleepless night between me and what was apparently now a terrible pub
My friend and I split up after about 30km because he was struggling with my pace, so I was having to wait so long for him at the rest stops that I was getting stiff. So I quickly fell in with five girls who invited me to join them. All runners, we had similar mindsets, a fast pace, and the shared goal of completing in the target time of 24 hours. We spent the next 50km – definitely the most challenging part of the course – moving along together, much of it in the dark
I LOVED it!
At the 80km rest stop there were lots of problems with blisters and exhaustion setting in, and we had to split into two lots of two, plus two single walkers at various paces to maximise the chances of achieving the 24 hour target. At that stage it was 3am and I was still absolutely enthralled by the walk. My legs felt as fresh as when I started and I was looking forward to seeing the sun come up in a few hours. I did not have a watch or use of my phone, and so I would have to judge my pace if I wanted to finish in time
I crossed yesterday’s finish line at a jog (yes, I did) in 22 hours and 28 minutes. I was elated. I was there to clap for all the girls finishing the course, four of them within 24 hours and one only just after. We all enjoyed a glass of bubbly and had something to eat before partners arrived. I texted Brian to spur him on and he told me not to wait for him at the line, but to go and warm up in the pub with Baz
And the Black Rabbit? Not a Harvester at all, just a lovely place for a couple of pints of Tanglefoot and a meal, before a bath and a quick afternoon nap
Thank you for the supportive messages. I really enjoyed them and we also raised around 1200 pounds for Bloodwise
I feel great. My feet are already recovering from the bruising and my rogue ankle hasn’t troubled me at all
If this is ultra-eventing, bring it on!!!
OMG. What an achievement. That is amazing! xx You deserve a hundred pints after that!
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Wow. I’m in awe. I couldn’t go 10 km without the first blister appearing! Glad you enjoyed the experience too!.
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I’d leave a comment but I’m speechless. Well done!! (Ok, nearly speechless)
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Fabulous effort … Thoroughly inspiring you are 🙂
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My goodness that is awesome, well done
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I will go a rather long way for beer, but 100km? I’m without words, other than ‘félicitations’!
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you must be kidding! I am floored. How is it possible to do this?
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Congratulations! You excelled yourself and I am very proud of you. Only wish I were capable of doing the same, love to all xxx
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Wow, amazing achievement WELL DONE YOU!!XX
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Well done, I would consider that a pretty good achievement, and thank goodness it wasn’t a Harvester, that would have been a real let down at the finish line!!!
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Congratulations and those pints were well earned!☺🍺👍
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This elicits so many reactions:
(1) concern: are you out of your mind?
(2) awe
(3) extreme fatigue
(4) pity that you didn’t get your long-anticipated reward
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My reward was two fine pints, and knowing that I smashed it! Thanks for the support x
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Well done you! xx
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Thank you!!!
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