The Hadrian Hundred recce

Short notice for a last minute recce of the Hadrian Hundred. Might have been a bit ambitious in doing this 3 days after the 10 in 10, I still felt a bit knackered, but running out of weekends before the event.

The Hadrian Hundred is this year's annual LDWA 100 mile event, on the last bank holiday weekend in May. I'm doing it as part of my fundraising challenge for my friend Hannah: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runningforhannah

It's one hundred self navigated miles, in a circular route, starting and finishing in Hexham in Northumbria. The recce weekend is a chance to figure out the route, get some training in, and have a holiday. It was really tough, even broken up over four days with some B&Bs and lots of nice food thrown in. I've done two hundreds before (neither very convincingly), but this route feels harder, and I'm now quite nervous! 

We started on Friday in Hexham, and ran 22 miles, about 10 of them along Hadrian's Wall....

...and finished for the day in Haltwhistle, which is the Centre of Britain, and had everything you need really.....

 

Plus the B & B, being on the Coast 2 Coast route, was obviously accustomed to having people to stay who were undertaking long journeys under their own steam, and as well as all the usuals, provided extra luxuries - deodorant! Plasters! 

Saturday was 34 miles, from Haltwhistle to Dufton. I had another running dream the night before, like usual. But not like usual, in this dream, I was running well and feeling good, and dreamt I got to the end with no problems at all. Which was in contrast to the Bible at the B&B which was open at a page in Isaiah where there was mention of beasts devouring dead bodies on a mountain. Which sounded ominous.

The day started off in a dream, beautiful sunny skies, and 18 nice flat miles through the valleys, woods and old railway tracks to Alston.

The heaviest downpour I had ever seen (up until that point) then happened, conveniently as we had just gone into to the local Spa (the shop sadly, not some luxury hotel) to stock up on supplies for the next two days. I secretly added in two giant Dairy Milk bars, which I planned on rationing at checkpoints over the next 2.5 days. Happily, the downpour stopped as we left, and as we headed on up to Garrigill it was just a bit drizzley. Here, we had an impromptu checkpoint in a toilet block to shelter from the wet, and then set out on the last 16 miles of the day, up over the fells; Cross Fell via Greg's Hut, along the ridge, and down to Dufton. 

Things started to turn more Isaiah-esque pretty soon after setting out in the 10km up to Greg's Hut. A long and tedious climb could turn into a long a tedious tale, so in summary, we got caught in a blizzard (which I later found out was called Storm Hannah!), and taking shelter in Greg's Hut (during which I consumed all chocolate rations, old and newly purchased), chose a different route down off the mountain to safety at Dufton. The wild beasts will thus remain hungry! And I am in no way nervous of the fact this is now the only part of the route I don't know, it's over a mountain, and it's likely going to be the part that I will do in the overnight bit. But I refuse to think of beasts!

Happily, our alternative route took us back to the valley quickly, and we ran the last 8 miles through fields filled with lambs, and rescued 3 who had 1) got stuck between a tree and a fence, 2) got the wrong side of the fence, and 3) got it's head stuck in a fence. Lambs are cute, but they really aren't smart, especially when it comes to fences. Which reminds me, the Sheep of the Year competition got some good contenders this recce...

Happy to be in Dufton safely, a lot of calories were consumed to replace energy lost via running/ stress/ surviving a blizzard, and the annual Luxury Item competition was held. During the recce, all kit for 4 days must be carried, and The Luxury Item competiton is a test of what, in addition to what you actually need, you are willing to carry that far, for a bit of luxury. There was good competition this year, a spare pair of underpants, slippers, a face mask.... 

I put my face mask on, went outside to let the rain wash it off, and crossed everything the weather would get better...

Sunday was 28 miles, from Dufton to Allenheads, up over the Moors, via High Cup Nick. 

The storm had passed, hurrah! And it was a beautiful day, with fantastic views, and quite a lot of climbing. We had been making good time, and had time for an extra long checkpoint at Cowshill. The last section was along rivers and round a beautiful forest,

Which was made extra exciting by the discovery of a Mine Museum around the other side, which we arrived at 10 minutes before the cafe shut...which meant an extra ice cream stop was scheduled. Yes!!!

A good rest at Allenheads on the last night and the final 18 miles on the last day back to Hexham. Most of the climbing was already done, and the last three sections were lovely along the valleys with some climbs up into the moors, with some good bogs. First stop of the day was in Allendale Town, which has it's own Tardis-mobile.

Yes it actually does. Hopefully it will be working on the event, and I shall record my fastest ever final 8 miles of a 100. The next section was up into the moor/bogs, and we met the farmer who owns the farm where the final checkpoint will be, who was the freindiest man, and gave us a low down on all the people (a lot) who he has met recce-ing the route so far, and also where we could find an old sofa in his farm yard, should we need to lie down on the event. 

The last section was really pretty, through woods, past the racecourse and then a long downhill section to the finish, which was a bit painful as my left quad has seemed unhappy for a couple of days now. It had better sort itself out asap!

It's a tough route, but beautiful. I'm hoping I found it difficult because I'm still tired from the TiT, so I think I'll stick to a rest next weekend, one marathon on each of the next weekends, and then that will be it, 100 time! 

10 marathons in 10 days....day #....oh....

The last two days have been like the worst ever return from a holiday that has ever been. I miss my running friends, I miss Phoenix, I miss running, I miss the towpath in the sun. I miss wearing my trainers. I miss my TiT bib.... 

No one shouts nice things and waves at me anymore, and tells me I can do it. I did accidentally shout well done at someone I passed in the street on Tuesday morning, but they looked at me like I was an alien, and when I tried to high five them, they crossed the road. 

There isn't an aid station with snack opportunities every half an hour or so anymore, so I've been getting really hungry. I haven't had a Freddo for two days. Oh no, I did,come to think of it, I ate my Freddo Easter egg. Anyway......

I haven't achieved anything for two days apart from go to work, and manage to make everything worse there and annoy everyone. I don't get to walk along the River every morning and have breakfast in the pub with fabulous people. I didn't get a medal for two days now. Etc, etc, etc.... 

I decided this was enough. I must pull myself out of this rut. So I made a day #12 medal, to acknowledge the feeling that I am having in this difficult period......

And to add to my collection...

And then I ran a marathon. Only kidding!

It's quite hilarious really. I was so apprehensive about the 10 in 10 beforehand, and it turned into one of the best things I've ever done. It really goes to show - you should just go for things and try them, and not worry about if you can do them or not. Think of all the things I've probably missed out on, because I was too scared to do them, because I thought I couldn't do it! I also didn't get given a quote today, so I've had to find my own, which isn;t quite up there with my Mum's, but it's something... 

A few snaps from the day #10......

Everything looks so colourful! I feel melancholy again looking at them, and thinking it's over...

From which my conclusion is.....I need to run some more!

10 marathons in 10 days....day #10/10

Day number 10 done! What a day, what an absolute day! I never thought I could do 10 marathons in 10 days. Never!!! Am so excited!

I've become very attached to the TiT bunch - runners and the Phoenix Team - and the other amazing runners coming along on the different days. I've been dreading saying goodbye to everyone today and was worried I'd just feel upset and tired all day. But no! I was quite upset on the train there this morning, but got it all out my system, and the rest of the day was full of so much joy. I love how everyone encourages and supports each other to do these things. I genuinely feel I can do anything when I'm around them. I will miss everyone so much, but know will see you all around, soon.

Today felt a bit like a dream, and yes! I did have another getting lost running dream last night! I dreamt I went the wrong way at the end of the lap, and instead of turning fully round and heading back the other way, I turned only half way around, and then landed in the Thames. But after 80 laps of the towpath over the last 10 days, even I was confident enough with the directions to know that was not worth worrying about. 

I didn't get lost, or fall in the river. I did fall over, but even that was ok, and thanks to the two runners who helped me up and everyone who checked I was ok. 

I loved today. Thank you everyone for making it so! Running felt fun today, and I managed my fastest time of the 10, but that doesn't matter at all, and my favourite part was cheering everyone across the finish line and celebrating at the end. Total total magic!!!

There are way too many things to think about, never mind try to write down. I'm struggling to write something that makes even less sense than usual, so I'll just stick to saying thank you to everyone for now, and a better post and more pictures to follow! 

So, thank you to everyone - including Mum, Dad, Rik and Phoenix marshals, all the other runners and TiTs. And, of course, massive congratulations to my fellow TiTs - I am so proud of you all! What massive TiTs you all are! Will it ever get boring with all the TiT jokes??

And thanks everyone for all your support with messages, likes, etc. It means a lot to know people were interested in how things were going and thought I could do it. I'm not the best person with confidence, so your support has helped me to try to do something I thought I couldn't do, and helped me to do it.

Oh, and day 10 gift and quote (thanks for these Mum and Dad!):

Still got all my toenails! The chick is less intact though - sorry 🙊

10 marathons in 10 days, day #9/10

Day 9, another 8 laps for a marathon, for the Unbreakable Shield (and an Easter egg ☺️)...

I woke up this morning in a panic, in the middle of a dream. I dreamt it was 4 in the afternoon, a little before the time of the end of the events, but on my wrist were 5 wrist bands, not 8. I had stopped the marathon earlier, and gone for a spot of shopping, in a shopping mall that didn't have any lights, and I got lost in the dark. I heard Rik and the other runners call my name, and I found my way out to come back to the marathon to complete another lap. But then I noticed that two of my bands were tied together, which in my dream, meant they were only one. And then I woke up, without my 8 marathon bands, and in a panic.

I think this had come about, as last night I had been looking at my photos and noticed an ominous sign on my birthday cake from the weekend....

I had thought that tomorrow, day 10, was the 23rd (although I realised today it's not, it's the 22nd) but I had gone to bed thinking that on 23/04/19 at 10.23 I was going to DNF.

But fortunately, my dreams don't seem to be an accurate predictor of reality! Today was another good day, and I didn't go shopping in the middle of the marathon, get lost, or DNF. In fact, I felt good - quite tired, but good, and did my second quickest time of the 9. I think that my body must have got used to it's new routine, or something, it is very weird. I feel better now than I did earlier on, which I don't understand at all. I even like getting up at 5 AM now. Well, only because I'm not going to work. I'm not looking forward to going back to everyday life and people going back to calling me a tit like normal, and not a TiT. 

But until then, another brilliant day on the towpath. Still getting prouder every day of my fellow TiTs! Everyone is doing amazing. Love watching everyone achieve their goals, and I am so inpsired when people have had to readjust them because of injuries. It is heartbreaking to see people suffer, but absolutely amazed by what everyone can still achieve despite this. You are all awesome!

Another scorcher today! Great to spend a day in the sunshine with friends and relax afterwards and celebrate finish line crossings. Thank you everyone for your support today!

And today's quote.....

And I noticed the gift was nuts again....I'm definitely taking it personally now.

10 marathons in 10 days, day #8/10

Day 8 for the Indomitable Shield....

What a difference a day makes, hey! Yesterday I felt all at sea in a storm, today it felt like floating on a pond as still as glass.

The trains were fixed. Hurrah! The ticket inspector came around to check our tickets. He looked at mine, and then at me, and asked 'are you a runner?' 

"Well yes, I am!" I replied, from my lycra clad self.

"Are you running the marathon today?" he continued. This was getting a tiny bit weird, but I went with it.

"Well yes, I am!" I replied, before realising I sounded like a broken record.

"Well!" the guard kindly ignored my unimaginative response, and carried on, "there's a lady a couple of carriages down who is going to do it too. Come! I will show you to her!"

I followed him, and met Apryl! "Oh! You know each other!" said the guard.

"Well yes, we do!" I replied, in a slight deviation from my standard response. I think at the point he got bored of me, and left us to have a good chat.

So today's journey was approximately one million times more enjoyable than yesterday's. Even had plenty of time for a relaxed tea and toast and catch up with the breakfast crew in the pub before the race. 

Some new marathoners out today, and lovely to see them there, Marmalade Mooching down the towpath. Thank you so much Kasia and Sarah for pulling me round some miles! 💕 Kasia and I even accidentally coordinated our nails...

And as always, the TiTs were out doing a brilliant job. Absolutely amazed by everyone, and feel so proud of every single person. What journeys people are on; never easy ones, and battles are being fought for sure, yet always people are so kind to each other, freely giving support, and encouragement and smiles all the way each day. How brilliant a thing to be part of. I love it.

My mind was in a much better place today, and I enjoyed the run. It was really flippin hot, but we made it through, being looked after by the ever fabulous marshals who kept us well hydrated and fuelled. 

Super excited to have these at the end, it must be.... actually I can't even remember when, it's been so long since I had these....

Pickled onion! Oh yeah!!! That brought me back to life quickly at the end!

Another fine quote today:

Moving forwards....that's all the matters. No matter the distance or the time, moving forwards, closer to the goal with every step, is all that is important. Only two days left now! And, I'm clearly going to regret saying this at some point over the next two days, I'm really going to miss it when it's finished!

Keep moving forwards!

10 marathons in 10 days, day #7/10

Day 7's run, for the Intrepid medal...

I think today was the hardest day. I wish I'd brought my Adversity shield with me to fight it! All the stuff about getting to the start line being the hardest bit certainly came true today, although not in the way I think it is meant!

Left my house extra early at 6.15, to leave time to get around the protests in London, and allow for the Bank Hol trains. Bus to Waterloo didn't turn up, so headed a different way round. Bus passed me a few mins after, as I was walking, and drove on it's merry little way. Got to Waterloo, all the trains said "delayed or cancelled". Waited around a little to find out more, and was told all the lines were shut due to an incident, and the closest I could get on a train was Woking. Got on train to Woking. The train literally had it's breaks on the whole way and it took AN HOUR to get there! By now it was almost 8.45 and the race started at 9.30. Ordered an Uber, and watched the little car on the screen drive in circles, away from me, and the ETA go up...at that point, I don't mind admitting I had a proper cry, sat in a wall outside Woking station, and kicked the floor a few times. How glamourous! I was so frustrated! I was giving everything to the 10 in 10, and the reason I was going to fail was because of not flipping getting there! Plus, as well as that, I was now stuck in Woking, of all places. Great.

A good cry often sorts me out though, I think it gets rid of all the emotion inside. So I stopped, breathed deeply, thought of my Adversity Shield, which I had already got, after all, got a different Uber, and headed on the way. Made it with 10 mins to spare. In the meantime, I'd broken my sunglasses, realised I hadn't brought suncream, and broken the zip on my bag so I couldn't open it. I freaked out again, but as I always say, this community is amazing, and Kerry's husband Keith leant me his sunglasses, Sharky gave me some suncream, and everyone reassured me that now I was here, everything would be okay. Thank you you amazing lot, you are the best 💕

I hadn't even had time to think about running yet today to be honest, but luckily this was the 7th marathon of the week, so my legs seemed to know the drill by now and surprisingly got on with it, which was decent of them, as my mind slowly calmed down over a few laps. I kept having thoughts that everything seemed to be against me and I wasn't meant to finish, but no! I would not believe it! 

It was very very hot today, and the west bound route doesn't have much shade. I never feel hungry running in the heat, but I seemed to get by OK on mostly kendle mint cake and water today. I love Kendal mint cake. And one of the runners even put money behind the counter in the ice cream van for us all, what an absolute legend! 

My body has held up ok so far, and I somehow ran faster today than any other day, even though my mind wasn't really managing as well, which I think was just because I'd been really stressed out and that always makes me go faster. Don't know why, it makes no sense that you should run quicker if you're actually thinking about something else entirely. Mentally I found it really tough today though, it was hard! Had a few more teary moments, but it's all good now, and thanks for the hugs, you lovely lot!

I am so excited to have run a marathon every day for a whole week! One of my favourite books is Survival of the Fittest by Mike Stroud, who did 7 marathons in 7 days. I never even had a thought I could do that. Admittedly, his were also in each of the 7 different continents, but aside from that small fact. I did it! I did!

Now there are three left, which is still a lot, but I'm going to get round them, somehow (as long as I make it to the start).

Today's quote I love so much...

...there are no truer words than these today! I will take you, you big rock of day 7 (and several from the towpath that have made it into my trainers) and you will build part of my 10 in 10! 

And now this is enough emotion and inspirational sayings for one day. Maybe tomorrow I will be more stable! Thank you a million everyone today for your support, you're all bloody brilliant!!! 😍😍😍

10 marathons in 10 days, day #6/10

Day #6/10, for the Adversity Shield.

Adversity is made to be overcome, right?! Today really felt that way! 

Managed to sleep full 6 hours last night, woop woop! Woke up at 4.30 so headed to start early and had some tea and toast at the Weir pub by the start. My stomach still felt a bit sore, but it's been OK today. Such a relief! 

Despite the sleep, am starting to feel tired, and the legs start hurting earlier round the laps each day. Keep getting niggles, and worrying they are something serious, like today the back of my right leg suddenly hurt in lap 6. And then my mind runs away with me (at least my mind can still run well) and before I know it, I'll be injured and won't be able to finish, and will never ever run again. So far, my body has proved my mind wrong though. And as per today's quote...my mind is lying, so it can do one!

Today's present is nuts, which I don't know whether to take personally or not.

I get to this point each day, and think I'll never be able to run again tomorrow, but so far the next day I feel a bit more normal again, so if I could actually still move enough to cross anything, I would cross everything that that will carry on at least a bit longer. But I can't, so I'll just hope. It's like running in general I suppose. When I first did marathons and felt bad, I'd think that was it for the whole race and I'd give up mentally and beat myself up. But now having done a few, I realise, everything passes. My foot might hurt for a but, but it will ease off, then my leg might hurt, but then someone will say something to distract you, you'll get back to the end of the lap and get another wrist band, and things will seem better again. Funny, hey!

Today was Sarah's birthday and it was like a big party - amazing cake, bunting, the works - big Happy Birthday Sarah!!!  

Although it hurt and was hard, today was fun. Lots of chats and laughs on the way round. Every day I think my fellow runners, and the Phoenix Team, are more and more amazing. So kind and encouraging. I could never do this without seeing them X 2 per lap. They are such a great support. I felt a but emotional sometimes today, for the first time. Although this is hard, it is so amazing to be doing it, and I am so happy to be able to try to. I will miss it, and everyone, when it's over.

But that's ok, because there's still four more days left! FOUR MORE DAYS. Which is FOUR MORE MARATHONS. Oh my word. Help.

10 marathons in 10 days, day #5/10

Today's run, for the Perseverance Shield,

I can see why it's called Perseverance. Much was required. I am identifying with my medals more and more as the days go on 🤣

Felt totally knackered when I woke up today, which was after about 2 hours as I still can't sleep, and had no idea how I was going to run another marathon. So thank you to everyone on the way there and before the start who encouraged me and distracted me with chats. Getting to the start is the hardest part, apparently. And then the rest of it as well, I'd say, but once you're there, you might as well do it, I suppose.

Actually felt quite good once I started, for the first half anyway. I wasn't letting myself think about what I had to do, as it was freaking me out, so I was just running, and I seemed to still be able to. The second half was a different story. I suddenly started to get really bad stomach pains. I've no idea what it was, none of the usual running afflictions. Felt like someone was sticking a knife in and stabbing it around. It stopped about half an hour after I finished, so I guess I'm okay! I couldn't eat much because of it, so I ran out of energy, and felt pretty rubbish. I somehow managed to run my fastest time of the days so far, which makes absolutely no sense, but then none of this really makes any sense, when I think about it.

Thank goodness it's a 5 in 5. Hahahahahahaha!!!!

Oh. My. Days. We have to do it all again.

But not until tomorrow, and we must take only one day at a time. Right? Right. Yes. Got it.

Also, I got my Silver Wings today, for running 25 races with Phoenix. Thanks Rik!

I wish I did have wings. Like a unicorn, or even a bird. Then I could fly round and not use my legs or my feet. No, not a bird, a unicorn. A unicorn would be better. Much better.

I think I'm delerious. I should sleep.

Oh, before that though, day 5 present and quote....

Looks like I'm keeping my sweaty towel for another day then. Nice. 

Well done all runners out there today. What brilliant achievements all round - every day I just get more and more bowled over by what everyone is doing! Thanks Rik, and Jenny on the aid station, and the rest of the Phoenix Team for taking good care of us.  

10 marathons in 10 days, day #4/10

Day 4 medal, the Resolute Sheild.

Which stands for "admirably purposeful, determined and unwavering".

And that was needed just for getting to the start, which was a total nightmare this morning. Waterloo Bridge was shut because of demonstrations, so ended up walking a mile and a half through crowds of commuters, that I was way to tired to navigate safely, missed my train, got a later train that turned out ok, then I really needed a wee but there were no toilets in the train or at the station. I was in such a bad mood by the time I got to the start.

But it passed quickly, being around all the TiTs, and after a lap I felt alright again.

Today felt a bit harder, my legs are starting to feel a bit tight despite all my efforts, dammit! And I can't sleep properly, for some reason, so that's annoying. But nothing major, and still feeling alright. I did a tiny bit faster today than the other days. I'm sure this is probably a mistake. But I've never run more than 3 marathons in 3 days before, so I'm basically just winging it now, and finding out what happens, I guess? Who knows!

It was really warm and quite humid today, but quite nice for running in. It feels good to be warmer, finally.

Today's quote and present (which I ate for breakfast - the present, not the quote, I hope I never eat those words!)...

Great to be back on the towpath. And great to see some awesome achievements and milestones reached today. Plus everyone is achieving great things out on the towpath - top work everyone! 

10 marathons in 10 days, day #3/10

Today's medal was the Dauntless Sheild,

I am pretty daunted by 10 in 10, but now I've got a Phoenix holding a sheild saying I'm dauntless, I genuinely feel a bit less daunted.

And today's present...veggie jerky. 

Who would have thought it! If you can make jerky veggie, then there is indeed nothing that can't be done, so I followed the instruction from today's quote to "clear my mind of can't", and headed out for day #3.

First day on holiday today, and running a marathon is definitely easier than going to work at the moment, so even though I have to get up earlier, it feels like a treat to be running a marathon on a weekday!

I feel like I'm getting into my marathon commute. Number 26 bus, Waterloo, coffee, train, walk. The walk is especially nice in good weather, and a thousand hurrahs the weather is picking up! 

Beautiful and sunny today, got a bit sunburnt. Getting runners tan lines in early this year 🤣

The run was much quieter than weekend runs at Phoenix, but still a great crowd out, and good to be with the TiT bunch. Thank you for all the encouragement and laughs and hugs and the way round. And thanks all you fabulous aid station legends for looking after us all day. 

Run felt good today, and it was the west route, over the blue bridge, which is my favourite. Have been feeling quite ok so far, I'm sure it's probably all about to go wrong, but I'm enjoying it whilst it lasts! I haven't even got a blister yet, which is just weird. I always get blisters.

My other nemesis is tight hamstrings, so I have been walking lots of extra miles to stretch things out, streching at weird places like at the train station and bus stops which gets some funny looks. I am worried this isn't enough though, so have been using lots of Deep Heat. Last night I went a bit overboard, and sprayed a bit too much of it in the bathroom, which doesn't have windows, and felt a bit light headed so had to lie down a while. But on the plus side, my legs are fine.

So to tomorrow. Same time, same place!

10 marathons in 10 days, day #2/10

Day #2 - today's Phoenix had a Gauntlet sheild. Gauntlet can mean either:

1) To go through an intimidating or dangerous crowd or experience to reach a goal.

Or,

2) Undergo the military punishment of receiving blows whilst running between two rows of men with sticks.

Wow. Fortunately, I'm pleased to say, I got my Gauntlet sheild without having to go through either, especially number 2, so I sort of feel like I cheated.

Today's present was...

And I'm also pleased that my brain is still all in agreement with itself, to keep going. Today was the other way along the towpath (east), and I felt fine for the 8 laps, other than a bit weak for a couple before half way, but some aid station pretzels and a couple of Freddos sorted it out.

Great run today. Thank you to everyone for the birthday songs, wishes, hugs and chats on the way round! And thanks Gemma for running with me the whole way...

And thanks Andrew for my cake, and to everyone for sharing it. Sorry there wasn't enough. I should know by now that runners love cake!

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. I am very lucky! 💕

10 marathons in 10 days, # 1/10

10 marathons in 10 days, down by the river with Phoenix Running. My first 10 in 10. Day 1 done and feeling good, which is good, really, as there are 9 more to do 🤣

Got a great present in the post yesterday from my parents....

I wondered if it was some kind of drugs.

Better! Chocolate!

And I am seeking guidance on if 'at the end of the course' means at the end of EVERY course, as in, every day I can drink champagne??

Thanks Mum and Dad!

Great day down by the river with my running family.

The weather was something else. Freezing at the start, then sunny and warm, then the sky went black and it rained and was  freezing, then hot and sunny, then hail (HAIL?) then warm, then rain....

Today's Phoenix has a Fortitude sheild.

#2 tomorrow!