Soup, tinned fruit and grit determination

20 JULY 2018

Its the 11th May and its 04:30hrs, and I’m in a marquee in Llanberis.  Ahead of me is approx 50miles of mountain trail and approx 16700ft of climb.  How did this happen?

In November 2017 I completed a years journey and ambition to become a fell and trail running coach.  I created my own business as I wanted to provide a service to coach runners and non runners to run on the wonderful trails of the West Midlands and as I am an active trail and fell runner for Mercia Fell Runners the timing was right.  I had completed every off road distance……but not an ultra.

In November 2018, the idea was dropped to have a look at the UTS 50 (Ultra Trail Snowdonia).  It was in its second year having had a successful first year.  Then whilst on a night shift (I have a full time job in the public service), I had a look at the website and in a tired state, clicked on ‘register’.  The event required a few qualifying races, and I hoped that the Wales Trail Marathon and Snowdonia 7s would qualify me.

It did, and suddenly I had 6 months to prepare. 

As a coach, I decided to coach myself and see how it went, putting all the knowledge I had, and seeking advice from friends who had completed mountain ultras in the past, I put my plan together. 

This included a few big races in the Shropshire hills during the winter, a recce or two of the route, and getting as many hills in as possible.  Quality not quantity. Amazingly I managed to get to the 11th May without an injury and that was also thanks to regular sports massage and the odd trip to the physio to check me over.

One recce was cancelled due to the weather however I did manage one recce which was needed.

Kit was prepped, including a rucksack full of safety kit, change of clothing, head torches, food, and water, and the knowledge that there would be seven check points, all with hydration, all with snacks and two with food.

At 04:50 at the start line, thanking the heavens for such good weather.  I would get to see the views!  One thing that did concern me though was the fact that the majority here were experience ultra runners, and quite a few were known in the ultra community.  Oh and this is one of the hardest 50 mile ultras in the country. 

Off we went, and I just had to remember to go at my pace, and don’t go too quick.  The first few miles were fine and before long as the sun rose we were headed up Moel Ellio and the top of the first climb. 

All fine and after a lovely decent, we ended up at check point 1.  I had prior to starting forced a bagel down me, but was struggling to eat, so ensured I took on fluids.  I’d get hungry soon enough. 

Then off we went to the second climb and this one is just tough.  Mynydd Mawr is just a long and constant climb.  It was here that I realised I was not at the front, not in the middle, but near the back of the race. 

Great, bringing up the rear!!  First time my morale dipped. 

We drop down to a road crossing and after check point 2, fluid and some snack, we head off for the first climb of Snowdon, up the Ranger Path.  This again is a long and steep climb and it was here I first started to suffer.  I was only 18 miles in, muscles were showing signs of cramp and now I was hungry.  Salt tablets and Chia Charge flap jack, and keep the fluid on.  I had three 500ml flasks, one with water, one with electrolyte and one with juice.

Down the Rhyd Ddu Path and to check point 3. 

My wife Becca met me 1km from the check point and ran in with me.  Words of encouragement and praise really helped. 

Salt tablets and force feeding me tea and juice and a sandwich.  Then it was off to the hardest section of the race.  It was this point I was told I was sixth from the back, so only six people behind me.  Great.  Onwards and upwards.  Moel Lefn, Moel Ogof and finally Moel Hebog.  Scrambling, and the climb up Hebog was long, steep and hot.  Once at the top and having over taken two people I skipped down towards check point four and Beddgelert, food and  water.  Again Becca met me and ran the last 1km with me, giving me encouragement and helping me realise that there was only 20 miles to go and the beast was almost beaten.

At this check point our drop bags were used, I changed my clothes, ate/drank vegetable soup and tinned fruit cocktail. 

It was amazing and hit the spot. 

Tea and a restock of fluids and I was ready to go.  I hit a high for the first time.  The next section was undulating trails with a climb to Pen Y Pass.  I ran most of this and was feeling strong.  Over took quite a few people and reached the check point at pen y pass.  I have to say the climb to Pen y Pass was a shock, but my head was now strong and I was confident I could finish this. 

A resupply of fluids and some food and I was off for the final climb of Snowdon via Llewid, and what no one realised was how slow scrambling around the left side of Llewid would be. 

An hour to cover a mile!!

Anyway once off LLweid it was the final climb up the Watkins path to the Snowdon Summit.  Finally no more climbing!!  The Llanberis path I know quite well and off I went, powering through, feeling strong, acknowledging all the night time walkers and without realising closing down some more runners. 

The route then takes you off to the left and into the woods.  I counted another 5 people that I overtook.  The markers were becoming less so it was time to switch on, however I took one wrong turn but realised early on that I had gone wrong, retraced my tracks and got back on route.  A slight climb and then loads more down hill, the finish was getting closer.  I could see the light of the event area and then the finish line.  An uphill climb, knackered, tired, hungry, thirsty but nothing was going to stop me running those last few metres and be greeted by my wife at the finish line with the biggest and proudest hug ever!! 

I done it, I actually finished.  No injuries, beaming with happiness and pride, UTS50 was done. 

On reflection the ultra took over my life for the six months that I trained.  Planning, preparation, sorting kit, planning training.  I was talking about it most days, training for it 5 days a week, and constantly packing kit, unpacking, changing kit….. but I got to the start line apprehensive, respectful, but fully prepared, and with a strong mind, stubborn enough to get over that finish line.

Three weeks before the event I decided to raise money for Save the Children, another motivator, and am pleased with raising £1314.