This was my first Ultra Marathon, I learned a lot of things from this race. Not just the immensity of the distance but the great camaraderie that accompanies Ultra Running.
In brief, I was not feeling so well, so with three lots of imodium and too much kit I struggled on my first ultra. Starting at 7am, we didnt finish it until just before 11pm, on a tough a 23 mile loop we had to navigate twice, where temperatures got below -8. I couldnt push too hard as I was recovering from a tibialis tendon rupture 6 months prior and not wanting to do any more damage before the MDS 3 months away.
With great encouragement from Mike Adams and Dave Finch, we trudged over rocky mountains, where streams were now covered in ice - on top and below the water! Making descending the 'Gap' fairly interesting in the dark. Batteries got cold and began failing as we approached the finish, bringing home the laturn rouge. Next year, I will have learnt more, hopefully got quicker and have more time on my feet in other races to improve upon this performance. However, please to have finished my first ultra, which was very well organised by Matt at Likeys in a particulary beautifull, if not harsh part of the country.
It was also a chance to meet up with my fellow competitors for the Marathon des Sable for the first time, and what a great bunch they are!
Left to right: Dave Finch, Mike Adams and Me at the finish of the Beacons Ultra 2008.
