We are now two days on and my legs are still slightly stiff and my hunger is continuing to rage aarrrgghhh! Don't misunderstand me this is amazing ha ha, to only be talking about a few aches is unheard of for me, its usually a detailed description of bloodied blisters looking like that packaging plastic that pops when squeezed, and epic stories of toe nails being ripped off with socks, swollen ankles that double in size and sores in places we don't talk about lol! No, not this time, a bit boring actually on that front, hamstrings are a little tight but nothing serious, my quads relatively good only a little sore and causing a few "ooo's and arrrgh's" when walking down the stairs but nothing bad. I did have a few twitches in my lower a back yesterday but that's worn off, along with slightly sore shoulder blades that made me wonder if I'd run on my hands or my feet lol!
Then today I've this insatiable hunger, which is normal for me after this sort of run or event. Its not at the time, I'm not that hungry whilst running I do need to eat but not that bothered or straight after the race either. The next day or two though, don't be anywhere nearby as you may end up being eaten!
Anyway, it all began on a weary Saturday morning in March at around 3.30am, ah no that's when I was supposed to get up but I pressed snooze a few too many times and suddenly it was 3.50am ooops! So after getting annoyed with myself for being so stupid and lazy I stumbled out of bed bashing my toe chest of draws and then elbow into the wall. Great, what a start. So without any more disasters I got dressed ready for the off, and layered up as didn't want to start cold or get cold waiting to start. Porridge in the microwave and kit piling up at the door. I took the porridge out of the microwave and my only thoughts or images going through my head were thanks to the previous night and watching Lee Evans live on telly, as one of his stories or lines was about 'porridge in microwaves' and how we all look when we trying eating it even though its blisteringly hot lol!!
I set off, slightly late, and with Sat Nav telling me its going to take 1 hour 37 mins or something similar which would have meant I'd have missed the rendezvous and coach by about 10 minutes which isn't a good start! So I cracked on once I'd stopped for petrol ha ha and got myself to Guisborough in enough time to park up and get sorted. Kit bag ready, clothes all on to keep warm with jacket and hat, it wasn't freezing but there was a definite bite in the air especially if stood around in the middle of no where waiting for a bus. At least I wasn't on my own I was with about 150 other nutters doing a little Irish jig to keep warm.
We arrived in Helmsley after about an hours drive which wasn't too bad really as managed a quick nap which was welcome. There was a gathering, a mass of people, bright coloured tops, stripy leggings, rainbow hair styles, big bright bold as you like jackets, bulky shoes, skinny shoes, head scarfs, woolly hats, mittens, artic gloves, tee-shirts and down jackets, it was all out and about this morning. One behind the other hustling and bustling trying to keep warm, waiting for there turn to get into the registration hall and have the kit check. This is where all that pre-planning and packing goes out the window as when they ask to see each item you either can't find it or you end up taking everything else out of the rucksack that you'd so carefully and diligently positioned in the bag in the first place. It was all now just stuffed in! "NEXT" was the cry and you were moved along efficiently but hastily.
For the next hour, the ones who had registered were hovering round in anticipation and excited looks on there faces, a few with fear and initial apprehension. Some were still turning up and queueing for kit checks and registration, and I wondered around looking for familiar faces to say hello and ponder the on-coming run. I found a little corner to get rested and re-check any kit whilst having last few bits to eat to keep up my energy levels as didn't want to start the race with a grumbling stomach. I managed to keep warm by finding a room upstairs from registration where people were hanging about doing the same as I was but looking out into the square watching others dancing around outside waiting for the race brief.
Then the call from RD Jon Steele, race brief in 5 mins at the monument. So everyone starts heading out, the excitement now starting to build as for many this was there first Hardmoors and they had no idea what was in store for them (lucky for them I say) where as I new, only to well what was coming. Anyway Jon went through the normal health and safety speech with a few jokes that perked us all up including one class moment of him holding up someone's head torch and asking everyone to check there kit as someone had left it on the 'kit check table' ha ha and since he was just discussing a surprise kit check along route at an unknown location it maybe worth while having it as it was mandatory kit. This caused great amusement and nobody dared go forward for it until near the end which was followed by a rawcus laugh and cheer and applause with an appreciative bow and smile from the happy participant. Jon once finished the schpiel moved us to the start and gave us the formal '5,4,3,2......1 go!!!'
The going was good, the first section in my mind was getting to Sutton Bank and The White Horse. This is about 7 miles, my goal was to head out steady (not that I have ever done anything other lol) trying to reserve my energy for the tough section after Osmotherly. In my head it was a steady 22 miles to Os which I was aiming to do in 5 hours if I could then the remainding 33 miles which from memory was going to be much tougher due to the terrain I left 10 hours which should have been plenty. Heading out to Sutton Bank was like all other races I have done where everybody's in good spirits, jovial banter bouncing back and forth and some great fun to get us going. Positivity and hype in abundance, I just kept my head down and thought don't get carried away here it doesn't start until Os!
We arrived at Sutton Bank and crossed the road to the little path along the top by the gliding club. Passing the other runners who had done the loop we were about to start was always great as everyone is so encouraging which gives you a welcome boost I think. Down the tricky trail to the woods, being careful not to catch a root or stone as I didn't want any twisted joints this early on or it would be an early exit I feared. Through the woods at the bottom leading to the carpark with the knowledge that we then would have to go back up to the top path but via the steps ( the steps of DOOM!). Once back at the top my lungs were bursting and sweat was pouring off me, I had to find that bit of energy to get back into run mode. I find this the hardest thing, struggling up a steep incline draining and sapping your body of any energy you had to then start running again. Way beyond me at the moment this, and I think this is where I could definitely improve my performance.
The trail took us from Sutton Bank across to Osmotherly which is pretty flat and good terrain to try and get a few miles behind me. Now I did have ongoing issue, my hydration bladder. This bladder was given to me the day before the race because as usual I am too casual and laid back about being prepared thoroughly not a mistake I will make again I hasten to add. Now Paddy a good friend of mine from the gym had given me this bladder which I was immensely grateful for as mine had got gunk in it and didn't look very clean at all so ended up in the bin. All set for the run heading off as described earlier feeling good, until I came to the point when I went for a quick sip on the nozzle to get some water. Well, after going nearly blue in the face and probably looking like I was sucking a lemon I managed one little drip of water I then had to come back up for air I was dying through lack of ability to breath ha ha! This is how it stayed the whole way round as I couldn't work out how to make it let more water through the nozzle. This is the first time I have managed a run especially this distance and time having to not refill the bladder it lasted me the whole 55 miles, unbelievable achievement in itself ha ha!
So after trying to not spend too long at the check point in Osmotherly but enough to top up my bottle with water ( no need to do the bladder lol) and have a drink of coke or two with a few nibbles I was soon off on my way. With the knowledge of what lay ahead I tried to crack on with purpose. This soon slowed down as the hillier terrain began but I was determined to power on. My legs were feeling great especially with the uphills, yes they were lung busting but if your legs can't cope either then its going to be a long day. As I point out my main weakness is once I get passed the arduous part and you need get back to running I find really hard, once going again I am ok but getting from recovery to go mode is hard. I kept pushing myself to try as hard as possible across the flatter parts as previous experiences had taught me this was the time you had to make sure you were running and making up some time otherwise you will be falling behind schedule. We passed over the Wainstones, which after the Osmotherly section is very difficult, this being the toughest section of the race in my opinion and where I knew I would lose a lot of time. I kept pushing and powering the best I could up the hills and running whenever possible. I eventually ended up with a small group of runners who were all individuals but we seemed to be all going about the same pace each with different strengths and forteits.
We were well on our way and on schedule to be at Kildale in plenty of time which was the 42 mile point. This was mentioned as a crucial moment as once your there in time its home sailing. Only another 13 miles he said, but you've just done 42!!! We plodded on, with dark coming in and some light rain starting the cold wind was starting to get to us all. Hoods went up and head torches were on as we were crossing the open moorland towards Kildale. I ended up buddying up with a chap called Ken, we seemed to be moving at about the same pace so ended up staying with each other till the end. In situations like this it is great when this happens, we chatted a bit and helped each other through some tough stages, just by simply being there it encourages you and helps you push on when you probably wouldn't on your own. We set similar targets of what we were trying to achieve and probably had slightly different strengths as I was good at pushing the pace on the uphills and Ken was good at making sure were running when we needed to. It makes a big difference during the night stage from being on your own and a lonely torch light, to doubling up as using each other. So perfect timing to meet someone I could try to finish the run with, this was the perfect timing to really help my motivation and perseverance. We entered Kildale check point knowing we were there in good time to allow for a slight rest to sort bits and bobs out that we were going to want for the final stage and to get some much needed refreshments and food in us. I couldn't seem to get enough of the cola, dehydration was kicking in and sugar levels were obviously low. All stocked up, rested, re-packed, off we went with the knowledge that as long we keep a similar pace to before we should be done in 3.5 - 4 hours depending on Roseberry Topping. It was a tough climb out of Kildale which I wasn't expecting, I couldn't remember that part but I actually coped well if anything I was leading the small group that had left at about the same time my pace was a good one for everyone to push to. We then hit the trail to Captain Cooks monument which is quite exposed so we were expecting a rough couple of miles but it actually turned out quite good. We almost had a race changing moment, we were about to turn right at the monument which is usually the case everytime I have run the half marathon there and head down to the carpark where there was a check point waiting for us. Certainly there was a screech and we were being shouted at whistled to with a furious and frantic nature, the two ladies behind were convinced it was a different path so we head off with them. Within seconds, luckily, we were screamed and whistled at again by the next group coming up to the monument shouting to us that we were going the wrong way we should be turning right there. This caused a few laughs and jeers and some good banter for the next few minutes as this had been our original path and direction before being re-routed off course!
Roseberry Topping by night looked awesome! With the orange glow behind it from the nearby towns it just looked mesmerising, then to see all the little head lights of the runners, dotted lines one going up and another coming down it was a spectacle and a welcome sight. We followed the slabs till we met the path that took us to the summit of the beast! This turned out to be the toughest part of the run, not just because of the climb so late on in the race but because of the slippery stones were having to careful place our feet on. Ken took a few cheeky slips which by this point must have really hurt, the additional strain it puts on your body must have been mentally a tough moment for him. My concentration levels had tripled making sure my feet were placed well and my stance was sturdy. We literally got to the top and turned round and headed home! The picture shows it for those lucky enough to reach this point in daylight, for us it felt like pitch black.
Next stop was High Cliff Nab which was the last significant point of the final part. It was the last ascent which by this point my legs were feeling any kind of incline, there were a few rocky bits once you get there with a few stretches that were definitely unwelcome. We knew thought that once we had past it we were to be heading downhill to the finish. The trail went through Guisborough woods and what you would think would be all downhill to the finish at the Cadet Hut, oh no that was not the case, there were a few little 'Hardmoors supprises' in there. The occasional uphill just reminding us that this was a Hardmoors event therefore HARD! We finally reached the last stretch, the last mile of pain. This was along the old railway line leading to the bridge about the road into Guisborough. We had been running for the whole way since High Cliff Nap and my legs had actually felt ok, so whether it was just because I knew the finish was near I don't know but had to slow to a walk for a bit which took us to the bridge which brought a feeling of elation as we knew this was it, we had done it. Wearily we meandered down the path beside the bridge and then stepped it up to a gentle run. This again felt good and I was happy I was running it in to the end, this was more important to me than actually finishing as it made me feel like I could have carried on. The finish, the run into the Cadet Hut was immense, random people cheering us in and congratulating us. I don't even think I could speak when handing over my race number to get my final time and receive my medal and certificate. My only thoughts, tunnel vision like, was "where's the drinks?" I needed more Coca-Cola, the body was craving this stuff, where IS IT!!!!
The final challenge, getting to the car and driving home. Great run, great experience, loved it and loved it even more than last time. Maybe one more 55 to come before the MdS next year. Hell of day, Hell of a run, Hell of an idea! What the Hell is next, ah yes the Hardmoors 110 yippeeeee!
