‘Everyday 10in10 No Cure Always Hope Ultra’

‘She believed she could, so she did’ (Chapter 1)

The 10in10 ultra has been on the cards for the best part of two years now, Paul & I signed up on Si Entries in May 2017.  Between leg injuries and chest infections we have not managed to pull it off!

I have written this blog in the hope of inspiring others to keep going no matter what, to achieve what you want to achieve.  We all face obstacles in life, be it injury or illness.

The route has always been in my mind a training run prior to an attempt at the Bob Graham Round.  2017, 2018 and now 2019 have been the years.  But with reoccurring health issues since 2015 (coincidentally since I turned 40 yrs old, (or not as it has been proved)) has not allowed it to happen.

Having suffered from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and received Chemotherapy and Rituximab treatment between 2011-2013, I have been left with a deficient immune system. Every winter I have fought prolonged chest infections and a severe cough, hence training has come to a stop.  All I wanted was to steadily train through the winter, pick it up Feb/March, increase April/May (to the suggested BG minimum of 40miles per week and 10000ft ascent), then go for it in June.

Maybe 2019 would be the year.  Being in receipt of monthly immunoglobulin transfusions I remained well, which saw me to the start and finish line of Trans Gran Canaria Marathon on 21st Feb.  But then as usual, BANG, off my feet for a couple of weeks, (but not a chest infection this time). Recovered from this then a chest infection, another 2 weeks off my feet! I got back to the fells Fri 22^nd March, a forced jog out on the Northern Fells (with a view to seeing if there was any point turning up at the Carrock Fell Race and giving a reasonable performance!). I didn’t do too bad at my level! The next couple of months have seen a steady rise in performance and enthusiasm.

Trans Gran Canaria 42km finish line

Now, with inspiration from my running friend Liz, who completed the 10in10 two weeks ago, someone who really wanted to do it and just got on with it, and did it well, I decided to ‘get on with it’!

‘Play day Friday’ (17^th May) much to Paul’s disapproval I dragged myself around some of the route, 25miles, hence Paul’s annoyance at doing a long run one week before ‘the big day’.  Mentally it did me good, reminded me it will hurt, but I can work through it; physically I’m not sure, but I have slept well every night since!

Taking advantage of Liz’s back up date, 24^th May was decided on. Weather in my favour, rucksack packed, two schedules, one drawn up by me (maybe comfortable) and one drawn up by Paul, (setting records).  To Haystacks was the same timings, Il see how I feel from here to the end. I won’t be put under any unvdue pressure, I want to try and enjoy the day.

Bags packed, Natalie confirmed our meet at 6am at Swinside, Paul confirmed he would have the kids to school and be in the region of Grey Knotts by 10am ish.  Liz collecting Zack from school then he can cheer his mum up the hill to the Swinside Inn (hopefully) and Liz can encourage me along the road section as I did for her.

Up at 4.30am, quick breakfast, 50mins drive and Im on my way.

6am set off with Nats

Beautiful morning

 The morning was stunning, I felt totally focused and ready for it. Whatever ‘it’ was, it was going to be a good day!  Natalie let me set the pace down the road and upto Causey Pike.  Over Scar Crags, Sail, Eel Crag, Wandhope.  Totally stunning, probably a good cloud inversion off Skiddaw and Gt Gable, but I’m quite happy where I am. 

Down to Whiteless Pike enroute to Buttermere, taking Natalie’s well guided grass line rather than the path, (due to a calf strain, I hope it is only a strain). We had to take the diversion at Buttermere (or get wet feet in the lake, and anyone that knows me, knows Il do anything to keep my feet dry!).  The consideration of schedules was made, Paul had originally drawn one up for me at 11hrs, which was instantly dismissed! I rescheduled to 12hrs 53mins, we kind of compromised at 12hrs 18mins. So at Buttermere we were 14mins up on Paul’s schedule. 

This meant we could take it easy up Dodd and onto Red Pike, phew! A bit of cloud slightly excluded our view here, but made it atmospheric. Along the ridge to High Stile, High Crag and Seat, along Natalie’s well navigated lines. Slight concern at our good pace Natalie asked what was I going to do at Grey Knotts if Paul wasn’t there. I’m sure he will be, but if he’s not you’l just have to carry on til he catches up! Ok then! Needless to say my knight in shining armour was in place, telling me to jog along to the summit.  Oh no, is this where it deteriorates for me?? Nice steady pace with Natalie, route march with Paul??  He was reminded by both us ladies to be nice to Ange for the next 25 miles. 

Quick photo of the 3 of us (anyone who knows me knows I love my running photos, it was so hard keeping my phone in my bag!). Natalie went  off to bag her birkett of the day, Black Star (no stopping this lady, killing two birds with one stone!). Paul and I set off to Brandreth. 

Summitting Grey Knotts

The handover!

 Brandreth, Green Gable, quick call to the school to release Zack early from after school club. Arron Slack, with encouragement from a couple of hikers with Paul giving them a brief of what we were doing. They said they would take a photo and try and find my blog (hope they do!).Seathwaite Fell, past tarns I don’t remember behind Sprinkling Tarn (another beloved), direct line to the path to Esk Hause then off to Allen Crags and Glaramara. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this ridge, but all went well, and a lovely descent down Thorneythwaite Fell.

Descending Arron Slack

Seathwaite Fell summit

Enroute to Borrowdale and Castle Crag

Castle Crag is our next summit and one of my son, Zack’s favourite playgrounds in the lakes.  Today it was fairly tough and I was using my poles.

Castle Crag summit

Castle Crag climb aided with poles

Now the next section I have been warned about, a 1500ft climb up to Maiden Moor, on no particular path, but in my favour, before the bracken is shoulder high made the going much easier. I mosied on, still smiling, and on the look out for Clare, Robin and Sarah, who were going to meet us somewhere between Castle Crag and Maiden Moor, (lucky for them we summitted before we met!) I even managed a moment of humour with Paul on this climb giving him the finger and a smile as he video’d my plod!

Moment of humour plodding up Maiden Moor

My legs are fairly tired now and food isn’t going down too well. Clare and Sarah are blamed for my slow eating of a packet of crisps, but it really wasn’t there fault. We summitted Dale Head and I’m still managing to run the downhill to Hindscarth but back to a pole aided walk up the final big climb to Robinson. Sarah & I chit chatted our way up here (walking and talking, proper professional now!). Fairly good feeling at the top of Robinson, a jump of joy and photo with hubby! We said a brief goodbye to Sarah here, but would meet again at the finish.

Still running the descents!

The meet with Sarah & Clare

Chit chatting our way up Robinson

Final big climb, I did it!

We did it!

High Snockrigg, Newlands Hause and I’m praying Natalie has coca cola. She did, my heroine of the day. I couldn’t eat anymore but that sugar boost from the coke and change from drinking water was ace.

Natalie, Elwood and Jonty, Clare and Robin gave me my final words of encouragement, before we set off on the last section, 4 miles on the road, the bit I really wasn’t looking forward to. 

Road section Im not looking forward to!



Coke and Paul keep me going to the finish

Liz was meant to meet me at Newlands Hause and run the road section with me, but my slightly faster pace meant it was going to be tight, after she picked the boys up from school and drove out, (which was hindered more by having to follow a caravan, (you weren’t that slow Liz, Zack did comment you and Natalie are the fastest drivers he knows!). 

I managed to keep a reasonable pace on the roads, Liz met us with 2-3 miles to go, a lovely change of ‘crack’. We arrived at the only bit of ground to be covered twice, over the bridge into Stair and up the hill to Swinside Inn.  I can hear cheering,  I now just need to not cry!! 

Liz made it!

Final corner and look who's waiting for me!

The final ‘sprint’ (jog!) up the hill was made all the more special as Duncan and  Yvonne Booth, the inspiration behind the Everyday 10in10 NCAH Ultra, as well as my son and family friends were there to applaud my efforts. I’d made it and in record time, 11hrs 33mins, (50mins faster than the previous ladies record). I didn’t set off fully intending to get the ladies record, the day just went perfectly. I enjoyed every moment and smiled the whole way round.  

Relief!

Top hubby

Royal handshake with Duncan

Top support crew

I believed I could and I did!

I guess this is the end of Chapter 1.  I’m hoping there will be a chapter 2. A date has  been set for me to attempt the Bob Graham Round, my ultimate challenge.

Thank you Team Wilson