PT Emy Jones gallantly takes on the longrunning, off-road run/bike/run toughie at the Forest Park in Northumberland
PT Emy Jones entered the Kielder Off-Road Du with her client Sally, and this race would be all about helping each other across the line. Here’s the mud-drenched report…
Back in 2012 and suffering with severe depression, I boldly left the corporate world, sold most of my belongings and lived in a camper van deciding what to do next. I kept fit to fill my time, and before my savings ran out it struck me fitness was to be my new career; now five years later I’m a personal trainer, life coach and owner of NU U FITNESS!
I race most weekends and have completed the Rat Race Coast to Coast and many marathons and ultra runs. I love helping others achieve their goals, and I believe it’s not all about winning or being fastest, it’s about being the best version of yourself and enjoying the journey. This is why Kielder for me was about accompanying Sally, one of my clients, on the first of many events
planned for her own fitness journey. Sally and myself train together, I also have my own fitness regime but nothing quite prepared me for the enduring hills and trails of Kielder Forest Park…
After a good night’s sleep, Sally meets my friend Tom and I at registration, coffee and plenty of carbs in hand. There’s a mix of excitement and nerves in the air, and as the gun goes off we see from the serious racing attire of some of our fellow competitors that there are some serious athletes in this race. I’m used to more leisurely starts, so I’m pleased Sally and Tom have a similar idea! Many people whizz past, but today it’s fine because I’m here to support my client and enjoy the views and the challenge ahead.
HILLS, AND REPEAT
We finish the first run and realise very few people are behind us, but Sally and I just laugh and casually refuel with Jelly Babies and Coke, before mounting our bikes. Off we go again and, wow, the downhills are amazing. I even get some air!
Tom goes ahead and disappears, but we soon bump into him again pushing his bike… puncture!
He’s no tools or spare tube, so I give him mine and we get on our way. It’s cold, damp and muddy on the trails so we’re forced to leave him, simply to keep warm. I’m relieved to arrive in T2, very aware of how far behind we are. We refuel again and set off for the last run.
Finally I see people ahead of us that we’re catching up with, but there’s still no sign of Tom behind us. I feel full of energy, so I use it to encourage Sally along as we start to sense the finish line. I stop and wait for Sally to catch up and grab her hand as we run through the finish line together. 4:35hrs later, we did it! Soon after Tom also finally finishes… much to his relief.
I’d thoroughly recommend the Kielder Off-Road Duathlon, there’s some fantastic athletes at the front of the field but the atmosphere is very inclusive. The route is epic, with fast downhills to get the heart pumping.
My next race is the Hedgehope Winter Wipeout fell run, with at least another 20 events planned throughout the year including a trek across the Great Wall of China in aid of Marie Curie. See you all on the hills soon! 220