Feeling frozen and bruised... but alive
I write this with aching limbs, sore feet, bruised shins and, perhaps unexpectedly, a smile.
Last weekend you may recall I was taking on the Spine Challenger race along the Pennine Way in the Peak District.
It was a race I had never run before and I knew it would push me to the limits as it is one of the hardest UK foot races. Sadly, eventually it turned out to be too much for me.
On the pre-dawn start line I was greeted with fresh snow and as the race progressed the conditions worsened. I climbed lung bursting hills often with sleet and hail blown into my face.
I was ready for the weather but not a waterlogged course with ice below the surface that had everyone falling over, and in my case, dropping into small crevasses twice.
The Pennine Way had become a raging river in places, forcing us up on to uneven boggy peat where I’d sink up to my knees. The rivers, crossed numerous times, were so swollen that jumping them successfully was not guaranteed, so we waded across on occasions.
I managed just over 14 hours of the race and covered about 30 miles and 7,000ft of climb but at midnight I lost all my energy, was wet through and shivering so took the sensible decision to withdraw at a checkpoint rather than risk calling out mountain rescue at a later stage.
Around two thirds of other competitors didn’t finish, which shows how tough it was. I am in awe of those who made all 110 miles in those conditions.
Yes, the weather and ground conditions were a contributory factor in my failure to finish but the reality is that I was not fit or strong enough.
Despite not getting to where I wanted to be I enjoyed the whole experience. I believe it’s good to occasionally push yourself to the limit – it makes me feel alive. The beauty of the UK countryside never fails to bring a smile to my face and, as always, everyone I met and the amazing volunteers made the race enjoyable.
I hope that you too are brave enough to take on a challenge that does not guarantee a finish.
With the right attitude, it can always be a worthwhile learning experience and you never know, you may even succeed!