Coyote Marathon

Cyclopark, Gravesend, Kent

Number 13 - unlucky for some.

I woke up on Sunday 18th September feeling remarkable relaxed before marathon number 13, this was a nice change from the usual feeling of dread and nausea that I normally get prior to an event. Thankfully the marathon was being held locally and within 20 mins I was at race HQ collecting my number.

Round and around we go.

One of my main fears about the route around the cyclo park was the amount of laps needed to complete marathon distance, 21 in total! Yes reader, that's correct, 21 mind numbing, energy zapping laps around a tarmac bike path. To count the laps I was issued 21 elastic bands, every time you passed the start line you chucked one in a bin. I divided them up, 10 on one wrist and 11 on the other.

Pre race face!

I settled into my starting position at the back with some fellow SVN runners and tried to psych myself up “ You can do this, you've got this” was my silent,  but worthy mantra.

At 9am we all set off, I tentatively trotted around my first lap, it was quite a nice circuit although a little chilly and I was blasting out fairly quick miles. I felt strong, but remembering previous DNF races I realised I was running too fast, I slowed my pace back to a 10 min mile whilst trying not to think about pace, weather, time, injuries and pb’s.

The laps whizzed by.

Scooby snacks

Time passed as the laps whizzed by and my little group of supporters had arrived and started their job of cheering me on. I hit the halfway mark after a few laps with a runner called Phil, it was good to chat away and forget about the distance for a while and although the miles were clocking up it felt like the elastic bands were never ending.

I spaced out my hydration and food intake to every other lap and found a new favourite snack! Ready salted Hula Hoops, just the right amount of carb and salt and if eaten with a Honey stinger chew it was even better!

Thankfully on the last few laps.

Pb delight

It suddenly dawned on me that I only had 3 laps to go and I wasn’t too far off my London pb, I couldn't believe how strong I felt. I decided to go for it, I stuck my music on and upped my pace. My legs were pumping, like the music and with the final lap in sight I kicked again, within minutes the finish line was insight. As I crossed the line, the sheer delight was clear to see on my face, I had done it. Marathon number 13 was complete, not a pb but the closest I had got to it all year, I was elated.

Feeling great with my awesome medal.

With awesome medal placed around my neck, I collected beer and goodies from the HQ team and then had my photo taken. It was a great feeling to be back on top of my running and I ran over to my support crew for more photo’s, cuddles and congratulations. Little Abby had made me a bespoke medal which she placed around my neck and we hugged and giggled for a few precious moments.

Runners high

I was definitely on a marathon high, even though I’m sure I had lost a few more toe nails on the way round! I felt alive and hungry. Once home,I had my soak in the bath and Caz ordered my favourite marathon reward PIZZA. I polished off, nachos, most of my pizza, half a bottle of coke and several cakes and then I fell into a dream like slumber. I woke at 4am, which is normal after a marathon and I decided to eat the rest of my pizza and watch a movie. After another 4 hours sleep I awoke feeling refreshed, no aches in my legs and my back felt good too.

Runners low

Unfortunately my attempt at marathon number 14 did not go so smoothly. The weather was miserable, the laps were really hilly and the mud was deep! I pulled my groin within the first 2 miles but decided to soldier on, however by 8 miles I’d had enough! It's a really horrible decision to make when you want to quit, but my knee hurt, as did my ankle and groin and I didn’t want to increase my injury tally when I knew I couldn’t make the whole 26.2 miles. I still was awarded with a fab medal and goody bag, but in my eyes I didn’t earn it that day.

So with another DNF under my belt, we drove home, with no marathon high just disappointment and here I am stuck at marathon number 13 #unluckyforsome.

Next marathon 18th Nov

SVN Battle of the Somme - I will not quit!

Seville marathon 19th February 2017

Oranges are not the only fruit

Or

I came, I saw, I made a mess of it!

Getting to Seville had proved a challenge with ongoing injuries since December, first a foot injury put me out for 3 weeks and then I pulled my back, which delayed me further. Along with this two of my dearest running friends had recently become parents and had consequently had to drop out of the marathon. It had been an interesting couple of months to say the least! However I boarded the plane with a positive mindset and hoped for the best.

We arrived safely and I soon headed off to the expo to collect my number with ease. It was a fairly small expo and the numbers for the marathon were maxed out at 14,000 runners, small compared with London's 40,000!

With my number in hand, on Friday all I had do was sit chill, fuel, hydrate and wait until Sunday for the race!

A dark and chilly wait at the start line.

The morning arrived and myself and maybe 50 other marathoners squeezed onto a courtesy bus near our apartment and arrived in the cold darkness of the Olympic stadium at 8am. It was chilly but, no rain as yet and no nerves, which I’m not sure if that's a good sign or not these days?

My pen was the 4:30 pace and I was happy I would achieve this, or better this. I mean it was the flattest and fastest marathon in Europe so I had something to prove!

I said goodbye to my Cazzie and the crowds cheered me over the start line.

It was spring like weather, not hot at all and thankfully no rain appeared, as it had threatened. Within minutes I got into my stride and smiled, I always love the excitement at the start, It feels like my first marathon, buzzing and daunting at the same time. I’d got to the start line and now the rest was up to me and the whole city was ahead for me to explore.

Passing the Bullring.

I passed the Gold Tower and headed up past the Bullring with the river on my left, sporadic supporters along the roadside and at least one band to help me run to the beat.

I passed Caz by a bridge and felt happy that all was going to plan. I needed the loo but, I knew there was toilets everywhere so felt contented to hold on rather than reenact my shewee incident from the Race to the Stones event last summer! However, 10km in and no sign of a Portaloo? So I kept going, stopping at 12km to find two loos They were something akin to the toilets in Train spotting, but I was desperate so I held my breath and managed to squat and wee all at the same time!

Anyway, the route was well supported in some areas and not much in others, it was deadpan flat and by 15km I was feeling tired. I struggled to get to the halfway point and by 25km I was texting Caz for help!

I had been fuelling well, but I had a feeling my electrolytes weren't right, but by now it was probably too late! What to do???

I spent most of my time needing the loo!

At the next water stop I grabbed 2 cups of water and put the rest of my tailwind powder in and then drank another 2 cups whilst walking. I ran to 30km where Caz met me, I wrestled her cheetos crisps off her and drank more electrolytes to see if it might help me perk up a bit.

All the toilets promised on the route map never actually appeared and so I stopped to pee in a bush near the Royal park! Caz told me to keep going and she'd meet me in the park. So I just kept trying to put one foot in front of the other, ticking off each km, we met up again and she started to walk with me and encouraged me to run a little to get to 35km. I was finished, I was dead, but Caz pushed me on through the centre of town which was really well supported, so many people shouting “Vamo, vamo”(let's go) and “Animo” (cheer up), it lifted my spirits and so I tried push on.

Another toilet stop in Burger King occurred, but then I couldn't get my head around the fact that I only had 5km to go, just 1 parkrun back Olympic stadium and the finish line.

Eventually I started to believe I could finish and thankfully Caz ran the last 2 km by my side, which made me feel better! The last 500m was through a tunnel and onto the track, amazingly I found enough energy to give one last kick over the finish line! I was so relieved!! No tears were shed, just sheer relief as I flung my arms up to the sky and thanked my lucky stars that I made it through another 42km!

I collected my medal, although Caz had earned at least half of it, and soon after many photos I was ushered through more tunnels for refreshments, beer, water, fruit, a goody bag, more beer and to be reunited with Caz. I so happy to see her, I gave her my beer and showed off the medal, as we walked back into Seville we cheered in the last of the runners, not so long ago I had looked like them, beaten and tired.

I hobbled back to the apartment, encountered stairs and just flopped on the bed, exhausted and hungry but content with my achievement.

So thankful to have made it over the finish line.

A bad day at the office.

In retrospect, I really made a meal of the Seville marathon, signing up to a fast flat road race was not my brightest idea, but the lure of a holiday and running abroad in February had won me over.

The key to running all my marathons is never to give up, keep pushing and remember how much you want it, it doesn’t get any easier but I have a few coping strategies that keep my legs going and my mind free of mental chatter.

Counting from 1 up to 300, turns the brain off - repeat as necessary.

Singing - cheers me up and possibly others??? Not

Dedicate each mile to a friend or family member

Note on your arm where your supporters will be. All of these help when things start to go a bit  pear shaped, but sometimes just overlooking the basics, ie - not putting enough electrolyte mix in my water can be the difference between a good race and a bad race.

Note to self, practice fueling more with new product and suit training terrain to marathon day course! Nothing new there, but it’s incredible what you forget, even when you completed a few there is always something new to learn!

Marathon number 17 in the bag.

Thanks for reading my blog, next event Ranscombe trail marathon 8th April and then I’m heading to London, for my 20th marathon.

As part of my 50 marathon challenge, next month I will be running my 20th at the London marathon and supporting The Alzheimer's Society. If you wish to support please click the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Vicky-Stapleton-wale5

Marathon #12 Cakeathon

“Let them eat CAKE”

Monday 29th August Betteshanger Country Park, Deal, Kent

This was not your usual August Bank Holiday, there was not a cloud in the sky and the temperature was rising already, however this was the day I was going after marathon number 12!

I suffered from my usual sleep deprivation the night before and as I dragged myself out of bed I felt exhausted at the thought of what the next 4-5 hours would bring.

Needless to say I wasn’t looking forward to this one.

Arriving at Betteshanger Country park I became anxious, the last time I had attempted to complete a lap style marathon I had failed, dropping out at 18 miles with 3 laps left to do. I was mentally finished even though physically I felt fine. However I was determined to finish this time, I even had a trick up my sleeve to help me get round the last 3 laps, but all will be revealed later.

Race HQ 

I was greeted by name by a very cheery Rachel, she issued my number and wished me luck.There was a big turnout for this marathon and i wondered if it was the lure of cakey treats laid out at the aid station. As I pinned my number on I tried to convince myself that it was a point to point race and not a lap race , all I needed to do was make it to 6 checkpoints and would have completed another marathon.

Axiously waiting to start marathon no 12.

At 9am we all set off, although a little crowded at first it soon spaced out nicely and to my relief the route was interesting and not just flat cycle path.  It was slightly undulating with a mix of woodland trails and a few inclines. 1 lap was 4.37 miles and you needed to complete 6 laps altogether for marathon distance. The first lap zoomed by and soon I was running into HQ for a quick water intake to cool down . I dashed back out, aware that it was getting hotter and the route didn’t offer much in the way shade. I slowed my pace to 5 miles per hour to help reduce early fatigue and I ensured that my electrolyte and fluid intake was topped up every 5-10 mins. I held on tight to my checkpoint theory and soon lap 2 was nearly smashed. On my way back to HQ I saw Cazzie on a bench waiting for me to pass, we both smiled and then she updated me on the final stages of my race strategy. I was now feeling positive as I knew I couldn’t fail. On the last km I passed my dad, my sister and my friends Sharon and John and their 2 children, Zach and my number 1 fan Abby. At HQ I drenched my hat with water and drank loads, before heading back out I spoke to Rachel.

“Please do not let me ring that bell before I’ve completed 6 laps!” Basically if the bell was rung by you it meant your race was done, at Jeskyns park I rang it at 18 miles.

“Ok, even if you beg?” Rachel replied

“Not even if I’m on my hands and knees” I joked, but I really meant it.

I trotted back out and smiled to myself. It was probably 29 degrees by now and runners had started to drop out at half marathon point, but the beauty of these challenges is that you still get the stunning medal and goody bag whatever distance you complete.

I ran past a collective of friends and family all happily waiting for my plan to come to fruition, I felt relaxed on my solitary run, not once did I worry about time or pace. With lap 3 coming to an end it was time to dig deep and get it done!

I love it when a plan comes together.

I set off again from HQ or checkpoint 3 as I like to call it! The plan was simple, for the last 3 laps I would have company to help we get round and make sure I didn’t quit!

My fabulous sister Tracy was first up, I collected her about 1km around the route and it worked wonders. Just having someone to chat to was awesome, we set off at a different pace as the sun beat down on us and as we laughed and chatted away the lap just flew past us. Before I knew it lap 4 had been completed.

Next up was John, my fellow Viking from my run club in Rochester. He was just what I needed , funny, calm but boy did he not let me slack off, although he did let me walk up at least 1 hill. Again the lap was completed with a smile and at HQ we had a quick drink of water and looked at all the amazing cake that had be made by some of my fellow runners. Traviss had issued prizes for the best cakes and marzipan creations and was smiling form ear to ear, he was in cake heaven.

Lovely cake supplied by Sharon & Family.

I get by with a little help from my friends.

This was it, I tried not to think about this being my last lap, but somehow I had made it to nearly 22 miles and still had a little left in the reserve tank.

I can’t express to you how much my whole body was now hurting! Literally everything was aching, legs, knees, hips, back, but with 4.37 miles left to go I knew I could do it.

Caz was now running with me whilst all my lovely supporters made their way back to HQ.

I moaned to Caz about my aches and pains, but she just smiled and told me to crack on and do what I needed to do! The last few miles were painful, the inclines seemed higher and the flats seemed never ending, it took everything I had in me just to keep my legs moving. Eventually we turned the last corner and I could see the finish line.

Caz supporting on last lap.

My dad was taking photo’s as we approached the finish line and everyone else was cheering me in! It felt awesome to finish with so much support, I picked up the bell and rang it loudly for all to hear. I had completed marathon 12 with some help from my extra special friends and family. It was such a special moment and although I was overwhelmed I managed to hold it together as my medal was adorned around my neck.

Exhausted but elated I said my goodbyes and headed home, it had been a long day and all I wanted was a pizza and my bed.

Ringing the bell, at last.

The morning after the night before

An uncomfortable night with no much sleep had not left me in the best of moods, my back had gone into spasms at 3am and by 6am I felt like I had been hit by a truck!

My legs had completely seized up, my back was in agony and I was really tired. I needed a lot more rest, more food and more fluids.

I was laid up for a whole 2 days before I felt even remotely normal and to my delight when I got around to checking the results table I was astonished that I was in the top ten women for running marathon distance.

The entire week was spent napping on the sofa and eating and thankfully by the weekend I managed a 5km and a few circuit training sessions with my pt clients.

Rest and recovery is the key and sometimes I beat myself up and compare myself to others that are running marathons every week. How do they do it without feeling so rough? Maybe they are just conditioned after years of running marathons and they have their own strategies and training regimes? Or maybe they do struggle like me but they never show it? I might just ask them that question next time.

Anyway after only running my first marathon in 2014 I have now racked up 12 which is something to be proud of and with number 13 looming this weekend it feels good to have a few under my belt and a few more lined up…..approx 38 to go to complete my 50 before 50 challenge.

The impressive medal.

This marathon was part of the 10 marathons I am running to fundraise for Dame Kelly Holmes 5 big charities, Hospice In The Weald, Mind, Myeloma UK, The Pickering cancer drop in centre and The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.

If you want to know more or wish to support or donate please visit

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/VickyStapletonWale

Thank you for reading my blog and watch up for my next one on marathon number 13, hopefully not unlucky for some!

Follow my journey on Twitter @runtoryrun Instagram @run_tory_run or connect with me on Facebook.

#runtoryrun

#50before50

#12down

#38togo

Race to the Stones - More is in you.

Race to the Stones Day 1

Lewknor, Oxfordshire.

16th July 2016

#More is in you.

Day1

It was finally here! The BIG DAY! No I wasn't getting married, but it was something I had been dreaming about for months. I was standing at the starting line for Race to the Stones, nervous and excited, I started to shuffle forward, 2 seconds later I was grinning from ear to ear and running the first 1km of the 100km challenge.

I had signed up in March after debating about it for a few months, but after several marathons I realised if I wasn’t ready now, I never would be. Somehow I managed to get my girlfriend Caz signed up for day 2, so as she waved me off on my 50km adventure she drove up to the midway base camp to get everything set up, eat breakfast and have a sleep in the car.

I, on the other hand would be following the iconic Ridgeway along the Chilterns, I was hoping to run and walk the 62 glorious miles all the way to The Avebury stone circle in 2 days. It promised to be a once in a lifetime experience.

The chilled out start line.

100km of beautiful countryside laid out in front of me and all I could think about was “I need a wee” I kept running trying to forget, ignoring the urge, but eventually just a mere 2km in I had to stop and climb through some bushes to find a spot to pee!

I had the forethought of bringing a Shewee with me, however I had not practised in the shower ( brand instructions not mine!) I figured how hard could it be? Well it started out ok, but soon a warm, wet feeling started to occur! Great! I had now got pissy pants and at least another 48km to cover, smelling less than fragrant! I waddled back to the trail and rejoined my fellow runners, hoping no one could tell I had had a Shewee incident! I carried on running and stopped for a while at a long queue to get through a kissing gate, the run felt like an big adventure.  An adventure I was sharing with over a thousand or so runners.

Following Shewee gate, the 1st pit stop came up after a long slog uphill, it was more than welcomed. I refuelled on Chia snack bars, filled up my hydration pack, went to the loo (threw Shewee in bin) and within 10 minutes was back on the trail. I had spent many months practising what fuel and hydration worked or didn’t work, so confident with my choices I ran on, only stopping to walk the inclines or take photo’s of the beautiful scenery.

There was no doubt about it, it was getting hotter and by pit stop 2, everyone was melting! I stopped for a bit longer, remembering to drink extra water and add the Skratch Labs electrolyte mix to my hydration pack. I ate a sandwich (honey and cashew butter works for me) and a few energy balls and some honey stingers. After 30 mins I headed back out into the scorching hot conditions, I had placed my buff in cold water and put this on my head to help with the heat, but the route took you along the river and it was extremely exposed. I wanted to jump into the river and I nearly did, as further along there was regatta being held,near Goring. It had an ice cream van and myself and another runner joked about turning this stage into a triathlon, although I'm not sure about where the bike part would fit in.

My favourite photo from @pic2go

The temperature still rose, but I just shuffled along, never once wanting to give up, feeling strong and determined I made it to pit stop 3. Thankfully this break was in the shade, I gathered up some more food, a cup of sweet tea and did a quick blister check. The medical team at each pit stop were invaluable, taping legs and feet up, supplying Vaseline, Rocktape and sun tan lotion. I’m sure many runners would agree that they wouldn’t of made it without their help. I had 1 more pit stop before base camp and walking was now the new running!

The hills seems bigger, the pathways more challenging and the sun was definitely hotter! I walked and chatted away to several runners, but every now and then I would excuse myself to see if my legs were still working and I’d run the flat and downhill sections. The panoramic views from the highest point of the Ridgeway were absolutely stunning, breathtaking in fact. I tried to absorb them and take some energy from the land and before I knew it, I was at pit stop 4, near West Ilsley. This was 44km, I had just completed a marathon over some of the toughest terrain I had ever faced!

I could barely contain my excitement, this time I only stopped for 5 mins, fuelled on by chocolate and flat coke, I marched back out onto the trail. Feeling  happy and strong, I text my girlfriend to say I was on my way to base camp.

The desire to finish outweighed the scenic views and soon I was running most of the last 6km. My body was aching and I was sun burnt, but it never felt like the mental challenge I had expected! Talking with runners and running from point to point had banished my long distance demons and I was delighted!

The last stretch to the finish was uphill and I could see Caz waiting for me.

I crossed the line, feeling ecstatic, hungry and a bit sore and then I realised I had done it! The first day of 50km had been completed in the blistering sun with the added bonus of no blisters!!!

Base Camp

So what would you expect at the midway base camp. Hot showers? Chill out zone with yoga mats and foam rollers? Massage tent? Food tent and maybe a bar?

Well the Race to the Stones team (Threshold sports) had supplied all of the above, it was like a mini festival for runners. All the tents had been set up for you, there was access to hot showers with no queue and every runner was entitled to a 10 minute massage. The medical team were kept busy dealing with blister popping, heat stroke and exhausted Ultra marathoners.

I thankfully got off lightly with a few sores on my back from my back pack and a bit of sun burn. Myself and Caz ate at 6pm, there were plenty of carbs but not much protein on offer. A big table of cakes and free tea, coffee and hot chocolate were also available. (Not many gluten free options for dinner and no gf cake was on offer either)

After I refuelling, I braved the chill out zone to foam roller and trigger ball my limbs! It was the most painful 30 mins of the day, however I felt like I had brand new legs afterwards. We retired back to the tent at about 9pm and although initially I found it hard to get off to sleep (eye mask & ear plugs deployed) when I did eventually drop off to the land of slumber I slept right through til 5am.

The tents all set up and ready to go.

Day 2

#It's’ further than you think!

More is in you was the strap line from Threshold sports and it was definitely proved correct on the second day!

We were up at 5am for breakfast and pre race prep (leg taped, Vaseline on feet, sun cream applied and hydration packs filled) We set off at 6.30am and started with a nice walk as the sun rose behind us.

Sunrise on day 2 6.30am

Caz training had been going great until and ill timed sprint after a 10km race had twanged her knee. With a only  few weeks til RTTS she had rehabbed every day with glute strengthening exercises but not been able to train properly. We tried out a little run-walk on our way to the first pit stop of the day (pit stop 6) and it seemed OK, although I was advising her that more walking and less running would mean we should get to the finish line in one piece. We stopped briefly for the loo and then we marched off again, Caz wanted to keep up with a man who was smoking a pipe, as you do, on a 50km! So with him in sight we continued forward, up and over many a hilltop and onward to the next pit stop. The second day felt easier, I had someone to talk to and share the beautiful surroundings. We smiled, took selfies and laughed with others, the time and miles seemed to fly by.

Hot on the heels of pipeman!

Caz kept up with pipeman and soon enough we had passed 70km and we're heading to the next break and pit stop 7 near Bishopstone. It was heaving with bodies, some broken and some with just great big blisters on show, shoes and socks had been discarded. We ate our sandwiches inches away from these feet, luckily neither of us suffered with blisters, but we kept checking our feet and I put my compression socks on and filled up our hydration packs. By this time I was getting tired, but Caz kept me going at a decent pace and we took it in turns to lead from the front. Some of the biggest ascents occurred on the way to 80km and whilst it was becoming difficult we plodded on and tried to keep our heads up, so not to miss the spectacular terrain.

At the top of a particularly steep hill we reached pit stop 8, the heat was soaring and we were among many of the tired out runners that needed a rest. We ate and did a blister check, I overheard one lady who had decided to finish and was calling her husband to pick her up and another conversation claiming that it would take another 4 hours to complete if walking! We looked at each other and said “Fortify” we were not quitting and with that we got up and proceeded ever nearer to 80km.

We put some music on and had a singalong, this seemed to help and I almost forgot that we had another 20km to go! I was focussing on getting to the next pit stop, but by halfway to number 9 the wheels came off. Caz stopped talking and was finding it hard to keep going. Oh no, at 85km there was no singing, no talking and no laughing! I knew that she needed to stop, but with just a few km’s to go I encouraged her to keep going. I did threaten to leave her for the weasels to eat, this at least did raise a smile, but all her energy had been drained and every step was a challenge for her. The last 1km I had my arms around her waist supporting her up an epic hill. She could barely talk and all she kept saying was “I want to sit down, on a real chair”

Thankfully as we approached pit stop 9 the medical team saw us and helped me get her into their tent and onto a chair. I did most of the speaking on behalf of Caz. She had hit the wall and her body was screaming out for electrolytes and food. She was not the only one, runners were laying on the floor crying, projectile vomiting into bins and some were actually asleep. Even though she was tired, she didn’t want to give up, so we gave her a Dioralyte, flat coke, crisps and some chocolate. With 30 mins rest a minor miracle had occurred, she had been rebooted!!

She lives…….

Even I was in awe of how she sprung back into life. One minute she was out for the count and then the next she was on her feet ready to tackle the last 12km. We left the pit stop in a better state than we entered and even more determined to make the last leg, literally on our last legs!

As we past the 90km mark, it was me that started to fade, it was mainly my feet, but also the heat had been relentless over the last 2 days. I hobbled a bit and slowed down and this time it was Caz turn to be the strong one and get me over the final hurdle. It seemed to last forever and even the sight of the last 5km sign didn’t fill me with glee.

The fake smile says it all!

We shuffled on together and at last we could see the Stones! We managed a little run towards them and had our photo taken. After that we hiked back up to the last field and walked through it, once turning left out of the field we could see the finish line. We agreed to run the last few hundred yards, staggering on with heavy legs we reached the finish line and much to my surprise the crowd cheered for us and applauded our effort! We hugged and laughed as we got our medals, it had been hard work and emotional but we had done it.

More is in you is no word of a lie, it's incredible what your mind and body can do when pushed to its limits. Taking time to rest before our shuttle bus journey back to base camp, we both sat with our feet up, eating and drinking. I was so emotional, mainly because I was so proud of Caz and that we had shared the whole experience together, as I tried to pull myself together Caz started laughing hysterically “ What is it, are you ok?” I asked slightly worried that she had slipped back into delirium.

“Yes I'm fine, but look it’s pipeman!!” She exclaimed and with that our day was complete.

The end to an epic 2 days! Raceto the Stones, the best event I have completed.

After thoughts……

One of the most well organised events I have ever attended, the race crew and medical team were amazing.

The base camp had everything you could need or want and more and I loved the fact that the tents were all set up for you as well.

The pit stops were brilliantly set up and well spaced and I loved the support from the locals along the way.

The route was well sign posted, I was never worried that I would get lost!

Although there was congestion at the beginning it didn't worry me as I'm used to taking part in trail events with stiles, kissing gates and single track.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat and I'd stick with the 2 day option.

My one negative was the lack of gluten free food at base camp, I had emailed ahead and received confirmation that there would be plenty of food, but after a hard day's run there was only one option, no gf bread, no pudding or cake either.

However the pit stops had loads of gf options which did keep me going, I've learnt from years of being a coeliac to take food wherever I go, but maybe for next year this could be looked into.

I'd rate Race to the Stones event 10 out of 10 as an event and hope to return next year.

#RTTS2016

#thresholdsports

#pic2go

#runtoryrun

#100km

#50km

#Ultramarathon