DNF. Three letters no runner wants to see against their name.
Last weekend at the Black Mountain Ultra with Limitless Trails, that’s what happened to me. Well, sort of, as actually I wasn’t an actual race entry; I’d volunteered to tail run on the 32-mile route.
Watch the Black Country Ultra Video on our YouTube channel
The adventure started badly before I’d even reached the start line. My carefully planned train-and-bike journey unravelled thanks to delays and strike disruption. Instead of cycling the final 20 miles from Hereford, I ended up riding nearly 50 miles from Worcester, reaching my campsite, Tan House Camping, after 10pm and not getting to sleep until close to midnight. Not ideal with a 5.15am alarm.
The day begins
As dawn broke, I managed to rise, kit up and head to race HQ at the Village Hall in Longtown. Despite being 6am, the day was already heating up, the run was going to be a hot one. I was introduced to my fellow tailrunners, and after a comprehensive briefing and advice on running in the heat, off we went and before long we were heading up the hills watched by ponies.
Every climb revealed another sweep of the Black Mountains stretching into the distance, while the rising sun baked the open ridge long before most people had finished breakfast. The sight of the first aid station was like an oasis, especially the bucket of water to dunk our caps in and drench our heads. Llanthony Priory towered over us as we set off on the next leg of our run through some woodland before climbing up onto Hatterrall Hill, contending with tall bracken on many of the trails as we continued. Aid stations provided welcome relief from the heat, the chance to top up our drinks and much on salted cold potatoes (amazing ultra food I discovered) and refreshing pineapple chunks.
Where it went wrong
But as the miles progressed, especially on the Twyn Talycefn ridge, the heat started to get to me. I found it hard to eat while feeling so warm and my mouth drying out so quickly, meaning I wasn’t taking on enough fuel. At mile 25 aid station, I accepted that continuing wasn’t the right decision. As a tail-runner, my job was to help keep other runners safe. The last thing I wanted was to become the person needing rescuing. Pride said keep going, common sense said stop.
The fabulous volunteers brewed me a sweet cup of tea, and I sat in the shade for 30mins eating pineapple and potatoes, my energy levels recovering. Then a lift back to HQ where I tucked into a welcome chilli-con-carne.
Afterwards
Fully recharged, I cycled back to my campsite and headed to the river where a splash in the refreshing waters followed by a good nights sleep got me back to fully operational status for the ride back to Hereford. Though before l headed off, I visited Hopes of Longtown, the village shop and cafe for a delicious chocolate croissant and a great chat with the owner about all things small business and community.
Fortunately, the trains were back to normal, so my cycle only had to take me as far as Hereford, where, after buying a “picnic” to enjoy on the train from Aldi, I wended my way back home in the delightful cool of air-conditioned trains.
Lessons learnt
So sometimes plans don’t quite go to plan! Lessons learnt about fueling, hydration and pacing. Do I still feel ready for the Rollin 100 in a week’s time? Yes, bring it on! And if you want to encourage me, you can sponsor me here through Just Giving, raising money for QE Brain Tumour Fund.
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