75km and 3000m of climbing from day 1, had caused my body to stiffen up, so challenge one of the day was just getting out of the sleeping bag. Getting dressed, well, that was challenge two! I emerged from my tent on my hands and knees, and with a groan, managed to stand up. At this point I’m fairly sure a penguins walk looked more normal than what I was doing. Waddling my over to the osteo tent to see Keiron and get my legs re-strapped up in a bid to help them seem as comfortable as we could.
I really was questioning myself as to how I would complete today, as just walking around the campsite was a mission in itself. As with day 1, the time prior to the race flew by. Music was once again playing out over the PA and an air of anticipation built. Names started to be called forward to the start-line, and before long, it was my turn. This time I was ready with the Garmin, I stood below the infamous blue arch next to Johnny, (@destinationultra), now ready to attack another 50km. The start speed was much the same as day 1, a gentle walk! figured the legs would wake up eventually, and actually, the first few km were a real joy as we chatted about our experience of day 1 and expectations of the day ahead.
Before long, we were into the first major climb, and this time it was correct to climb up to the top of Mam Tor. This was a popular walking route for many tourists and we were told that there would be limited flags up here as they would either be stolen or blown away.
I really was already starting to struggle with the pain in my knees, and now a new pain had started at the top of my right foot. I’d later discover that this was the tendons and ligaments becoming inflamed.
I had already settled on the fact that today was going to be a long walk, with occasional appearances of sporadic running where I could. Without doubt, the checkpoints became the points of respite, the encouragement and support from the crew and the treatment of the superb osteos kept me going.
This was the first event where Ultra X were trying out offering todays 50km route as a single day entry. Long trail ultras can be quite lonely at times, the fresh legs of the single-dayers were starting to catch us up and pass through the field. This was a moment, initially, I had dreaded. My competitive nature has always been to push and stay ahead of the runner behind, and keep chasing the one in front. Maintaining that would be impossible today. The reality was I actually found these moments to be really uplifting and was nice to briefly chat to other competitors.
Reaching 25k, and the half way point, became a very dark spot for me. I still don’t quite know what triggered this, and I completely missed my ‘tell-tale’ signs that I was declining. I can usually tell, my inner-talk starts with the odd negative word that creeps in, and thoughts turn from ‘I can’ to ‘I can’t’. Usually I catch myself doing this and will start with my mantras and going to my reason to run. Maybe I was focused on the pain rather than my thoughts and I just started to fall apart. Knowing where I was inside myself, how I was feeling and that I still had 25km to go. My eyes started to water, and I choose to release a little frustration with myself by screaming at myself out-loud. I didn’t care who could hear me, and it didn’t matter – this was my attempt to reboot myself.
It worked, I could start to hear the correct thoughts in my head, and I started repeating my mantras. I made a promise to myself right there and then, that this course would not beat me. The next check point was just ahead. Some friendly faces and a chance to enjoy a can of Red Bull!
Whilst at the check point, fellow Ultra X Ambassador Belle Burke (@bellerunnerburke) along with her partner Graeme and Rick arrived. I’m not sure I can express how much just seeing and chatting to Belle really helped me right here, but I’ll be forever grateful for that moment and heading out of that checkpoint together. As I’m not sure I ever would have left!
The next segment took us through a very different part of the peak district, this was Snakes Pass. If the wet marsh lands of the Scottish highlands the the grand canyon had a love-child, this was the result. We we winding through a low canyon, the sun was now high in the sky, sheltered from the breeze, and a stream ran through the middle, intersected by various waterfalls flowing into it. The only thing I thought this scene was missing was a vulture circling overhead. I actually really enjoyed this section. It was a beautiful escape from the world around us. It was silent, yet filled with sounds. You could hear the water, you could hear the birds, and you could hear your feet.
The trails at all points were very technical and rocky paths I would normally be able to glide over, seemed to be mountaineering challenges. I was subconsciously aware of how long this was taking me today, and would try to avoid checking my watch to see how far was left. As they say, a watched pot never boils, and checking my watch certainly didn’t make the distance move any quicker.
I may have said earlier about my competitive nature, and when I could see another fellow Ambassador Anna up ahead, I pushed on. We then caught up with Katherine and we embarked on the next few Ks together. It was only when they both descended into, what I can only describe as delirium, as they began reciting Disney songs, that I found myself some extra fuel in the tank, and with just a few couple of kms to the next checkpoint, pushed on. I still don’t think they forgive me for abandoning them at this point! Though I knew they would catch me at the next checkpoint, as I was planning on spending some time on the osteo table, getting re-tapped up for the final push home.
With 10km left, it was time to push, in my head time was getting on, and I wanted to get back to camp before darkness. I gave myself a target, and began to push myself. We had a section of road to run on, which was welcomed by every muscle and joint from my waist down. Got myself into a nice rhythm, and cruised along. If I had learnt anything in the past 24hrs in this race, it’s that road sections are short lived, as they are just connecting you to another hill! True to form, we start climbing again. With the sprawling views in front of you, and an array of hills to choose from, your eyes automatically start to look for the red flags and try to see which of the hills they are leading you towards, and subsequently is your next climb. Of course it would be the biggest one out of the lot. The other thing I had learnt, was after any big climb, the views are incredible.
There was one last checkpoint, one positioned 5km from the finish, and this was the checkpoint I spent the least time in. I was still racing the sunset, I refilled my bottles, and pushed on. After all, it’s just a parkrun to go.
Longest parkrun ever! It was still 5km, but this was without doubt, the hardest 5km in my life. It wasn’t the most challenging of terrain we had to contend with over the weekend, it was just that my body was completely and utterly done. Nothing wanted to function the way it should, and every step was painful. Yet every step took me closer to the finish line, to the infamous blue arch, but more importantly, to beer and pizza (in that order!)
From the top of the hill, I could finally see the campsite in the distance. There is something very comforting when you can finally sight the end. Even if it still is a couple of k away, but this was familiar territory now, I knew where I was and I knew what was ahead. It was just a case of continuing to push to the finish line now and once on the road up to the campsite, the feelings began. This was it, we were almost there. I could hear the music from the PA, I could hear people cheering. A familiar face greeted me at the top of the entry road, and ran with me until I turned the corner and in front of me was everything I’d been working towards. The Ultra X blue arch and a finish line.
It is a moment that remains firmly in my mind. All the crew, all the osteos, everyone who have worked so hard putting this event together and keeping you going, were there cheering you at the finish line. The noise they made was incredible and I did everything I could to stop myself from crying at this point. I don’t know where it came from, maybe the adrenaline, but I jumped with joy across the line. I was done! I have complete Ultra X England 125. My first multi-stage ultra, in a year filled with so much uncertainty, was ticked off the list. I lay on the grass looking up at the sky eternally thankful for that feeling.
I’m not going to tell you that an Ultra X finish line feel is the best thing in the world, as you need to discover this for yourself. However, I personally feel that it is and, if you get the chance to experience it, I think you’ll agree. I cannot wait to toe another Ultra X start line and to cross that finish line again. Roll on Ultra X Sri Lanka.
Running To Feel 
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