Driving home from the Mendip Hills after indulging on a 22oz steak, it seemed impossible that after 10 months of organising, I was about to embark on the biggest run of my life – 140 miles non stop with only 7 hours remaining.
At 1.45am I was on my way to Cornwall, kindly driven by Kevin and accompanied by Bob who would be with me throughout the run. On the way down I had plenty of time to reflect on what would be ahead and snatch snippets of sleep.
Standing at the entrance to Victoria Gardens in Saltash it was fast approaching 5am, the start time, I remember looking out into the darkness, then over to the Tamar Bridge with its bright lights highlighting the huge structure and for the first time feeling nervous about what the next 38 hours would entail.
5am was with us and so we set off, Kevin, Richard and myself down through Saltash High Street and across the Tamar that would escort me gently out of Cornwall with the dawn breaking around us.
Slight drizzle didn’t dampen our spirits or lessen the beauty that Plymouth had to show us. Following the West Devon Way footpath with the River Plym in the background, we made our way to Marsh Mills and on the steady climb in all its splendour through Bickleigh Vale and on into Clearbrook where we had to depart from support runner Jo Jenkins who had kindly guided Bob and myself all the way up from Plymouth Hoe.
Yelverton soon approached where we met up with the mobile support crews. A steep climb followed up the heavy road past Sharpitor, then I had the full attention of Dartmoor ahead of me and it wasn’t going to give me an easy time with the waves of rain sweeping through guided on waves of cold intermittent winds. Despite this I felt that this was the true beauty of Dartmoor showing its more rugged exterior sheltering a more sensitive interior. The dark rolling clouds threatening in appearance seemed to give a stark warning that Mother Nature was still in charge!
Looking back over my shoulder, I could just make out the coastline of Plymouth through the haze, before our arrival in Princetown – the first marathon was now completed with another four and a half to go!
On the way through Postbridge I couldn’t resist the temptation to cross the historic old Clapper Bridge that spans the East Dart River and wondered as to how many people must have crossed this magnificent structure.
Approaching Warren House Inn I admired the scenic views, but couldn’t help but notice how the road disappeared and then reappeared sometimes as many as three times from the view ahead indicating the rise and fall of the local terrain.
Dropping down off the Moors, the weather was starting to change with the rain slowly giving way to lighter skies. My reward for reaching the Pony Centre on the way to Mortonhampstead was a pony biscuit which was gratefully devoured along with other refreshments on route.
Moretonhampstead gave me a warm feeling that we were well on the way into the run with 40 miles covered, but respectably another 100 still to go!
Five miles down the road near Meadhay I noticed that I had suddenly become very tired and that every part of me was beginning to struggle with the pace of the run. The easiest option that I felt at this point was to simply sit down and rest or even just catch some sleep. This was really a shock to me as I hadn’t felt like this in any of my training runs – several things suddenly sprung to mind – had I over done all the training runs leading into this one without enough recovery time? Had I got the nutrition wrong? Or had I gone without sleep for too long as this was now 12 hours into the run and I hadn’t slept properly for a day and a half?
I quickly came to the conclusion that I had become complacent during the run and hadn’t focused properly on what I was doing with all that was going on around me. The remedy for this was ahead of me – a huge valley to climb out of with several miles of constant hills, it was going to be the valley or me that would come out the winner over the next hour and I hadn’t put 10 months of hard training in only to be defeated by some hill!
With this in mind we started out on the steep climb. An hour later with support runners keeping up the gruelling pace we had overcome the hills, the tiredness, and all the aches and pains, I had literally run through the biggest psychological barrier of the whole run.
Running through Exeter I had passed the 2nd marathon landmark and felt really confident, we were well on schedule and with all the support given from both the runners and supporters who came out in the villages and towns the atmosphere was simply “amazing”.
Arriving at Broadclyst I had to prepare for the evening ahead, donning head torch, reflective jacket and bottoms just in case the night turned really cold.
As darkness fell, it felt a long time since I had watched the dawn surrender the night sky as we crossed the Tamar Bridge.
Deep in thought, as each step took me one ever nearer home I realised that a car had pulled up alongside of me, the window wound down and out came a outstretched hand containing a very appreciated fresh bag of chips !- just the fuel that is needed to get you through the long night ahead – many thanks Paul.
From Collumpton we passed through Uffcombe and on up into the Blackdown Hills where in the very early hours of Saturday morning I was greeted unexpectedly with a very cool glass of Guinness from a very kind group of people - supporting a man on the run under the cover of darkness! In true style I celebrated having passed the 3rd marathon landmark.
Running along the quiet country lanes at 3 in the morning with my group of runners, I couldn’t help but wonder what the local wildlife must have thought was happening to their peace and tranquillity -especially as we cut down through a long forest at Staple Hill which was nice to have a break from pounding the tarmac roads.
Staplefitzpaine was sound asleep as we passed through with the night sky once again surrendering to the new day. This was the first time that I had been out running non stop and had watched the sun rise, set, and then rise again. The dawn brought us a really spectacular sunrise and highlighted such sights as the Somerset Levels and the little church that stands proudly on the top of Burrow Mump.
Reaching Othery we had climbed the short hill into the village when we stopped and I handed Rita, one of our support runners, her birthday card, then as a double celebration I opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate crossing the 100 mile location on our run.
Five minutes later the leading support crew returned looking for us only to find us having a party at 7.45 in the morning!
That wasn’t the only surprise that Othery had that morning. As we passed through the village, I was greeted by a group of supporters and presented very kindly with a jar of pickled onions from one of them. I did save them to after the run though – mainly to be kind to my support runners and crew!
Reaching High Ham was a great relief especially after climbing the really steep hill leading into the village that lives up its name; it was also at this point that we had covered the 4th marathon landmark.
Having passed along the two and a half mile straight of Butleigh Moor we passed Ivythorn which was the 110 mile position of the run, I was now running further than I had ever done before.
Every thing felt really good at this point, I had to be careful and make sure that I did vital stretching at various locations to keep the body as supple as possible and to prevent seizures from happening , but more importantly I felt that all the training we had done over the previous months was really working.
Arriving at Glastonbury Abbey with the sun in all its splendour gave a very warm welcome with good crowds and a new team of support runners – including Richard & Vicky who were running their first marathon with me back to our home town of Radstock.
It seemed the perfect day – especially being greeted by Paddo my little dog that I hadn’t seen for some 34 hours since leaving home in the early hours.
Running up through Wells High Street was one of the many highlights of the run that I was now appreciating, on home ground the Cathedral looked magnificent as we stood before her with the tall spires reaching out up into the blue sky.
We set off again- up through the Old Bristol Road with its unforgiving steep climb onto the top of the Mendip Hills, at 125 miles and some 33 hours from the start line this would be the last major hill that I would have to encounter. Passing Penn Hill television mast for me always brings a happy feeling as many a time she has welcomed me home after a long overnight run with her array of red lights visible for miles to guide me back.
A welcome stop at the Hunters Lodge in Priddy with a good glass of refreshing ale from Roger and Jackie saw me on my way past the sparkling Priddy Ponds which I must admit did look very inviting and cool during the afternoon sun.
Taking things very steady down over Smithams Hill which leads into East Harptree, I had Jessica my cousins little daughter holding tightly onto my hand guiding me through each painful step as we descended the steep slopes that seem to pull on every fibre in your body.
A really warm reception greeted us as we passed through the gentle streets of East Harptree, old friends & new faces greeted us on our long journey which really fills you with a sense of achievement and fresh energy. Passing the Clock Tower and heading down the High Street I suddenly felt a little hand grasp hold of mine. Looking down I saw it was Katie, Nicola’s little daughter who had wanted to run with us since passing through Moretonhampstead, running ahead of her dad. Her big smile and endless energy was a real inspiration over the next couple of miles and led us pass the 5th marathon landmark.
Approaching Chewton Mendip I always look out for the church which highlights the quiet village’s skyline. On up through the quite steep country lanes that eventually release you at Embrough Church and the fishing ponds.
At the Old Down Inn I had now only 6 miles to go to reach the finish line, again I felt in really good condition considering the amount of hours and punishment I had put my poor legs through.
At Midsomer Norton Rugby club I felt so happy to be so near to home yet the heart felt really heavy as I clasped hold of Jane’s hand and together we ran a lap of honour around the rugby fields to remember my two cousins – Philip and Stephen that I had lost in recent years. This was soon lifted by the thought of what type of comment Phil would have come out with!
There was a good crowd at the club to give their support as I left with Jane to tackle the final stage of the run, I could see the Children’s Hospice South West banners being supported in Midsomer Norton along with their supporters cheers which gave a really emotional welcome.
The last mile I can only describe as “remarkable”, I had run 140 miles, well over 5 marathons and 30 miles further than I had previously run before and met some of the kindest people in the South West while doing so.
The finish line at the Miners Wheel Monument became visible as we rounded the last corner into Radstock. Just before crossing the line I thought to myself at how very lucky I had been over the last 6 years – because that was just how long ago it was that I learnt with the great help of Jo a district nurse and also my partner along with my cousins Phil and Steve to walk my first mile again.
There were people every where to welcome us home, the sight was amazing – I can remember crossing the finish line to loud cheers , banners and a feeling of I don’t believe that we have actually – finally – finished. The crowds made me feel really proud to have such support.
The ten months leading up to this run covered 3,500 miles and it was worth every step to receive such encouragement and to raise awareness for the children and their families who benefit from the facilities at the Children’s Hospice South West.
I would like to personally thank everyone for all their time, help and endless support leading up to and during the run.
For the support crews and runners for all their time and commitment on training runs and the 140 mile run, Kevin for getting me to the start and running all those miles, and to every one who greeted us on the event to give their encouragement.
Thanks, Jane, for sharing the miles and for keeping me focused and positive. Special thanks to Bob Powell for all his time and untold commitment in making this run possible.
Finally to Paddo my little dog for keeping an eye on me all the way from Glastonbury to the finish, head out of the passenger window of the support vehicle, looking back as if to say KEEP WITH IT OLD MAN !
