Well what an adventure! I mean where do I start, let's take it back to race night.
Friday 9th September.
We are back at the hotel, food has been eaten and we are packed, I'm still frantically trying to figure out what I have forgotten, but I haven't, I have everything I need, We pop on the TV, try to settle down and get an early night, Its an early 4 am start for us tomorrow.
Saturday 10th September.
Race day- 4 am alarm rings, weary eyes eventually open, we get dressed, fill the bottles, make sure everything is packed and make sure all the chargers have been unplugged. The nerves have kicked in, I feel sick, I honestly don't know if I can do this.
4.40 am we head to the car, laden with bags, heavier due to the water bottles now being full, the drive is long to the start, or at least it feels that way, we get to the parking and in my haste I mess up the payment then need to try and do it again, only I haven't pushed the button and now I'm trying to do it in welsh, fortunately it shouldn't be to hard. Parking paid for we get the grab bags and the bike, there are no lights in the car park and Chris is already swearing at his bike, its going to be a long day.
Finally out of the car we make it to the HQ, I realise I haven't had any coffee-this is the women that i'm fairly sure has a caffeine addiction-to my delight the coffee van is open, one latte later and a bit of unpacking and the area in the tent is set up, In hindsight i should have picked a space next to a chair.
6.45 am we are expecting a final briefing, but nothing happens, I suppose we had most of the briefing the night before.
6.58 rolls round we are ushered into the pen, a minute silence for the queen.
6.59 I feel sick
7.00 am the start is called. We are off, what the hell have I gotten myself into.
Lets run through my kit, I am one of a few people who is carrying a bag, I don't need a bag but I would much rather have plenty of water, spare layers and emergency snacks, I'm also in road shoes, why the hell are you in road shoes you are probably wondering, Well I only own one pair of trail shoes, and I was going to get a second pair but I had to prioritise other orders, and its not my first trail rodeo in a pair of road shoes.
I mean I had a plan, if it had tipped it down then I would have used my trail shoes for the whole event, but it didn't, so myself and my road shoes plodded out of the start, a little too fast, lungs burning, legs questioning me, people running past, it quickly becomes apparent how unprepared I am, I have hit DFL, there is one guy I can see ahead of me hes going at a slow pace, but even he's well ahead of me. I make my way around the grass, over the park and come to some parking.
There are people out cheering, that always spurs on the spirits, we hit the path alongside the road then dip down a street where we get to the path that is now used by the cycling leg, we go along the path and eventually reach the point where we will split off, the cyclists will going under the bridge and we go up some steps, I follow the main road some more then dip back onto the road that sees me round the top of the lake, round I go the road still flat, then it appears, the hill, 1 and a half km of a 6% climb, I'm racing round wales and the place I live is flat, well not flat, but there certainly aren't many hills like this.
The climb is long, It's a slog, and I'm only one lap in, I know once I get to the top I just have to get down, as I make my way closer to the top a lovely lady is cheering us all on, she assures me the route gets more beautiful from here on out, at the top of the climb we double back on ourselves and drop down into a descent, not long, but long enough and steep enough that I know this could catch me out, after the descent I continue on my way and come across the aid station. A friendly voice reaches out and asks if I need anything, jelly babies are the fuel of choice, I don't need fuel I have plenty and I've only tucked into one Gel but a treat is always good for morale.
Progressing along, up, down then up again, drop back down then I hear a noise turn around and see cows,
two massive cows right by the fence, I announce them as one should then continue on, wondering if i missed them the first time and didn't announce them or if they weren't there. Lap two ends up being slower than the first by about 15/20 minutes but I still make good time, as I come in, I quickly realise I am a whole hour ahead of my estimated time giving me a full 2 and a half hours to complete lap 3, I am buzzing with excitement, I refill the water check in with the marshals and a final check in with hubby before I head out on my last lap.
Lap three not much different to the first two only more walking, though a nice consistent bit of movement, the hill is starting to really hurt now, I get to the aid station and I'm greeted by a smiling face, some jelly beans and some coke, I grab some sweets and a jaffa cake for the journey down, it tastes amazing! I progress along the route very aware of the amount of walking I am doing, a small amount of panic drops in, so I start to set mental check points, I reach the first down hill slope to the water fall cross the slate then head up the steps of doom, I get to the top and know its now far now, I check my watch I still have plenty of time. I decide to spur myself on, I know I don't want to waste my battery but a little music should be alright and I can charge it at he HQ, A bit of Disney goes on, I am running along the trails, I'm aware of the fact that I am going to do this well within the 5 hour cut off, a couple of hikers are coming the opposite way, they spot the number pull to the side and cheer me on, I am elated and cheer myself! Up to the top of the last bit, drop down onto the gravel path, going though the gate onto the tarmac I can feel it i'm going to make it, the emotions are kicking and I'm only on the first leg of the race, unfortunately so is the cramp, my legs have been twitching for a long time now, I've been mostly walking with a run thrown in till my calves said no more.
I get under the first bridge, stop to stretch out my calf, continue on the road head under the second bridge drop down for the finish stretch only to catch the glimpse of a goat, deciding I didn't want to be mauled by a goat before the end of my race I pause the music and slowly walk past so as not to startle it, safely past, the music goes back on, I run across the road (safely), over the grass through the gate and come over the mat.
Into the HQ tent I give the number to Chris, put the tag on his foot and wish him luck, shouting at him not to die on route, something that gets a giggle from somewhere in the tent, Chris heads out on his bike ride 112 miles, I take a seat on the floor, take off my shoes and start stretching my legs, my calves are cramping, the sports massage therapist comes through, looks at me and announces it looks like I'll be his first customer.
He sets up, I attempt to stand misjudge my position, lean on the wrong knee and my calf goes, the cramp sets in, I hold the tears in and try to breathe through the pain, moving my leg to a more relaxed position, he calls me over and I tell him i'm stuck, super helpful he starts to release my calf enough to get myself to the table, helps me up then gives me over to be 'Fixed' by his colleague, work on the calf is needed and I tell her I need an elbow just in the top of my left butt cheek, met with a response of "oh that's going to be a fun one" she knows that's going to hurt, I know that's going to hurt, This isn't my first time being in tears on a massage table!
During the 'fixing' I'm chatting away to some people doing the triathlon, broken up by instances of cries, ouch's and biting down on my wrist as she digs her thumb into the back of my calf, eased out a bit we decide to tape it up, they tell me I will be flying up the mountain, back to my bags I plan my first jobs, water, snack, layer up and grab the bottles from the car. I realise I now need to sit back down on the floor, I should have picked a chair, I manage to get down and back up-very ungracefully- get the bag from the car with the bottles and then get myself sorted for my first bottle change over, keeping tabs on Chris on beacon his signal drops out a few time and his dot stops moving, but I have an ETA to work with, so I run to that, coffee and water for me, bottle for him I wait round by the aid station.I spend my time checking beacon, checking the time, chatting to people and drinking coffee.
1 hr 30 comes in, he's not here, we are targeting 1 hr 45 then, 1 hr 45 hits hes not here, then I see him come round, a swift and well executed bottle change, a nearby group member chatting to me about the exchange kick starts the conversation about the race, 1 hr 50, I head off to get some bits done before I need to get back.
I get back to the HQ tent, start prepping my food, refill my drinks and make myself comfortable, after several trips to the ladies-the hydration has been pretty good, almost too good-I am back in the tent the massage therapist checks in, I tell him i'm feeling better, not fixed but definitely moving better, so that's a bonus. I demolish my instant pasta, drink some more fluids then check the time, checking the dot I see hes reached his point of no GPS, first meal gone, I make a second and a plan for the third lap, I spot someone with a red bull then realise its from the table, bonus! grabbing a red bull I check the time again, grab the drink and the food and slowly make my way to the bike aid station, we've not even reached the hour mark yet. Some time passes and I see a fellow friend come in off the bike shes done amazing, I cheer her on and wish her well, some more time passes and she comes back out for the mountain run. 1 hr 30 passes, then 1 hr 40, then 1 hr 50, his dot still hasn't moved I'm getting worried now, I'm hovering in the spot we will make the bottle swap, frantically checking his dot, no movement, I can feel the panic starting to set in now, why is his dot not moving, what has happened, is he okay.
The dot finally moves, it was just a low signal, it puts him at a spot where hes about 15 minutes away, I anticipate we are looking at 2 hrs 5. A painful wait, I see him come in, he stops, why is he stopping, he tells me he just needs to stop a minute, his face says it all, he tells me he doesn't think he can do another two laps, I ask if he can do one, he says he has one but not two, my heart sinks, I know we are looking at another DNF, I knew this was a risk but I don't want it to be true, he says to give him some time and he will do the mountain with me, I tell him not to bother.
Chris had asked me earlier in the week if he couldn't finish the bike would I still take on Snowdon, and full of life and vigour I had said yes, but now with my painful legs and tired feet I didn't want to do anything that didn't see me get anything, I know its not all about the reward but that's a lot of work to not even get a finisher medal, I told him if we don't get anything I'm not doing the mountain.
I see his face drop at the thought of our race being over, my heart sinks again, the decision has been made, we turn into transition. A marshal checks in, hes heard us chatting and suggests we drop to the half, I question it and he tells me a few others have and we just need to speak to the timing guys, we head to the tent and ask the questions, a few crossed signals later due to the number of races and we have learned we can drop to the half, not have to worry about cut offs despite the fact I have already done 3 laps and we will get a medal. A glimmer of hope comes back, we are on, I tell Chris to sort everything out, I run to the toilets final wee stop before the mountain then into the tent to change, get bags and get ready to go up the mountain a lot earlier than expected, I am glad I sorted my gels during his second ride, I shout to the massage therapist, I'm off out, going flying, I see a slight smile. Straight to medical, answer a few questions, go through the slight changes then get the all clear, a hug and a kiss and a huge good luck and I'm off, walking out of transition, saving the legs a little. Its time to face the mountain.
3.15 ish on Saturday evening, I make my way along the road, out to the round about and toward the mountain stage, running along the road to the base of the mountain I pass my friend again, shes on her way back, an exchange of well done's and a cheery good luck I make my way past crowds of people, through the gate and onto the tarmac path that leads up to the trail of snowdon.
If you have never been up the llanberis path the start is on tarmac before you go through an iron gate onto the trail. It's long, winding and steep, very very steep, people are making their way up stopping part way at the cafe that resides on route, people coming down doing the same. Some people walking down unaided, others using hiking poles, some walking down backwards, its easier on the legs, several times up hill I turn around to walk backwards up hill, constantly checking over my shoulder to ensure I don't block anyone's path, nearer the top I repeat this system gaining a confused look from a passer by, I explain it takes the pressure of the lower back and the hamstrings, he appears impressed and informs me he will remember it. I near the top, the incline steepens, alongside casual walkers I've seen many athletes coming down, spotting each others number we wish each other well done, a common theme through the mountain stage as we cross paths, One runner tells me this is the steepest part, she promises.
Onto the trail, through the gate, up the path, being a mix of loose stones, large stones and gravel the path to snowdon presents many challenges, rain would have made everywhere slippy, i'm glad its dry. Catch a stone off guard and it's easy to roll an ankle, misjudge a step and you can hit the deck, or you might just be unfortunate enough to slip down the side, though only if you get too close. I follow the path up, brief moments of "flat" before another incline, the first part of the path is bearable, we continue on up exchanging well done to fellow runners, wishing each other to stay safe and enjoy. Some casual walkers cheer us on, shout out well done and urge us we can do this.
From the first medical tent to the top is the biggest challenge of the day. I come across several people who are attempting to pick the best line down, I am now becoming more reliant on my poles, part for support part to take as much weight off my legs as possible, my back hurts, my legs ache, my lungs are burning and my feet are tired, I keep telling myself I just need to get to the top then I can go down hill.
I get to the station, past this point the train isn't running, I've seen it on the way up, wishing i were on it, people are standing at the station, I go under the bridge and look out at the view stopping for a moment to take a photo and catch my breath, another athlete comes up behind me, I've spotted him for a short while now, looking how I feel we chat briefly before he departs, I notice the cold and opt to layer up, a wise decision, as I turn and make my way up the next steep section the rain starts, I look back to note the once vast view has now become deep cloud. The next section is a slog, a long drag uphill, attempting to pick out the best line up without slipping on the loose stones, periodically stopping to sit, i look up at whats to come, my legs screaming now, willing me to just stop, but i also look down and how far i have come, the clouds starting to clear , I know i only have two options, go up or go down, i'm much closer to the top than the bottom, and regardless of which way i go I need to keep moving.
I continue up the slog of a section, another athlete behind me, i spy her, the look of a broken soul, shes near enough to hear me I shout down to check shes okay and wait a while for her to catch up, we slog it out together for a bit chatting away, a welcome distraction on the incline, I stop to break and wish her well as she carries on, she peels away from me then shouts back its not far left good luck, a little glimmer of hope, I push on and spot another athlete up ahead running, it must flatten out, or hes a lunatic, most likely the latter for anyone doing this race.
Reaching a flattish part I look ahead, still so far to go, I keep moving forward, its all i can do now, step by step, briefly stopping to check my map, i'm sure there should be another medical station soon, i convince myself I've missed it, step, after step, slog after slog, cheery-ish well done's and tired athletes, a cycle that feels like it goes on forever, then I spot people, off to the side, not moving, red jackets, the medical station, i'm glad there here, a brief check to make sure i'm okay and he tells me, not long now, just another 15 minutes up.
Back we go, step, step, slog, step, step, slog, runners pass on there way down, legs scream in agony, steps slowing, floor beneath me starting to trip my feet, the tiredness is really causing problems now, its still light, I only thank my lucky stars i'm not doing this at the time i should have been. Up and up we go, I hear voices, chatting, not moving, i feel the build of hope, I spy them the clear arm band alerting me this is the medical team to mark the top, I give over my number another athlete stops beside me, he checks were both okay, they tells us the top is only there, its clear now if we want to go all the way, the other athlete declines and heads down making great speed, clearly a crazy man, I look up, see the steps and announce i cant come this far and not go all the way if its only there.
I make my way down the stairs, and cut down onto the railway track, this part is currently not in use, I tentatively make my way down the gravel, using the poles for support, nearing the part where i know i need to check in I progress back up to the official path, check in with the medics and make the long journey down, the path flattens out a little, i walk, I'm tired, my legs achy, i get to the top of the last steep section and look down, spotting a mountain bike rider making his way up, pushing the pedals before he needs to stop to get off and walk, I look down aware its vital i pick my line, one wrong step and I could go down a lot quicker, though not safer, I stop for a moment sit on the grass and take the pressure off my feet, my quads, shins and feet all burning, the down hill feeling worse that the uphill. I watch as second a mountain bike rider is making his way up the hill, skidding to a stop as the loose stones make it impossible to pedal, I resume my journey, slowly stepping down the path, picking the best place for my feet and leaning heavily on my poles to gain the best balance, i finally make it down to the bridge, I look back up and see how far I have come, again on route down lots of passers by wishing my well, shouting good luck and cheering, I get to the top of what I deem the steps of doom part two, the point from the final bridge on snowdon down.
Steep steps, loose stones and jagged rocks form my path, I continue on leaning heavy on the poles, the tiredness is becoming unbearable now, but the only way i am getting off this mountain is using my own two feet. As I near the base of the steps I see the medics talking to a group, I hear them talking about the race distances, obviously a question has been asked about why they are there, I make it off the steps glad for flat land and pass the group to which several shout well done, nearly there, I know in fact we are not nearly there, check in with the final medic station, its all down hill they say.
The next bit becomes a blur really a lot of trudging, stepping delicately along the stones, stopping to take pressure off my feet and using my poles as much as possible to reduce the weight. This continues on for some time before i feel the urge to run, so I do, I run, thoughts go through my head of dragon, I did this in the rain, the quicker i descend the quicker I get home, everything hurts, i'm tired, I'm done in, I want it to be over, I am periodically texting Chris to let him know my location, I know hes waiting for me at the bottom, I mix it up between walking and running, till i get to the point that i run and my shins are screaming, i reduce to a walk, and alternate again, eventually giving in to a trudge.
Many moments slogging along the path and taking breaks I catch myself giving up, I cant give up for two reasons, I am so close to completing this race, and the only way I am getting off this thing is my moving forward, I tell myself the more i stop the longer it takes, i urge myself again to move picking my goals, I watch as the light begins to change, the sun setting over the mountain, my first goal, the first gate, my second, the iron gate, my third the base of the path. It all becomes a bit of a blur again, I see many athletes go past wish them well done and good luck, I make it to the first gate, down the gravel path for the last time, quick recording, through the iron gate, onto the concrete path, I know i just need to get down there, I pull out my phone for a quick update and find myself in tears, I know i'm nearly home now, I'm tired, i hurt and I want it to stop, but i know that we have nearly done it.
The concrete path is long and slow, I have to walk down backwards to stop the burning on my legs, I make my way down passing runners on there way up who are wearing head torches, its getting dark now, I turn each corner on the path hoping to see the gate at the bottom met by disappointment for the first few turns, then it appears, the gate, I walk quicker knowing Chris is near by, through the gate I spot his face and feel relieved, we make our way along the road, and toward the finish, he offers me a buff, I shake my head with confusions tell him i'm to warm, he knows I run hot when I run, he says no you might want the buff, i stop and realise hes brought Solomon with him, I grab him and attach him to my arm, my running buddy, our team mascot, I feel the tears well up in eyes again.
We walk along the path wishing good luck and well done to passing runners on route, we get to the round about where people are sat, they spot us and cheer us on, along the road to get to a place to cross, i near the crossing, a thought crosses my mind. I cant walk in, I will not walk in, as I cross the road I break into a jog, it hurts, my calf's hurt, I tell Chris I am not walking in, he takes my poles and we run, pass the marshals who cheer us, through the gate, I shout to cut across the grass, I hit the gravel and I want it to be over, legs burning, calf's tight, shins in agony, I get closer to the bike racks and I just go, I empty the tank and run across the line as fast as I can so it ends, it reminds me of my first marathon, I want to cry, in fact i think i do.
Chris appears and we are greeted by a marshal who hands us not only two medals, but checking we are a relay team gives us the award for the first relay team to cross the line for the half, I can feel myself welling up again, they ask for a photo, I stand and pose under the arch with Chris and my boy, legs twitching after the sprint to the end, all done I look round and head straight for a hot chocolate, warm drink, something tasty and then make our way back to the car to change, sit, remove the shoes, then find food.
So I'm going to leave it there, Next week I will bring you my next adventure and some updates on the recovery after the race and a run down of my thoughts but for now, brutal is done.
Thanks for reading,
Scribble back
Love from Jessie
xxx
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