Finding my first 100 miler

The car was full of refreshments and a change of clothes for after the race, plus all the painkillers you can imagine.  My pack, re-packed for the 7th time was hanging on the back of the chair.  My drop bag, with changes of socks/tops/food, additional first aid kit, additional ‘spare’ food and electrolyte sachets is by the door.

Back in October 2020 when I looked at starting training this race seemed so far off, like it would never come.  Today I complete the challenge I have trained for so hard over the past 11 months.  It all comes to this point.

I’m normally a very nervous runner.  Race day is a nerve-wracking experience right up to the gun firing.  Today is different, I’m not so nervous.  I guess I have fewer expectations.  I really am starting this 100 mile race with nothing more than the hope to finish.  30 hours is the cut-off.  It sounds easy enough pace-wise, but 100 miles, it’s a big deal.  So there weren’t nerves.  The pre-race period was strangely relaxed.

Race Director Ronnie gave a great briefing, settled many nerves for many runners, light-hearted but important information.

‘There’s a 10K going on in Wellbeck but their markings get priority as they are running a proper race, and this is just stupid!’

8 am.  Go …

The first 6-7 miles is a near loop around a few tracks, gravel paths and a stubble field.  This takes us to the canal.  I started easily, settled in with a couple of chaps that seemed to be at the pace I wanted to run, good conversation and a nice start.