100k. Walk. Jog. Run. Your Challenge. Your Way
12-13 May 2012
‘This
challenge is a tough 100km walk, jog or run from capital to coast,
through day and night. Open to everyone from walkers to ultra marathon
runners, it is the ultimate test of strength, stamina and endurance.
Have you got what it takes?’
Before the start
Tick, tick, tick, I check my clock again and it’s 3am, I’m just lying there trying to cajoule my mind into sleeping. On a regular night I would normally fall asleep within 10 minutes listening to music on my MP3 player, tonight though I’ve tried listening to music for almost an hour and it’s just not happening, I’ve counted 300 sheep and got bored with that, I just can’t get to sleep. Theres so many things going around in my head.
- My right IT band has felt strange and has been aching for past 10 days, I’m thinking how long into the event before it becomes troublesome.
- Everyone who knows I’m doing this events has total confidence in me and said I’ll be fine, I’m under pressure from that and I can’t let them or my charity down
- All that and my mind can’t even contemplate walking the distance, I may have walked 30 miles in training with no problems, but in the event tomorrow I’ve got to double that!
- And now I can’t sleep, so how I am going to cope with that distance on no sleep! I’m getting mildly stressed to say the least!
My alarm goes off a 4am and I realise I did actually fall asleep in the last half hour! Damn, I so want to carry on sleeping but I’ve got so much stuff to sort out before leaving the hotel and heading to the start. At this moment in time I’m not feeling very positive and feel groggy due to lack of sleep. Oh well, I’ll be there on the start line and I’ll walk as far as I can.
I pre-registered for the event the previous night to avoid rushing around before the start in the morning and was given a 13 page ordnance survey route map, it’s pretty intimidating flicking through it, the route just goes on and on! I’m also given an event pass and reflective armband that I’m required to wear at all times, a glow stick for the night section and a timing chip to attach to the laces on my walking boots.
I get to Richmond Old Deer Park at 6.15am, half hour before my alloted start time. People start in groups of 20 or so every 15mins from 6am right through until 10.30am. This is a big event, with over 1300 runners joggers and walkers taking part. The runners are the first to start, they’re hoping to reach Brighton before midnight. I’m in the first group of walkers to start, perhaps the slowest group as we’re starting so early! I grab myself a cup of tea (the first of many) and a custard cream, have my photo taken with Mr. Motivator and line up ready to go! At least its not raining, in fact theres not a cloud in the sky, and I’ve followed the recommended training schedule to the dot, at this point these are the only positive thoughts I have!
Stage 1 - Richmond Old Deer Park to Green Lane Recreation Ground
(12km/7.4miles)
This is definately the calm before the storm as the route heads straight onto the River Thames towpath and the first few miles are flat and easy. I relax my body and mind, forgetting any tiredness from lack of sleep and get into a rhythm of easy walking. I can’t contemplate the distance or the amount of time I’ll be walking, this won’t ever sink in so I will just take it a step at a time, keeping myself aware of where I am by regularly checking my progress on the route map and enjoying the surroundings and chatting to people around me.
The group of walkers I’m in soon spread out as the first hour ticks by. I chat to a couple of women who completed the Three Peaks challenge last year, telling me how tough that was and mentioning how they lost toe nails! I try to get this image out of my mind, I’ve no intention of losing any of my toe nails today! I plan to remain at my own pace for this event so find myself walking with different people for a time, then on my own again for a time. I speak with a couple of young ‘group leaders’ who are wearing luminous yellow jackets. They’re been given the task of checking that walkers around them are ok and to ensure noone is straying off the route. They tell me that prior to yesterday they were under the impression they were only walking to the halfway point have now been asked to complete the whole distance.They actually seem quite ok with this! Within a couple of miles from the start they’re stop to check on a woman sat on a bench who has already developed a blister. It’s going to be a long long day for her if she’s suffering with a blister this early into the walk.
The first of the walkers to start at 7am already start passing, a trio of guys wearing combat fatigues stride past, they seem to be almost power walking with huge backpacks on their backs which must weigh a fair bit. Good luck to them keeping that pace with that weight for 62 miles! I don’t envy them at all, in fact I’m not envying myself much either with the monumental task ahead at the forefront of my mind! But, I think to myself I’d still rather be doing this than sat in front of the TV.
The route leaves the river and heads through built up Kingston upon Thames to the first checkpoint. I’ve been desperate for the toilet for the last half hour so head straight into a portaloo then head over to a tent where they are serving hot drinks and numerous sweet snacks. I’ve got plentiful snacks already stashed in my rucksack so just grab a jam filled bagel as I’ve not tried that combination before! I check on my feet which are already getting sweaty and the plasters I’ve put on my heels and under my big toe just come straight off when I remove my socks which is concerning. I put some more talc on my feet and apply some fresh plasters. I’m worried at this point that my socks are already sweaty after such a short distance, this could spell trouble later on.
Stage 2 - Green Lane Recreation Ground - Oaks Park
(12.8km/7.9miles) (Total distance covered - 24.7km/15.3miles)
I walk on my own for a few miles not far behind a group of 3 girls and a guy. A curiously local ask the guys where we headed and shakes his head in disbelief when told. The guys name is Shane and he tells he almost didn’t start the walk, having not received a number or a timing chip prior to the event and then not arriving at his hotel until midnight last night and having little sleep before rushing to start. He also tells me he’s done no training for the event and the his walking boots were purchased only two days ago! Something tells this guy is going to need a little of bit of luck and a lot of mental strength to last the full distance!
He seems quietly confident though and tells me he completed a Mount Kilimanjiro trek last year with the 3 girls he’s walking with. I can’t relate to a mountain trek not having done one but I’m thinking he really should have spent some time training for this event. He says this walk will be more mental than physical and believes if he can make it too midnight he will finish. He was walking with his friend Robert earlier on, but Robert told him he was feeling good and forged on ahead. Hmm, I thought, a little too early to be feeling that confident!! I tell Shane, I wonder if he’ll see Robert at some point ahead because it sounds like he’s gone off too fast!
Their are markers every 5kms on lamposts and trees and so on advising how far you’ve walked and when we reach 20kms, Shane and his friends pause for a group photo in front of it. I don’t hang around for them and carry on walking at my own pace. This isn’t part of the walk I’m enjoying, walking through the london suburbs of Malden, Ewell and Sutton, all on streets where their are parked cars and busy roads to cross. I’m looking forward to the open countryside and the softer surfaces which starts once we cross over the M25 motorway.
I’m now being past by lots of faster walkers and runners who started after me. I say hi to a few as they speed past and ask how they’re feeling. Its still earlier days so of course everyone is feeling great at this stage.
I arrive at the second checkpoint, which is also the quarter distance point in time for lunch. The weather is warming up now and lots of the walkers are sitting outside soaking up the warm sunshine. I grab a cup of tea and a couple of snacks and head into a large tent filled with tables and chairs to eat some sandwiches and crisps I brought last night for lunch and also take some time to check my feet again. I observe a bearded guy inside the tent receiving first aid on his feet. Even at this early stage he doesn’t look to great. After he’s had the first aid I see one of the group leaders from earlier come up to have her feet checked. I hear her saying that she’s offering support and advice to walkers but seems she needs some herself. As she passes me after having her feet plastered up I offer her a few jellybeans that I’ve just opened. She takes a handful, thanking me, I hope they give her some energy for the next section.
Checking my feet the plasters beneath my big toes and my heels have come off again due to my sweaty feet and socks, the talc I thought was supposed to keep them dry! This could become a problem happening so early on. As I’m sitting near the first aider I ask if I could use some of his zinc oxide tape and use it on the pressure points under my big toes which are already starting to get a little sore. I put a on a fresh pair of socks and apply more talc hoping that helps.
Stage 3 - Oaks Park to Orpheus Centre
(12.9k/8miles) (Total distance covered - 37.6k/23.3miles)
I’m passed by a few more faster walkers as the route enters the southernly London suburb of Coulsdon, the route goes fairly close to the centre of the town, under railway arches then bares left and uphill over a cattle grid onto Farthing Downs. This was a fairly long uphill drag, but opened up to some lovely views and the skyline of Central London could be seen in the distance. I was quickly catching two guys, one of whom was visibily struggling. I drew almost level, everyone in the event was required to wear their race number on their backpacks, and each race number had the persons first name on. I saw that the name of the guy struggling was actually Robert, who I realised before even speaking to him was Shane’s friend who I had chatted to earlier and also the guy I saw receiving the first aid at the last check point. He was walking with an Indian guy, called Narayan. I walked with the two of them for a short way telling Robert how I had spoken to his friend earlier.
I had grown a little tired of water, tea and isotonic energy drink by now and had been looking for somewhere to get a soft drink since the last checkpoint. My luck was in as at the top of the climb on Farthing Downs was a randomly placed burger van! I realised it wasn’t a hallucination (I wasn’t that tired yet!) and I advised the two guys I was going to veer off the route a little to get my soft drink fix knowing I wouldn’t take long to catch them up again a bit later.
I order a bottle of coke from the burger van. £1.80 wasn’t cheap but I was at the point where I needed something a little more thirst quenching. Two middle aged women were being served at the burger van and couldn’t quite believe it when I told them what I was doing. I explained how I was doing it for charity and walking all day and all night and I couldn’t get over their almost open mouthed amazement! They and the lady who served me wished me the best of luck with my endeavour and I carried on my way, enjoying my first and only fizzy drink of the walk.
It didn’t take me long to catch up with Robert and Narayan. We were now walking through quite a scenic part of the route. I glanced at my map and discovered we were walking through an area called Happy Valley. I advised the two of them where we were and Narayan said to me, ‘I’m not happy!’ which I found quite funny at the time but didn’t laugh out loud because I could see he was being serious! Thee was no comment from Robert as he really seemed to be suffering now and as we started up another incline said ‘I hate hills!’
I advised him without thinking that we had to conquer a very steep hill not far from the finish. He didn’t seem at all happy to hear this and also at the mention of how many hours we’d still have to walk to complete this challenge.
We drew level a short while later with ladies I had spoken to right near the start of the events who’d taken part in the Three Peaks Challenge. The route was going through a wooded area now and was getting a little slippy and muddy so I decided to use one of my walking poles. I would hate to have slipped and injured myself now with such a long distance left to walk!
As time wore on the two ladies pulled ahead again and I also walked clear of Robert and Narayan. A number of walkers past me as we began the descend towards the M25 motorway and the next checkpoint. A short distance from each checkpoint we’d encounter encouraging signs saying ‘2km to checkpoint’ and then when we got a little closer other signs saying ‘Nearly there’, ‘so close’ etc. Obviously as people grew tireder and more weary the 2km seemed to be a lot longer than 2km in fact I think a few of them really were placed in the wrong locations!
We crossed over the busy M25 motorway and shortly afterwards arrived at the next checkpoint. This checkpoint was very basic, not even having chairs to sit on. I grabbed a tea and sat on the ground, stretched my legs out, again checked my feet which weren’t too bad and took some ibuprofen. Even though I didn’t need it, it seemed like a good point to take it now in preparation for ahead.
I thought sitting there enjoyed the sunny early evening how different the walk would have been had it rained, I certainly wouldn’t have been sitting on the ground like I was now and the walk could have been a whole different story. A few minutes Narayan who I’d been walking with sat down next to me. ‘How’s Robert?’ I asked, he advised me he wasn’t good and Robert had hinted at retiring. As I stood up to leave the checkpoint I saw Robert to the one side on his mobile phone, I guessed at that point his walk was over, I didn’t see him again.
Stage 4 - Orpheus Centre to Felbridge Tennis Centre
(15.9k/9.9miles) (Total distance covered - 53.5k/33.2miles)
Leaving this checkpoint the walk had a very different feel to it. We were now in open countryside, the atmosphere was much more subdued, the walkers were much more spread out by now and I was enjoying this change.
I caught up with the ‘Three Peak’ ladies after a short while and stated how much I preferred this part of the walk, as it was much quieter and relaxing, they agreed. The route took a turn up a fairly steep lane, the ladies dropped back struggling a little and as I rounded the crest of the hill, I saw a girl and boy on the side of the road outside of what I assumed was their house with a table of jugs full of water and juice. This was welcomed and I thirstily drank a glass of water. It was definately needed at the top of that climb. I really appreciated this and thanked them before carrying on.
The walk route was now in deep countryside as I walked across fields of cows, over stiles and through kissing gates. A long walk down hill and I bumped into a guy I had chatted briefly to right at the start of the walk. He was behind me then and I hadn’t seen him pass me at any point. He was struggling now and told me how he was suffering with ankle pain. I’d hadn’t been too far behind a couple of ladies for the last few miles and as I turned right at the junction of two lanes I saw them standing by one of the route markers. They asked me to take their photo, which I did and they returned the favour by taking mine.
I followed them at a distance for the next few miles, this section of the walk was the longest between checkpoints and seemed to go on forever as I was passed by yet more faster walkers and I was passing slower walkers. I had the walking pole out again as we walked across muddy fields, then across a muddy golf course, pausing briefly to let a golfer take his shot, I didn’t want to retire from the event due to being hit by a golf ball!
Shortly after reaching the 50km sign, the halfway point of the walk, I came across a walker crouching down, obviously in pain. I asked him if he was ok. He advised me he was in some pain and couldn’t find his painkillers, which he had either mislaid or forgot to pack. Being the kind guy that I am I offered to help as I actually packed a spare packet of ibuprofen. I can’t recall his name but from his look and his accent I’m guessing he was Spanish, but I just refered to him as painkiller guy from that point on. I cut away some tablets for him and he appeared very grateful. I wished him luck with the rest of his walk and carried on.
As I walked down a quiet country lane a very welcoming and picturesque scene appeared as the lane passed around the edge of Hedgecourt Lake. Other walkers must have been aware of this spot and a few cars were parked up, relatives of the walkers, and a few of the walkers were there relaxing and having to me wahat looked like a picnic! It was a great spot and with the weather the way it was it was the kind of place you could have easily wiled away a few hours.
I drew level a short while later with lady walking with walking poles, visibily struggling and her friend who was a short way ahead. I asked her how she was doing and she complained that the distance markers were out by 2k and that we were walking further than we should have. At this point hearing this didn’t bother me at all, I didn’t have my GPS watch on so didn’t have any idea if the route markers were out or not. A few kilometres down the road, the husband of one the ladies approached and walked with them towards the next checkpoint. It did seem a very long walk to the next checkpoint after the ‘2km to go sign’ though and by now I was feeling experiencing a bit of chafing between my legs which I hate to say it was becoming more uncomfortable than any of the other pains in my body at this point!!
We entered the half way checkpoint to a round of applause, making me think for a second that I’d finished the event before quickly realising I had to do the entire distance I had just walked again! I made my way straight to the portaloo with the main intention being to use vaseline on the chafing area which had suddenly got very sore!
A huge beer festival like tent stood at this check point and they were serving hot food. I had beef wrapped in yorkshire pudding, potatoes and veg and a cup of tea of course and it all went down very nicely. There was a great atmosphere at this checkpoint and it almost felt like outdoor beer festival atmosphere without the beer! I had my first sighting of Kim at this checkpoint, he was walking for Asthma UK and was dressed in a large Puff the Magic Dragon costume. He was definately attracting attention and much amusement dressed like this!
Before leaving this checkpoint, I stocked up on water and energy drink. My longest training walk had been the distance I was at now, so the rest of the walk was unchartered territory. I headed out into the next section as late evening began to set in.
Stage 5 - Felbridge Tennis Centre to Highbrook Field
(11.2k/6.9miles) (Total distance covered - 64.7k/40.2miles)
The atmosphere had changed again now and I was walking on my own at this point. It was very quiet and peaceful with only another walker occasionally visible a long way ahead and no one behind me as far as the eye could see. The walk skirted around large fields and I was now climbing over numerous styles and over very tacky surfaces. At one point the ground was so marshy and boggy, the organisers has placed planks of wood and even car tyres on the ground to make our passage easier. It felt very much like an assault course and I was praying that I didn’t slip on the mud covered tyres!
I gradually caught the guy ahead of him, only realising about 50 metres behind that it was the guys I’d given the painkillers to earlier. Those ibuprofen had definately done the trick then! As I drew level with him, he recognised me and thanked me for helping him out earlier. He must have been on a bit of a high now, as he didn’t appear to be in any pain only must have had a very brief stop at the mid-way checkpoint to have gotten ahead of me.!
We crossed over a busy road together but as he was walking at a pace a little to slow for me I forged ahead as I wanted to get to the next checkpoint before nightfall. The feel of the walk changed again now as the route headed through the Giffards Wood. The birds in the trees had obviously gone to sleep now as it was almost eerily quiet, the only sounds were of the occassional train passing on the nearby rail line. Rounding a corner I was welcomed by the first steep climb.
I reached the top of the climb without too much trouble and spotted the army guys who passed me in the first few miles of the event. They were actually laid out on the path, all three of them with their heads on their backpacks. That hill really must have taken it out of them! I was thinking they too had gone off too fast as I walked past them, wishing them luck, I didn’t seem them again.
Coming out of the woods, the route took a sharp right passed a few houses and quickly went steeply uphill again. This time tougher than the previous hill as the path was very narrow and uneven. Upon completing the climb the route crossed over a road right in front of a very welcoming pub. If it had been a different time of day I could very well have popped in for a quick drink but the next checkpoint was at the end of a lane and light was failing very quickly now so I pressed on looking longingly through the pub windows as I passed.
I knew at the end of this lane lay the next checkpoint and from there on it would be time to get the head torch out of my rucksack. I had never walked in the countryside at night before so was understandably nervous about this section of the walk. A guy had been catching me slowly in last mile and drew up alongside me about 15mins before reaching the checkpoint. The guys name was Tim and he seemed to know his stuff and was very informative. He’d done all the training required for this event, so I thought it would be a good idea to try and stick with him for as long as I could.
We entered the checkpoint along with two girls we’d caught just a few minutes before. Light had dropped unbelievably fast and it was virtually pitch black now! I recall from the event notes that I would be in a controlled group for the night section. I spoke to a girl at the information desk about this and after voicing my concerns she just advised that individual walkers like myself would be required to arrange themselves into their own groups! I spoke to the two girls about this and as one of them needed some medical attention they would be at this checkpoint for a while. Tim advised he was carrying on shortly with another walker, an Irish girl called Ettie who he’d been walking with earlier. I didn’t wanted to walk on my own in dark never having done it before so quickly got myself a cup of tea, put my headtorch and coat on and we headed off into the night.
Stage 6 - Highbrook Field to Ketches Lane Field
(8.4k/5.2miles) (Total distance covered - 73.1k/45.4miles)
I was out of my comfort zone now trying to get used to the dark, Tim and Ettie were at this point walking at a pace a little too fast for me. I focused the headtorch light on the ground. It only lit the way a few feet ahead of me and I stumbled often as the ground was very uneven. I dropped back a little, Ettie calling out if I was ok, I said the pace was a little too fast for me and thankfully they slowed a little.
It transpired in the next few minutes that Ettie was actually really struggling, and soon advised she was only trying to reach the next checkpoint in order to retire. The next checkpoint was three quarters of the route and from their there were shuttle services to the finish for retirees. I could tell she was in constant pain, she was constantly complaining when climbling over stiles and up every incline. She didn’t even have a headtorch and was positioned inbetween me and Tim so she could see where she was putting her feet.
The route deteoriated very badly of the next few miles and became very muddy and uneven under foot. I was leading the group of three now and we were walking through mud for quite a while, it was tough, dark hard work and I had to keep turning around to shine the light on the ground so Ettie could see where she was stepping.
It took a long while to reach the next checkpoint and midnight was approaching fast. I gave Ettie one of my walking poles to make it easier to walk up the numerous steep bits. She had really slowed up and was continually asking us how far the next checkpoint was. I didn’t have a clue but offered encouragement by always saying it’s not far away now, it’s at the end of this lane, we’ll be there soon.
The next checkpoint was finally reached and inside the tent they were serving full English breakfast. I welcomed this even though it was midnight! Three quarters of the route was now complete. If I wanted to finish this event now I had to get some first aid on my feet. I wasn’t actually tired, my legs were fine, but my feet were sore and I had felt that had a blister had formed on my left little toe.
Tim was eager to carry on, and he did so as I advised it was best if I got my feet checked out. Ettie had advised a marshal she was retiring and was giving all her supplies away to other walkers. She seemed so relieved now, she was obviously in no condition to carry on and the worst was yet to come.
I went over to one of the medics to get more protection put onto my heels and on the pressure points under my big toes. I had put a toe cap on my little toe earlier when the blister had started to form, it didn’t seem to be helping much but I was advised to keep it in place. While I was having my feet checked, Kim, the guy in the Puff the Magic Dragon appeared. He sat down obviously very tired by now and the chair just collapsed under his weight. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud! I thanked the medic and readied myself for the next section. I headed out in the pitch black on my own. This was going to be interesting.
Stage 7 - Ketches Lane Field to Wivelsfield School
(8.6k/5.3miles) (Total distance covered - 81.7k/50.7miles)
For one of the shortest stages it most definately felt the longest. The organisers had done an excellent job of lighting the route. I was unable to check my map now but luminous signs were positioned at very regular intervals and glowsticks and pink ribbons were hanging from trees to help me keep on track. I left the checkpoint and heading across a field. I could barely see even with the headtorch turned on as a mist had now settled and it was a real struggle to pick out the next route sign. I was walking almost blind for quite a while, not knowing where I was at all, but remaining calm and trying to enjoy this unique experience.
One step at a time I kept telling myself, if I can get to the next checkpoint I know I can complete this walk as I still felt ok and wasn’t tired yet. God knows how after not sleeping last night! The mist lifted after a while and I carried on walking slowlt through dark fields and out onto a lane where a pub was still open with people drinking outside. It was nice to receive a small round of applause from the drunk regulars as I passed.
Oh, now the fun started. The route became very difficult as it headed through a wooded area. The ground was so muddy, almost boggy. The headtorch couldn’t stop me walking straight into areas of ankle deep mud. I slid and I slipped, but thankfully didn’t go over. I was hanging onto my walking poles for dear life now and they really helped me keep my balance. I was walking on my own but the mud had slowed everyone down and I suddenly found myself in a group of about 10 people in a long procession trudging through the mud. It was a real slog but eventually we climbed a stile and was out of it.
A short onroad section appeared, I was really feeling it in my feet now and my stride had shortened considerably as I approached the next checkpoint.
I rested inside a school hall at the next checkpoint drinking a cup of tea and chewed on an energy bar. I knew at this point that I could complete the event now, but was nervous about the long distance to the final checkpoint. The school hall was full of walkers looking decidingly tired, most were hobbling about now. A fellow walker appeared, she was caked in mud from head to toe after slipping on the previous section. She had been in tears, I felt so sorry for her.
Painkiller guy appeared, it still amazes me how he recovered so well after being in so much pain before halfway and now appeared to be doing really well. I did find it difficult to leave this checkpoint, it was so warm and cosy in that school hall and freezing cold outside. I thought positively and reminded myself that by the final checkpoint it will be daylight and I’ll almost be home dry.
Stage 9 - Wivelsfield School to Swan Inn, Falmer
(12.7k/7.9miles) (Total distance covered - 94.4k/58.6miles)
The route headed out onto a country lane. I kept checking the route signs that appeared every so often, they’re going to point off road in a bit, I kept thinking to myself and my feet will be able to relax a little. After a few minutes walking, I heard someone catching up behind me then asking, ‘How are you doing, you alright?’. I turn around and who should I see but Kim aka Puff the Magic Dragon! Bare in mind it’s 3am in the morning by this point, on a lonely country lane and I’m walking beside a green spotted dragon, it doesn’t get much more surreal. I had to think for a second if I was dreaming. He chatted to me about the various charity events he had done like the London Marathon and how difficult it was to walk in that costume. He could only see straight ahead, couldn’t hear much and had real problems getting over stiles and even more so through kissing gates.
He was actually in better shape than me and after getting a quick photo of him, I dropped behind him. How does he keep going? The country lane goes on and on, I still keep waiting for the arrows to point off road but it never happens... A couple of ladies pass me and I say that this country lane is killing my feet. The ladies don’t get too far ahead of me before I see one of them start to visibily struggle and start to hang on to her friend for support. I catch them up again and ask if everythings ok and it appears she has an ankle problem.
I catch up with Puff again and two other walkers and hang behind them by a few feet as the birdsong starts and the beginnings of light entering the sky. I come the conclusion this road is never going to end, but I’m not stopping for anyone now! A large hill can now be seen in the distance, it’s summit actually poking above the learly morning mist, this is the one they’ve warned me about, Ditchling Beacon, it looks very intimidating. I know the route goes straight up and over this. Once I conquer this hill it’s downhill all the way.
The road up the hill is very steep and as my legs still feel fairly strong I keep a decent pace walking up it. This was a mistake as I feel a pain starting in my heels as I climb and by the top they are so sore I can barely walk due to the pain. At the top of the hill I see the sign for 90km. I know the last 10k is going to be a long slow struggle, but I know at this point I will finish. One step at a time...
The route head downhill over very stony uneven ground is very painful on my feet. I’m constantly looking at the ground so I can walk on the flattest bit possible. I’m walking so slowly now, I’ve got both walking poles out to take the weight off my feet and everyone is passing me. I begin to think why is it just me struggling? They give me encouragement and I tell them that I’ll finish this no problem.
I arrive at the final checkpoint, where so much encouragement is given and the marshals make a cup of tea for me. I can’t speak highly enough of the support in this event, its been amazing. I grab two chocolate crepes here and sit only for a short time concerned that my lower limbs will start to seize up if I sit for too long. Only 5km to go legs, you’ll soon be there, just a little while longer. Although it’s only 5km in my current state it may take almost an hour and a half to cover.
Kim, in his Puff the Magic Dragon costume enters the checkpoint area, grabs a quick drink and heads straight out again! I hear him say he just wants to get to the end now and get it over with!
Stage 10 - Swan Inn, Falmer to Brighton Racecourse
(5.6k/3.5miles) (Total distance covered - 100k/62miles!)
The route head uphill on the edge of a field. I see Kim in the distance, the pathway we’re on is next to a busy road and a lot of the cars going past sound there horns at him. Something you don’t see every day I guess! My heels are so sore now and the slightest uneveness of the ground makes me gasp out in pain. It’s single file now and I have to keep moving aside for the faster walkers to pass me. I reach the end of the uphill section cross over a busy main road and enter a rutted track behind houses.
At the end of the track the sea comes into view and shortly after I spot the finish at the racecourse, but it seems a long way off. Even after entering the racecourse it takes another 15 minutes to skirt around to the finish line. I approach the finish and hear the announcer, who randomly used to play Spider in Coronation Street, saying my name. I lift my arms in the air as I approach. I’ve walked 100km, 62 long miles, I couldn’t even contemplate walking this distance before today, I can’t believe I’ve walked so far, but somehow I have and apart from my poor feet I don’t feel too bad at all! Next challenge please!
Walk Stats
- Total Time - 24hrs 56mins
- Overall Placing - 390th out of 1046 who completed the walk
- 1362 started the challenge at Old Deer Park
- 23% of starters withdrew from the challenge (40% in 2011)
What other challengers said about there experience:
27hrs and 73km gutted i didnt get to the 100km mark but a huge thankyou to everyone who supported me long the way including all those out on the walk themselves your all inspirational, the ac team who were there at every stop with words of praise and support, the british red cross first aiders and the doctor and the crew that waited for me to be taken into the 75km point for dealing with my blistered feet and knee injury and especially to the guy who picked me up when i could not go no further and the catering team for making me a bacon sandwhich even though most of the gear had been packed away. once again a massive thankyou to everyone who ws out there over the weekend x
Feet smashed at 53k.. Lanced and bandaged. Lanced and re dressed at 65k.. Pulled out at 75k
Gutted beyond words
Well done everyone you are all amazing xx
This weekend has been the most physically and mentally challenging thing i have ever done! Walking non stop for 32hours. Had some amazing high and some bad lows. Met loads of new people and one amazing person in particular who i will never forget im so proud of you, the single hardest thing was saying bye!! The support by strangers and other walkers was great!! The pain was unbearable and the last 15km was a killer but i finished it!!! Its been a real eye opener!! Well done L2Bers!!!
we started as 5 and ended as 5, and managed to complete in 27 hours (and a few minutes) a gruelling gruelling challenge but so glad we took part, blisters (lots), aches and pains (lots),smiles (lots) grimaces (many) sense of real achievement, (immesurable)
Reached the 53km stop and while in line for a cuppa I collapsed from hypothermia, took almost 3 to raise my temperature back to a safe level and then was told it was too dangerous for me to continue and I would have to pull out. Well done to everybody that took part, your all amazing xxx
