So, all my training was about to be tested! June 28th had rolled around, way quicker than I anticipated, and my fitness was at an alright level, but a couple more months of training would have made me very confident. So did I complete it? Read on to find out!
The night before, I was really feeling the pressure, I was anxious about my footwear, the boots were still giving me jip, and I knew trainers wouldn't be practical for the whole thing. I was anxious about how strict the kit list would be enforced- carry 2litres of water, ankle support on your footwear... no one checked my kit at all, people wore trainers (likely trail trainers) the whole way round, a few people ran it!
I'm not sure I was very good company for lovely husband and Flora (the staffies got to stay at home with Grandad). We stayed at the Ivy House B&B, in Dolgellau town centre, nice place, everything we needed, plus husband got to enjoy a cooked breakfast. Only minutes from the start post, perfect! Slept utterly pants, of course, got up so early and headed to the start. Chose 6.10am start time to give me the best chance of not timing out.
There was a little village like vibe going on, had a vegetarian sausage bap, had about half before donating it to husband as I struggle to eat first thing, had a semi decent cuppa before writing my forget me not memory wall- here's to you Grandma Doris- who would think trekking a marathon is totally bizarre thing to do!
I had decided to wear my trainers until the second stop- lunch- at 12.4miles, as a majority of this section was along the estuary and would be decent enough. I took one walking pole- this feels easier than 2, especially when needing to carry them- you can see it sticking out of the top of my bag on the pictures! I did put my walking boots into my bag as well, just in case the terrain changed and I needed to change sooner than I expected.
Food wise, I only took babybells and hobnob flapjacks, the stop stations would all be well stocked so I was happy with that. 2litres of water, strawberry flavoured, one in a water bottle which fits your hand through the handle, so I could walk and hold it easily. I felt this would encourage me to drink more as I am rubbish at keeping hydrated. I was also very excited about toilets at each rest stop! No wild weeing for me! Snuck in a picture of support husband looking very handsome before I started! He is such a good egg!
We all got to the start line, had a pep talk and then set off! I planned on just settling in and warming up as we headed towards the estuary. I already knew the only two reasons I would not finish would be timing out- cut offs were very generous which I was pleased about- or injuring myself. I would finish this trek even if I had to crawl, it is the stubborn streak in me, it can be used for good!haha. Interestingly, the only person who showed me any hesitation about completing this, was my dad! He was pretty sure I could do it, but wanted to remain pragmatic about how hard this challenge was- over 3000 feet of elevation and 26.5 miles. And I will say, the fact I knew I would finish unless I was stopped, was not confidence, but a feeling I could not let all those who sponsored me down, and I also struggle to back down from a challenge! I had also put a lot of training in. I was hoping for a finish time of 11hours, but getting closer to the day, this felt more and more difficult to achieve and I really wasn't sure how long I would take.
As I pottered off, I chatted to a nice chap who wearing a straw hat with knitted forget me nots on, his wife had knitted them! We had a nice chat, and then I took the opportunity to begin to build my speed at this point. This 8 mile flat section, was my only opportunity to get some good speed in, so I planned to try and keep my pace around 18 minute miles.
Another gentleman caught up to me, we had a good chat about the terrain- two hills to be aware of that will be hard, but the rest shouldn't be as hard from what he had heard. He told me about his first marathon trek and how a lady in her 70s had helped to keep him going and he did better than he hoped. Embarrassingly, I already felt desperate for a wee and spotted a public toilet so said good luck and dived in. I am not built for early mornings, my body just doesn't know what to do!
I think it is important to mention the weather here, it was really windy, right in my face. It was also very overcast and threatening rain all day. I had my waterproof jacket and waterproof baseball cap in my bag, I would not be wearing waterproof trousers, my legs could just get wet! It wasn't particularly cold which was good. There was also a fog lying over the estuary and it looked quite spooky!
Took my first selfie to send to husband, mum and dad (they are separated so this was done individually), wind keeping my hair out of my eyes at least! I also did my first voice note to husband, waffling about already having had a wee! The path is lovely, easy to walk on, nice and wide, and the views were gorgeous, all hills, trees and pretty properties dotted around.
Hair getting a little wild in this picture! The estuary was still looking very beautiful, my first mile was a very respectable 18.27, then 16.50, then 18.54, 17.11, 17.17 and then it went up to 24 mins and 13 seconds. This was because I hit the first check point, had another wee (paranoid), a banana and hobnob before setting off again. I told husband not to come to this checkpoint, as I knew I would be totally fine so no point in stopping long. Trainers were holding up well, nice and comfy along these more sturdy paths.
Called my dad, had a nice chat, he was impressed at my current speeds and kept me company along a road section just before I reached the first hill!
Here are some more nice views.
This hill is one that had been spoken about, it is a tough one and I really didn't know what to expect. There was a lot of mud, and I was seriously thinking about putting my boots on. Got the walking pole out, this helped me feel more confident. I had already decided that I would need to monitor my power expenditure, as I had such a long way to go no point exhausting myself and ruining the rest of the trek, also, I know hills are my nemesis! Plan one- get some good times and distance on the flat, plan 2, take the hills in my stride, do not rush, take breaks and take my time. So this is what I did, it was a pretty section at least. Got overtaken by a few people, but not many, so that wasn't too soul destroying!
I am not sure any photos would do the steep bits justice, I also kept thinking it was over, as the ground would even out a bit, then you would turn a corner and more uphill. I always wonder, is it better to know what something is like, or experience it in the moment? Left husband a voice note moaning around this section about how the hill was never going to end!
Just to look at the stats, the mile before the hill was 17.26, first mile of the hill was 27.14! The next mile was a little less intense and I pulled the speed back to 25.18, I hit the precipice in this mile thankfully! It is weird to look back and know this hill was two miles, it felt like forever at the time! I got some speed up, even had a tiny jog on the road on and off, got back on pace to 17.13, then 18.23 as slight up in this bit. I got quite giddy around here, as the road was nice to be on, it was still windy and damp at this point, also foggy as... definitely zombie country! I had already told husband when I was hoping to get in, my bestie wanted to meet me, but would miss me as I was hitting the checkpoint quicker than I expected. The path along this section was also very beautiful, despite the creepy fog- silent hill anyone? The third pic below is a sofa and table made from stones!
The above picture does look quite ethereal! But I kept reminding myself, that this overcast, dark, foggy weather is much better to trek than hot!
Flora and husband had found a lovely beach near to the lunch checkpoint, so I got this picture of them enjoying themselves, they got another selfie of me, in some woods this time! Husband found the bottom of the path I would come out on, and they met me there to walk me to the checkpoint.
Lovely husband brought me a can of monster, just what I needed at this point! This was the lunch stop, so I picked up a butty and chocolate bar, but didn't feel up to eating it so popped them in my bag for later. I did eat a nice pot of fruit- so nice and easy to eat! Swopped into my walking boots, and husband took my trainers away for me so the bag would be lighter. This mile went up to 36.27 with the food/wee/shoe swop stop, and also incorporated the start of 'the hill'.
Was excited to see the halfway marker! This was part of the way up 'the hill'! Next mile was 27.16, and saw a majority of the uphill, it was still up after but less intensely so. Mile 15 took 22.08, then 16 was 23.18 as it began to even out more. Mile 17 saw a nice dip and gentle up, showing a 19.37 mile, before slowing again to 21.25, then 22.23.
We left the road at this point, climbing over a stile and into fields. Surrounded by fog again! This whole section was quite odd at times, I didn't see another soul for long periods of time, had no phone signal and I felt very alone on occasions! Every now and then, people would catch up to me, have a natter, then disappear into the fog! Don't get me wrong, I was happy enough on my own, no pressure when it is just me!
This next section saw the next serious hill, again, I really wasn't sure what to expect from this hill, I knew it was close but not how close. Randomly, there were some lovely knitted items in this village, I got a couple of photos and husband took more, I will add them to the end of this blog post as they deserve a share! Very pretty little village.
I gave my dad another ring at this point to check in, we chatted until I got to the hill, it really wasn't far along! It was on a road, so easy to grip, but my goodness it was so steep!! I took one photo, but it didn't really do it justice.
So foggy! I am sure the views would have been beautiful otherwise. This next bit was apparently slightly downhill, but to be honest, the path was rocky and stony, and very uneven so it was hard to get any speed up. Map my walk seemed to lose the plot here on out and said I did more miles than the trek did, so it is hard to know about the speed per mile accurately. Anyway, I was averaging around 22 to 29 minute miles depending on the terrain, it was mostly constantly up, but not very steep, though the terrain kept me slower. Before I lost signal, I suggested to husband and Flora, that maybe they could follow the path back and meet me along the track to keep me company- the distance between checkpoint 2 and 3 was 9 miles, so a long distance. I wandered along, alone, in the fog with no signal for a long time, chatting to random fast walkers as they came past. When I got signal, I called Aran and he reckoned he must be close. Out of the fog, I spotted them both! This helped get my speed a little quicker.
Dad called me to check in, he had tried when I had no signal so was pleased I was ok! Having husband and Flora keeping me company gave me a real boost, we had a nice chat and kept playing catch up with a couple up ahead, the man seemed to be in a lot of discomfort. It seemed like out of no where, I began to really struggle mentally. I just wanted to stop, I didn't want to do anymore, I felt overwhelmed and really upset, when Aran pointed out a man (who looked miles away to me) and said, look there is the checkpoint! I replied 'fuck off', then tried to acknowledge he was trying to be helpful, but it didn't feel that way!haha. I am very grateful for his support in this bit, I would have made it on my own, but it would have been so much harder mentally. My bestie and her partner met us at this checkpoint, I had a wee (not missing any opportunities to use a toilet!), had a drink, got some more snacks and had some chocolate. Forgot to take any photos! Though, bestie said I looked in much better shape than she expected at that point, haha. I believe, I had experienced hitting the wall at this stage, physically, I wasn't too bad though, tired- yes, achy- a little, feet super uncomfortable- definitely.
I didn't get as many pictures in these areas, as to be fair, it was foggy still so everything looked pretty similar, and it was drizzly and damp. I stayed a little longer at this checkpoint to have a natter, but not that long really. It was 5.5miles to the end, so I left my rucksack with Aran, packed my leggings (amazing side pockets, so good! Shout out to Just Strong for the best leggings ever!!), took my water bottle and walking pole and headed off. Nice and light for the last section!
That tiny pink speck is me! Last year the walk was the other way round, at least two people told me that finishing along the estuary was soul destroying as it seems to last forever, so this way is better! I asked the group of walkers ahead in the photo, what this last section was like- they told me it is a lovely way to end the walk, nothing too challenging. They were liars!
This bit was lovely, we were lower down so the fog was much better, rolling hills, sheep dotted around, a pretty lake, lovely heather sections. The path was very uneven and I had to keep a close eye on where I was stepping, but that was fine, I am clumsy so do this anyway! I sent a video here to my work colleagues who were all having a lovely time at a brunch, it didn't send until I completed the walk though as no signal haha.
You can see where the fog was still hanging around, high up on the hills. My mood had improved a lot at this point, I stopped to take some photos, feeling all the hard work was completed and this section would be undulating and uneven, but good. Pace was slow and steady, no point rushing and hurting myself.
The pictures don't do this section justice at all, it was so pretty and open, path went from stony and rocky, to grassy and pleasant. I overtook my first group of people who were all sat having a fag break and chat. We all said hello, I just couldn't think of anything worse than stopping and then starting again. Too painful on the feet for sure!
I enjoyed the rolling hills, and the grassy path downhill was lovely, not too slippy so I could walk at an ok pace. Definitely feeling the pressure in my feet. Realised at this point, that I didn't have my phone charger as it was in my backpack and my battery was super low. Sent a voicenote to my dad to let him know I had seen the 4miles to go marker, but had no battery so wouldn't ring him until I was finished. Sent a similar note to Aran, how annoying!!
Did feel like music would have been helpful here due to the discomfort increasing, and also being alone a lot again, didn't see anyone for a while. After the fields, it was a 'road', well as you can see from the picture, some gravel a vehicle must drive on. So pretty here with the lovely stream and trees all around.
After the rough road, I ended up on a proper road and wandered past a lovely old graveyard with a lovely ruin. Did use some battery to get that picture! Worth it! I *think* that the road section quickly went into a downhill woodland, I had a little jog at first as the gradient was good. Then quickly it became a steep muddy downhill- I get so anxious about falling and breaking something downhill, especially when muddy. So I was pep talking myself out loud, using the walking pole, taking my time, when a marshal seemed to appear out of nowhere and I shit myself, proper full body jump. Was nice to see a human though to be fair, he reassured me, that if he heard me shout, he would come and check on me!
So, I *think* that this then led onto a lane which wound around a lovely house with a garden all along the stream- beautiful. Though these sections could have been the other way round? It is weird, I can picture both bits, and it seems to fit the way I have written, but I wouldn't be surprised if the woods were after the lane?!
Again, all this was relatively pleasant and the challenging bits were short lived which is always good for moral. I came across the couple I had seen earlier, the lad seemed to be in a lot of pain, his partner fairing much better. I felt a little bad overtaking him on the hill, not sure why? And then, a proper hill opened up ahead of me- what the fuck???? No one had warned me about this, I hadn't noticed it on the map, those ladies said it was all good in this bit. My heart sank, not going to lie, I was so tired by now.
There is no choice though is there? I wasn't going to give up, so I had to carry on! The lady overtook me on the hill, she said she would wait for her partner at the top as it was much better for her to just get it done and her partner understood that. Makes sense to me, I will often waft Aran ahead when I am struggling as I feel less pressure to power through and will keep my breathing under control. Anyway, I kept going up up up, it was a woodland type path with trees and fields- no photos as I just was not in the right headspace, and no battery!
I kept going, slow and steady, using the pole, drinking the water. Then I spotted the lady waiting up ahead and felt so chuffed that that must be the top! I did say, are you sure this is the top, and she said she thought so... it wasn't. But it wasn't long until that hill was over. And then, the worst part of the whole walk opened up in front of me (was it really the worst part? Yes. Mostly as it was hard, and I was so so tired).
The picture does not do justice to just how muddy this bit was, it was so thick that I basically climbed the ferns on the right side to not soak my boots completely. It looks like you could skim it doesn't it? Lies. And then, it was that rocky stony crap all the way, my feet just kept sliding on the stones as they were moving every step I took. Bumped into a couple of fellas walking, we all discussed how wrong the miles were at this point, how was it taking so long to walk a mile? I am still convinced that Map my Walk may have been right, and I actually walked over 27miles this day! Especially when a dog walker was walking towards us, said it gets better and about 2.5miles to go....the bloke behind me did say he wanted to punch the chap, as we should have less than 2miles to go at this point! I did say it made me want to cry!
Eventually, we crested the crap path, and into a field. Wandering along the field, it then went quite steep downhill, so the blokes flew off ahead and I went back into anxious, don't fall mode. Keeping up decent movements for me! As I glanced up, I saw Aran and Flora stood at the bottom waiting for me. I cried, I am crying again now, thinking about this bit. I felt pretty broken in my head at this point, body was still coping well really, just the old brain. I was so pleased to see them both, Flora gave me a good old wiggly bounce to keep me going. Aran brought my phone charger! So at least I could record all the way to the end! The whole end was on road and downhill, I felt like I had a good pace but the road just kept on going. Kinda wished I had my trainers for this bit, but was grateful to not have carried my bag as well. A marshal said, only 10minutes to go! How?? How was there still another 10mins????? I also got a weird stitch pain, but right in my gut, asked Aran if he thought I should see the medics at the end, in my head, I was convinced I had broken something inside me and I may die. After what felt like the longest time of my life, we got to finish! In retrospect, kinda wish I had jogged through, few extra seconds would have pushed me up in the ranks overall, but I wasn't thinking about times etc, just it being over. I also kept bursting into random tears during this last bit. They announced my name over the speakerphone, gave me a medal and a glass of wine. Fabulous! One lady asked if I was ok, due to the tears, I just said 'I am so glad it is over'.
We left pretty much straight away as it was an hour and forty drive home, Aran is such a wonderful husband, it sounds daft, but I don't know how I would have coped without him that day. He looks after me so well! Called my dad from the car, messaged my mum and sister and ate a custard slice!
Really chuffed as I came 111/293 people who did the same route! This made my day even more! Total time was 10hours, 23mins and 18 seconds! Under my goal of 11hours!
Would I trek another marathon? Yeah definitely. But I wouldn't do this route, would love to try one of the others in other parts of the UK!
I will post some photos Aran took, he walked a half marathon that day with Flora!
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