The Beacons Ultra : 6th December 2008

It's been a while and this is worth an update!

It was off to Wales for the first running of the Beacons Ultra organised by Likeys (top people!!!). I met up with Gilly who drove up there and Jo. When we arrived in Brecon we visited Likeys and I was not disappointed. Martin and Sue are two of the nicest people I've ever met. Ever helpful and very welcoming. I managed to get a fair proportion of the kit I need and was very chuffed with my buys. We saw some other Mds forum chaps and girls there which was fantastic. It's great to finally put faces to names. After spending up, we headed to the bunkhouse which was to be our home for the next couple of nights.

Carol (Perks) did us proud by making copious amounts of chilli and rice. Everyone chipped in either financially or practically by supplying bits of food. We had a really good meal and all sat, chatted and got to know each other. Gilly, myself, Perks and Steph were sharing a room. Bunk beds - yay!!! I went to Brecon with every intention of only completing one lap of the ultra (23.5 miles) because I was doubting my capabilities and didn't think I trained enough. After talking to Steph, who decided she wanted to try and push herself, I decided I would try for both laps. I asked if she minded if I tagged along.... she didn't thank goodness!!

We got up at 6am on Saturday and prepared as best we could. Backpacks packed, ten layers of clothing on as it was bloody freezing, and nervous twitching. We went over to the rugby club at about 7.45am. I was picked out for a spot check which scared me slightly as, although I knew I had everything, I couldn't quite put my finger on where I'd put it.

We stood at the start, frozen, and waited for the off. Matt from Likeys went through a few bits and pieces and then we were on our way. I set off with Carol and Steph. We had decided to run the first leg (along the canal ie. the flat bit!!) and then see how things went. We stayed at the back which was probably best as there were some seriously fast guys there!

The canal leg passed without any problems and we soon found our way on a very gradual but very long climb through the forest trail. It went on forever. We temporarily lost Perks, but she soon caught us up and we settled into a good rhythm. The scenery was absolutely stunning and because it was a beautiful, clear, sunny day, it made it all the more gorgeous. I could live here!!

Eventually we hit the tarmac (not literally) and after a short distance found ourselves at the checkpoint. We didn't stop for long, just to top up and then made our way up to the Gap. Another climb. There were some pretty dodgy bits (the names of which escape me now), but we managed pretty well in my opinion. The paths were strewn with boulders and rocks so toe stubbing became a fairly regular pasttime!! Once we'd reached the top of the gap and another checkpoint we started to make our descent..... down a very rocky and very icy path. It was very slow going but definitely kept us on our toes (tho not always as Steph found out!!).

There were fields to cross, and very narrow boulder strewn paths, but eventually we finished our first lap. It took 6 and a half hours so we could start the second lap with time to spare (the cut off was 3pm). We knew the second lap was going to take a long time due to the conditions changing (more ice) and the dark. Carol left us at this point as she was sticking with one lap so as not to aggravate injury.

Once we were past the canal and on our way up the forest road (again!), it started to get dark. Head torches came out as did warmer hats and gloves. It was getting very cold!! I found this bit psychologically quite tough and I started to feel a bit sick. We got to the checkpoint and met up with Mark, Mike and Dave. Mark was also feeling a bit ropey at this point and after snacks and drinks, we all set off up the Gap together. I had a dodgy moment and had to stop for a minute or two. After peanuts and a cereal bar I started to feel a bit better. The chaps helped us through the horrible icy bit (tho poor Steph and her bottom became rather attached to the slippery floor!!!). Once through the worst of it we lost sight of the boys who steamed on ahead. At this point one of the marshalls (Jeremy I think) caught us up and walked to the next checkpoint with us. We were very tired but also knew we were going to do it!!

Every time we got on to a road and thought we could speed up a bit, we'd hit more ice and slow right down again. The marshalls at the checkpoints were fantastic and very encouraging. When we arrived at the last checkpoint, we discovered that lovely Gilly (who had been there at the end of our first lap at 2.30pm), was still there.... she must have been frozen. She was going to walk the rest of the way back with us (another 4 miles!!!). We caught back up with Mark, Dave and Mike and trudged on knowing we were nearly there.....

With about 2 miles to go we caught sight of a headtorch bobbing towards us. It was Carol, fuelled by Veuve Cliquot, who came to support us the last couple of miles. It was so lovely and a real boost. Mike and Dave went on ahead and finished. Me, Steph and Mark finished in a very proud last place in 15 hours and 34 minutes. We actually received Lantern Rouge award the next day.... google it - we're very proud!!! We had a welcoming committee who were standing at the end of the road and clapping us home. Fabulous. 48 miles done and dusted.....

All in all, this event was probably the best I've taken part in. Well organised, small and personal, friendly and good fun.

I will definitely be going back next year, and it's given me bags of confidence for the Mds.

Finally, it was so great to meet so many lovely people. Can't wait for March and tent life to begin!