Sunday 19 November 2023

Dava Way 50km - Ultra Marathon number two!

Wow! It is amazing to be able to say I've completed a second ultra marathon in 2023! 

I have learnt from my marathon experiences that instead of the whole "one and done" thing, it is actually very common to become slightly hooked to the huge feeling of achievement that comes with the completion of such an epic event - there may be times during it you find yourself saying "never again" but funnily enough you're probably going to sign up for your next event pretty soon after you've completed one, if you haven't already signed up! (I'm writing this in November 2023 with already three fairly big things booked in for 2024!)

It is now five years since I said "never again" after my pretty rubbish experience running the Nice to Cannes Marathon in November 2018. That feeling didn't last for long but pregnancy, baby, covid lockdowns, life crises followed...you can read more about those in a previous blog post! To sum up: tough times = less running.

After two years of being very unsettled with life (ie no fixed abode!), 2023 has brought some incredible experiences and some stability at last. I trained for and completed my first ever ultra marathon (a loose term that describes any run over 26.2 miles!) - you can read all about my experience on the John Muir Way 50km here.

I knew I'd want to do it all again. I knew that ultra events - nothing too crazy mind - would have my heart. The camaraderie between other runners, the endless snacks and feasting, the immense feeling of achievement upon completion, the totally unrivalled experience of being part of something really special. It hooks you in, and even after the toenails have fallen off and the stairs are a battle of wills to get down, you are still wanting more.

After the John Muir Way Ultra in March I considered another ultra event in late autumn - I am not a big fan of summer or heat in general, so I tend to avoid events during summer! I love autumn - all the amazing colours, and the cooler weather for running. It came down to three possibilities - Tweed Valley Ultra, Glen Ogle 33 or the Dava Way. I can't remember my thought process exactly but I am always drawn back to the Moray area after spending our childhood holidays there (as did my mum when she was a child, as do my child and her cousins now!). We even considered moving to the area when we were unsure of where to settle. It is an area that has my heart for sure, and I couldn't resist the allure of discovering something new on the Dava Way.

The Dava Way itself is an old railway line that runs 22 miles from Grantown-on-Spey to Forres. With some creative route planning, a 32 mile route has been plotted with some extra bits added on at the start and finish. The event is part of the Moray Way Ultra Series, which was created by former international runner Kyle Greig, who is from Forres, and his wife Debbie.

For an extra tenner, you can book the event bus that takes you from the finish at Forres to the start at Grantown, at the delightful hour of 5.40am on a November morning! I decided it would be best to stay near the finish in order to minimise travel at the end of the ultra. Even though I booked the accommodation back in May, six months ahead of the event, I didn't find anywhere suitable in Forres. It had to be dog-friendly, child-friendly and not too expensive! I did however find a lovely looking airbnb in Elgin, only 20 minutes drive from Forres, near the Tesco (handy if last minute supplies were needed), near Cooper Park (handily a junior parkrun started there recently!), and had a roll-top bath - perfect! I had until the 5th of November to cancel it without being charged, so if things didn't go to plan in terms of training etc all would be fine.

The summer ended up being really busy with starting a new job at Active Root, Dave starting a new job and us ultimately buying a house in Glenfarg. I really did not see that coming - I'd never even been to Glenfarg before! I distinctly remember on the day we got the keys and started moving our stuff into the house that I would definitely run another ultra in 2023 - because nothing could be more difficult than the realities of moving house!

An added benefit of being in a new area was that my training involved discovering new routes and beautiful scenery all around me. I was familiar with Loch Leven and the Kinross area, and had actually done my last long run for the John Muir Way Ultra round Loch Leven. But now I was discovering routes that linked me to the loch path, or linked me to the nearby parkrun. It kept things fresh for me, and because life was now busier than it had been at the start of the year, I didn't obsess over my running and I didn't do too much training. You could possibly argue I didn't do enough, but I actually have felt the fittest I've ever physically been, and I stayed uninjured so for me, I did enough. I ran with a smile on my face, I ran feeling grateful, I ran feeling strong. I also ran through a lot of puddles - training during the wettest autumn on record was definitely an experience!

All this is to say, in the build up to the Dava Way on the 11th of November, I felt mostly calm and ready.

The nerves came in on the Friday afternoon/evening, as we arrived in Elgin and I started prepping everything for the next day - making porridge to eat at an ungodly hour, filling my soft flasks and water bladder, and filling my running pack with treats and warm clothing. Packing puts me on edge, so the reality started to hit. I didn't sleep that well on the Friday night - I was actually frightened I was going to sleep through my alarm and wake up at 7.30am - the start time! So that thought kept me mostly awake, and when my alarm went off at 4.25am I was bolt upright and ready to go. And my literal thought was - I must be crazy.

It was a real struggle to eat porridge at 4.45am but I pushed through. I actually got out of the door as planned at 5am, pitch black outside of course, and was grateful to not have to defrost the car. It wasn't exactly warm - about 3 degrees I think - but it was not raining, and that was a bonus because it had rained heavily from our arrival in Elgin all through the night!

As I left Elgin I found myself driving behind a Maynes coach, which I figured at that time of the morning could only be one of the event buses! And there ended up being one behind me - so I was confident I wasn't going to miss the bus! I parked the car at the community centre in Forres, where the buses were parked, and got a seat. Plaited my hair in the dark and felt very awake. A slightly nerve-wracking drive followed as a couple of deer decided to cross the road in front of the coach, but the driver took it steady and got us to Grantown safely at 6.30am.

We picked up our numbers at the leisure centre in Grantown-on-Spey and then stood around for the best part of an hour! When I say our numbers, I mean we had a number, but the actual thing you pin on to your self predominantly showed our names and I loved this touch! What a great idea - it meant people could actually cheer you on by your name and it made it so much more personal.

I spent most of my time at the leisure centre in a queue for the ladies toilets - nervous peeing for sure but also I unfortunately hadn't fully managed to shake off a cold that had lingered for ten days, and I was having to blow my nose constantly. There was so much snot! (Actually really annoying, and plagued me the entire run - I was blowing my nose every few minutes and being as considerate as I could when it came to snot rockets (ugh sorry) - it was pouring out of me, and I ended up having a really sore nose by the end of the day!)

I stepped outside at one point - to check it was still cold (yup), to get the GPS signal on my watch (crucial) and just to escape the intensity that was building inside as the start time approached. It was at that point I met Ryan, who is someone I've become aware of through the instagram running "scene". He creates a very successful podcast - Press Play and Run - and is a genuinely lovely guy. I was grateful he had approached me because anxiety and nerves would've got the better of me and I would've been too shy to say hello! We had a nice chat (which we moved inside because it was freezing!) and that helped pass the minutes until it was time to go.

Just before 7.30am we were called outside. At this point I was wearing a warm running hoody which I didn't intend to run in. I was sure I'd get too warm in it and debated taking it off for the start because I couldn't be bothered faffing around trying to squish it in to my pack mid-run. But it was so chilly outside I decided to keep it on and just stop whenever I had to take it off - spoiler alert, it stayed on until right before I got in the bath later that day, and I never once felt warm during the run!!

A quick chat from Kyle and we were off - it was light now and we followed the road past the golf course. We were piped into the woods which was a lovely touch, then we were off into Anagach Woods, which was full of lovely trails. The morning light was beautiful and I stopped to take pictures. I really wanted to enjoy the run, and stopping to take pictures was a big part of that. I didn't care about my time, but I knew I'd regret not taking decent pictures of the stunning surroundings.




The route meandered through the woods then alongside the River Spey for a bit - stunning - before more woodland trails and back into Grantown. There we ran - slowly - past a couple of horses which felt a bit random at 8.30 in the morning! 

Along the high street then along a road that ultimately would take us onto the Dava Way. Two memorable things happened here:

1) We ran past a care home. Not notable in itself but I had this distinct thought that one day I could be in a care home watching runners go past. I want to make the most of opportunities that I have now to run amazing events like this. I want to know what I'm capable of whilst I'm healthy and strong and active. One day I won't be able to do this - I want to make the most of it while I can. Sort of half-depressing / half-motivating thought!

2) A man said as I ran past along with a couple of other guys: "that's your six mile warm-up done, just a marathon to go now"! I honestly found this a demotivating thought at that moment! A marathon is a bloody long way and we'd already been running for more than an hour! I just didn't need that spelt out at that moment...funny looking back though!

Then we were climbing up a short sharp hill onto the Dava Way. I spent the rest of the day in absolute AWE at how incredible this route was. Far from being a boring old railway line, there were impressive rocks, gorges, waterfalls, open landscapes, nice wooded sections, so much variety! It was truly beautiful - I think honestly I'd say it was the most beautiful place I've ever run in Scotland.







I started to settle into a comfortable rhythm after about 10ish miles, which coincided with the first aid station. I didn't need any additional fluids to what I was carrying (two litres) but I took a few sweeties and carried on.

I usually listen to running podcasts when I do training runs - Young Hearts Run Free is the regular go-to - and find these motivating, interesting, humbling, and a great way to pass the time. I'll also listen to my playlist on Spotify too - very random selection but a song only makes the playlist if I'm confident I won't skip it when I'm running! I wouldn't normally listen to something during the actual event because I want to soak it all up. However on this run, due to its isolated nature and obvious lack of spectators along the route, I found I was keen to listen to something to...pass the time, I guess. Running for the best part of 6 hours can get a bit boring, even if you're surrounded by incredible scenery! So I actually listened to an audiobook that was completely unrelated to running and the perfect amusing antidote to the run itself! It really did pass the time for a few hours and it kept my brain from thinking of any negative thoughts. After I'd had enough of that I did put a couple of tunes on, but I always stopped them when I was around people, and when I was approaching the last few miles. (The first song that came on shuffle was the Bellamy Brothers 'Let Your Love Flow' which was Dave and I's first dance when we got married in 2016, so I think that was the universe letting me know all was well!).

I felt physically fine - no major aches or pains. I continued snacking little and as often as I could - salt and vinegar sticks, cheese, haribo tangfastics - same as my first ultra. One major change which has made a big difference is the addition of Active Root products. Now, I was aware of Active Root prior to my employment with them, because there's often ginger drink at the end of events I'd been to, such as the Scurry Tentsmuir and Scurry Vogrie 10ks. However I was not a customer and had never tried using it in training or anything. During my training this autumn and for this event, I've added in their ginger chews (strong fiery ginger bites with a real kick, they give me a wee boost each time) and have added the sports drink and electrolyte drink into my soft flasks. They come in sachets ready to add to water which I did the night before then kept them in the fridge. Each soft flask lasted 16 miles - ie one half of the route. One flask had lemonbalm electrolyte plus and the other had original ginger sports drink. I also had a litre of water in my pack which I didn't finish but I drank a lot of. The addition of Active Root as a change from just drinking water was worth it alone, but the science behind it makes me convinced it also helped my performance on the day. I won't go into all that here, but I am converted to the drinks and chews and I know they made a difference to the day.

I also had a fun size mars bar in my pocket, leftover from Halloween. I ate this around the 20 mile mark I think and it really helped! Definite energy boost! I also ate bananas, sweets and ritz crackers from the aid stations. There were aid stations at miles 11, 22 and 29.



I just ticked along quite happily. I enjoyed myself - my main goal. The struggles came from my runny nose and the wet route. The latter didn't overly fuss me because my training has been very wet, but there was a lot of picking your way round wet and mud, which did get a bit tiring. Towards the end I also started to really flag. I'd just bumped into someone else I recognised from instagram - Susan (again she said hello to me and I'm glad she did as I would've been too shy/intimidated!) - at the last aid station. Her day hadn't gone to plan, and it made me more grateful mine had. It was nice to see her briefly, then there were just a few miles to go into Forres. I started to anticipate the end way too early - this always happens to me!





The last bit into Forres was actually quite tough. I knew there was a climb up to Nelson's Tower but it took a while to come. Then I found the climb really tough, then all of a sudden there was a fast downhill finish (in my stats my average pace was 10.45/per mile but my best (ie fastest) pace was 7.13! I can only think it was this downhill sprint to the finish!).


The woods were beautiful, perfect autumnal colours, then we were running across the grass towards the cricket pavilion and the orange carpet that took us to the finish line. Dave and Totty were standing waiting (having got the train from Elgin to Forres and spent the sunny morning in Grant Park) and Totty ran across the finish with me, which was really special. Collected my medal and goodie bag which were fantastic - the medal is the best I've ever received!


I had felt emotional on the approach to the finish but the tears didn't come. A bit of "coming down" but I actually felt alright. Glad to be finished, pleased with how the run had gone. We went briefly to the playpark, cheered a few of the other runners in, got a nice picture with Ryan, and headed back to the car. I regret not getting a photo at the actual finish line, but next time!


When I got back to the airbnb I didn't feel great - my vision in my left eye was a bit like looking through a kaleidoscope which was unsettling and worried me. Dave reckoned it was fatigue from the early start (and the run!) or lack of salt - thankfully it went away after a bowl of leftover pasta from the night before and some ready salted crisps, so perhaps it was the latter. I thought I'd done okay with the salt consumption; it was just a really strange, thankfully brief, thing! 

I was sore, very sore, and spent a long time in a hot bath - yes cold would've been better for the soreness but I couldn't face that! I ultimately felt proud, accomplished and pleased at how well the day had gone. I had really enjoyed it. Time hadn't mattered, but I was happy with a time of 5 hours 42 minutes, which was ten minutes faster than the John Muir Way despite my watch saying the Dava Way was a mile longer. 























My one disappointment of the day (runny nose aside), and I think I've just been unlucky here, is that there are no official photographs of me. I get that sounds a bit vain, but it is one of the things listed in what's included in your entry, and obviously with a route as beautiful as that it would've been cool to have featured in a scenic shot. The official photographs from the day are INCREDIBLE so this is definitely not a criticism of the photographer, I just think maybe another person taking photos would've helped to ensure everyone was captured. I just seemed to be unlucky to miss him everywhere he was, except right at the end he was on the move from the finish line to the wooded section, and we passed each other. I reached out to him this week to see if he had anything from that moment, and he kindly sent me this picture. 


I'm in the process of trying to see whether anything was captured at the finish line, as it would be so amazing to have had that moment with Totty in a picture. Race photos are really important to me as momentos from the day because so much is forgotten about in the mists of time (hence why these blog posts are so ridiculously long, I want to preserve every detail!). I'll update the blog if I manage to track anything down, fingers crossed.

So many family members were out in force for the John Muir Way, but I knew that wouldn't be the case with this one, and I was fine with that! I always feel so guilty when people spend so much time standing waiting for me for that brief 10 seconds I run past, then am so exhausted by the finish I'm terrible company! I was happy this time around to give it a go on my own, and in a way it took the pressure off. I relaxed a bit more because I wasn't feeling rushed or guilty for people waiting for me! For family reading this - that doesn't mean I don't want your support, I do! It was just that for this particular run I had no stress of updating timing or feeling bad for keeping you waiting!

Shout out here for my big brother Andrew and family who had booked a B&B in Forres for the Friday night and were planning to cheer me on on the route - unfortunately their car broke down on the M90 as they made their way north and they didn't make it. Gutted for them, and so grateful for their effort!

What else is there to say?

I genuinely loved this run, I feel so privileged to have had this amazing experience! It is definitely one I'd do again. 

I have my plans made for 2024 - and I now feel even more excited to give them a go. I have literally been buzzing since this run - fatigue aside! The recovery has been good and I ran parkrun a week later feeling almost like normal again.

Wow, probably my longest ever blog post for my longest ever run! Thank you Dava Way 2023, you were amazing!

(Shout out to Dave and Totty (and Tig of course!) for their unwavering support throughout the months of training as well as the event weekend itself. I literally couldn't do it without them!)

Wednesday 22 March 2023

I am an ultra marathoner! - John Muir Way 50km Ultra: 18th March 2023

Although I haven't kept my blog up to date over recent years, I still love reading back old posts to remind me of my journey to this point. Especially my posts about running the Edinburgh Marathon, the Marathon Des Alpes Maritimes, walking the West Highland Way, the East Highland Way, and the individual posts of the 36 Munros I have bagged. I'm so glad I took the time to write these posts, and given I have so much to say about my experience of running 50km a few days ago, it seemed like a good idea to resurrect my old blog to do just that! Instagram is good and all, but I personally love reading long blog posts of endurance events or feats of human endeavour. If it is just for my own benefit then that's absolutely fine - if it is of interest to another person or even more than one, then that's just a bonus!

If you have read my blog before, you may recall (or maybe not, why would you?) that I have always intended to attempt a third marathon. I loved my first marathon (Edinburgh) but didn't love my second marathon (Nice to Cannes), and said "never again" after that one. But about a week later I knew I couldn't resist the allure of the challenge and the immense feeling of achievement upon completion. However at that point I was in the first trimester of pregnancy and knew that my third marathon would have to wait. I had pencilled in the Stirling Marathon in October of 2020 but well, I think we all know what happened in 2020!

I have struggled so much through the fog of post-natal depression then going into the Covid lockdowns. 2021 was one of the hardest years of my life with work, family illnesses, my Granny passing, depression really taking its toll, being signed off from work, feeling utterly lost, selling our house, leaving our home of eight years and the home we'd brought our baby back to. 2022 brought so much excitement in terms of travelling for eight months in a converted bus but my god it was hard. We sum up that period of our lives with the following phrase - "the highs were higher but the lows were lower". We made some truly incredible memories and hopefully shaped our then 2.5 year old daughter for the better. But I'll be honest and say that my mental health was probably at its lowest ever and that really affected everyone's enjoyment of the experience. So much so that we sold the bus over the winter, having known for a while that 'vanlife' really wasn't for us. We have been renting a friend's house back in the Borders for four months over the winter period, and now our lives are about to change massively again as we take another step into the unknown on our journey towards...contentment? Feeling settled? I'm not sure.

Anyway all that preamble is to say, I had a feeling towards the end of 2022 that if I was ever going to attempt a third marathon then this was the time. I had time, I had the need for a challenge, I had Dave's support and his ability to solo-parent during those long hours of training. I swithered so much about which marathon to enter - Loch Ness was tempting but I wanted something in the early months of the year. I'd happily do the Edinburgh Marathon again as I enjoyed it so much, but I'm in no rush to do the same event twice until I've entered a few different things. It's such a shame that the Stirling Marathon seems to just not exist anymore - I hope one day it will return. I looked for other Scottish Marathons but I wanted a fairly 'main' event, just for the support it brings, rather than a smaller event.

I entirely blame/thank my brother-in-law Duart for what happened next. He sent a text to the family group chat the night before running the GB Ultras Glasgow to Edinburgh event with his tracking information on it - first we knew about it because he's one of those extraordinary humans that just runs all the time without feeling the need to broadcast it to everyone! We were at Dave's parents in Kinross on the day of the event (Saturday 8th October, our 6th wedding anniversary!) eagerly refreshing our phones to track his progress over the 56 plus miles he was attempting that day. I suddenly realised that we could actually drive not so far to Winchburgh and catch him along the canal - off we went, me frantically hoping his wee dot didn't move too quickly or we'd miss him. We timed it perfectly, waiting for around two minutes before he appeared at around the 40 mile mark. I was absolutely blown away by everyone running this event and how deep they had to dig to complete. I knew that there was NO WAY I'd ever want to run that sort of distance, but it did put the thought in my mind that perhaps I was limiting myself looking for a marathon event when there was the possibility of running slightly over that distance and calling myself an ultra-runner!

I started my research and it came down to two options - the John Muir Way 50k Ultra on 18th March 2023 or the Speyside Way 50k (I think it's more like 35 miles?!) on 19th August 2023. Well patience is not my strong point, I just wanted to give it a go as quickly as I could, so the 18th March it was! I signed up on the 12th November, confident that four months was plenty of time. I was running only once or twice a week at that point, enjoying parkrun and the odd 10k now and again. I'd felt a bit broken after running the Nairn Half Marathon in the summer and didn't feel up to long distances at that point, plus we had literally just moved into a house and mentally were a bit 'all over the place'. It was fine though, I had plenty of time...

Nairn Half Marathon, 20th August 2022 - my longest run that year

December didn't go entirely according to plan. Illness and stress and weather and just feeling rubbish a lot meant I didn't run as often as I'd have liked. Over Christmas I had the biggest cold sore I'd ever had, which left me feeling so rundown. I pushed myself hard to complete the four parkruns over the festive period (24th December, 25th December, 31st December, 1st January). 

On 1st January 2023 I was kindly given a lift to Portobello parkrun from friends Fiona and Ross, and admitted on the car journey back that I'd tentatively entered the 50km ultra in March, but I wasn't sure if I was going to be ready on time. I was pondering the option of deferring to 2024, but there was that stubborn part of me that just wanted to give it a go, and the chat with Fiona and Ross really gave me that push to commit. Do the training, see what happens.

I am so grateful to have had the training to focus on during the early months of 2023, because January and February are tough months, and with a feeling of general despair about my life at my lowest points, I needed this huge goal to keep myself always moving forward.

My training is mostly documented on my Instagram page, so I won't go into all the ins and outs here. Safe to say, it was generally going well until I increased my mileage too quickly and injured myself with the classic "runners knee". I gave myself such a hard time about this BUT once it had happened I rested, stretched, reduced my mileage, did all the things I could possibly do to get myself to that start line.

Going into it was still a big unknown because I hadn't really properly tested my knee over any long distances for a few weeks. It felt absolutely fine on shorter runs and in general, although it was tweaky and twingy at times, especially during stretching. I was very aware of having a knee, put it that way! I did not want to be reckless and push it over 50km, risking a worse injury and not being able to run again for a while, but I also knew I'd regret not trying because...it could be okay.

I had a nervy week during the run up but the day before I actually felt okay...it will be what it will be. I was as ready as I could be - sure I'd made some mistakes in my training, but I was in reasonable shape (my parkrun times getting faster showed me this). I had practiced different options for nutrition, I had my gear, I had mentally gone through every aspect of the organisational side as often as possible, and I was just ready. Nothing more I could do other than hope for the best!

Enough build up? Okay let's get to it...

The hardest thing about the whole weekend - yes honestly - was spending my first night away from my Totty girl ever in her life. I put her to bed on the Friday night, stayed with her as long as possible, then cried and left her with Dave at my parents house in West Linton and drove to my brother's house in East Linton! I cried a few times on the journey but best to get that emotion out. I arrived at 9.30pm, got things sorted and went to bed. I didn't sleep all that well - brain worrying about missing my alarm and waking up at 9am! Also there was some heavy rain at times throughout the night which really made me anxious, having seen updates about the course being very wet and muddy already (I hate getting wet feet!).

But when my alarm went off at 6am I genuinely felt okay. I got dressed, ate my porridge, made a flask of tea, got my stuff in the car and left just before 7am. It was absolutely brilliant to be just a five minute drive from the registration (and end point) at Foxlake Adventures near Dunbar. This really helped to have an entirely stress-free rush-free morning. Not once did I feel under pressure or panicky, which is rare for me. After parking at Foxlake, a short walk and a short wait to collect my number (215) and timing chip, I was back at the car at 7.30am, with plenty of time to drink some tea and pin my number before the bus to the start line left at 8am. Pinning my number is always an ordeal, I never seem to get it right! I was glad I had plenty of time to do it and once again I had no stress. I am such an anxious person but I felt okay...which in turn felt odd. I could feel the nervous energy all around me - increased tenfold when we got on the bus - but I was fine. Such a weird feeling!



I ate a granola bar on the bus and by 8.30am we'd reached the start line at Port Seton. I got in the queue for the portaloo, which was short as I'd been on the first bus to leave Foxlake, and again no anxiety (if you know you know!). Who even am I?! Then came a half hour wait for the other buses to arrive and to assemble at the start line for the race brief and photo. I was feeling a bit awkward just hanging around, tried to stretch my knee a bit, got my Garmin signal sorted and just...felt awkward. So it was a huge relief to see a familiar face in the crowd - my favourite Uncle Colin! We do have a long-running family history of turning up as surprise support at events like this, but I'd genuinely (ish) believed his story of all the plans he had that day that would prevent him from coming along. I should've known better! Very grateful for his presence, which continued throughout the day. Legend!


It was also lovely to see Michael from Vogrie parkrun who is doing amazing things with his photography; I appreciated a hug and words of support! His wife Tracy was running and is a very accomplished ultra-runner - I didn't see her until the end but it was lovely to share our stories at that point!

Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos

Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos

A wee bit of a delay to the start but we got running at 9.15am. I was very aware of starting slowly; I knew it would be bad for me to get caught up in the excitement of the start and just want to go go go. I held back and I think it paid off. The first mile seemed to happen quickly, along the road at Port Seton, and I had the distinct thought of 'one down, thirty to go' which wasn't really helpful at the time!




I've had to refer to the event notes to remind myself of the first part of the run, even only a couple of days later it is pretty hazy because so much happened in the latter stages. But it was a very pleasant route, and because I never really knew what was coming next (I know the area but not the path that well) it kept it fresh and interesting. Aberlady had the first aid station (and the first brother Ross sighting plus the next Uncle sighting!) but it felt early in the run and at that point I didn't need anything. Then we were running alongside the main road towards Gullane, with a road crossing which was expertly marshalled. 

I got chatting to a guy near here who had decided to wear his road shoes and we were dodging muddy puddles discussing whether that had been a good idea or not. There was more tarmac in the first half for sure, but I really felt for him in the second half - trails and mud aplenty! I actually saw him as we were about to leave Foxlake at the end and he'd managed to get his supporter to bring him his trail shoes, thank goodness, because those of us in trail shoes were struggling enough - spoiler alert! He was a really nice guy (told me his sister was called Helen!) and his supporter was also so lovely, I saw her a couple of times on the course and she was great!

Anyway, along the road from Gullane and we were into the Archerfield Estate. I LOVED this section, around miles 9/10/11. Psychologically I was keen to get past the 10 mile mark, because getting into double figures was important to me. It was definitely a route of two halves, but I looked at it as three ten mile sections, and it was a boost to get the first ten under my belt. Only 20ish to go haha! Four of my support team had gathered here - mum, birthday boy dad, Uncle Colin and Ross, plus two dogs - and it was fantastic to see them, see the banners they'd made, and take a jelly baby from their collection! 

Round the corner and across a muddy field, I was at the second aid station at Archerfield, which I'd heard good things about! The aid station marshals were fantastic at helping me fill up my water pouches - which reminds me to say, the weather at this point was warm! It turned into quite a muggy day, around 12 degrees, and I always run hot so I was BOILING! I felt like the only one at the start line with just a t-shirt on, but it didn't take long before everyone was peeling off their waterproof jackets. I'm grateful it was a dry day given the heavy rain prior, but my preferred running conditions are cold and frosty, so warm and muggy was a struggle! Anyway, I drank plenty, and filled up my water at the aid stations.

There was lots of sweet treats and tray bakes on offer at Archerfield (I was tempted to stuff my pockets full!) but I was sensible and took a piece of delicious flapjack, feeling that would give me the most energy. Into the mud we went, and a lovely section of 'faerie trail' on the Estate. I saw my support team again as I left Archerfield and said to Ross I was feeling good at the 11 mile mark.

Then followed a lovely colourful section alongside yellow gorse bushes to Dirleton - I didn't really realise where I was at this point - and a lovely family with two children excitedly cheering the runners on. It makes SUCH a difference! 

Into a lovely wooded trail section (this ultra had those in abundance and it was glorious!) which led us to Yellowcraigs car park/beach, and I got my bearings. Saw Michael here so tried to get a good photo!

Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos
Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos
Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos

The route from here ultimately led to North Berwick, the halfway point. There were a few golf courses to navigate nearby, then onto the streets leading into North Berwick, which focused my attention because by this point the runners had really stretched out and there weren't many around me. However the route was very well signposted, sometimes you had to keep an eye out but never having to look for long. I was so curious about the beach section at North Berwick having seen photos from previous years - how would I know where to go down to the beach and how would I know what line to take?! Sounds silly now as it was so obvious; the route was obvious onto the beach then I picked the line of least resistance - the hard sand! This was really lovely actually; I knew I was at the halfway point, I knew I was going to see Dave and Totty for the first time since I'd left them last night, and I knew the aid station was coming. It was also fantastic to have people clap us along the beach; I felt like a rockstar!

North Berwick Law in the distance

North Berwick beach

The aid station at North Berwick had Active Root to drink, which was a welcome change from water, and I also quite fancied some of the Ritz crackers they had. I knew not to always go for the sweet options so I took the crackers and a fizzy sweet too - more about my "nutrition" to follow!

I didn't spend long here before continuing. Leaving the halfway point at the RNLI lifeboat station at North Berwick was a big boost to start on the 'homeward half'. However it got tough almost immediately! Back onto a section of beach which had no hard sand to find, so I was slogging my way through soft sand and running-wise started to feel like I was struggling here. However my spirits were lifted by a beautiful Patterdale Terrier who was barking at the waves, then in the distance the distinctive blue jackets of Dave and Totty, plus the high-vis of a marshal (who was also at the finish I think and he was so nice!). Totty ran up to me and ran along the sand with me, showing me the velociraptor toy she'd brought (and subsequently left on North Berwick beach, oops!). Running up to Dave I could see the banners they'd made, so sweet! As wonderful as it was to see them, it was SO HARD to run away from them! I didn't want to stop too long but it felt brutal to run away.

Totty talking me through her banner!

The second half of the course was seriously testing! Almost immediately it felt testing as we left North Berwick - uphill albeit through a lovely wooded trail section, and as I walked uphill I started eating my salt and vinegar sticks/crisps, yum! Across the road at Aldi (a brilliantly cheery marshal here!) then through some houses before taking a trail path round North Berwick Law. I mean THANK GOODNESS we weren't going up the Law, but obviously the path around it goes a bit up too! At this point I left a voice note for mum, dad and Dave saying my spirits were low. I was around the 18 mile mark, slogging up a hill in the mud, the sun was beating down, I felt sore and tired and hot, and the thought of another half marathon ahead of me was NOT FUN. Thankfully mum passed the message onto Ross who sent me a supportive voice note (voice notes were a big factor on lifting my spirits all day!) saying exactly the right thing, especially the bit about it being tough but it was always going to be tough. YES I thought, no one said this would be easy, I just need to dig deep to get there. Again psychologically I needed to get to the 20 mile mark to know I was into the final third. I tried to listen to a couple of podcasts but I couldn't concentrate - I nearly put some music on but I felt I'd rather soak up my surroundings and be open to chatting to those around me. I was using my bone-conduction headphones only for listening to WhatsApp voice notes at this time, and decided to put them away because they start getting sore for me after a couple of hours.

An amusing mile or so followed as I skirted around fields 'behind' North Berwick Law. My big brother Andrew, fiancé Sarah and my nephew Arran had come out to support but had just missed me at the beach. Rather than phoning each other we left each other a hilarious series of short voice notes trying to figure out where each other was. I was literally going round the edges of fields with no obvious landmarks (apart from knowing I was past the Law) and I couldn't really help them in trying to find me. Then in the distance I saw Andrew's distinctive blue car and quickly phoned him to say I'd seen him. He said there were woods ahead and they'd see me there - sure enough I was entering the woods shortly after this phone call. So I assumed I was about to see them...wrong! As I entered the woods - what I know now to be the Balgone Estate - I saw runners coming towards me and thought I'd taken a wrong turn - "don't worry, it's a loop" one said to me when he saw my confused look - hard to think logically at this stage of a run! Only when I got a bit further on did I realise it was a BIG LOOP and I felt bad about Andrew et al waiting for me. I tried to update them but I think they did realise from seeing other runners! I ticked over to 20 miles here, thank goodness, tried to dodge a lot of mud, then got to the next aid station. This one was much needed - filled up water pouches, took half a banana (so good to eat fruit at this point!), some Ritz crackers and a fizzy sweet. 

I actually enjoyed this section once I realised I was completing the loop. It got even better when I saw my nephew Arran running towards me in the woods! Nearly burst into happy tears it was so sweet. Had a brief catch up with Andrew and Sarah, told them I was at 21.5 miles, then carried on. This section was really lovely through the wooded trails. I tried to get an update from Dave on the rugby score, and he sent me a couple of hilarious voice notes about Totty pooping whilst Scotland were scoring a try - doesn't sound funny but the way he described it made me laugh out loud and it was just what I needed here!

Then it started to get really hard. The tracks and paths alongside fields were SO MUDDY and I could see we were heading for Drylaw Hill, the highest point of the course. This was around the 24.5 mile point. 

I was already walking on the approach to the hill because of the mud, so I just kept that walk going up the hill and ate some more crisps (shout out to the guy that ran past me and said the crisps smelt good!). Actually the hill wasn't THAT bad. I got chatting to another guy here who said he was struggling - everyone was saying that at this point - and we got the hill done fairly quickly just by distracting ourselves. Joined by another nice guy near the top who I'd seen a couple of times already, he was lovely. Then Michael was at the summit! We all managed a smile!

Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos

Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos

Photo credit: Michael Philp Photos

When you're going uphill you long for the downhill but once you hit the downhill your legs really object. It was a bit of a sideways shuffle down for me, then I picked it up into a run at the bottom. A slow run, but a slow run was easier for me than the stop/start of walking then running. Every time I walked I found it harder to get going again. However I walked all the uphills and that was a sensible approach! It was just having to walk on the muddy sections that was tough mentally and physically.

A real boost getting to the first (and only!) mile sign on the course - TWENTY SIX! I botched the photo of course.

A wee bit further and I could say I'd done my third marathon! Then I saw a sign for East Linton and the final aid station. And Dave and Totty! They had timed it PERFECTLY to see me there, thank goodness! Poor Totty said she was tired and I said "me too"! I took my final snacks here, a few Ritz crackers and a fizzy sweet, discovering at the last moment that the combination of both in my mouth at the same time was SO GOOD!

Only five miles to go now, I knew I was going to finish and I was ready for that. I kept a pretty steady pace going here; it was a lovely part of the route along the Tyne River but mentally I was pretty done in. The mud in certain places in the last few miles got to the point where I felt ANGRY at it. I passed I guy at the entrance to another muddy field and I said "I've had enough of mud" and he replied "I've had enough of running" - yes, can relate. I passed a couple of guys running together who said I was looking really strong like I'd popped out for a pint of milk, haha, too kind! We agreed that snacking helped and this was really just a long day out with a picnic.

I tried to keep my support team up to date with my estimated finish time but my brain was fuzzy - this happened at the end of the Edinburgh Marathon when I couldn't remember how many more miles I had to go after 25 - I ticked over to 29 miles but I didn't know if this meant I had half an hour, 20 minutes or 15 minutes to go. I didn't know where I was but seeing woodland ahead of me made me realise I was certainly on the approach to the finish. Of course there was plenty more mud to come before I got there, and a wee incline that annoyed me haha, then all of a sudden a sign that said "400m to go"! And cars parked so I knew we were back at Foxlake, then I saw finishers heading back to their cars saying well done. I saw Ross and Dad at the final corner, then it was time for the sprint finish...

Through the mud of course! It was so wet and clatchy here that it felt almost impossible to pick my feet up and go, but thankfully it wasn't far, and I saw Dave and Totty watching me come in. I didn't realise Dave was about to send Totty my way to finish together; my first thought was "she's going to get manky in the mud" then "who cares" and me and my girl got to cross the finish line together - SO SPECIAL!!

So muddy. I cried every time I said the word mud in the immediate aftermath. But I was absolutely overjoyed to have just run 50k / 31 miles (my watch says 30.8, I think that's a GPS issue with tight turns in the trees which is the situation at Vogrie parkrun); I was especially overjoyed that my runners knee gave me no bother at all the whole run! I felt vindicated that my stretching and resting had totally paid off. I was so relieved - I had definitely been aware of twingy knees throughout the run but never got the very sore pain that I'd had previously, and I was just so delighted about that!

Everyone gathered at the finish, joined by my mother-in-law which was lovely. I had a bacon roll and cup of tea but was struggling a bit to swallow food at this point! I had been craving Irn Bru for hours so that went down a treat, and my first booze of 2023 - a wee slurp of fizz in my reusable cup!




We didn't spend too long before heading back to the cars and home. I am so very grateful for everyone's support - I always feel guilty when people take so much time out their day for supporting me, but I don't believe I could've done it without them. Being on the route, sending supportive messages, boosting me when I needed it. It was so much appreciated!

I was definitely sore and the hour long journey home wasn't ideal - when I tried to get out the car at the other end it wasn't pretty! My shoes, socks and legs were pretty caked in mud but I peeled them off and had a long hot shower. I had chafing on my back - I did apply Body Glide in the morning because on runs of over 20 miles I've found the sweat and my sports bra do chafe eventually - but this was a bit lower down slightly below my bra line and I think it was my backpack rubbing a bit due to excessive sweat on the day. Anyway if you have ever experienced the agony of hot shower water hitting your chafed skin you will know it induces at a minimum a scream! I had a blister on my big right toe, which I hadn't really clicked was a blister at the time, but I felt a wee naggy rubbing bit on the final few miles so that would be that. Weirdly, I semi-enjoyed the naggy rubby feeling of the blister forming at the time because it distracted me from any other pain that I might be feeling...

I had sore muscles but nothing worse than I was expecting. I was just so glad my knees (and hips) felt fine; the rest I could cope with. 

I was very grateful that the next day, which happened to be Mother's Day, I was able to rest in bed for as long as possible with Dave and Totty bringing me cups of tea and bits of flapjack! I did a short walk of a mile or so with Tig, and was fine on the flat but not any inclines up or down!

I feel incredible after completing this run. I feel very accomplished and at peace that I set out to do it and I did it. I am really chuffed to bits - I would do it again but I do think 50k is my limit, I have no desire to go further!

Other info!

I ate and drank plenty over my nearly six hours: I had some cheese every few miles which helped (although disgustingly it turned into a sweaty hot blob...ugh), salt and vinegar sticks on the walked uphill sections (after extensive research I can tell you that Asda do the best version!), a piece of Kendal Mint Cake every 5 miles or so - always felt better after this, sour/tangy sweets BEST THING EVER and the occasional jelly baby, the aforementioned crackers, half banana and fizzy sweets from the aid stations. I didn't take any gels because real food is the way forward - it is liberating to find this out and if I ever do another road marathon I will be taking my picnic with me :)

Fizzy sweets are just the best thing ever and when I was struggling I thought "what do I need right now" and fizzy sweets were generally the answer. Actually cheese usually came first because I knew sweet things would only get me so far, but something about the fizziness really does it. In the last few miles I was pretty scunnered and just shovelling as many sweets in my mouth that I could tolerate, just to get me there.

Hey I'm not an athlete OBVIOUSLY but these things worked for me - I never cramped or had any stomach issues. I almost wondered if I'd eaten too much! 

I can highly recommend the John Muir Way Ultra Marathon as an event (my only slight grumble is no medal but it's a minor grumble) - the route is stunning, every single member of the team I encountered on the day was lovely and helpful and supportive and kind, the runners/spectators I met on the way were delightful, the aid stations were well stocked and perfectly placed, the logistics ran very smoothly, it was a fantastic day out with quite a long way to run!

I am an ultra marathoner and if you've read this far, you probably feel like you've completed one too!!




PS - I was really pleased when I saw my "split" times being fairly equal. The second half was far more challenging than the first half, so I was surprised the times were so close: 2:50 / 3:02. I think this shows me that I conserved energy in the first half that I needed for the walking/uphill sections in the second?!