Here we go challenge 1 out of 4 in 5 weeks!
This all seemed like a really great idea when I was making the bookings but the reality of completing 4 endurance challenges that I have NEVER done before in just 5 weeks...well let's just say I'm nervous! But here goes nothing. South Downs Challenge 100km let's do this!
My First Ultra-marathon
100km of South Downs Way in one go. Mostly hiking with a smidge of trail running if and when I can.
It seems like such a simple thing. Just walk 100km. But THE biggest stinger is the time on your feet. I managed to train back to back 8 hour days but this took me almost 26 hours...in one go...with no sleep. Hardest thing I have ever done bar none!
Ultra Challenges are one slick operation. Every pit stop is a joyous warm welcome of everything you need at just the right time and all the crew are willing you over the finish line.
KNEE PAIN
I was doing great until half way when my IT band had seized up and I needed to get some physio to try and release a rock hard quad and sore knee cap. Facing another 40ishkm into the night with a leg that didn't want to bend was a bit daunting. The half way pit stop was wayyyyy longer than Sam and I should have stopped but if I hadn't had the treatment I wouldn't have been able to finish.
SUNRISE
As the sun rose and we marched into the final 10-15km I was delirious with sleep deprivation seeing cats with eyes of fire along the yellow flowered bushed on the trail. The trees on the horizon were literally swooping and tumbling over themselves like waves on the ocean. A final pizza pit stop was most welcome as Sam patched up her shredded feet. I reminded myself that we were closer to the finish than the start and the only way now was forward.
FINISH LINE
The 100km marker came about half a kilometre before the actual finish line arch which was a little brutal but as we got over the line and that medal went round my neck...the tears tumbled and I just wanted to go to bed. 100km of South Downs Way...done!
WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!
Pink power love to you for reading this, Leonie x x
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