So glenmore 24 was my main aim for the year. This is my first full year at running ultras and I was really looking forward to the mental side of things. Over the summer I had a disappointing result at the Edinburgh marathon (3:00:15!!) and then I placed 2nd at the great Glen ultra (72 miles). I ran the devil as a training run for Glen more and all went to plan. After this I had a bit of a knee knock and as a result I lost out on about 3 weeks of good training in the lead up to the event, however I approached the 24 with a goal of well over 100 miles.
The Friday night came and we travelled up to the campsite. Managed to get a space almost at the outside so my crew didn't need to walk far at all. I had briefed them about what I needed and when, and had all my nutrition sorted.
I had written everything down in a notebook which I gave them (idea curtesy of willy Robertson) including some motivational quotes, how I would feel and what I needed to eat to sort it, so I was well prepared. I managed to get a decent sleep that night, helped along by 2 massive glasses of wine.
Race morning came and I felt good. I done my usual stretching and had some porridge with some fruit and soya milk. I've been meat free since late April and decided to give the vegan thing a go and see how I feel, so far it's been about 5 weeks and I feel great.
12 bells approached and we were off. I started as planned and went through the first marathon in an easy 4 hours. I had already been lapped by a couple of people but I knew I didn't want to set out at their pace so I kept to my plan.
I went through 40 miles in about 6 hours. I'd been getting hassle from my mum and my fiancé for my lack of eating so far, and for some reason still unknown to me I decided to ignore their good judgement.
8 hours in and I was starting to struggle. My legs felt great, apart from feeling I was losing 2 toenails but I wasn't fussed about that, toenails are over rated anyway.
Darkness came and I was looking forward to the nighttime. I had a vegan curry with green lentils, a banana and this finally allowed me to run. This lasted about 2 laps and then the wheels came off. I was really struggling. My crew was trying to get me to eat some gels, I kept refusing because I knew if I boarded the sugar train I would never get off. Against all better judgement I shuffled along, talking more walking breaks. I knew my goal I had in mind was well and truely gone.
About 0230 I got back to my aid station situated a wee but up a wee steep hill which I had to crawl up. I was done. I got a seat, my first of the race, put on some warm clothing and changed my shoes. By this time I was shaking uncontrollably. My fiancé kept saying I looked miserable, and I kept saying that feeling like this was what we paid our money for. You don't pay to have an easy day.
I decided on a lie down under a foil blanket to get myself to a decent state. I stayed there for a few hours until I heated up. About 7ish I headed back out, I still hadn't eaten anything. I managed 3 slow laps, at a shuffle or a walk and managed to get back to the start about 1045, so
| I waited for the short loop to open. While having a seat I ate 3 gels, and some biscuits. 11 o clock came and I manage to run, and run well for a full hour. I felt great and my legs weren't tired at all. I didn't want the hour to end. What a difference getting some food in me does!
The horn went and I was instantly annoyed about how I had messed my race up due to rubbish, or lack of, nutrition.
The results aren't out yet but I will have hit about 90 miles, about 40 short of what I wanted!
Just means I'll need to return next year and get the job done!! The event was well organised, and I'll happily spend my money on any BAM races. Just means I need to wait a year to burst that 100 mile mark.
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