Thoughts during the long stage at the MdS. Thoughts about people who suffered way more than I did.

For those not familiar with the long stage, it starts Wednesday morning at 09:00, or the mortals,  and 12:00 for the fast ones. The distance varies between c. 85 and 95 kilometres, that is 52-59 miles.

2013 - It's very hot today. Very hot, c. 45-50 degrees in the sun without shade. It's when I got overtaken by Zoe, my friend, tent mate and a-class photographer. It's also when I met Laurence Klein, 3 times ladies winner, who hadn't managed her water and food and ended up in a tent and dropped out.
About 40km in, I decided to go through to 60km of the I believe 75-80 end stage and have a rest.

Main thought during the night was a friend of my sister who was early thirties and had recently died of cancer. Leaving behind her wife and little kid. So, hot, cold, pain, uncomfortable, I was alive. I looked up to the sky a number of times, mentioning her name. She was a runner as well. I had known her as she and my sister had been friends since about the age of 6.

2015 - 92km I believe it was. About a year after my fathers dead. Going through the dunes at night with Leigh, where it felt like we were near the beach but no sea. It was cold, very cold. I think I used the word fuck about every 3 meters if not more often.
My feet were painful, it turned out a bandage to protect a blister was to tight and restricting blood flow. When I took it off at the 60km point, where they served tea, that is how cold it was, it felt a lot better
My dad died the year before. Due to vitamin deficiency in WWII he had a hump and always had issues with his knees. So, I figured, my suffering was only temporary and therefor I should shut the fuck up complaining.


2018 - distance to be found out.  This year, there will be other people on my mind. My uncle who died recently after losing a battle with cancer. My old neighbour who I used to call uncle. He was a colleague of my dad in the garage where they both worked. He has been diagnosed with cancer and is incurable.
The third but very important person is my sister who got diagnosed with breast cancer this year, which has spread to her lymphs and two bones. She is now undergoing therapy.
The last but not least, my mum, 87, who got mugged in her own home recently and obviously is very concerned about her daughter.

So if it's cold, hot, painful, uncomfortable out there. There will be people suffering or have suffered more. The fact you are there moving, means you are alive.

My Chosen Charity

Charity link

T184 - a learning

T184 - Thames Path from Thames Barrier in London to the source of the Thames. 184 miles / 294 km. 80 hours to finish. With cut-off times.
70 (out of 108 registered) started Friday 10:30
I stayed in the Antigallican the night before, which despite it's looks and area, is a very comfortable and clean hotel. Recommend if you ever need a night in Woolwhich.
Dinner in the Great Harry Wetherspoons with a number of other participants. Not met any of them, but again as in every running (specially ultra) event, great folks.

I also signed up to be measured by the Kent university. So in the morning saliva, urine and blood was taken of us. Shame the word will never see the result.

The run through London was interesting. Rob Jones was there to cheer me on. Thanks Rob really cheered me up. And later in the night he was trying to guide me through Walton. Well done again, because water is water at night, and Thames Path, alternative Thames Path pointing into what seem random directions doesn't help.

Thanks to Rob, Simon, Zoe, Kim, Wayde and Karen to be there.

Met great people, new people. Spend a good few hours with James Penson, as always we diverted around but got to the point in Teddington where we crossed the Thames to the South Bank and Karen was at Kingston Bridge.

I met a lady who knows explosives. Where else will you meet a woman that knows explosives?

Coming past my house may not have been the best, it plays with your head at about 50k in.

I made it to Walton through the dark and pulled out. My girlfriend, Karen had to come to the rescue after I called her after 23:00 to pick me up. Guess I slipped somewhat deeper in her debt.

My feet were shattered. Nerve pain, gout pain, blister pain, numbness pain.

Was it worthwhile. Yes. Do I want to do it again. 95% yes.

Is it hard, it's very hard. Is all I can say.

Not much more I can say. En route to the next adventure.

Well done to Shane to create a beast.