Helping Britain Glow: Doggie JOGLE

Idea evolution....

The original idea was to organise a continuous journey from John O'Groats to Land's End, with a relay team of dog runners. The logistics and organisation would be phenomenal, requiring a huge amount of time and effort. Shortage of time is the reason why I am moving onto Plan B (Plan A can be placed “on hold” for now...).

“I” is also going to become “we” as alone I could not make this work!

Plan B: Helping Britain to Glow, in so many ways.

Running is good for humans, running is good for dogs, combine the two and you have happy healthy and glowing human and canine. Next year is a very special year, an Olympic year where all the World's best athletes are coming to the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Coming to our very land that we walk and run on every day.

I find this thought very inspirational, and remember the dreams I had as a child. I still believe in dreams and will never give up on the ones that are truly important.

Helping more and more people to enjoy the benefits of running and enjoy the great British countryside is something that many of us strive to do. Every day at least one of you speaks to another person about running or about your dog. How many of them have gone on to try running themselves and then in return spread the word to others. Just like a little happy virus, it spreads quickly and easily, although for some it does prove more of a challenge than others.

Whether you are an accomplished runner, or someone about to start running for the first ever time, you can all help realise the challenge that is Plan B of the Doggie JOGLE.

The challenge would commence on the 1st January 20XX. The primary objective is to run 868 miles between John O'Groats and Land's end. However, it does not need to be one continuous, unbroken journey, it will be an accumulation of everyone's miles, metres or centimetres, run all over Great Britain. Ideally at least one run will be done in every county or region of the UK.

Thanks to the assistance of some very smart IT people (who are also runners), there will be a special programme where people can log the miles that they run. This programme will be linked to a map of the UK and every time a distance is logged, the map will light up in the region where the run was done.

The second objective of this challenge will be to have all areas on the map lit - Britain will be glowing!

There are already many dedicated groups of canicross runners all around the country – those miles must add up....

If you go on holiday, you can pop out for a little run – great opportunity for planning some really interesting holidays in obscure locations.....

Even people that do not own dogs can participate – you can borrow a friend's dog, or perhaps even visit your local dog rescue centre and take a resident for a little walk. You only have to jog a little bit to include it in this challenge.

Families can participate. School children can take part, encouraging sport amongst the future generation, help inspire those that will one day shape our nation in so many ways.

Huskies Running can also go on tour – we have 5 dogs that can all be made available to visit and to run in most parts of the UK. We will happily share them with anyone that would like to try canicross with a fully trained husky (with the exception of the puppy who we cannot claim to be “fully trained”).

So how about it? All you have to do is put your trainers on, pop out the door with your dog and then share your run with a nation...... I wonder which county will glow most....

What is my motivation for doing this? Simple, making dreams happen. This is a free event open to everyone. Yes, I would like to raise money for charity and think there are opportunities here to do that. My reward will be knowing that all over the UK, happy humans and dogs are having fun :-)

If any of you are non UK resident and would like to take part in a similar challenge, let us know and we can include your country/ area of preference – no limits (although we might be struggling a little to make the moon glow...)

(photo courtesy of Wikipaedia)

Running with dogs: the idea

Huskies Running with Friends: The Idea

There are many things that I am not very good at..... One thing that I am good at is running with dogs. In particular I am very good at running with huskies. I have run thousands of miles with huskies, covered all terrain imaginable, in all weathers and at all times of day and night.

I have trained puppies and a rescue dog to run safely around human athletes, from sub 5 minute miles to 50 miles mountain events.

I fully intend to still be running with dogs until the day I can finally run no more – if I was to believe some doctors, that was 5 years ago!!

I love seeing people learning to run and learning to run with their doggy buddies. People that would never have previously considered running are now running regularly and loving it!

When I first started running with dogs it was not common. I remember a 2-day husky rally in Exeter many years ago when my 3 dog team decided that they did not want to run on the second day. Rather than concede defeat, I unhitched them from the rig and ran with them for the full duration of the course. If only I had pulled the rig with me, then I would have finished second rather than “disqualified”! I wont embarrass others by telling you how many husky/rig combinations that I overtook on that day....!!

I have been thinking for a long time about organising a “running with dogs” event for charity. I think now is the time to put my thoughts into action...

I have two train of thoughts, one event where people and dogs race against each other over a predetermined distance.

The other idea is a little bit more special....

A team of dog running people to run the full distance of Scotland and England combined, i,e, John O'Groats to Lands' End. By road this is 868, if we were running with dogs it would be much further as it would have to be via footpaths bridleways etc.

All over Great Britain there are groups of people that run with dogs, they could all play a part in this challenge. It could be staged over several weeks or even several months. It could be like the Olympic Torch relay, bringing communities together in the quest to get from one end of the UK to the other. People could run 1 mile or 100 miles, depending on their ability and availability.

I would love to raise loads of money for charity. Every day I hear of horrendous suffering that dogs endure at the hands of humans. I cannot rescue every dog, but I would like to make a difference. I think an idea like this could capture the imagination of our nation and hopefully people would reach deep into their pockets in support.

So, where do I go from here?

I am already starting to plan the “racing” event, which will be in one location, details of which I will start publicising when I have confirmed them.

The “special” event, running from Scotland to England, will be harder to plan and will need a lot of help and support. If you like the idea, please let me know. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I know that we can make this happen, but it will require a huge team effort.

One thing I am not very good at is asking for help. Sometimes I need to swallow my pride and ask...

Anyone think they want to be involved in either of my ideas? Matters not how little or how big you want to help/get involved. Just let me know if you “like” the idea!! Details can be sorted later...

(Photo courtesy of Ian J Berry)

Why I will never beat him....

Greensand Marathon. I had been forewarned that it was a very tough marathon. “One to avoid” the fast marathon people that I know had advised.....

Challenging appeals to me, tough I like, hills I like, and off road I love. Throw in the opportunity to run with my little training buddy Kez and it is a win, win situation.

Rob the race director had very kindly given me special permission to run with Kez, based upon his reputation and the offer of references from Race directors that have been impressed with his behaviour in their races. Kez was the doggy ambassador for the day. A position that ultimately he excelled in and even earned a few more admirers along the way...

It is always a privilege to run amongst human runners with a dog, in a “human race”. I have been doing this for all of my running career and it never ceases to amaze me how respectful most runners are of my doggy athletes. The dogs in return respect every human runner and will go completely out of their way to ensure that they do not make contact with any runner – to the point of dragging me into hedges if required!

Greensand Marathon is indeed a very tough marathon, but at this moment in time, it goes down in history as my most favourite (out of about 60 ish). The most physically demanding marathon I have run, but definitely the most emotionally rewarding.

The course is near perfect. Lots of hills, some that seem to go on forever, amazing views and challenging underfoot conditions. Spraining my ankle in the days leading up to the race ensured that I knew all about the ground conditions!

The race started with a rendition of Jerusalem, sung with great gusto from most runners – I must confess to miming as my voice should never be heard above a whisper....

Singing over, the race began with a nice hill climb into the woods, lots of huffing and puffing and several minutes later I realised that I would be struggling physically for most of the 26.2 miles. In true Pooh Bear style, I “ran out of run” after only one mile! There was still another 12.1 miles out and then 13.1 back again (on the same course) to go. Oops!

Being an experienced ultra runner, I know it is not really a problem if I am tired and still have 25 miles to go. Jelly babies, friendly runners and marshals, beautiful scenery and some inspirational thoughts will provide the energy needed to ensure that I get to the finish. Plus the fact that I am running beside the most natural athlete that I know. Kez never complains, and never asks for more than just kind words and water during a marathon. He will sometimes eat a little flapjack, piece of Freddo or the head of a jelly baby, but most times he just looks at me as if to say “why have we stopped”.

I also know that Kez will only “assist” me if I make the effort to run myself. He is a dog with a phenomenal working attitude – but he does expect me to play my part in the team. His comfortable pace is under 7 minute miling, which no way was I going to achieve on such a tough course. I resorted to very slow jogging, which ensured that he did not get too hot as the weather was surprisingly warm. He always stays in front of me, just doesn't offer me a “helping hand” up the hills. Although he did offer some assistance on some dodgy down hill sections – I think that was his sense of humour kicking in.

The only time Kez does not run in front of me is on very steep and dangerous mountain courses and when he is not happy. If he does this (when not running down a mountain), then I stop and find out why he is unhappy – this is why I will never beat him because he will always finish in front of me doing the job that his husky mind is programmed to do.

Kez did do something phenomenal during the race that I have yet to fully comprehend. He tried to go down a track that was quite obviously not part of the course. This is something he has never done before. He will always look at ever turn off from a main track as we run, but never actually try to follow it unless I give him the command to do so. He did the same thing on the return journey, at the same, precise point......

(Later that evening, Ian compared the trace from my Garmin with the trace of his Garmin from an LDWA event that we ran together (with Kez) earlier in the year. The routes crossed at one point only – that point was precisely where Kez questioned my judgement on the trail we were running on. Somehow he knew.....??)

The race was an absolute awesome experience. From start to finish I was astounded by the level of support provided to both Kez and I. Runners overtook us and spoke to Kez, as did runners that we overtook. Even the leading runners heading back towards us on the out and back course took time out from their race to shout words of encouragement to Kez.

All the marshals were super friendly – I thank you all for your time and words! Very frequent water stations ensured that I got to stop and talk to a great number of people. Next time I must remember that it is not necessary to carry three litres of liquid on a well supported route – good training I guess, but my shoulders really hurt today.

Kez was presented with his very own medal at the finish. A perfect award for a little champion dog. I was delighted with my t-shirt and running cap. There were even carrots and jaffa cakes as a finishing treat, plus a fry up breakfast - thank you to the kind lady who went into the canteen for husky sausages – Kez enjoyed them very much.

I hope we can return next year, and hopefully the temperature will be better for a husky with a thick fur coat.

Thank you Rob and Trionium – you made a husky and a human runner very happy.

The Little Angel Dog

Dear Mummy,

When I first started writing to you one year ago, I was cold, hungry and lost. I had run away from the “bad place” and was trying to find you. I hope one day I will find you as I have so much to tell.

So much has happened in a year. I have lived in many different homes and had many different names. I have met some really nice people and some very bad people.

I like where I am now, I think it is my forever home.

I have nice food every single day and I get to go out exploring the countryside every day. I am not allowed to run free when I am in the countryside, but I do not mind as I am allowed to play freely in a very large garden where lots of little mice and slow worms play chase with me. I can even pick my own raspberries and apples from the trees.

No one hurts me any more or gets cross when I try to talk or try to play. They don't lock me outside or ever tie me up. There is a little flappy door thing that I use to get from house to garden. It took me a very long time to not be scared of the flappy thing as it reminded me of when people hurt me when I tried to go through the door.

I have found a human mummy and daddy – they don't have fur like you, but they give me lots of love and attention and help me when I get scared.

They already had three fur kids when I first arrived at their home and recently they have got another little one – he is going to be BIG trouble.....

All the other fur kids were really nice to me when I arrived. Two of them are very old, and I know to respect them, but sometimes I tease Krofti and he pretends that he gets really grumpy. I also tease Kez and he pretends that he is a motor bike. I copy him - I sound like a Harley and he sounds like a Honda...

The new little fur kid is my best friend and I am showing him how to behave like a grown up. He thinks it is funny and tries to bite my ears and steal my food a little too much. I had to tell him to stop the other day and he ran and told human mummy and daddy. They smiled at me and told me I was a good boy, which I think annoyed the little fur kid because he thinks he has special rights as he is so cute. He even stole bananas and tried to hide the banana skins in my bed.

Sometimes people scare me and remind me of the bad people that didn't like me. If I get scared I ask my human mummy for help and she always seems to know what to do to make me feel better.

My human mummy and daddy run a lot and take me running with them. It was very hard at first as my body had suffered a lot from not having proper food as a baby and I could only run short distances. I would get tired quickly and have to stop and lie down.

Running makes my human mummy happy and I want to help make her happy. I have been trying very hard and sometimes I run round and round the garden to make my legs stronger and faster. I have watched the human athletes on the television and if it works for them, it can work for me.

Every Saturday Kez and I go with the humans to a local park where we get to run with lots of other people. I like running with other people as they help me go faster, but human mummy is not quite fast enough and slows me down. I think she should try running round and round the garden every day then she would be able to keep up with me.

I really like Saturday mornings as human mummy is so happy when we run and even happier when we finish. She always hugs me when we stop, and today she started crying. I don't think she was sad as she was smiling at the same time. She told me I was a very special little angel dog and she was so happy to have found me. She spoke of PBs, but I don't know what they are.

I like that she calls me an angel dog as it reminds me of you mum. You were my real life guardian angel for such a short time when I was little. Throughout the sad and bad times of my life I always thought of you and pretended you were near me, watching over me.

If I ever find you, you can come and live in this special house where the furry children and humans live a very happy life. There is a spare bunk bed for you.....

Always in my thoughts,
Kobi “the little angel dog”.

The Secret Training Diary of.....?

We are about to launch the Huskies Running website. The objective of this site is very simple – we want to share with people our huskies, running and general information and training advice based upon our experiences. We will also be offering competitions, with prizes for a wee bit of fun!

For those of you that do not know us, Huskies Running consist of Ian, Sandra and five huskies ranging in ages from 5 months to nearly 13 years old. The huskies have become affectionately known as “the K pack” as their names all begin with the letter “K” - Kade, Krofti, Kez, Kobi & Kroi “Kree”.

Both Ian and Sandra are accomplished athletes. Sandra has represented Scotland and Great Britain in World, European and Commonwealth Ultra Running Championships. Ian has a marathon PB of 2:39, and is in training to run from John O' Groats to Land's End in 2012.

Sandra has become an international athlete as a result of some fabulous training partners, our Siberian Huskies. Together they run from sub 5 minute miles to 50 mile mountain races, each husky playing an integral part in her quest to be a better runner and better person.

Our older dogs regularly run with children, to help encourage and motivate both child and husky!

We compete in both the CaniX UK canicross championship and the Canicross Trailrunners events where canicross runners are permitted to compete in traditional human running races.

Feel free to read through any items on this blog. There are both dog and non dog related running articles.

One of the features that we would like to share on the Huskies Running website is the training diary of one member of the team. This is where we need your help as to which one would be most beneficial to others....

Option 1: Our rescue husky, Kobi and his quest to run 15:45 for 5k, building towards next year’s European Canicross Championship.

Option 2: Baby puppy Kroi , his introduction to the world of canicross and his quest to become an ultra running dog, like his big brother Kez.

The little lost dog that found himself....

When we first met Kobi, I tried to look into his eyes to see what lived inside the body that had suffered so badly at the hands of humans. A blank expression was all that met with my gaze, he would not make eye contact, and would not even try to focus on his environment. Absolutely no interest in humans whatsoever. His little body carried him around, but his vacant expression showed no life at all. I had a horrid sick feeling in my stomach when I envisaged what might have happened to him in his short life. He was a very young little person that looked as if he had already given up on life....

We knew it would be a huge challenge to bring a sparkle into his eyes. We had space in our pack for another dog, and we wanted to give a “rescue” dog a new life. A life that would include being part of an amazing pack, eating fabulous food, huge amounts of exercise, even his very own bunk bed!

I felt that there was something very special inside his little shell, one of those "gut feelings" I have earned a reputation for - as evidence all around me was to the contrary. I believed that I could help him and that in some way he would help me....

Kobi was completely petrified of human beings. Petrified to the point of freezing, his mind and body completely shutting down if a human went near him. When he went into this traumatised state, one could have done anything to him and I don't think he would have shown any reaction. Dogs he understood and was fine with, humans he did not trust and did not want to have anything to do with.

He was extremely underweight, covered in fleas and full of worms when first handed into the dog rescue. Apparently he was found on the streets, but it was generally felt by the rescue centre the people that "found him" were actually his owners. His original foster owners had performed a wonderful job of cleaning him, feeding and trying to connect with him. He quickly gained weight while living with them, but would not interact with them, preferring to spend most of each day in a cage, even though the door was wide open.

When we brought him home he quickly settled into his cage, it was his little safe haven, which we respected and would not infringe upon "his space". When he did come out of his cage if either Ian or myself went within 10 feet of him he bolted into another room. We had to wait until he was in a corner before we could clip a lead onto his collar, just to take him a walk. If we looked at him he would cower and drop to the floor.

We considered that he might be very ill or possibly be handicapped in some way. He had not pain responses and his reactions (or rather lack of) to certain stimuli lead us to consider this train of thought.

He seemed fascinated with his own paws as they moved, almost as if they were a live animal that he could chase. It looked like he did not realise they were his own. Baby puppies I can understand show this type of behaviour, as they learn about themselves and their bodies, but at possibly ten months he appeared too old for this immature behaviour.

He never refused any food offered to him, did not chew it, just gulped it down as fast as possible, probably fearing that it would be his last meal for a long while. And his sensitive little tummy took a very long time to heal.

One year has now almost passed since Kobi joined our family. We have all learned a lot in that time and been through a very emotional, roller coaster journey.

Kobi loves to run and loves to race against others, both human and dogs alike. I have run with many very good dogs during my 15 years of cani-crossing, but this little guy offers me something new, and something very special indeed.

He has appeared in glossy magazines, been offered sponsorship, raced against Olympic athletes and has even been nominated to help carry the Olympic Torch next year.

But more importantly, this little boy is happy. Every day he eats good food, runs across beautiful countryside, and every day he smiles. He appears grateful for what he now has, but the truth is that I am the one that is truly blessed to have him as a running partner.

A challenge of Ridgeway proportions...

The Ridgeway Challenge
And what a challenge it was....

I have never prepared as well for a race as I did for the Ridgeway Challenge - an 85 mile (although some say it is actually 87 miles..?) race from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire, to Avebury in Wiltshire. Organised by the Trail Running Asociation, it has become one of Britain's prestigious long distance trail races and offers the title of UK Ultra Trail Running Champion to the worthy male and female winners. All one has to do is get to Avebury via Britain's oldest road (over 5,000 years old!) before all the other runners....

My preparation for this race included running parts of the trail - something I have never previously done. Guided by Ian, we ran part of the second half that we knew I would be running in darkness during the actual race. Worries about me getting lost in the middle of nowhere in the early hours of the morning, ensured that Ian "made me" do it, for which I am extremely grateful - sometimes he does know best!!

Beautiful sunshine and a cold wind greeted us as we gathered at the start, fabulous views surrounding us. Heavy rain in the week preceding this race would undoubtably come to haunt me later on, but as we ran down the first hill on good trail surface, I was glad of my decision to wear road trainers. But was regretting my decision to remove my arm warmers as it was a little bit chilly! Never mind, run faster and I would soon warm up.

The first section of the Ridgeway is on fabulous rolling grassland hills, amazing views all around. I had been forewarned that (in some people's opinion) the first half of the Ridgeway is the prettiest, and I was determined to make the most of this by absorbing all the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside before the cover of darkness removed at least one of those senses...

Everyone has different reasons for running. My reasons are (to me) quite simple. It gives me freedom. Freedom from the constraints and stresses of work, life and "stuff" in general. It gives me a chance to dig deep into my mind, something I cannot always do when surrounded by distractions. I can inspire myself and I can find what I regard as the true me. I do enjoy meeting new new people and sharing stories with them during part of my runs, but it is never long before I crave the solitude of just me, just me and the amazing natural beauty of the British countryside.

During the early stages of any ultra, there are always people close by and it was good to catch up with old friends and make new friends during this race, but it wasn't long until I craved the solo road. My ankle was causing me intense pain as we ran through Wendover Wood, shortly before the first Checkpoint at Wellhead Farm, pain makes me grumpy and not very sociable!

At the Checkpoint, I was instantly remined how amazing volunteers are. Giving up their time to cater for all the runners' needs, always a smile and a cheery thought to share. This was to be the theme for all of the Checkpoints throughout the duration of the race and I think there was a little competition going on for the accolade of "friendliest volunteer of the day". To me there was no clear favourite, but Mr Hot Cross Bun, Mrs Scottish Lady, Mrs Hot Dog Lady, and Mr Ever so Cheery by the campfire, deserve a special mention. You all helped give me the strength to continue the race when my mind was telling me to stop! I offer my thanks and gratitude to all of you and your friends - your spirits gave me strength and a "will" that I thought I had lost!

My memories of the sights between checkpoints 1 and 3 are very vague. Struggling to manage the pain in my ankle, I was switching off from all that was around me, digging deep trying to find some strength to keep running. One foot in front of one another, clock up the miles and just try to get to at least halfway before I quit. I remember going up a hill that was runnable just after Wendover, Coomb Hill I believe was its name. It was at this point that I overtook the leading female runner, something alien to me as I am traditionally a very slow starter in ultra races, and have never been at the front of a race before the halfway point.

The Ridgeway also pushed us up a very steep hill, a muddy slidey one that was definitely not runnable as my feet kept slipping from beneath me! The views at the top were worth the struggle and I was glad that I took advantage of my "enforced" walk break and consumed a homemade cheese and pickle sandwich. I do not know the name of the hill, but will soon find out... I do remember that a local runner knew it well as he came prepared for the ascent with walking sticks!!

There was also a section of trail that was heavily waterlogged, somewhere before and after Checkpoints 2 & 3. I just about gave up the will to live at this point, I agree that sounds somewhat melodramatic, but forcing my way through this slippery sludge reminded me of my recent encounter with Irish bogs, reminded me of my failure to finish a race and every time I slipped and kicked my ankle, reminded me of my vulnerabilities. In short it hurt, it hurt a lot!

If I could have made one change at this point, it would have been my trainers. Swopped my trusty, completely overworn and overused Nimbus and placed either my Mudclaws or Rocklites upon my feet. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing...

Mr Hot Cross Bun, offered some respite at the checkpoint - a jam filled bun and some well chosen words and I was moving onwards, "just get to halfway" ricocheting around my mind, "finish a leader, not a loser".

And then my first miracle, the first glimmer that my fighting spirit could still be found....

As we crossed under the M40, he saw me and came towards me, high up in the sky. He was soon joined by another, then another. Goosebumps over my body, I felt inspiration and motivation deep inside my body. The glorious site of the red kites of Oxfordshire! I was instantly transported back to the first time I ever saw a red kite, the first one released in Hampshire, before it became public knowledge. That day I flew home effortlessly, completely in awe of the beauty of nature. As I watched the kites today, it felt as though they were helping me fly across the ground, my Camelbak offering wings which I could use to rest my ankle.

All too soon, the kites were gone, taking my wings with them. They did however leave a little bit of hope that I might just be able to go a little further than the halfway(ish) point at Goring...

Checkpoint 4 appeared at the top of a long hill, and it was the first time I realised just what an amazing sight the banners around these checkpoints are - a welcoming little beacon and offer of help to all of us runners.

This is where I met Mrs Scottish Lady, who offered coffee, cake and a few wee words of encouragement, words that stayed with me as I continued on my way past Swyncombe church and I think this is when we crossed a golf course. Embarassing confession at this point is that I somehow managed to get a little bit lost! Just a little bit thankfully and soon I was back following the brilliantly way marked route - The Ridgeway is very well marked, and there were only on a few occasions when I wondered off the route....

At this point I must also say that Ian was following my journey with a car full of food, drink and words of support. Plus a camera with a very big lens - if any fellow runners found themselves hurdling a man lying in the road with a camera with a camera pointing in their direction, that was Ian. Forever in a quest for the best angled shot - which he normally gets!! All photos can be found on the TRA website.

The plan was to meet Ian and change into trail shoes just before I hit the Thames section of the Ridgeway as we anticipated very wet conditions....

Hmmm, didn't quite turn out to be the bog that we had anticipated and was in fact completely dry! However there were three significant events on this section of the trail, heading towards Goring..

The first was upon reaching a church gate, which appeared to allow the Ridgeway through the church grounds. This felt wrong, felt disrespectful and I stood for several minutes hoping that I had made a mistake and that the route wound its way around the church. To no avail, the route definitely went through, and therefore so must I. Carefully closing the gate behind me I crossed the grounds, apologising to no one in particular, it just felt necessary to say "sorry".

The second event, was the delightful sight of Ian standing outside the Perch and Pike Pub in North Stoke, with a 1/2 pint of Guinness sitting atop the car! We had joked about this during our pre race meal in this very pub, but I did not think it would happen. With great pleasure I downed most of the soothing beverage, so full of nutrition and goodliness....

The third event, and most significant of the entire race was what happened next. Perhaps it was the Guinness, perhaps it was the reminder of how much Ian loves me, or perhaps it was something else.. Whatever the reason I suddenly believed that I could find the strength within me to finish the race, to run all the way to Avebury.

The pain in my ankle was becoming manageable and I suddenly felt an overwhelming desire to continue my quest to inspire as many people as possible. For some time I have been considering retiring from competitive ultra running, regardless of whether or not that is what I do, from this point forth in this race I wanted to prove that you can achieve your dreams. No matter what, dig deep, find hope, find belief and find that special energy to achieve what you dream of. I will never forget the day I was told I would never run again, I refused to accept that, and look at what I have achieved since that day, how many miles I have run...

A change of socks, clean ankle support and back to my road trainers at Goring, fueled up and lights at the ready, I was up for the challenge of taking on the second half of the Ridgeway. I would soon be on familiar terrain, and now the negative switch in my mind flipped over - now I was running home!!

The road section coming out of Streatley feels like it goes on forever, and then some more... I was convinced that I had missed a turn, running on the road did not feel right. I was somewhat relieved to see head torches of fellow runners in the distance, confirmation that I was still on course.

Light was rapidly diminishing and I finally relented and joined all the other runners already using a headtorch. I am very experienced running in darkness and feel completely at home running off road in the dark - this is my "normal" daily life!

Suddenly, and in the middle of nowhere, there was a headtorch coming towards me, accompanied by the familiar voice of Ian - perfect timing as I was completely out of water and very thirsty. Unfortunately, Ian had no water - he had just run over one mile from the road to meet me at this point as he realised that we had misinterpreted the route and the point where it crossed the A34. If I followed the path that we had walked on the day before I would be off the Ridgeway Trail and probably lost!! Ian does not believe I can read sign posts,undoubtably based upon his experiences when I am driving.... Whatever the reason, I thank thee and also the very kind man that filled up my water reservoir from his own supply - I am sorry that I did not get your name. Thank you.

Checkpoint 6, lights blazing and spotted from far down the track, was a welcome sight, as was the realisation that I was now on familiar ground. As I munched upon a vegetarian hot dog I recognised the car park as the very one we had parked in less than one week ago, from where we had walked the dogs. We were now running on the outskirts of Swindon (I think), the town lights could be see far in the distant valley.

Tiredness was now catching up with me and the biting wind on the hills was causing my body temperature to drop dramatically. Ian reacted quickly to my deminishing mind and body strength and pulled out the jacket and buff that I had been carrying, insisting against my protests that I wore them!

Onwards once more and now it was becoming a struggle. Quite simply I wanted my bed. Didn't want to be running across country in the middle of the night, that was for crazy people. Sensible people should be all tucked up in bed dreaming sweet dreams...

One foot in front of the other, drudging onwards to the next checkpoint. Darkness all around, the only company I had were the little bats fluttering around catching their supper. I wished the dogs were with me, my daily training partners and excellent pacemakers. I started dreaming of them, drifting in and out of wooziness as I tried to concentrate on where I was placing my feet. I had already turned both ankles earlier on the course, now would not be a good time to do further damage. I became a little disorientated and could not work out where I was on the route, distances felt longer and I worried several times that I had gone off course.

Checkpoint 7 and Ian insisted I ran with a fellow runner that was also going through a tough spell. It was a good idea and for many miles Matt and I shared stories and experiences, I walked/ ran as he ran constantly, fearful of a knee injury that was seizing up when he stopped or walked. His girlfriend was on her way to meet him at the next checkpoint, this was spurring him on and I tapped into some of his energy!

At checkpoint 8 I had the most delightful peanut butter sandwich and met with Mr Ever So Cheery and the campfire supporters! They were awesome as they cheered the runners and passed on words of encouragement. I learned at this point only 5 or 6 people had passed through, a complete shock to me as I thought there were about 30 people ahead of us! I was also a little concerned at this checkpoint as there was no sign of Ian. He had mentioned an Indian Restaurant on the route, just after the trail joins a busy road before crossing the M4 again, but I expected to see him at this checkpoint. What if something had happened to him...

Not so, my knight in shining armour was waiting in the Indian Restaurant car park, bottle of Dioralyte and Sudo cream at the ready... Unfortunately I arrived too late for the Naan bread that I had been dreaming of!

I caught up with Matt for the last time, just as we crossed the M4, heading towards Marlborough. My strength was returning as his knee was troubling him and it was with deep sadness that I ran away from him and up the hill towards Ogbourne St George and crossing of the A346. I did take some comfort when I looked back and saw another headtorch join his, hopefully a fellow runner.

I knew that once I crossed the A346 I was on the final leg home. Ian and I had run together on the Ridgeway from this point and I had taken in every sight and sound on that day. Two hours from Avebury at that point, ONLY two hours...

I felt very emotional as I ran towards Marlborough. Marlborough Downs to be precise, the place of my first ever ultra - the first time I ran beyond a marathon and loved every single minute of it. Where my love of ultra running began...

I crossed the A346, met Ian and had some more coca cola, dioralyte, crisps and chocolate - what a lovely conconction. Ian left me to continue via car to our next rendevous point, I ran on alone with only some chocolate shortbread for company as I commenced my last ascent of the day to the final checkpoint at Barbury Castle.

As I ran up the never ending hill to Barbury Castle, a huge flashing beacon led the way. I was impressed, what a fabulous idea of the organisers, a huge ball of fire showing us weary runners where our final checkpoint was. I am sure the red kites must have been nearby as I suddenly sprouted wings as I ran up the hill....

There was no checkpoint at the flashing beacon, in fact the source was not even on the Ridgeway trail! I think it belonged to a farm building, absolutely nothing to do with the Ridgeway Race!! Never mind, it helped me up that final hill and I am sure others felt the same way..?

The final checkpoint and I was met with tubs of tomatoes, cheese and kiwi fruits, but no Ian? As I munched on a few delightful fruits Ian suddenly appeared in a terrible fluster. Apparently I had out run him and had arrived too early!

No one at the checkpoint could confirm how many miles to the finish, guesses varied somewhere between 4 and 7 miles. It did matter not as I knew that I had still had many more running miles in my legs...

As I ran through Barbury Castle Hill Fort, I was once again reminded of the similarities between it and Figsbury Hill Fort (where I do my hill reps). I felt so close to home and had to fight my desire to "floor it"... Not yet, it was way too soon and collapsing miles from the finish would not do my street credibility any good!

The last section of trail heading towards Avebury is fraught with potential hazards: large loose stones; deeply rutted tracks; long grass. Lose my concentration and I could easily topple over or turn my ankle again.

I knew to look out for the turning to the right, just after Fyfield Down. This was when the race route separated from The Ridgeway trail and headed into Avebury along the Wessex Ridgeway (I think that is the correct name..?) If I missed this turn I would have to turn around when I reached a road - signalling the end of The Ridgeway.

Panic set in as the stretch of trail I was familiar with suddenly became alien and I convinced myself that I was on new ground, slowing to a jog I feared the worst...

Until.... as if by magic, I spotted the little yellow sign laid down by the Race Director pointing down the very track that I thought I had missed. Relief swept over me as I ran down the hill and finally allowed myself to accept that not only was I finishing this race very strongly, I was finishing as the very first Lady.

No pint of Guinness awaited me at the finish as the pub had long since closed, instead I was met by a small crowd of very enthusiastic supporters and the most delicious mug of tomato soup!!

And so, upon reflection, will I be retiring from ultra running? Yes, and no...

There is one area of competitive ultra running that I have no dreams to pursue. However, the facts remain that I do love running very long distances, I love personal challenges and I love the thought of inspiring others to enjoy running and fulfilling dreams. I am on borrowed time with my ankle and know that one day I will no longer be able to manage the pain. Sometimes I struggle, always I have to fight at some point during every race that I run. One day I will not be able to continue this fight and it will come to an end.

Ankle pain withstanding, I struggled during a large percentage of this race, and know where I made mistakes. I have spared you some of these issues/ errors as not all can and should be shared. I truly believe that I can run considerably faster on this course and that belief has given me a deep seated desire to return next year to prove this belief.

Until then, a different life awaits me. No more chasing vests or quests to seek people's approval. The true me is a chaser of my own dreams and I am a dream catcher.....