Thanks for this video. Having DNF’d the 50, (largely down to the heat/running low on water etc) there is something oddly reassuring that even an experienced runner struggled with the weather (albeit you had a few more miles to run than me). And it wasn’t all down to me being a relative ultra novice (although I’m sure that played a leading role in my DNF). I learned a lot that day as I dragged myself up Snowdon for the second time before stepped off the course. After chewing the day over in my head I’ve come to the conclusion that a DNF might have been exactly what I needed to help me focus on improving my approach to such races moving forward. And a massive thanks for the recce vids Gary, they really helped calm my pre race nerves.
When I’m coaching someone with a DNF I will ask them about the decisions they made in the lead up and see if they are happy with them. I’m the same … you don’t have to be happy about the decisions but it helps you for next time as we might make different ones. Keep at it 💪🏻
Thanks Gary for the video and recce videos were super useful. I had a similar experience but in the 100K, and decided to drop on the last station (so close), but my mental state wasn't to keep running, had lost all the focus. I have the same feeling as you and will come back next year to complete the 100K! Good luck on the Lakeland 50 you'll smash it!
Really enjoy your videos and humour! I dropped from the 100km just before the second ascent of Snowdon. The heat had wiped me out completely, headache, stomach cramps etc, I get a sweat on cutting the grass in the back garden! The same thing happened to me at UTMB last year, dropped at La Fouly as it was bloody hot during the day. Both these DNF’s have made begin to think more about the races I do, and maybe winter ultras are more suited to me. Anyhow, good luck at Lakeland, really enjoy your no nonsense approach!
Well done for getting as far as you did Gary. I did the 57K and just about managed to trudge through the second half after getting hit with vicious cramps from 20K onwards. The descent down the Ranger Path and the climb up Mynydd Mawr nearly killed me, but thankfully found second wind and managed to get home. Like yourself - despite finishing I've signed up for 2024 and am coming back to make good on my Course PB. Would be great to catch up and say hello. Good luck training for Lakeland 50, sure it will be a gooden.
Unlucky Gary, feel your pain. I had COVID in the run up ruining my sleep and then the soleus injury flared up 20K into the 100K race. Dragged myself to halfway checkpoint, severely dehydrated due to the slow pace in the heat and DNFed. Gutted, mainly because the course became really runable in the 2nd half. Soleus seems OK now, oddly my Achilles is giving me the most hassle post race. Will definitely be back next year to finish, your videos were brilliant pre-race so thanks for those. Good luck with the 50, debating the Maverick 50K there in September.
We all learn from our training and races, a DNF only means we are human and learn from it. Next time we come back stronger….best of luck in your up coming races. You Got This 🤙🏽
Great achivement, no shame to run 115 km in the Mountains..have a quick recovery! Thanks for sharing your experience! See you next year, altough I am only doing the 50k!
I'll see you next year Gary! I dropped at 62k, got lost 2 times at Moel Siabad at night due to me being bad at navigating or poor markings. Didn't get injured or anything thankfully. Didn't see you at the starting line otherwise would have said hello from Latvia! :)
Sounds like a really tough day or so on the trails and mountains. Hopefully the next race comes with kinder conditions. On the up side, I have that same colour Vaga cap 👍🏻😁
I don't think anyone saw the heat coming mate. We didn't really have time to ease into the warmer weather. It got to a lot of people I think mate. Good that you live on to fight another day. Good luck with the Lakeland 50 mate! 😎🤘
I came over to do the 100k from Budapest. Normally it is warm over here, but the weather was rubbish right up until I popped over to Wales... So for what it is worth, I wasn't prepared for the heat either!
