173. Dragon’s Back race 2023, 4th to 9th September 23

134.44 miles, 10,094 m of ascent, 47 hours 45 minutes, 21 seconds. 107th ultra. Hatchling course.

We volunteered at last year’s Dragon’s Back Race with the intention of gaining as much information as possible and getting the race credits. My first thought was we need to be in by 8pm each evening, to avoid night time navigation plus have time to do race admin, eat and sleep as we’d also need to be out on the trails by 6am, which is a 4.30 alarm! I read a lot of blogs on the race and knew having a coach was a good idea so I signed up with Kim Cavill who gave me good guidance throughout the year and incorporated strength and conditioning. I’m not sure how good a client I am as we know the things that work for us such as plenty of time on the route to train for the terrain plus learn the route. I didn’t do the yoga but keep meaning to. I also had a year hit with episodes of fatigue which reduced my ability to train. I finally got a GP to check my testosterone levels and as expected these were low. I had to go private to get a menopause specialist to prescribe testosterone as the years wait on the NHS seemed too much, not all GP’s have the training to prescribe this for women. The private appointment was amazing as she looked at me for more than just my menopause symptoms. She recommended taking iron supplements as although my ferritin was within normal limits she felt as a runner it should be much higher. Time will tell if all this contributes to reducing the fatigue episodes.

We had a good taper planned but didn’t expect Andy to be full of nasty cold for two weeks before the race. I rested early and avoided the worst of that.

TENT 12 – Tent Mates

Pete Huzan we met volunteering at Cape Wrath 2021 and have done numerous recces with.

Karl Williams friend of Pete

Pete O’Kane, another friend of Pete’s. He did Cape Wrath 2022 and will be referred to as Pedro.

Niklas, from Sweden. Pete met him at Cape Wrath last year, he tried Dragons Back timing out on day 3.

Patrik and Simon, also from Sweden. They chose our tent as they spotted the other Swede was in it. Andy formed a messenger group so we could introduce ourselves. It was through this we learnt of Patriks missing bag! Simon completed last year. Patrik had to miss his last 2 attempts.

SUNDAY 3rd

Rachael dropped us at New Pudsey station. We were carrying an extra sleep bag, mat and poles for tent mate Patrik as his bag was still in Stockholm airport. Trains to Chester and direct to Conwy with a lot of ‘Would be Dragons’. We chatted to Anthony Stevens that we’d met at Cape Wrath.

Registration wasn’t too busy, we met Pete H and various other friends. Dropped off my main bag 14kg (max 15kg) perfect! Karl’s wife gave us a lift to Lidl for last minute shopping then we walked to the AirBnB house.

Walked back for the Race Brief at 18:30 and tea.

We didn’t stay too long but managed to get a tent mates photo except they missed Pedro off it! Pedro was struggling getting routes onto his watch Andy tried to help but the borrowed laptop didn’t have the right software.

Back to the airbnb and early bed.

MONDAY 4th. 24.11 miles, 10.44.30, 2824m. Conwy to Pen y Pass.

4:30 alarm, out the house by 5:05, straight to Conwy Castle to hand in our bags. Drop bag 2.5kg, phew!

Race bag with water 6.6kg! 3 litres was water. Andy’s 6.9kg. We knew we needed plenty of water as it was hot already. The choir was singing, a lovely atmosphere in the centre of the ruins.

At 6am sharp out along the walls. We were quite near the front. Up the hill then we did our sneaky route to avoid crowds, Karl joined us. As it turned out the ladies just in front of us popped out onto the track so we hadn’t been quicker. There are sections of mandatory route but then the rest is just recommended so we needed to ensure we didn’t break the rules.

Up Conwy Mountain in a stream of runners that steadily overtook us. The heat didn’t really hit us until the start of the big climbs. We were pleased we did the next short cut round Tal y Fan with the steep climb up to the stile and trig as we overtook a lot. It was disappointing to not be allowed to climb back over the stile as the track was rough and gridlocked.

We’d not seen Pete since the start as he set off fast. We saw him sitting a little later struggling with the heat. He stayed with us awhile but not as far as the shortcut missing Carnedd Dafydd, 3^rd highest mountain in Wales. Then the descent down to Ogwen checkpoint which was busy with people climbing up. We ate our pasties as we ran along the road. I’d only drunk 2.5 litres, I was pleased to know Andy was drinking more.

Half a can of soup each worked well, a good drink but only filled 2 bottles for the next section. I left my poles in my drop bag knowing I wouldn’t use them much on this section.

Andy led the way up the steps to Tryfan. A couple of guys fell in behind us. Any spot of shade had runners sheltering but we kept moving. Andy was happy to lead us up the scramble. He struggled a few times nearer the top, slipping back and was heading straight up rather than on obvious good paths next to us even when I pointed them out. I suggested stopping to fuel up but he was keen to get up. Finally I managed to get him to stop. He looked pale with wild sunken eyes. I got him to eat and drink but needed better shade which we found. He was talking randomly at times, didn’t want to sit in one spot because of the ‘pool of water’, to me he was hallucinating. People stopped to check on us. I asked them to send a marshal down to us. Niklas went by, I was surprised he been behind us.

Finally Andy asked me to press his SOS button and I rang HQ. They advised someone was on their way, they encouraged me to keep him cool and drinking. Jenny, a medic from mountain rescue, arrived. We chatted for a while. I think I was with him 40 minutes before Jenny talked about me going on. Guide time for the top of Tryfan was 2pm, I left at 2:30 so it was always going to be tough getting to the cutoff point at Pen y Pass.

I don’t like the descent of Tryfan. A marshal guides you over the narrow top then you just find a way down. You keep seeing good paths below and head for them only to realise they’re not really tracks! I saw Michael Burke a 3 time completer but he was struggling. I was surprised when he pointed up the Glyder ascent and asked if we went up that!

It was a tough scree climb, I was taking it too quickly and soon slowed, luckily it was mostly in shade. The top is rocky with no real path. I was slowly overtaking people, hoping I’d make the cut off but knowing I didn’t want to go up Snowdon without Andy.

Over to Glyder Fawr checkpoint then the marshy descent. I overtook more people here and found Karl struggling with cramp. I gave him salt tablets and ran down saying I’d see him at the checkpoint. We’d not perfected the final run to the checkpoint and a marshal was up higher than my planned route. I’d be surprised if I really needed to climb up to him but did. We’d gone lower and slower than Pete last time but I’m sure he didn’t take the route I did today.

I missed the cut-off by 5 minutes! I bought an ice cream from the YHA and sat in the shade and updated a few people knowing I’d have no internet or reception at camp. I’d thought about walking down the hill to camp but chose to get a lift when the offer came.

No news on Andy. Pete was in camp having stopped at Ogwen so I got sorted then saw Nikki medic who said Andy was back. He came to the river with me but felt washed out and nauseous. He didn’t eat at tea time and wanted an early night.

We heard the 3 Swedes and Pedro all finish. Niklas only just made it so I’m glad I didn’t try!

Apparently James Thurlow from the tracking service was really surprised I’d left Andy, he put me down as a Hatchling when he saw Andy was in trouble so he had to change that when he saw me moving again.

TUESDAY 5th. 13.34 miles, 5.17.53. 1453m. Camp 2 to water station, Maentwrog.

Andy wanted as much rest as he could. He still struggled to eat. We decided to try the first half of the day, Pete planned to do the second half. We wanted to be out of the heat as soon as we could. Karl came with us at 7:35. I knew really it was too late to get to the water point cut off but wanted what was best for Andy. We’d been going only a few miles when the race leaders, who have to set off later, slid past us running up the hill! In the woods I said to Karl he was best to push ahead if he wanted to try to make the cut off as we were getting slower. He headed off.

Andy was getting slower and not really looking up much. At the end of the mandatory route where we would leave the road and head up Cnicht (the first checkpoint) I suggested we should head back to camp. He agreed but checked his map and decided to go back by staying on the road rather than back across the fields. That way he’d either meet the vehicles leaving camp, be able to catch a bus or be easier to find if he needed to stop and call for help. He encouraged me to go on, he just felt tired. I was relieved as I was worried about the steep climbs ahead but I was anxious about leaving him on his own. He made it back to the main road ok and was picked up by James Thurlow and taken for coffee so it worked out well.

I continued and soon was climbing up but luckily in the shade. I asked a photographer to look out for Andy as he was on his way down. I was amused when I overtook two racers as they were taking an extra long route round to avoid a boggy section. I know some people struggle with blisters when they get wet feet but I knew it wouldn’t be long before they couldn’t avoid it! I’m lucky as wet feet equals soft feet and no blisters.

The final climb to Cnicht was also in shade. I was soon making my way down the scree section. We’ve done it differently each time! Over the dam and up the boggy section. I’d seen Karl ahead and soon caught him. He was enjoying chatting to Bob the oldest competitor in the race at 69, I think.

There was a group of what we thought were hikers ahead. Stopping to check their route frequently. I caught them and realised they were racers. They said they were fine as I passed them, I needed to get away as the bigger the group the slower the progress!

I spotted Karl had a good route on the way to the first Moelwyn but he was behind me so I couldn’t follow. It was really windy on the top and I kept tripping over my running poles so I put them away. It’s a horrible rocky route between the two Moelwyn’s but looking back I couldn’t see Karl taking a better route. It’s a ‘there and back’ on the second Moelwyn, a guy coming down was really struggling. I caught him at the dam and showed him the way down. There was someone painting the dam wall but he’d left a gap for us to slide over! Of all the days to pick!

It was hot coming down through the bracken, Kirsty had warned us of this before we left. It wasn’t long before I reached the water point checkpoint at Maentwrog. I’d missed the cut-off by 34 minutes. I was advised to head to The Grapes pub as they’d be collecting us from there 90 minutes later. I led a couple of guys over. One guy had helped someone with heat exhaustion yesterday and he was too late to catch the checkpoints but was told he was still in the race as credit. Sadly today was too much for him.

I had an icebcream Sundae, of course. Good to chat to other Hatchlings and hear from Andy that he was safely in camp. Looking at the news they were predicting today to be the hottest day of the year but tomorrow to be hotter!

Back at camp by 15:20. A full soak in the cold river which was perfect in the heat. Protein shake, chips and fruit smoothies. Bonus treat!

I missed Pete coming in at 18:20 as I went to get warm clothes on but saw him just after with his dragon wings on, he’d run in them all day!

Andy ate a little more but was still tired. Early night again. We’d been given an extra 30 minutes today, they wanted people to use it at the main checkpoint and the time would be taken off their running time, this gave a final cut off time of 22:30.

WEDNESDAY 6th. 15.06 miles. 5.38.57, 1127m. Machynlleth to camp 3 With Andy initially then Pete.

We chose the shorter second half section which meant get ready for 8:30. We’d not really heard our 4 dragon tent mates heading out at 6am. We were bused to Machynlleth at 9:30 but couldn’t really do anything until we were allowed at the checkpoint for 11:45. We sat on a bench in the shady park thinking we didn’t really need anything from the Coop. We’d been told they would weigh our drop bags as they were worried people would stock up on beer and other goodies.

A quick gathering at the checkpoint. Carmine played the accordion as usual and we were off. He’s doing the Hatchling course carrying the 10kg accordion on his back! He soon caught us.

Andy hadn’t been sure what to do today. He knew to be a Hatchling he needed to start each day with the intention of completing the section but had to reach a checkpoint, the Hatchling rules weren’t clear but Shane went through them before we set off today. We set off up the hill with Pete knowing the first checkpoint was at 2 miles. Andy decided to stop there and find a shady spot to rest in before heading back down to the Machynlleth checkpoint. It wasn’t heat exhaustion any more but the aftermath of not eating much for a few days. He wasn’t on his own so had company to go to town with as it was a long wait for the lift back.

Pete and I had a good run. He wanted me to name the Seven Dwarves and then allocate a name to each of us in the tent as we were Snow White and 7. He was surprised that I didn’t know them all plus didn’t want to be Snow White. Pete had allocated Dopey to himself thinking it wasn’t fair to give the name to anyone else but ended up calling me Dopey instead.

We stopped by the river on the way to Pumlumon. Carmine played again! Pete has a sneaky crossing up to a better path on the other side of the stream. We’d missed the right place to cross on both the recces but Andy found it last time so we knew what we were doing. Lots followed us. It was on this track that the first fast runner caught us shortly followed by the race leader. Pete had shown him the shortcut when he met him on a recce. Pete joked about coaching him and he laughed and thanked Pete for the tip.

The climb up Pumlumon was hot. I tried ringing Pete’s mum for him a few times as his phone was too deep in his bag. I also managed to hear from Andy. We knew there’d be no reception in camp.

It’s a long run in with good views down to the camp and we run past it before heading down to the road. We ran the last track section into camp and were greeted with ice pops. Amazing in that heat.

Karl was already in. We planned to go straight to the stream but a guy said he’d had chips sitting in the water so we loaded up with chips and sat in the cold water as recommended. Someone had dammed up one end so there was a nice pool.

I headed back to get dressed and get my tea plus more chips for Pete a drone flew overhead and we made it into the official videos for days 3 and 6. We could see Andy walking into camp. He was feeling much better so ate well. Whilst we were all sitting eating suddenly Niklas appeared as well! He’d been timed out at Machynlleth. How disappointing! He was shattered having only just got in in time both days. We headed to bed just after Pedro came in and heard the other guys come in too but left them to get themselves organised.

THURSDAY 7th. 42.16 miles, 12.55.12. 2267m. Day 4 with Andy.

Up at 4:30 and ready to leave by 6 with the intention of doing the nicer first half of the day in the cool. It’s mostly road after that. We’d had our trackers taken off last night for charging so headed for bag check and to drop off camp bags and drop bags early to avoid a queue through to the start but it was very efficient. A few people had head torches on but we didn’t need them. It was slightly gloomy heading up the hill just after 6am but clear. A long slow chain of people, many overtaking us. It was great to see the wind turbines ahead and know our journey. The steep down in the pine trees was tricky as there were so many of us. We got stuck behind people a few times but mostly got by. I had started wearing gaiters after doing this section the first time so I was pleased to not get any pine needles in my shoes this time even though the Velcro had come off at the back.

Up and over the hills following the long line of people hoping we were hitting the better tracks that had been faint on our recces. Andy was happy to keep going at the first checkpoint that was 7 miles in. We pushed along the 2 road sections. It was interesting seeing the different routes up to the Esgair Penygarreg trig point, there are quite a few to our right so I’d be keen to get that route. Others on the official route were slower than us. On the way down to Elan village we saw Pedro and the two Swedes, I guess we had fresher legs!

Into the main checkpoint. We were moving well at our 8pm finish time speed. Andy was keen to keep going. A quick stop to check feet and reapply squirrel nut butter to my back as the bottom of my race vest was rubbing.

We saw Patrik and Simon. I offered Patrik my leki running poles as I’d stopped using them but he’d not used that style so declined. He’d apologised that morning as someone had stood on and broken one of my old poles. He promised to fix it, but I reassured him I didn’t need them back.

Out within 25 minutes. We saw people hobbling down the road who’d just done the necessary 1.1 miles to the next checkpoint.

We kept overlapping with Pedro on this section as we passed the reservoirs and headed up to Drygarn Fawr trig, where we’d first properly met him on a recce.

The rolling road section was hard work. I couldn’t keep motivated to run but knew we’d eat away at the miles if we did at least run on the downs and flats. I was worried about getting shin splint pain by doing too much as well.

The farm track section was less muddy and churned up than a month ago. In places slate was down to make it easier to grip. We stayed on the high track between sections but probably should have gone on the race route below as it’s a mandatory section but we were very close, within 200m.

It was nice and soft coming back down to the road. We both stood in streams to cool and get clean. I wish I’d cleaned my shoes a little more.

The long road section was painful. I’d been thinking of trying all of Day 5 (tomorrow) but knew the first section was mostly road, a good 10 miles or so. I also really wanted to be with Andy and when we knew the next day would be full sun the decision was made. We’d been blessed with cloud cover which kept this day cooler.

We took Pete’s shortcut to miss a road section and saw people cutting various other corners.

It was wonderful to get to camp and receive another ice cream! Karl, Pete and Niklas were all back as they did the first half, my Bear was sitting waiting for me in the tent! A very quick soak in the river as it was very cold and in full view of the pub. We didn’t go to the pub but Pedro was back in time so nipped over before the 8pm last orders.

Food and early to bed again. Full course completed today.

FRIDAY 8th. 20.09 miles, 7:47.43, 1878m. Cray Reservoir to camp with Andy, Pete and Niklas

Andy was feeling much better but we still decided to do a half day and enjoy our time in the Brecon Beacons. Up 6:30 ready to leave by 8:00 for the second half route, only to be told there was going to be a delay as the transport was being used to take runners that had opted just to do the last 10 miles (added as an option due to the heat). Our MPV driver didn’t realise he was taking us to Cray Reservoir but luckily we mentioned it! It was quite cramped at the checkpoint and they were worried about us wandering onto the busy road. We were due to start at 11 but they set us off at 10:30. Carmine played his accordion and we sang happy birthday for Shane the race director first.

A steep sharp climb up Fan Gyhirych, the first hill then various climbs up hills towards the main Brecon Beacons. It was so hot with no shade. I had Pete’s dragon wings on but they were annoying, tickling my ears. I found Pete at the Storey Arms checkpoint and gave them back. A few people had missed the checkpoint at the underpass and gone straight over the road so had to head back! A lady was selling cool-ish drinks but we didn’t stop.

I’d been thinking of stopping at the Storey Arms due to the heat but knew we’d have to wait ages for transport back to camp. Andy mentioned the same. I suddenly remembered that if we went up Corn Du and were struggling then we could take the military road down to the tarmac road which would take us to camp. Pete and Niklas were using their free 30 minutes at the checkpoint but we just wanted to get to camp. I drank a lot and filled up. Pete had given me extra pain au chocolat which I really enjoyed as the chocolate melted into the bread.

Pete and Niklas caught us on the climb. We stopped a few times to cool down but still made good time to the top of Corn Du. We were amazed how many people had dogs up there, especially as there was no water or shade. We were feeling good, the shortcut to camp wasn’t mentioned again.

We stayed with Pete and Niklas over the tops and watched a guy take a different line when we were on the flat section after Fan y Big before the turn to Carn Pica. It’s rough on the top so we’re not sure if it would be any quicker or if they were more confident on the rough ground.

From Carn Pica Niklas started to run and quickly disappeared. He and Pete had been joking about having a head to head race today. As we reached the last cairn and started a steep descent Pete started to run. We ran to catch up and reached them both at the stream. Niklas had intended to wait there anyway and we headed to camp together. Great to cross the line as a team.

Another ice cream at the finish, even though mine snapped in the bag, it all got eaten. A good soak in the river, Andy dug out stones to get in deeper.

Food and an early night. Lovely getting Dragon mail as we had no reception. We’d been messaging during the day with people when we could.

We decided not to risk the full day and sun again tomorrow. There were two options: run the full day or the last section, I guess they knew everyone would want to run into the finish.

SATURDAY 9th. 19.68 miles, 5.10.47, 545m of ascent. Trelewis to Cardiff castle with Andy, Pete and Karl.

Pete was finally ready to go by 9, we’d been told we were leaving at 8! He and Andy enjoyed putting ice cubes in their hats, down our backs then in their shorts as we waited. Debs White has been getting rid of loads. Pete gave us our daily motivational stickers.

Lots of runners went by MPV to a big coach. We had to wait awhile as they hoped the other smaller coach would come to the camp. It was nearly 10 when they sent us by MPV to the coach, which was in a nearby village. We saw the earlier group still waiting for their coach to arrive! It was a long drive round via the Storey Arms.

We were meant to be leaving Trelewis checkpoint at 11 but didn’t arrive until just after that. Initially we were told we’d then be leaving around 11:45 but suddenly it was 11:35 and we were off. They’d set the next coach off when they arrived. Pete saw the Swedes and Pedro arrive, having run from the camp, but we set off before them.

Pete was late leaving as he put his wings on, Karl stayed with him and they ran to catch us as we jogged along. There was very little climbing today so even with the first climb of the day we were maintaining 15 minutes on average a mile, much quicker than 24 minutes yesterday!

Pete’s friend Heather kept popping up along the way to cheer us on along and came to the castle later.

We’d hoped to meet some of Andy’s family at the water point checkpoint as it was a pub so we knew they could sit and wait for us but they got stuck in traffic plus we realised we’d be arriving 45 minutes early! We were given ice pops at the checkpoint, I drank loads and allowed Caz to pour cold water over my head. We were there for about 15 minutes. Pete wanted to stay longer but we were keen to keep moving.

Andy was keeping an eye on the tracker as to where Niklas was in front of us and the guys behind. We stormed along enjoying the cool beneath the trees when there was some but also how good it was to be on the flat most of the way. I mostly trotted along. The guys were faster than me so they walked for a bit then jogged to catch me. Pete kept complaining that we were running too much but would then run off to chat to someone. He was delighted when Ravi from India asked if he could take his photo as he was wearing his wings again especially when Pete got me to take one of the 2 of them. He then rushed ahead to ensure Ravi saw the Victorian post box!

It was wonderful watching the miles ticking down on my watch knowing we’d soon be at Bute Park and then Cardiff Castle. Just before the final corner Pete nipped behind a tree to change into his fiery legging and Welsh shorts. We don’t think he was the naked man the police were asking about later! The 4 of us ran to the drawbridge, held hands and ran the circuit round to the finish. It was so lovely to see Andy’s family and so many friends cheering us through.

We talked to Andy’s family, got drinks and our bags and sat awhile. We hoped to see our final three tent mates cross the line but I knew I needed to change plus there wouldn’t be much time before the prize giving.

Cathie and Co headed to their Airbnb. We headed back to the Premier Inn with Duncan and Jo. A quick shower and back for food and the presentation on the big stage. They started with the volunteers & staff who had run last year but missed out on presentation in the castle plus the 12 runners who repeated Day 6 so they could finish there. They read out the Hatchlings in alphabetical order but we just went up when we got there. Then the Dragons were called up, last to first, with runners still finishing and going straight up. The top 3 men and ladies were called up then photos of the top 3 with the original 1992 race director. All very lovely with the lights on the castle keep and sun setting. We managed to get some tent team photos. Patrik was very emotional about the support we’d given him by lending the gear. Sounds like they don’t have that same runners community support in Sweden.

Duncan and Jo went back to the hotel. We had rice pudding with the guys then went back to the hotel too. Very tired and relieved. Sad that Andy didn’t get his Hatchling but hopefully we’ll do better next year! I’m pleased to have managed 134.44 miles with 10,094 m of ascent (33116.8 feet) in 47 hours 45 minutes, an average of 21 minutes per mile!

This year from 297 starters only 87 Dragons (29%) completed the full course with 134 Hatchlings (45%) reaching day 6 and 76 runners (26%) retiring before the end. This is the first year they have offered the Hatchling as an official race, we know one guy who entered knowing he couldn’t do the full.

Sunday we had an open top bus tour round Cardiff with the family plus food with Duncan and Jo in the evening at The Coconut Tree. Sri Lankan food. Train home Monday morning, in the rain. I only managed 2 of the 3 ice cream stops I’d hoped for!

WHAT WENT WELL

GRAB BAG

Having my food bowl and cup, with charging pack, head torch, protein shake, tooth brush & paste at the top of my bag. I also put a tube of electrolytes so I had my water sacks ready to fill first thing the next day. I’d add a spare waterproof if needed. Last in, first out each day.

Should add insect repellent.

DROP BAG

Spare shoes with sunscreen in one to stop it bursting everywhere.

Spare tape, scissors, electrolytes, squirrel nut butter and spork which I didn’t use in the other shoe. I had food for the day plus a can of soup. Later in the race my poles went in but would have been too heavy at the race start as I had tooth paste etc from our overnight stay. I will use my poles on a full day but felt strong on the half days.

MAIN CAMP BAG

Individual numbered day bags with food, alternate day tin of soup, cut tape for toes, race plan strip, socks for everyday, T-shirts alternate days. All in the bottom of the bag. Rolled up pillow, lightweight sleeping mat and warm sleeping bag tucked up in one bag. I had spare leggings, long sleeved too plus day 6 clothes stuffing the pillow. A bag with sleeping clothes, spare waterproof trousers plus jackets for camp. I kept my thicker race waterproof jacket in here when I realised I didn’t need it for the race. Waterproof hat and extra clothes which we didn’t end up needing.

A bag with wash kit, lightweight towel and toiletries. Flannel was in grab bag. Would have filled the food bowl with cold water for a wash in the tent if I was too late to go to the stream. The streams were amazing.

Crocs and Bear (spare gloves, eye mask and ear plugs in belly) went in just before my grab bag.

Wet kit went to the bottom each day in one plastic bag. Spare food and empty plastic bags in another bag.

I felt I had little to sort through each day. We were organised getting our bags topped up ready each day on our arrival for heading out the next day. If we’d been in later we would have eaten first then looked at kit admin before we slept.

FOOD

Pasties bought the day before we left and in-date for the race. Didn’t get one for Saturday knowing we’d be passing lots of shops, think I would have a smaller bag of food for day 6 knowing there’d be spare food in the info tent plus chances are I’d not eat all my food on other days.

Pain au chocolat need at least 4 a day. They were great especially as the chocolate melted!

Choc bars and cheese worked if eaten early otherwise they melted.

Need to plan race fuel to weight and carb ratio sooner. Coated flavoured peanuts were amazing plus higher in carbs. Add clif blocs again but not too much sweet stuff, I’ll avoid gels even though others were saying that was all they could eat.

THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR NEXT TIME

You get given a race T-shirt at registration so keep that for camp or the finish.

Have zip off trousers as leggings but use for journey home.

One shirt a day but 2 vests for the week.

Take bikini for better river options nice to wash shorts if warm enough, I didn’t mind putting wet stuff on each morning as it was warm enough to dry before we set off but it may have contributed to the sore back I got but Andy put KTape on it which stayed on for 2 days and is less sticky than zinc tape which leaves sticky marks and then your clothes stick to that and you get sorer.

Squirrel nut butter on my feet was great. I reapplied on the long day so will keep that in my drop bag.

BLOGS to read

https://tamingthedragon.co.uk/running-blog/f/dragons-back-race-2023