- The Spine race
283 out of 5887.07 total miles (average 39.75 miles per marathon)
8,255 m ascent
1.6 MPH, 37.29 minute miles
163 hours 48 minutes
51/54. 7th lady – 1st ever married couple
DNF, 3 letters I was seriously contemplating. I’d even told Andy I didn’t ever want to enter another race over 100 miles, which meant goodbye to the 2019 Hardmoors 200 on my 50th birthday. My feet were crying out with each step on the road diversion into Cowling. Andy was pleased to be off the mud for awhile but my Sauconys had coped well with that. Day 2 was not a happy Spine day for me.
Our Spine journey began last January with a week marshaling. We were hooked on the dedication and enthusiasm of all involved. We entered the 2018 edition and were then both given free places in the volunteers draw! Saving £775 each would help a lot but it still cost us quite a bit in equipment and recce trips. We chatted to a few people such as Sarah Smith, Sarah Fuller, Pete Wilkie, John Vernon and Mark Dalton to gain pearls of wisdom plus borrow some gear. We planned recces and teamed up with Karl and Harriet Shields and Michelle Payne for some of those. We did two full weeks plus several weekends and had nearly completed the whole route twice when 6 weeks pre-race Andy cut through the tendon in his left thumb and needed surgery. It’s amazing what you suddenly realise you need your thumb for such as tying shoelaces and opening zips. We cancelled our second recce of the Cheviots and he needed a thumb splint on it for the whole race!
We gained a lot of valuable information from a Spine training course at Hebden Hey and Stu Westfield’s advanced navigation weekend. We tried to not get too involved with the Facebook ‘discussions’ but appreciated Ian Bowls’ blogs plus others. We put in a lot of preparation but had two last minute panics. Our new and highly recommended Paramo jackets wouldn’t pass kit check as they don’t have taped seams so we’d have to carry another thin jacket and trousers. This meant I also needed a new rucksack as it was all a bit tight. Lucky Wiggle delivered my new OMM 32litre Classic pack within 24 hours, on Thursday, 3 days pre-race.
We’d planned to go by train to Edale but were grateful for the kind lift from Bill Overton as we each had a 20kg drop bag plus our race rucksacks, which we knew with water would be nearer 10kg.
Check in at Edale Village Hall was busy. We got our race numbers then had our kit checked. We both were asked to show three items all random. My guy was actually happy with the Paramo jacket I was wearing till I told him it wouldn’t pass kit check because of the lack of taped seams. He admitted he’d not been fully briefed. I had to show first aid kit and can’t remember the 3rd thing but also had to show that my GPS unit was working. It would take too much time to check every bag but also we were heading back to hotels etc with them so anything could happen then. We had lunch with Bill at the Ramblers and saw Michelle. We went to the race brief and saw a variety of other friendly faces. Then to Stu’s 2 hour pre-race course with information about the route plus food options and weather info. They also gave us pizza and cake. Well worth it!
We got the shuttle up to the YHA but hadn’t realised how out of the village it was. Luckily the YHA shuttle bus driver offered to take us back to the Ramblers to meet the others. I was anxious about how we’d get back. One of the group had just found out he’d booked a room at the Ramblers back in February but had forgotten. He was staying at the YHA and had his kit spread so decided to stay there. He kindly offered us the room at the Ramblers and even took us back to the YHA to get our bags! Great to be staying just across from the start. Early to bed and early to rise. We had some breakfast with us but still helped ourselves to the continental breakfast.
Our drop bags were weighed to ensure they were under 20kg and trackers were attached to the shoulder straps of our rucksacks. I platted Michelle’s hair although not as well as my friend Jo had done mine. Andy and I sat behind the registration table just to be out of the way. Many commented on how relaxed we looked.
Edale to Hebden Hey CP1. Sunday 14th 08:00 to Monday 15th 00:48, leg time 16 hours 48. 44.88 miles 2,400m ascent
The race started at exactly 8:00am in a field next to the village hall. Many ran but plenty walked up the road and onto the official start of the Pennine Way. As we headed up to Kinder I started thinking we were at the back as we couldn’t see people behind. There was a small group of us that either overtook each other or dropped back on the climbs and flats of the first section. As we headed up Kinder the first, familiar sharp pains shot along my toes.
It was a lovely day almost too warm for the layers we had on but we strode on. Great conditions under foot and not too much water in Kinder Downfall. Runners came towards us as we headed to Snake Pass, a Fell or orienteering race. Sarah Fuller was at the road crossing as part of the safety team with chocolates, water and a happy greeting.
There was a small diversion round a bog at Bleaklow Head after we headed up Devils Dyke and down to the next reservoir. We knew the route so well which helped our spirits. We tried to eat every few hours and having front pouches attached to our packs made food easily accessible. A tea stop run by mountain rescue at Torside reservoir then up and over Laddow Rocks. Hikers cheered us on as they handed out chocolate.
It was wonderful to see Harriet at Wassenden Head. Dean Clough had been good to us on the climb up to her with very little water underfoot, last year it had been waist deep at times! We enjoyed her hot chocolate, especially the marshmallows. She also had water for everyone. It started to get dark as we headed down to cross the stream and up towards the next lot of reservoirs. We’d done this section in falling snow and dark before so knew what to expect. There was another mountain rescue crew at the road crossing before Standedge so we got a quick drink before heading over towards the M62 road bridge. The burger van was still at the car park but was planning to leave as he’d had to turn people away as they had no small change. The guy who arrived with us offered a credit card! I paid for all 3 of us with a £10 note, making up the extra with canned drinks. I’m surprised that people just didn’t say keep the change or ask him to help out the next person. My fried egg sandwich was perfect to get me over Blackstone Edge Moor towards the White House pub. We could see the lights of headtorchs heading straight across the moor instead of heading down to the drainage ditch that led us to the pub, I just hope they didn’t find any of the disused quarries. Another Mountain Rescue Team had hot water on offer here so we filled up a dehydrated food pack each and we walked along the side of the reservoirs before stopping to eat.
From there we headed to Stoodley Pike and then down the slippery road to Hebden. A runner pointed out the route that cut off the corner, we’d missed the sign. The long slow slog to Hebden Hey didn’t seem as bad, especially the cheeky long down and up between the two roads. The second road came quicker than expected as I could see the street lights from the top road. It was slippy on the final descent to Hebden Hey. We arrived at 00:48. Great to see Andy Worster and Kim Ashworth, from last year plus Kim’s parents, as part of the checkpoint staff. We went straight through to the separate back room. Andy had written out a checkpoint list which we were to follow to ensure we didn’t waste time. I went through all I thought I needed to such as switching food from drop bag to race bag. Getting socks out and change of top and leggings which had got wet in the rain. I was surprised my Paramo hadn’t kept me dry but think the jacket may have and it was sweat underneath, The Paramo legging definitely let the rain in! Not a good so early in the race especially as they were new and I’d nik-washed then properly after they’d been muddy. A quick look down the checklist and I went back to the main building with my stuff to charge kit, wash and sleep. We’d hung up clothes and moved our bags aside. I didn’t shower as I remember how cold it was last time but had a wash and met up with Michelle. Andy and I ate then headed to sleep surprised it had taken an hour to get sorted. We planned to sleep for 2.5 hours giving us 45 minutes to get out the door at 5am which would be 3 hours ahead of the cutoff.
A good if short sleep and breakfast but over an hour to get ready but we were ready to leave by 5:17am!
Hebden Hey to Malham Tarn CP1.5. Monday 16th 05:17 to 21:25:11, leg time 16 hours 8 minutes.
It was raining when we left the checkpoint. We didn’t decide to put our ponchos on until we were on the moor and then got annoyed with them flapping about and not being able to get to our drink etc as they covered the pack. The track was boggy and easy to follow down to Gorple Lower reservoir and then the road to the next 2. Sharon and Katy walked with us for a bit but I needed to stop alongside Walshaw Dean Lower reservoir to tape my right foot as I thought I was getting a blister. At High Withins we decided to take the ponchos off.
We’d been told there’d be food at Ponden reservoir but there wasn’t any. Someone was coming up from the cafe and it seemed that wasn’t open either. It was a slog over Ickornshaw Moor not helped by the stream crossing that initially looked too deep and fast flowing to get over easily. We checked upstream then decided to try crossing where the path came down to as there were submerged flagstones which were visible on the other side. I got across fine but Andy missed a step and one foot got a dunking and his knee length waterproof sock got a bit wet inside. But that wasn’t as tough as the road diversion down to Cowling. My feet weren’t happy and I started to get into a really low place hence the aforementioned thoughts of DNF-ing. How could my feet cope with the pain of another 200 miles! How could I drop out of a race again because of painful feet, this was not going to happen. I started to think about Sarah Fuller’s wisdom of having a ‘why’ for these low moments. I’m usually so positive and it’s that that gets me through. I searched my mind for something a bit more concrete and came up with I wanted that pint of beer at the end. I’ve only had a few mouthfuls of alcohol in the past 7 years as I just fall asleep so there’s no point in drinking. On reflection I’d not had that sharp toe pain since we reached the top of Kinder and knew my feet hurt less on soil than tarmac so there was hope!
We were back to muddy fields after Cowling which frustrated Andy with his lack of grip but we were soon at Lothersdale. The promised food at the pub had blown away the day before (too windy for their planned BBQ) but they provided hot water and drinks. I added hot water and brown sauce to the rest of my rehydrated macaroni cheese from yesterday which worked really well. We met a few people here such as Colin Green, a soggy Michelle and Sharon with Katy arrived later. It’s amazing how quickly an hour can go but we both did foot checks and sock changing before heading on. Andy’s damp foot was fine. There were more muddy fields as we headed to Thornton-in-Craven and the canal to East Marton. My mood had lifted nicely with the food stop but soon soured as we took the next long road diversion into Gargrave. We had enough food so didn’t bother with the Co-op but sheltered in a covered alleyway, sitting on a bin that Andy turned on its side. We added hot chocolate powder to my flask of hot water and I ate a cheese and onion pasty.
I felt much brighter as we headed into the night. I was pleased to remember the route, with my map in hand, crossing fields and getting us to the next road diversion. In Airton someone asked us if we were taking the road as it was easier! Just before Malham in Hanlith, a family welcomed us with bananas, Christmas cake and tea to take away. They’d been enjoying watching peoples progress online. In Malham, we headed to the ladies toilet at the visitor’s centre and made up some food and let it hydrate whilst we tried to get a 20 minute sleep. Two guys with the same plan came in as we were preparing to leave.
As we headed towards Malham Cove a guy who’d missed the turn joined us hoping we’d guide him for a bit but we lost him on the steps. We were soon at the back of the limestone pavements and up the slippery trail towards the tarn. Checkpoint 1.5 was in a small room across from the main Field Centre. We got warm drinks and said we intended to get over Fountains Fell and Pen-y-Ghent before sleeping. It didn’t sound like the weather was going to improve over the tops.
Malham Tarn to Hawes CP2. Arrived 13:27:27 Tuesday 16th. Leg time 16:02:16. Total miles from Hebden Hey 67.63 miles, 3,336m ascent.
The climb over Fountains Fell went really well. Hail was battering our faces initially so on went the googles. There were more climb sections than I remembered so it was reassuring when Andy checked the GPS as to how far it was to the top. Coming down was a slippery mess and needed caution so it wasn’t as quick a descent as we wanted. We’d already been told that the top of Pen-y-Ghent was too icy so we’d be taking the route down to Horton from the gate before the steep climb. We could hear the wind howling on the other side of the wall so I shouldn’t have been so surprised at how hard it was to open the gate! They’ve done work on the path down adding slabs in places which I needed to avoid as they were so slippy but Andy’s New Balance Hiero’s were fine on them. He’d then struggle on the less manicured sections in between although there was a gravel path at times. We ended up having to climb down a few sections not knowing if there was a path around or not on the rocky outcrops. At last, we reached Horton in Ribblesdale and the Pen Y Ghent cafe that stays open all night during The Spine. Guy remembered us from when I bought my jacket there. I’d been dreaming of beans on toast to go with my big mug of tea. People were sleeping so we got ourselves set up after eating. 90 minutes later we’d slept well and knew it would be getting light soon, Michelle arrived with Alan Cormack who we’d seen her with a few times. He seemed to be good at motivating her. It sounded like they’d had an epic trip over Fountains Fell, we’d timed our trip well.
Fried egg sandwiches and tea each and we headed back out on the trail. We had a good journey up towards the Cam High Road. Refreshed from the sleep and food. I was pleased to stop Ben Light making the same mistake we’d made during a recce of missing the turn off the trail at an unsigned gate. It’s a long slog up the Cam High Road but we kept pushing with the wind behind us. We had a mug of tea in a flask and this was perfect just before turn off onto the West Cam Road. We’d bought extra chocolate bars at the cafe but I ended up giving mine to Andy Bristow who was struggling, sadly he dropped out at Hawes.
The weather on the West Cam Road was awful. Really strong winds pushing us sideways but gushing at us instead of being constant which was tiring. Hail whipped up around us too. It was really hard work but settled as we came down the other side and onto the diversion of the Cam Road which was a real ankle twisting rough track. Photographers greeted us just before the roads that lead us through Gaye and into Hawes and the YHA checkpoint.
Great to see familiar faces. A great drying room was next to the entrance area so we took shoes off then put everything we needed straight in to dry. I’m pleased we had our shoe numbers on elastic instead of using the tags they give you as they really stood out on the shoe rack. We sorted through our drop bags, got food and were allocated a room. We were lucky as it was a twin room, I jokingly called it the honeymoon suite. I was surprised to find out it was ensuite luckily before I headed out to the bathroom. Lots of hot water, I felt stuck under it. It was a shame to sleep during the day but we both needed it.
Hawes to Middleton CP3. Tuesday 16th 17:15 to Wednesday 17th 12:44:47, 9 hours to Tan Hill Inn (arrived 02:15:17), 3 hours at the Tann Hill Inn. 7 hours 28 to Middleton. Leg length 34.94 miles, 2,029m ascent.
I had a blister on my right big toe and felt the ball of that foot needed good protection. The medical team is made up of a variety of medics. Maddie is a student nurse and was already making her mark with the way she taped toes which seemed to be working well. She taped that with the K tape we’d bought. Last year the medics were running out of tape hence us buying some. She popped the blister on the big toe and added padding before the tape. She also protected both my 2nd long toes as the zinc oxide tape I’d applied soon came off. I ate my porridge and had tea as she worked. We were out the door by 5:15pm. We were trying to increase the time ahead of cut off allowing almost 3 hours now.
It was starting to get dark and was by the time we were across the river. We passed the finish area of the Challenger and headed up Great Shunner Fell. We were just behind Michelle, Alan and another guy and leapfrogged each other a few times. The weather deteriorated as we climbed higher. Visibility was poor due to the dark but the path was hidden by the fresh snowfall and wind that pushed the snow over any tracks ahead. We soon had goggles on. Andy was amazing, he navigated us over the top with his GPS. Initially, we thought we’d stay with Michelle’s group and take our turns in route making and finding but we’d caught another guy, Dima Feinhaus, and the three of us were faster so headed on. The snow covering the slabs meant they weren’t icy and we kept going without needing yak tracks. Andy soon confirmed we reached the top and were heading down. Lights to our right we knew were Thwaite but we headed away before turning back towards. It was a long descent but we were quick, I was surprised to see we’d averaged 2.5 miles an hour for that section.
We paused briefly in Thwaite then started the undulating climb around the side of the hill on the way to Keld. I was surprised at how steep the slope was, I’d not really been aware of it in daylight but now in the snow, it felt a little more perilous. We sat on a bench in Keld for hot chocolate before going out onto the exposed moor and snow storm for the climb to the Tan Hill Inn. Again the GPS was very useful as we got higher with no clear path to guide us. We wiggled around a bit either trying to find the path or an area not too deep to walk in. We found two other runners who were struggling with the route finding too.
Such an amazing welcome at the Tan Hill Inn, we arrived at 2:15 am. A support team were manning it as it was shut to the public now, those arriving during the day could order off the menu. We were given amazing thick tomato soup and hot drinks. We decided to sleep as we were making good progress. The breakfast room was already full of sleepers so we went into the very cold concert room and slept on the stage. I was soon warm in my bivi and sleeping bag. So pleased we had the mat and sleeping bag all rolled in together for ease of setting up. We slept for 90 minutes and I was jealous of the guy who had opted for another hour but knew we needed to keep moving.
We filled a sachet of dehydrated food with hot water and packed up before eating. Michelle had arrived just as we got up, she was feeling really cold and in need of sleep. The medics withdrew her from the race as she felt too shattered and cold to continue. Dima joined us as we left the pub. The snow was really deep as we followed tracks before Andy and the GPS got us on the right route. Ivan caught us and tried to overtake but wasn’t as good at route finding as Andy. He stayed with us and chatted until we were on the road then trotted off. We next saw him sat by the tunnel of the A66. It had been straightforward getting there helped by the sunlight. I told him about the walkers’ shelter which was my next goal for a hot chocolate stop. We didn’t stop long, Dima caught us up and left before us but we passed him and only saw him briefly again before Middleton. Our shoes and gaiters were getting frozen up from the snow and ice. I hadn’t closed mine properly and ice balls were building on the laces making your feet heavier. We bashed them from time to time with our poles.
The route by the reservoirs was fine but that final climb before we dropped into Middleton seemed to go on a long long time. We arrived at 12:44pm, we were both really pleased with this time as we’d hoped to get here for midday when we left Hawes but hadn’t planned on having time for that bonus sleep. As usual we worked quickly at getting ready to eat then sleep, sadly there was no hot water for a shower so I washed instead. Kim’s parents (Helen & John) were here again which was lovely. I got quite choked up when I saw the encouragement on Facebook. A photo Anne-Marie had taken of us was copied to LBT and Pudsey Pacers.
We slept a few hours and then breakfasted.
Middleton to Alston CP4. Wednesday 17th 17:23 to 20:30, 8 miles then race suspended and taken back to Middleton
Thursday 18th 06:00:00 to 03:57:21. 22 hours. 44.73 miles. 2,045m ascent.
17:23 we headed out again, this time with Alan. He’d worked hard to get to Middleton after Michelle dropped out. We made excellent pace along the good track at the side of the river. Ahead we could see a red light and I wondered if the safety team were out with hot drinks at Saur Hill bridge before we headed across the open moor section. It was the safety team but with bad news. The race was to be suspended and we were being taken back to Middleton, it was only 20:30. They had made the decision to suspend the race just half an hour after we left. We walked up to the main road and Kim’s parents took us back to the checkpoint.
We’d managed 8 miles in the 3 hours. We ate when we got back then went to bed. Andy had put our sleeping bags straight onto bunks to ensure we got beds. I was in bed by 21:30 and Andy was a little later. The room was warm and sleeping on plastic mattresses isn’t easy but I did sleep.
We were woken at 04:30 and told the race was to restart at 6am. We also had an extension of 4 hours on the next few checkpoints but the times for Byrness and the finish wouldn’t change. It was harder to get going again after the long sleep, even harder knowing we had to redo those 8 miles. The checkpoint staff were amazing, they just kept bringing out bowls of porridge and plates of scrambled eggs and toast.
There was about 19 of us in the checkpoint and we started just after the lead few but soon caught up. Fresh snow had fallen over our lovely trail meaning whoever was in front had to bash out the new route. Some were better than others, Andy got a good pace going out front, helped by knowing where we needed to go especially after we recrossed the river and were heading along the river towards Cauldron Snout. The rocky sections here were as hard as ever but we were glad to have put the poles away.
Alan Cormack – Near Windy Bank Farm.
We drank our hot chocolate at the top of the Snout, I was worried I was running low on water but my second bottle hadn’t frozen so I was fine. The going was good along the road here. A quad bike appeared at one point and it seemed to have come most of the way from High Cup Nick along our route as we were able to follow the tracks although chose to stay on the lower path after the bridge but soon went up a level and followed the track. Much easier going underfoot rather than the knee-high snow around us. From the top of High Cup Nick we dithered working out which track to follow but ended up heading downhill on a good track. A lot of people were chatting and we knew this was slowing our progress so we pushed on and were surprised to see how far behind people were. We got to Dufton and straight to the checkpoint for 15:26. We knew we had 30 minutes maximum here. Within minutes Robin Kingsbergen and Sharon Sullivan appeared. We were given hot tea and water for our dehydrated food. We’d both gone for the 1000cal macaroni cheese and were delighted they had some brown sauce we could use.
Sharon and Robin were out the door just before us but we caught them at the turnoff to the Pennine Way as they went too far down the road. It wasn’t far along the boggy march that the medic caught us up to say that there would be blizzards over Cross Fell tonight and it was taking people on average 10 hours to get to Alston. We needed to stay in groups of 4 minimum. We had 12 hours before the cut off so headed on together. We knew we had an hour until it was dark so headed up as quickly as we could. Andy again took the lead on the main slope up to Knock Old Man. At times he had footprints to follow but in the main he was making the path through the snow, up to our knees at the most. We were all impressed each time he found a way marker and we knew the GPS was guiding him well. As we reached the stone marking Knock Old Man the next group of five arrived.
We expressed the need to stay in our teams just so we were looking after each other. Sharon then Robin tried to navigate us for a while as Andy swapped gloves and thought the magnet was making us go round in circles. He took over but shared it with Robin especially as we reached the thin poles that marked the edge of the flagstones. At the road the others overtook us and there was some confusion as to whether they were taking the bridleway or Pennine way. We decided we’d be safer following the road up to Great Dubb Fell despite it being longer. I added another layer when we got to a less windswept area. I’d tried the goggles but visibility was poor, luckily the wind was coming from the side so the hood kept it away from my eyes.
We took turns to break the trail, with Andy behind guiding us with the GPS. It seemed to take awhile before we were on the top of Cross Fell. We found the trig point but the shelter was covered in snow. We kept moving getting off the other side and down to the corpse road. This wasn’t easy to follow either due to the snow hiding it, or being too deep to walk in. Lights ahead at the gate which was the medic from the hut and then a short distance to Gregs Hut. What a welcome! Chilli noodles and hot drinks. The other group arrived as we were packing up and one of the guys said something about the cut off at Alston being changed to 7am but we hadn’t been told this officially.
We headed off with Andy and Robin taking turns to find the route. The other group soon caught us and needed some persuasion to take their turn in breaking and finding the trail. It wasn’t long after this that the snow reduced and it was easier going. The two groups dispersed and we overtook some as others overtook us. We had a quick chat with Sharon and pushed on.
Through the street of Garrigill a lady was offering to put the kettle on but we knew we were only a few miles to Alston so pushed on. We started to follow others and it was only when I saw lights high above us that I realised we’d missed the riverside turn. I clanged my sticks together which got the attention of the people in front. It was a good flat path but mostly single file. A guy overtook us but soon dropped behind us when he realised we knew where we were going although Phil Clarke pointed out our error of taking a lower path at one point. I was very aware of the time getting closer to the 4am cut off and knew we still had a few miles to go although my GPS watch seemed to have added a mile on so I was pleased when we reached the wooded path that I knew led to Alston and it’s YHA. 03:57:21 was the time we arrived, the photographer greeted us by names. At the door we were told of the twist in events. It seems that any of us who did the extra 8 miles from Middleton had been given an extra 4 hours to complete the event which included a new cut off in Alston of 10am instead of 4am. There were 6 of us left in the race with the extended cut-offs. Sadly for Robin and Sharon because they’d not done those extra miles they were told they could continue but couldn’t come into checkpoint! They were given their drop bags and offered food but they had to find a public toilet in town to sleep. They were naturally upset and we felt odd being allowed in.
Andy and I were in separate dorms but allowed ourselves 2 hours sleep so we could get out the door 2 hours ahead of our new cutoff.
Alston to Bellingham CP5. Friday 19th 08:11 to Saturday 20th 01:00:14. 16 hours 45. 39.12 miles. 1,882m ascent.
I had my feet tapped again but mostly as a precaution than any change as I still only had the two blisters. Andy was loving how everyone said his feet were great. I had porridge and scrambled eggs on toast.
We left at 8:11am knowing Sharon and Robin were already on the trail about an hour ahead. It was a slightly drizzly day but good going underfoot as we followed Issac Tea Trail and headed towards Hadrian’s Wall. As we turned off the road in Slaggyford a lady called our names and offered us cups of tea ready to drink. She even had toasted cheese sandwiches! She was enjoying watching the race and coming out to support everyone.
The only hard part was the section over Hartleyburn to Blenkinsopp Commons because of the bog, it really was draining on the energy levels. As we headed down to the A69 we could see Sharon and Robin ahead and caught them up at Hadrian’s Wall.
We told them about the cafe ahead but hadn’t realised it was shut until Spring but at least there was a covered area and table next to the open toilets. We filled our rehydration meals with water from one of our flasks but Andy got his jet boil out to heat water for the others. I changed my socks as they were soaked through. There were photographers from racing snakes who seemed to enjoy taking photos of my steaming socks.
At the pace we were going we knew we could reach Bellingham by midnight and we were happy to head into the dark with Robin and Sharon again. Snow fell on the last few sections of the Wall and the light bounced of the flakes from my head torch luckily all I had to do was follow the Wall at our side. Andy took over the navigation after the Wall. At times there were paths to follow but other times it was hard to find. We stayed together and kept checking on the person behind to ensure they weren’t dropping back. Sharon and Robin were both struggling with their limited sleep and were grateful for her caffeine tablets and our hot chocolate. I ended up needing the caffeine too but wasn’t sure if it was because I was running short of water. I’d drunk more along the wall than I expected to, I guess I got warm pushing the pace on the undulations. I thought as I’d only drunk a bottle to get there I’d be fine with one to Bellingham so had used my spare rather than topping up. I think it was knowing we were close to Horneystead Farm rather than the caffeine that spurred me on. I was delighted to see Helen (not Kim’s mum!) there as I’d just said we would need to be quiet as it was 22:15. She made us hot drinks and allowed us to take the food we wanted but wouldn’t accept any money, although agreed to a £1 each. Sharon slept the 20 minutes we stopped there. We all had more energy as we headed on to Bellingham. I was so pleased to get there just after 1am. We talked to the others about their plans to make the most of the checkpoint. All Sharon wanted to do was sleep, I warned her how cold the main sleeping room would be.
They now have a kitchen at Bellingham! We were so surprised to see it was attached to the side of the room we’d set up last year with a microwave etc. They’d also removed the pool table so the room seemed much bigger. Having so few people behind us meant we could leave our stuff by our bags. Maddie was there but it seemed I just needed the padding re doing not the toe-tapping, any of the medics would look at them so she went for her break. It was great to see Kevin McCann at last, he and Colin Green came out to walk us in. Poor Colin had broken a rib early on and dropped out not long after we saw him at Lothersdale. He was now helping out for the rest of the week.
Bellingham to Kirk Yetholme. Saturday 20th 05:47am to Sunday 21st 03:48am. 22 hours. 43.82 miles. 1982m of ascent.
It was really cold in the sleeping room, especially when you rolled over. My alarm went off at 04:15 and I struggled to get going. Again I ate as my feet were tapped. We had a full kit check and were out of the door at 05:47 a little later than planned but great to know we were racing into the sunshine. Photographers met us with a bright light as we approached the B6320 and with a drone at the start of the forestry road. The going was great underfoot with only a few places of deeper snow otherwise the trail was nicely dug through the snow. The road was the same as vehicles had driven along the full length to Byrness. I began to struggle again in the last few miles to Byrness, I stopped for hot chocolate and put music on to sing along to. We arrived at Byrness at midday which was the cut off time for Sharon and Robin, they had left 30 minutes or so before us. I was shattered so got a meal out and my bottles and let Andy fill them as I lay on the sofa to try to sleep. He woke me after 20 minutes and I was prepared to pack up and eat outside the checkpoint knowing we had 30 minutes maximum at the checkpoint.
It was a steep, warm climb out of Bryness. I opened all my vents and used snow to cool me down. It was stunning across the tops and we had a great path to follow. Andy doubled checked the GPS as the route was further away from the fence than I remembered but we were spot on. It was also deeper snow further down. We followed the fence until the sign pointed us east to the Roman Fort. We’d seen Robin and Sharon ahead and slowly caught them up just before Hut 1. The light was fading and we were pleased to get there by 17:00, 10 more miles done.
We’d been told the huts were empty but found two safety crew there. They gave us hot drinks and noddles. I had planned to sleep there just for 30 minutes but felt more awake so we didn’t. One of the guys asked if we were sticking together and Robin answered yes but they were quicker out of the door and up the hill than us. I was fine initially on this 10 mile section but struggled on the hill up to the final turn back to Hut 2. I was having to work really hard at staying awake. I’d had coffee in Byrness and Hut 1. I made a strong coffee in my flask but that didn’t help either. I tried to drink and eat plenty but nothing helped. Andy suggested I counted to 800 but didn’t get past 300 when we reached the turn and a downhill section, where the path to The Cheviot starts. Robin and Sharon were resting there so we headed to Hut 2 with them. It was great to slide down some of the hills on my bottom but not all were steep or smooth enough. I went ahead with Robin although he powered up the hill. Andy stayed behind with Sharon.
There was support at Hut 2 as well. They gave us hot water for our dehydrated meal. I tucked it inside my jacket and lay down to sleep, I was covered in a sleeping bag and woken after an hour. Sharon and Robin had already left along with Dima. We were warned it could take 5 hours to get down so Andy wanted to make sure we allowed enough time to get there before 8am. It actually took under 3 hours and was an amazing feeling to walk up that final hill knowing it wasn’t far to the finish. We walked hand in hand over the green and up to the wall of the Border Hotel. Race done! Kevin was there to give us our medals. Harriet had woken Karl who’d only come in 12 hours ahead of us due to hours breaking through fresh snow on the Cheviots. We’d been very lucky.
So I had a few sips of that beer. Harriet got me hot chocolate. We soaked our feet, sorted gear and showered. I slept on the sofa in reception until Duncan and Jo (Andy’s brother & sister- in- law) came for us. They only live an hour from Kirk Yetholm and would have been waiting at the finish if we’d kept to the original estimated time and not gone so fast.
We spent the rest of the day with Duncan and Jo, sleeping and eating. My feet were really swollen so I was pleased to have size 10 spare shoes in my bag. Luckily Duncan was driving to ours later in the week so we only needed our race rucksacks for the train journey home Monday.
Thoughts and feelings now it’s post race.
I’m so glad we’ve done it, especially in a year with so much snow. It felt like a true Spine race. Great to be the first married couple but also part of the Middleton 6 that did extra miles! No, I won’t be back except to marshal again! Marshalling last year and our recces made a big difference to how the race went and I really enjoyed the whole process. It’s been an amazing few weeks since the race, we’ve both felt like royalty as people congratulate us. We’ve been amazed by how many people were watching our dots especially people we don’t really know.
With thanks to Mark Haywood, Anne-Marie Lord, John Bamber, Drew Wilson, Kevin McCann, the official photographers such as racing snakes and a few others for the photos.
Kit
Paramo Ventura jacket and Cascada II trousers were perfect, especially with the Sea to Summit Sil Nano poncho. The trousers seemed to leak at the zips though which I’m not so happy with but the zips going down from the top meant a great way to cool off. I wore my Halley mountain cap from GO most of the race with hoods up as needed for extra warmth. Very rarely needed my buff.
The FORCLAZ BLACK TREK 500 MOUNTAIN TREKKING FINGERLESS GLOVES were great except the magnet would have interfered with the compass had we needed to use it. I had thin merino gloves underneath them. I had warmer gloves too but only ever used the Extremities waterproof outers. These had elastic straps on which I’d slip over my wrists to prevent losing them.
I as warm enough with the Brynje Super Thermo string vest with technical top over it and normal run bra. I had a thin fleece for coming off the hills.
Thermal leggings throughout.
Injini socks with either dexshell or sealskin socks two pairs were knee length but I can’t say they were very waterproof but kept my feet warm. Changed at each checkpoint plus one other change.
Saucony mens Kea ST size 11 shoes (thanks to Tony and Shelli at Lets Run) were great except on the slippy icy slabs that Andy breezed over in New balance Hierro. 2 sizes up worked well for me.
I’m glad I bought the larger OMM classic 32 rucksack. I had no choice when we realised we had to carry tapped seams waterproofs but it made it easy to get things in and out. We had our goggles and yak tracks in the back mesh easy to get too plus the Zojirushi flash which meant we didn’t have to stop to boil hot water and the hot chocolate made a real difference. I had first aid kit in the top along with dehydrated food and long spork to prevent the need for going into the main pack. I really used my front pouch that Sarah Fuller lent me. The map section doesn’t really work but we could slide our laminated A to Z maps into it for easy access. We also put our poles there when not needed. Inside we had food plus spare batteries and battery charger for our watches. We had the route saved on our watches but they weren’t detailed enough to use instead of the Garmin 64s GPS, borrowed from Sarah Smith. I had my headtorch in one side pocket and spare soft flask for water in the other plus MP3 player. I had a Camelbak Podium Big Chill 750ml Insulated Bottle in a side pocket but lost it. At the front I had a raidlight bottle which was great but the straw froze up a couple of times even with mountain fuel in it. I had insulation around it but it wasn’t enough.
My petzlmyo headtorch seemed to eat the lithium batteries I was happier using the torch Graeme Tiffany lent me.
Even though we didn’t bivvy out at all we used our pre rolled sleep system in two places and it was great to just unroll it blow up the mat and slide in instead of having a variety of bags. Neoair X-Lite mat, Vango F10 Vulcan – 7 sleeping bag inside Sarah Smith’s Rab storm bivvy.
Food was a mix of chia charge bars, tribe and snickers. We had mountain fuel sachets too for added calories.
Us running
Finish video
Andy’s rewordings.
WHY? by Rudyspine Is Kripling
If you can keep your kit when all about are losing theirs and blaming it on you.
If you can navigate when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too.
If you can trudge and not be tired by trudging,
And being hungry, don’t just eat all the pies,
Or being thirsty don’t just rely on coffee,
And yet don’t look too knackered, nor talk too wise.
If you can dream and not make GPS your master.
If you can think and make Kirk Yetholm [Hardraw] your aim.
If you can meet with Pavel and Eugeni
And treat those two Legends just the same.
If you can bear to see your post on Facebook twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools.
Or watch the plan you trained a year for, broken and stoop and build it up with worn out tools.
If you can make one heap of all your mandatory possessions and forget about the cost.
And get lost, and start again when you get your bearings and never breathe a word about being lost.
If you can force your feet and legs and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you except the will which says to them: “Move on!”
If you can walk with runners and keep your humour,
Or talk with marshals and thank them all so much.
If neither wind nor freezing rain can hurt you,
If all check points count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving week [weekend] with 268 [108] miles worth of distance run,
Yours is the Pennine Way and everything that’s on it,
And which is more you’ll have broken The Spine,
Well Done!
The Spine Woman
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Awindy Noyes
The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.
The trail was a ribbon of limestone over the frozen moor,
And the Spine Woman came running, running, running,
The Spine Woman came running, up to the check point door.
She’d a head torch strapped to her forehead, a frosty buff at her chin.
A coat of the shiny Paramo, and leggings tight to her skin.
They fitted with never a wrinkle, her gaiters were up to the thigh.
And her race number shone with a twinkle,
Her GPS unit a-twinkle,
Her Garmin watch a-twinkle, under the winter sky.
Over the cobbles she clattered and clashed in the dark hostel yard,
And she tapped with her sticks in the doorway, but poles and boots were barred.
She took them off in the boot room, and who should be waiting there,
But the wonderful Check Point Marshals,
Kevin, the finest marshal,
Running place like clockwork with the team he’d gathered there.
And dark in the dark hostel yard the heavy kit bags creaked,
Where the Logistic Team waited; their faces white and peaked;
Their eyes were hollows of madness, they laboured night and day,
But they loved the Spine experience,
The brutal Spine experience,
As they worked they listened, and heard two runners say…
“Some chilli and some sweet tea, I’m after a feed tonight”.
“But I shall get my feet checked and I’ll be gone before the morning light.
Yet, if you leave here sharply, and miss me through the day,
Then look for me in Yetholm,
Watch for me in Yetholm,
I’ll drink with you in Yetholm, though hell should bar the way”.
She sorted her gear in the kit room, new batteries close at hand.
She washed her feet and dried them, no blisters just as planned.
Fresh socks and gloves and leggings and even a new string vest.
And she packed everything just right,
Happy that everything was just right,
She took a few minutes for a quick bite, then headed away for some rest.
One runner did not come in the dawning; he did not come at noon;
And out of the tawny sunset, before the rise of the moon,
When his SOS was triggered out on the frozen moor,
The Safety Team came marching, marching, marching,
The heroic team came marching, and carried him through Greg’s Hut door.
She said few words to the marshals, she drank their tea instead,
But she grabbed her sleeping bag and earplugs and they showed her a nice soft bed.
Two hours passed in a heartbeat, then the alarm rang at her side.
There was darkness at every window;
And hell at each dark window
But she could see from her race plan that this was no place to hide.
Others were in need of attention, the Exile Medics are the best.
They had bound, taped and bandaged ankles, feet and the rest
They treated many a blister and heard one poor man say
“I fell in a stream on the first night,
Up to my neck before midnight,
Cold to my core since that first night, I hate the Pennine Way!”
She threw on her backpack behind her, the familiar weight felt good.
She strapped on her boots, poles and gaiters, as quick as she possibly could.
She stretched as she’d trained in the darkness, and the hours would crawl by like years,
But now, on the stroke of midnight,
Cold, on the stroke of midnight,
The tip of one foot touched it! The trail again was hers!
The tip of one foot touched it; she vowed she’d do her best.
Up, she stood up to attention, her heart thumped in her chest.
She would not risk DNF’ing; she would strive on through the pain;
For the trail lay bare in her torchlight;
Blank and bare in her torchlight;
And the blood of her veins in the moonlight throbbed to The Spine’s refrain .
Step step, step step. Would she make it? Would she be beaten by doubt or fear?
Step step, step step. What’s the distance? Was the finish getting near?
Down the ribbon of limestone, over the brow of the hill,
The Spine Woman came running, running, running.
The runner looked to her training. Her head up, straight and still.
Step step, in the frosty silence! Step step, in the echoing night!
Nearer she came and nearer! Her face was like a light!
Her eyes grew wide for a moment; she drew one large deep breath,
The climb from Byrness in her torchlight,
Steep and sharp in her torchlight,
Up she climbed in the moonlight, only a marathon left!
She turned, she spurred to the west; finish she knew that she would.
She bowed head to the weather. The conviction was deep in her blood.
Since the last dawn she’d believed it, her mind grew bright and clear.
How much the race had taught her,
This most brutal race had taught her.
She watched for the trail in her torchlight, and ran in the darkness there.
On she spurred like a madman, shrieking a cheer to the sky,
With the long trail winding behind her and her head torch set on high.
Jet black were her tights in the dark of the moon; wine-red was her Paramo coat,
When she ran down the hill to the highway,
Down off the fell to the highway,
And she ran like the wind on the highway, with the frosty buff at her throat.
And now on this winter’s night we hear, as wind is in the trees,
And the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,
When crowd awake in the moonlight, shouts an encouraging call
The Spine Woman comes running, running, running.
The Spine Woman comes running, to touch the hotel wall.
Over the threshold she chatters and cheers into the bright hotel light;
She taps with her fist on the bar top, and calls for her free half pint;
She downs it in one with some gusto, and who should be waiting there?
But her family and friends who love her,
There to show that they love her,
Proudly she celebrates with them, and everyone gathered there.
cairn Andy got me running again and I was pleased to feel we were overtaking people again. That section over the top is flat for too long as you keep thinking you’ll be going down soon and we finally were. A quick hop along the road and I was surprised we were catching Harriet and Karl up again.
Making lifes adventures - Sarah Norman 