If you run, walk or stagger into a Spine checkpoint and say ‘Enough, I’m out’, the volunteers will politely not hear you and ask what you would like to eat and drink. They aren’t being rude, it’s just that the time you can spend in a checkpoint can change everything. When I DNFed in 2021,Continue reading “The Summer Spine Challenger North – tough enough (Part Two)”
Tag Archives: Ultra Running
The Summer Spine Challenger North – how tough? (Part One)
After I completed the full Summer spine in 2022, I persuaded Sharon to join me for the Sprint in 2023. she didn’t hate that so in 2024 we did Challenger South. She did hate that but still decided she would like to do the Challenger North anyway to complete the Pennine Way. As our ChallengerContinue reading “The Summer Spine Challenger North – how tough? (Part One)”
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great – on the plains
We had been told at the opening race briefing that the race was one of two halves – the physically tough stages in the mountains, followed by the mentally draining stages across the plains. We were warned the plains were very flat and we would be able to see runners tens of kilometres ahead. HoweverContinue reading “In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great – on the plains”
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great – in the Mountains
Now everyone knows more about Uzbekistan than they probably wanted too, its time to talk about the race! We all assembled on the start line at 6:45am for the final briefing and Uzbekistan National Anthem, and at 7:00am the first Global Limits ‘Uzbekistan – In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great’ race started! Stage OneContinue reading “In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great – in the Mountains”
The Summer Spine Challenger South – Soggy, boggy and foggy!
As those that have followed my Pennine journey from the start will know, I initially entered the Spine Race without any research or real knowledge of the race, started it in the same state and ended with a DNF and a desire to return with the knowledge I gained (plus a bit more) and completeContinue reading “The Summer Spine Challenger South – Soggy, boggy and foggy!”
The Way of Legends – The Golden Edition
I ran the Way of Legends in 2018. I came second to someone much quicker than me and had a bit of a tussle for my place with a quick Frenchman. It was a brilliantly organised race and one I considered doing again but then Covid happened, the race didn’t and it looked like theContinue reading “The Way of Legends – The Golden Edition”
The Fellsman Three 60
Sometimes I run a race and it’s so hard that at some point during the event I declare it a ‘one and done’ and vow that I will never do it again as long as I finish this time. My first Lakeland 100 was definitely a ‘one and done’ – I’m going back for myContinue reading “The Fellsman Three 60”
The Winter Spine Race 2024 – some random thoughts
This is the post I probably shouldn’t publish as its really just me trying to organise my thoughts and make some notes before it all becomes a blur. However it might be useful or interesting to someone so I will. Where to start? Lets start with kit – what worked and what didn’t. Overall myContinue reading “The Winter Spine Race 2024 – some random thoughts”
The Winter Spine Race 2024 – it’s cold outside…(Final part)
I attempted to get some sleep at the checkpoint but it didn’t work too well. Ironically the only place I was cold all week was in the sleeping area of CP5. I got up, got dressed and ate copious amounts of rice pudding with jam for breakfast. I was offered porridge but I felt riceContinue reading “The Winter Spine Race 2024 – it’s cold outside…(Final part)”
The Winter Spine Race 2024 – it’s cold outside…(Part Five)
After I’d showered and dressed I went looking for food. The overriding principle of the Spine Race is that everything must be done for everyone or for no-one. This means there can be no favouritism. This meant I couldn’t have a bacon sandwich because there wasn’t enough bacon for everyone to have one. This wasContinue reading “The Winter Spine Race 2024 – it’s cold outside…(Part Five)”
The Only Way Is Pennine... 