My Download of UTS…

Things that went well…

My training was very good. I trust it. This includes my eating, self myo, pre and rehab, Core Club Online and running.

My body was strong. I never felt in trouble and was nicely placed in the top third to attack in the second half. Leading Core Club Online has been a complete game changer.

My mind was even stronger. Yes it was hard but I never felt I wouldn’t finish. Ever.

My nav when I needed to do it was very good.

My nutrition was spot on.

My drop bag food is a triumph. Hot smoked salmon, basmati rice and mango.

I didn’t feel tired. Chia Charge Chocolate Peanut Butter and Original bars, Mountain Fuel Jellies, Clif Double Espresso Shots all great.

My hydration was also spot on.

I drank a litre between every station without fail. I also found out I like Torq Grapefruit drink.

Friends, family and friendly faces are massively important when you’re doing these things. Thank you all so much for your support and unwavering belief throughout this journey.

Things I could do better…

Even more balance work.

Explore going back on my balance meds.

Spare poles in my drop bag.

Better shoe choice for wet rock.

Even more time in the environment ahead of time.

Sleep.

The good parts of my kit…

My Montane run tops, short sleeved and the hooded one. Exceptional.

My Compress Sport calf guards. Love them.

My Ron Hill/Mountain Warehouse wet top is simply amazing.

My Salomon 12 pack I love.

My Injinji Ultra socks. No blisters, four sock changes and constantly wet feet on relentless rock.

My Garmin Enduro watch. Amazing.

My 2XU recovery tights. So good.

The bad parts of my kit…

My Inov8 shoes are absolutely terrible on wet Welsh rock. They were far better on wet Cumbrian rock.

I wore the wrong glasses for the weather. Schoolboy stuff.

The Race

It’s nuts. There’s nothing like it. Not even UTMB for which it is a qualifier. No other race sees you go over the top of everything you climb, no other race is as relentless in its questioning of your sanity and bravery. It is a complete one off. Lakeland, Wendover, you name it, they’re not even remotely close to this.

It’s also impossible to describe it and do it justice in a narrative. You’ll just have to pick one of the distances and go see.