Where did you stay?

Duke of Normandie, St Peter Port

How did you get to the location/race?

Ferry there, plane back

Were you running for a cause?

Not this time

Why did you decide to enter this race?

Two reasons : 1. Unfinished business - I was supposed to do it two years ago but got Covid for the first time so had to stop training. 2. Off-island events can be expensive and time-consuming; the whole Guernsey package was comparatively cheap and easy!

How was your training? Did you have a coach?

Training was ok, I love a training plan, and try to make sure I get my yoga and strength classes in there too but I had a respiratory infection for the first 12 weeks, which wasn’t ideal and I felt I could have done a bit more. I’m pretty self-disciplined and don’t have a coach – I’m sure I could do better, but I put in the maximum amount of effort I’m willing to, given work, family commitments and other hobbies.

How was the race organisation beforehand?

There wasn’t a huge amount of comms, but they were sufficient. It’s a small event so the amount of organisation required wasn’t too much – but everything seemed to flow well.

Did you have a specific race strategy, and if so, did you stick to it or have to adapt during the race?

I actually had planned to run at a slower pace to see if I could be more consistent over the distance. As usual, this didn’t happen and yet again, I paid the price with very bad cramp in my quads with quite some distance to go. As I’ve done before, I then timed myself run/walk and though not ideal, I still brought it home in what is, for me, a reasonable time.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced during the race?

It was much hotter than anyone had expected (26C) and I was salt-deficient which contributed to the cramp, I’m sure. Then, having got to the end, with, literally, 10 feet to go to the finish line, my right calf completely seized up and stopped me in my tracks. But I’ve never walked over a finish line yet, so I dug deep, and got myself over in a running/hobbling fashion.

How did you manage to overcome those challenges?

I read an article once about an ultra-runner ( he was old and had been diagnosed with a terminal illness but just carried on doing ultras anyway) and he pointed out: “it doesn’t always get worse”. This phrase really stuck with me and I said it several times during the run because, when it’s really painful, or tough, it doesn’t always get worse! Every now and then (when you carb up, chuck a bottle of water over your head, exchange a few words with a fellow runner), it gets a bit better – so you have to enjoy that ride and maximise it whilst you can (and until it gets worse again!!!)

What was the best bit?

Bizarrely, the hill at the beginning! Everyone was together, some people ran all the way, some people (like me) ran half-way, then walked and enjoyed a bit of banter. A Jersey Vegan Runner (Dan, but not Dan Garrido!) recognised the colour of my RnR vest and we got chatting, then supported each other along the way when it was getting really tough. Also, the legend (and fellow RnRR) that is Harry McAlinden came to talk to me at the start, and at Jersey airport – we’d never spoken before, and now I feel like we’re Best Buds!

What was the worst bit?

Feeling the cramp start to come on and knowing what was coming.

How were the crowds/supporters?

Great, all the way round. More at the start of course, and with only 200 runners (100 more than last year, I think!), you get very spread out, as do the supporters. But you’d see the same faces popping up all the time and cheering you on, and that was really nice.

What would you do differently next time?

Slow down and make sure I have the right nutrition. I had loads of gels, and my Waitrose Fruit Jellies (Vegan) were actually really good – but I didn’t have any salt, and that was an error.

What advice would you give other runners doing this race?

Don’t run all the way up the hill unless you’re super confident you can – it’s fine, lots of people walk it.

Would you recommend this race to other runners?

Definitely, cheap, easy, well-supported, looks good on your Strava – what’s not to like?

How did you celebrate completing your race?

A beer with my Guernsey friends, then home to my standard celebratory Belgian buns and a glass of fizz.

What's next?

The Bristol Half in May,  Ultra North (55km) in July, and Royal Parks Half in October. And plans area already afoot for 2025…..!

Any final thoughts?

I may not be the fastest, but at the age of 56, I’m pretty pleased with myself. I’m annoyed I got such bad cramp again and am wavering between resting on my 7-marathon laurels or trying to work out what to do about it and try again next year (one marathon a year is enough for me!)