Double Paddy Buckley Round
122 miles, 17070m
17th to 19th May 2019
The
Paddy Buckley has always been a special round to me because it was the first
round after the Bob Graham, where I learnt so much and really changed my
training in order to complete it. I reccied it a lot and had many weekends over
the winter of 2005/2006 learning the lines with Dark Peak and Penistone. I
attempted in bad weather, staggered round in 25.45 hours and then got breast
cancer. I returned to Wales throughout 2006 and 2007 and attempted again in May
2007. This time I was successful. I also had a wonderful day in 2013 when
I broke the Ladies record in knocking 5 hours off my time to complete in 19.02.
After completing the Double Ramsay I knew I wanted to do
a Paddy. I had a couple of reccies before Ultra Tour Monta Rosa working out how
to do it and decided on a full ACW round followed by a CW round starting at
Capel Curig. My worry was the night sections and after I had reccied the Pont du
Gors to Aberglasyn leg a couple of times thought that the major navigational
problem would be finding the descent off Hebog to Banog. But there had to be a
night section and that was the best one. I was also worried about the long Capel
to Aberglasyn and back leg and wanted the second traverse as early in the round
as possible.
I emailed out for support around Christmas time as I
wanted to go with my favourite weekend for rounds which is May 18th /19th etc.
Support came slowly but over time me and Charmian collected a few more good
people and I was happy with the allocation. I wanted Wisp along but after the
Ramsay when she overheated a lot I chose night legs and although she likes the
Capel to Aberglasyn leg it's just too long at over 7 hours. But four legs would
be nice and finishing with her too. I also asked Keith Holmes to come over for
the last leg. There are a few shots of me on the Run Forever with Keith at the
end and I cherish the fact that our special friendship is recorded on camera.
Part of my 2006 getting fitter and faster plan was to attend the Winter Mondays
sessions that Keith organises. When I turned up, a lot slower than any of them,
they and especially Keith didn't make me feel slow at all. They all encouraged
me and slowly I got faster and much stronger at hills. I still do the Winter and
Summer Mondays and think they are key to my success. Keith has been there with
me through thick and thin. There had been quite a few supporters changes in the
week and days leading up to the start and I am really thankful that the support
I had all doubled up and changed around just as asked. Everyone of you were
special and played a key part in my success last weekend. I hope I remember to
mention everyone.
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The weather forecast in the week beforehand was a
changeable picture. Everytime I looked it was different as although there was a
high in place there was also a low moving in from the west and it just depended
on how far east it came. But the temperatures were good - 10 to 15C and a cold
east wind too. Although I wanted dry rocks there was no way I was cancelling for
a possible few showers. I had booked a B&B which took dogs for Wisp as all
campsites didn't! It was actually lovely having a room and I would recommend the
Bryn Glo Cafe as accommodation especially with a great pub within walking
distance and the Moel Siabod cafe on route to Capel Curig.
Leg 1 - Start Joe Browns, Capel Curig 10.30am.
Support: Damian Hall, Tim Ripper and Wisp. Scheduled Time: 3:20 hours Actual
Time 3:00 hours Arrived 13.30 Friday
It was overcast and slightly drizzling so I'd gone with a
Short sleeved Tri Blend Tee with a
Stormshell Waterproof . I put on my
Enso skirt
with my
Race Elite 3/4's tights over the top as I
really expected it to get warm enough to take the 3/4's off. It was so good to
be setting off at last. Wisp was quite good on the road but eager to be off her
lead and running abut when we got over the gate. I had timed the splits and
thought we would get up on schedule but I didn't try to concentrating on just
taking it easy and starting to eat. It did seem very daunting to be setting off
on two rounds but the taper was working as I felt fresh and strong. It was quite
warm and the showers didn't come to much. We could soon see the whole of our
route and looking across to Snowdon it looked clear too. I had a good chat to
Tim Ripper about sleep and feet as in March he completed the
The Lakes 2500 (which are all 62 'Wainwright' Fells in the Lake District that
are over 2500 feet in height - 110 miles and 45,000 feet of climb) in
51.39 hours. Chatting away the whole leg passed very quickly and we were
soon trying to stay on the grassy path down. Running into the layby I wasn't
looking forward to the ascent of Tryfan as on the ACW leg it's a brute of a
climb. I tucked into some Expedition foods Custard and Berries in readiness!
Leg 2 - Start Glandana layby. Support Damian
Hall, Darren Fishwick, Jim Paxman. Scheduled Time: 4:05 hours Actual Time 3:45
hours Arrived 17:15 Friday
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I set off steady up the climb. It was getting warm but
not enough to take off the 3/4's. The temperatures were good for me. On my recce
I had plodded up what I thought was a path but couldn't find it now. It was a
relief to get off the steep gully and onto the rock climbing. Damian went ahead
and found the scuffed rocks for us. My stomach was playing up a bit and I
wondered about trying to go to the toilet. Oh it was nice to reach the top on
schedule and then descend. As I didn't have a pack I found this much easier than
normal and now the rocks had dried a little so the graphene shoes gripped really
well. The climb up Bristly Ridge seemed loose, steep and hard. I gave myself a
telling off for going too fast and tried to go slowly but the gradient is so
steep. Topping out I think we all felt the pace was too fast. Jim and Damian
went ahead and walked - I think making a point that I should also walk. I heeded
this hint and walked while trying not to be impatient. A loo stop helped. I was
eating rice puds I think but didn't eat the bars as I usually do. We met Lee
Proctor on the climb to Y Garn and I had cheered up a bit by then. Slowing the
pace had worked and now it felt more do able for a longer period of time.
Trotting over to Elidir Fawr and Elidir Fach was nice. I've always liked them
ACW. The descent to Llanberis went well too with us finding the lines down
through the quarries and down the concrete panels. I remembered one recce with
Wisp where she had a dunk in the lake then we turned back round and headed back
to Glandana!
I think I ate some eggs and beans here (it's all got a
bit confused!). And I changed my socks, taking Tim Ripper's advice.
Leg 3 - Start Llanberis. Support Darren Fishwick,
Kirsty Hewitson, Matt Bennett and Wisp. Scheduled Time: 4:31 hours Actual Time
4:14 Arrived 21:29 Friday
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The first climb to Moel Eilio I quite like ACW although
everyone else said it dragged. From there we trotted along quite happily. It was
quite chilly but clear and the moon was starting to appear. The worse ACW climb
has got to be the Crib y Ddysgyl one. I had hoped that it was avoiding people on
the path that made it worse but there were no people and it still just dragged
on at the same relentless gradient. Kirsty and Matt got a great line though that
popped us out right at the summit. Phew. Down to the col then up to Snowdon we
went. We whooped a little as we knew that it was downhill mainly now and the
grassy descent from Yr Aran is rather pleasant. I was eating well again and
mainly noodles with the occasional gel and other stuff. The coke was going down
well too. Meeting Damian on the final descent I had some coffee and then enjoyed
the grassy splodge down to Pont Cae gors.
I think it was cheese and onion pie here. And a change of
socks again sticking with the Graphene Mudclaws shoes.
Leg 4 Start Pont Cae gors Support: Ian
Charlesworth, Simon Rippon and James Gregory. Scheduled Time: 3:46 Actual Time
4:25 Arrived 01:54 Saturday
Setting off I was happy and feeling fresh. We walked /
ran along the tracks and hit the grassy climb. Having done this a couple of
times it was fairly simple to navigate and we soon seemed to reach the top. The
clouds had rolled in though and we were in clag which didn't bode well for later
navigation. Running and climbing across the rocks to Mynedd Drws y Coed we were
chatting to James about exposure and he said he didn't like heights. Ian replied
"It's a good thing you can't see down then". We soon reached the summit and onto
Trum. Here we nearly ran off the hill the wrong way but I just spotted the edge
to my right. It was very hard to see the path in the grass. Down we went and
dropped slightly out of the clag. The little out and back was quick and then I
led up the wall and gully to the summit of Y Gryn. Off that was the usual
heather and rock bash then there was a long climb up into the clag and cold
again to Moel Lefn. Because of the clag we weren't spotting the nice trods but
it was fine. The climb up Moel Hebog seemed very steep and I was glad to reach
the top. Now came the tricky bit. I was determined not to drop too early as I
knew that was rocky. Looking over the edge I couldn't see the basin below for
clag so kept running down to the cairn. Then we headed left. It looked right and
slightly grassy but then we hit gorse. I'd never seen gorse before but there was
nothing to do but descend. The gorse just got deeper and thicker. I think both
me and Ian thought we had dropped too much and must be too far right - but to go
left meant lots of gorse whereas straight down looked less gorse. My legs were
getting scratched and I fell in a hole, only stopping when my leg got wider than
the hole was. I had a lump on my shin like an egg. It throbbed a lot. It was
awful floundering around in deep gorse and rocks and I was very frustrated. We then
spotted a wall. Looking at my map I realised that the wall would lead us to the
summit of Bryn Banog. Just then James answered his phone and it was Charmian
telling us we were too far right. So along the wall we scrambled - having to go
up and down all the time. It was very frustrating - and not only that but I
don't think I had eaten for all this time- we reached Bryn Banog in 52 minutes
having lost 27 minutes. Getting a bearing sorted we ran off. Again I had reccied
this and when clear I had walls and buildings and streams as guidance. We
dropped out the clag and could see some lights but we weren't sure of the route
and so went very slowly. Eventually we reached the boggy basin and the start of
the proper path. Running down I was disappointed to have lost that time but
thought that it's happened and everything is still ok.
Leg 5 Start Aberglasyn Support: Tom Pape, Megan
Wilson and Pez Holda. Scheduled Time 6:33 Actual Time 7:57 hours Arrived 09.51
Saturday
Leg 5 I had cut into Leg 5a and Leg 5b with Ian
Fitpatrick and Mia camping out in the quarries mid point. On reccies it just
seemed too long to have it as one leg of 7 hours. This however only slightly
improved the enormousity of what was to come. The climb to Cnict isn't bad - but
the track after the road goes on forever. As we neared the end of the road there
was a ginger haired chap sat on a landrover that I partially recognized. He had
a great smile and a cow bell. We all grinned as we passed by. So up the track we
went. I knew I had to be running part of it but just didn't have the energy. I
also wasn't looking forward to the whole leg really. We lost about 10 minutes to
the top of Cnict and it was foggy on top. Tom led me down what I thought must be
Ian Fitz's contour route but it was quite nice and dropped us at the reservoir
the same. Again going over to the quarrries I knew I should be running. It was
lovely seeing a yellow tent there and although I didn't want to stop long I ate
some beans and drank some coffee. We could see two bodies inside the tent all
curled up, in their sleeping bags and fast asleep. Ian Fitz and Mia we assumed.
Eventually Ian heard us and emerged from his deep sleep. How lovely I thought -
that he can sleep so well out here. He said he would move across the quarries
and meet us on our return which would be nice.
Tom, Megan and Pez filled up their water
bottles and we carried on. Somewhere we bumped into Lee and Tori on the climb
and although lost the path, soon found it by the fence again. I don't think I
was very happy now, things just didn't seem to be going right. Little errors in
the clag all cost time I know and I still wasn't finding loads to eat. We ran
off and over to Moelwyn Bach where Jake the cameraman was waiting - as cheery as
ever! Running back towards Moel Yr Hydd I cheered up a bit and realised we
weren't too far off the schedule. Maybe life wasn't all bad! We trotted along
the track below the Moelwyns, across the two little bumps meeting Ellie on route
which was nice and down into the quarries. This time I had something to eat
quickly and set off as I needed the loo. I waited for the others to catch up and
we climbed up onto the plateau. The clag was swirling round but I knew the lines
ok and with Tom in front we were good. Pez and Megan were cheery and fed me
noodles and coke.
Running back towards Druman Tom asked me which way round
the lake I went - and I always go right. The pace seemed ok but I realised we
were just losing time on the schedule on every split. Although I had reccied
these lines and tops a lot I was doubting myself and in the clag we couldn't see
the obvious markers such as the ponds. We ended up back tracking to one top in
the clag. At some point I tried to work out whether I wasn't even going to do
the first round in under 24 hours. I think I was sure we would but I could feel
the under 48 hours for the Double slipping out of reach. I was toying with
stopping at Capel however when Megan said "How much do you want to push up
here?" on the climb to Moel Siabod I replied automatically "Not that hard as I
have to turn around and do it all again" !!! Then I knew I wasn't stopping !!!!
I did have to come to terms with the fact that the sub 48 hours was probably 99%
not achievable though which was immensely disappointing as I really didn't want
another Double like the Ramsay. I ran down to Capel not knowing how to pull
anything round.
I can see on the video the anguish in my face -
Inov-8 /videos/449742519168708 I don't
even stop to hug my brother properly and dive into the camper. Even though I
didn't think I could sleep I just needed a break before the huge return leg so Charmian asked everyone to be quiet and I had 10 minutes just lying there. When
Charmian came back in we changed my clothes (I took off the Enso skirt as it
just wasn't going to get warm enough for that now) and washed my feet and
then I started to feel rather sick. Charmian grabbed the washing bowl and I
vomited into that. I looked down and although the eggs and tea had come back up
none of the baked beans had. There were some berries though and Charmian said
"Berries and Custard" - that was from Glandana so they had been in there hours!
I felt slightly better and thought I'd have to get on with Moel Siabod. I took
my
Leki Micro Trail Pro poles
as I knew I was going to need some help on this second round!
Leg 6 Start Capel Curig Support: Damian Hall,
Kirsty Hewitson and Adam Micklethwaite. Scheduled Time 7.55 hours Actual Time
9.52 hours Arrived 19.43 Saturday
The climb up Moel Siabod didn't seem too bad but I
was going way slower than what I needed to. I honestly can't remember a lot of
this leg. Adam led a lot and the others tried to get me to eat. It all just
seemed a bit pointless. I've never wanted to be one of these people that do very
long things, very slowly and then complain about the whole experience - but
that's what I felt like I was doing. I felt like I had let everyone down even
starting the Double Paddy - what a stupid idea to get everyone out on the
pretense that I could complete a Double Paddy in under 48 hours. And even my
brother and his family too had come all the way from Berkhamsted. All these really negative thoughts were going round
my head.
Then coming off Moel Meirch we met Lisa Watson and her
friend which really gave me a boost though and I ate a few of her chocolate
coffee beans too. I hope they could work miracles on me as they did on our whole
High Peak Marathon team back in March! I did go off feeling slightly better and
kept going onwards towards the quarries. Coming down into the quarries we were
met by Lee and Tori again. I was now quite used to hearing a bouncy Sounth African
accent mixed in with Lee's Newcastle one. I needed something to eat and they had
beans which tasted quite good. Kirsty suggested a kip in the bothy bag and I
thought I would. It was rather nice just lying there in the sun and I think I
got a few minutes sleep although my knees starting hurting so I had to move. I
had some more beans and decided to crack on.
The next climb up Foel Ddu I usually found really easy
although it's steep but it really took the stuffing out of me. I was pulling
hard on my poles and completely exhausted. It was horrid. This was my worse fear
that nothing I did would make me go any faster. I was calculating that I had 5
legs left and at 6 hours a leg it would be another 30 hours and into Monday.
Moel Yr Hydd felt just as awful and I really started to question carrying on. If
I turned round I could spend all Sunday with my family. I decided to get back to
the quarries and see how I was. Walking to Moelwyn Bach we thought we spotted
people on Moelwyn Mawr. "They've got a long wait" I thought!
I decided to voice my plans to quit to Adam, Kirsty and
Damian. If they immediately agreed then it would strengthen that argument. Of
course they didn't !! Kirsty said No-one thought I was wasting their time, that
everyone was there for me and it didn't mater how long I took. That I would do
the same for any of them". Damian said "you would only come back and try it
again" That it would make a rubbish film, that I'm achieving something great by
even trying it. Both Damian and Kirsty said I must be in calorie deficit still
from being sick at Capel and not eating loads since. And Adam agreed and gave me
his wonderful hopeful smile. We continued to climb Moelwyn Bach and I pondered
what they had said.
I knew really that they were right and it was up to me to
try and sort the calorie deficit out. I asked for a gel and then the noodles.
And then stomped my way back and across to Moelwyn Mawr with more purpose asking
for a gel and noodles every 20 minutes or so. I knew I needed to do something in
order to get up the Beast that was Cnict. We met Lee and Tori on Moelwyn Mawr and
they came with us across to the quarries and onto Cnict. I was glad they were
coming as everyone asks about the difference between the Bob Graham and the
Paddy Buckley. And one huge difference is the steepness and the pathless climbs
that the Paddy has. Cnict is almost vertical and either soft grass, heather or
scree. I ploughed into it puffing away like a trooper but feeling stronger.
Reaching the top I almost felt elated and did a little skip!
More gels and noodles, then a rice pudding, that didn't
want to stay down but I forced it to. Trotting on I thought "Just do one leg at
a time and if everyone has to go home then I can borrow a rucksack and finish
the whole thing, taking as long as I want with Wisp". I knew Chris Charlesworth
had travelled all the way from Yorkshire to support me, even though he was
recovering from a stomach bug so I had to at least do the next leg. The track and the road went on forever but meeting Mark Harvey and
Steve Sanders with coffee and Dan Milton for a chat it was better than expected.
There was the ginger haired bloke and his landrover at the junction again and
now I remembered where I knew him from. I had been reccying a few weeks ago and
he had stopped to chat. I'd said I was reccying the UTS and he said have a good
race! It was lovely of him to be there both ways!
Into Aberglasyn we all went and after hugs I got into the
camper van. I had some food (pizza I think) and changed my socks again. I had bashed my toes
quite a lot and not running downhill they were sore but I didn't think any other
shoes than Mudclaws would cope with the terrain on the next leg so stayed with
them. I didn't want to stay too long as I wanted to get up Moel Hebog in
daylight - not wanting another gorse experience in the dark.
Leg 7 Start Aberglasyn Support: Chris
Charlesworth, Helen Elmore, Wisp, Andy Quicke and Ian Charlesworth from Yr Gryn.
Scheduled Time: 3:55 hours Actual Time: 6.10 hours. Arrived 01:58 Sunday
It
was a surprise that Helen Elmore was supporting on this leg but a very nice one.
Wisp was always scheduled to be on the leg and it was lovely to see her bouncing
around already. I knew the first two climbs were going to be hard and they were
but at least we could see. Coming off Bryn Banog I could see over to our left to
where we had been floundering in the gorse the previous night. It looked a long
way across and down - I know it felt like it at the time. Oh Well - let's get
this leg over with. Helen was very good at keeping me eating with the noodles
and a gel every now and again. All the supporters knew the drill now - and water
appeared as soon as the noodles did as I needed water to wash them down! It was
cold on the top of Moel Hebog and I asked to put my leggings on. That was also
nice to have the bottom half of my legs covered as the gorse scratches were
getting sore from bracken rubbing etc. It was clear as we trotted slowly along
which was nice. We discussed where Ian Charlesworth was going to meet us - I
think he was worried I would be going as fast as on the ACW leg - he needn't
have worried on that account! Although I felt a lot more positive I wasn't much
faster and worried myself a couple of times with a few wobbles on the rocks. It
was nice having Chris Charlesworth along as he hadn't been there before and the
leg has some nice features like caves and ridges to look at. We spotted a light
on Y Gyrn and I was surprised that Ian would chose to climb that heathery thing!
He was happy on the top but we floundered on the descent as they didn't listen
to me but took us off the end instead of straight left. It didn't matter - we
got down. Then up a bit and off to the little Mynedd Elor pimple ! Now as we
climbed Trum the clag came in again and it was a bit of a blessing I suppose. I
kept looking up and just seeing them higher up in front of me - it was cold and
wet now and I was glad of my leggings and protec jacket. Along the ridge we went
and then down the rocks - very very slowly as we couldn't make the path out, it
was slippery and windy. Wisp knows this ridge and just skipped around using Ian
Charlesworth as a breaking cushion when she was unsure of a rocky descent. It's
a bit disconcerting when she does it initially as she just slides into the back
of you - but you soon learn to hang on more tightly in readiness! I was glad she
was using Ian and not me! Down we went to the wall line and up to Y Garn! I gave
a little whoop - another leg nearly done. It took us forever to descend what
with me feeling unstable and having very sore toes. And the leaders not heeding
my instructions of just crossing the stream at 350m. But anyway Wisp enjoys it!
Then into the forest. As we walked along I found it hard to run. I wanted to run
but the legs didn't want to work. Kirsty Hewitson had come out to meet us and
walked alongside me and Helen. They were chatting away and I thought I'd try and
see if I was ready for a sleep. I shut my eyes and kept walking. After a few
steps I wandered to one side and opened them. But now I felt more drowsy so I
did it again. I think I did it about 4 times - Helen did notice and I thought if
I actually fell asleep on my feet that she would catch me.
We arrived at Pont du Gors and I said to Charmian as soon
as I got in the camper that I wanted a sleep. I ate some cheese & onion pie and
beans then I remember starting to lie over to put my head down and the next
thing Charmian was coming back into the camper van. She said I'd gone out
like a light and she'd left me. I felt so much better. I put more clothes on so
I left wearing a
Short sleeved Tri Blend Tee with a
Long sleeved Merino and then a
softshell jacket over the top. I also changed my 3/4's for
Winter Running Tights as I've used these a
lot on my reccies and they keep the wind out and are showerproof too. I
then put on my
Protec Shell asked for my
Extreme Thermo Mitts too. I knew that the
weather on Snowdon was not going to be pleasant and I wasn't moving fast enough
to keep warm.
I debated about my shoes for a while too. I tried Trail
Rocs, Trail Talons and then the
Terraultra 260's I was just looking for
something that would give my toes some room and feel comfortable. Although I
have never run more than 5 miles in these shoes I brought them just in case. I
changed the insole to a cushioned one and decided to go with them. I had been
screwing up my big toes because they were so bashed and these shoes felt like I
had lots of toe room.
I then had a lovely chat to my brother, Charlie who said
it didn't matter what happened, that he was proud of me. And went on my way.
Leg 8 Start Pont du Gors Support: Matt Bennett
and Pez Holda. Scheduled Time 4:50 hours Actual Time 07:01 hours. Arrived 08:54
Sunday
As soon as we went through the gate I started running!
This was amazing - I wanted to run!! The clag was well down and I was glad that
Matt knew the way and also had a gps. We climbed up and up, passed walls and
buildings that I didn't recognise and saw things like caves and more walls that
I had never seen! It was so thick clag that when we reached the ridge we
couldn't see the fence only metres away! Never mind - turn left and there we
were - at the top of Craig Wen. I also felt like eating and knew I should
because on top it might be horrid. So I asked for a Tunnock bar and that went
down well. As it was cold I didn't want cold food now. But ate quite a bit of
chocolate stuff. It was hard for us to stay on the path as the wind was blowing
us around and we kept drifting too low. But on we went. We were all soaked now
and the rocks were wet. So different from earlier when we had skipped down this
ridge. But we were making uphill progress. Eventually reaching the top of Yr
Aran then painfully slow downhill as the rocks were now lethal on the path. We
reached the col and gratefully crossed the wall so we had a bit of shelter on
the steps but not for long before we were exposed again. I saw Pez had a mitt on
and asked for mine. He apologised that he was wearing my Extreme mitts and said
there was a pair of
All Terrain Mitts in my green bag.
I said he must wear my mitts and I'll wear the All Terrain ones as I already had
gloves on. We sorted that out and some more food. At one point. Snowdon
eventually loomed out the clag, after a few diversions on and off the path and
we were met by Steve Wathall and Dave Pickering who had tea. We sheltered in the
cafe entrance although the rain had stopped the wind was still bitter. I was so
looking forward to proper tea! When Dave handed me the cup I thought it looked a
funny green colour and then he said it must be Lemon tea and really nice. Hmmm -
maybe one day but not today when the milk had made it curdle slightly! So not
only was it green but it had curdled milk in it too. I did try it as it was warm
and I was cold. But I made such a face as it was disgusting. I just don't do
fancy teas at the best of times. I had some coffee to get rid of the taste and
then we said we'd get off - thanking Steve and Dave as we did!
Up to the summit we went - all alone but not for long!
There was a steady stream of Three Peakers coming up. I enjoyed congratulating
them - and them me! I'm not sure who looked worse for wear! Over to Crib y
Ddysgyl we went and turning off our head torchs now as we could see. It was
rather pleasant to be dropping after that - and out of the clag too. It didn't
seem so far to Llanberis now. As we dropped to the col before Foel Goch we could
see two tents. "What a strange place to camp" we said. Right on the path where
it would get very busy. As we got nearer we noticed a layout of food
outside the tent and realised it was Ian Fitz! This time he had both Mia and
Eddie and they were all fast asleep! We tucked into the food. Coffee and pizza!!
It was very nice ham and mushroom. Pez and Matt were very gentlemanly and let me
take bites of whichever pizza I wanted then hand it back to them. Then in a
couple of minutes when I decided I wanted more I just took it back off them
again! But I didn't want to risk eating too much of anything but the different
tastes were nice. Ian emerged and we thanked him. Mia stuck her head out the
sleeping bag and said well done before rearranging her sleeping mat and
snuggling back down again!
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We
went on - up the steep short climbs and across to Moel Eilio. I touched this
summit and gave a little hop in celebration! I said I needed a wee (I was very
hydrated now!) and the guys ran off. The clag had rolled in again and as I
tried to catch them they were engrossed in "man-tech-gear-chat" and totally
oblivious to the fact they were going way faster than I was. I gave up in the
end and thought they would remember me eventually - which they did! We all
laughed and carried on down together.
Trotting through Llanberis I was cheery - and it was
interesting passing all the triathletes that were doing the triathlon in all
their clean and tecky gear while we had rolled in off the hill looking probably
a lot worse for wear! I was so cheery and you can see the difference in the
video Lee Proctor takes of me -
Inov-8 / Llanberis video .There was a
crowd round the camper van and I was surprised when I heard Joe Mann's voice. He
was on my original supporters list but had said he was busy herding reindeers or
climbing in the Alps or something exciting that he's usually doing. I hugged him
and then my brother before diving into the camper. Now I was properly hungry!
There was cheese and onion pie with lovely crispy potatoes and probably some
beans! I was tucking into this when Charmian handed me the phone. It was Joss
Naylor - wishing me all the best and to keep going and not to worry about the
time. That I was doing marvelously. How incredible is that!
Change of socks again but sticking with the same shoes.
They had been good on Snowdon and although I knew they wouldn't be great down
Bristly Ridge nor Tryfan the comfort had been good.
Leg 9. Start Llanberis Support: Helen Elmore,
Megan Wilson, Tom Pape, Joe Mann and Andy Quicke. Scheduled Time 4.40hours
Actual Time 5.44 hours Arrived 14.38 Sunday
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It
was a merry bunch that set off but I didn't care. I'd said to Charmian that if
it was going ok then I was happy with any of the supporters coming on extra
legs. There had been so many changes to the supporters that I had no idea who
was supposed to be on what leg anymore anyway! I don't mind the quarries and the
inclines and climbed quite well. We chatted away and passed signs for the
Triathlon. Then we heard music - Chariots of Fire I think and I assumed that was
for the Triathlon as well. There was a photographer and I was amazed that the
Triathlon would use the inclines - then we realised it was Mark Harvey! Tom and
Megan started doing silly running and that was funny. The climb went quickly
with Mark bobbing ahead and taking photos. Then across to Elidir Fach which was
slippery as we headed back into the clag. I tried jogging a little on the way
off and we resorted to a sort of jog/walk but it was all good. I was eating more
and even tried some of Joe's BLT at one point. It was nice to want food again.
Everyone was joking about my exploding yoghurts - and trying to make me eat
something I hadn't eaten before. I had tried most things but eventually did have
a fruit pot on Glyder Fawr as the sun came out briefly. I had quite a lot of
coke on the round and a few Yazoo milk shakes. Still quite relient on the odd
gel and a handful of noodles washed down with energy drink or water. Meeting Lee
Proctor and Tori again meant we were a huge group crossing the Glyders and over
to Bristly Ridge. I heard a Scottish voice but didn't look up as I was
concentrating. Then someone said "Well done on your Welsh 1000m record" and I
realised it was Finlay Wild. How amazing is that. He was so nice bobbing about
and chatting to everyone. I never managed to chat to him but smiled away. (I've
just thanked him on his blog too!).
Then we met Tori and Lee again as we crossed over to the
col before Tryfan. Dom the cameraman was there and we had some request for
noodle footage and Tori thought we meant that Dom had the noodles and so she
called him back. He came back and then said "I haven't got the noodles. I'm not
noodle man". I don't think there is any footage of the noodles - they were quite
messy but overall they did work and everyone was saying that "Noodles saved the
Day".
So
Up Tryfan we went. Now there was a bit of a discussion as to which route was
good. I followed Tom in the end as he had proved to be a reliable route finder.
I rather think Joe (who was the only fresh person amongst us) didn't quite
realise the limits of my climbing and stability skills as I wasn't great on
leaping big gaps or stepping up big slabs of rocks. Tom however found a lovely
path which got us almost to the top (sorry Joe!x). Once nearly at the top, out
of the clag appeared people - and not only that but long haired and topless men
- yuk - sat in the way and on the top. So I touched a rock that was near the top
and left them to their selfies!
No little hops this time - too rocky and unstable for
that. Just a long and awful scramble down with everyone trying to help but
really there wasn't anything for it - the old tried and tested 6 points of
contact with two bum cheeks playing a big part always gets me down and that's
what I did most of. It just went on forever though. And then we turned right and
that wasn't great. My feet were now sore - Charmian had said I didn't have
blisters but my feet had just been wet through for 40 odd hours and were all
white and wrinkly. The balls of my feet and underneath my big toes were very
sore. I used my poles a lot when descending to break the impact. So down we went
- slowly. I hung back and Helen and Megan stayed with me which was nice. I just
liked having a bit of space.
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Running
into Glandana I was all smiles and Kirsty said "What have you done with her?
Have you swopped Nicky for a new person?". Hugs all round and my brother Charlie
said Lottie and Scottie had gone up the mountain to meet me. I turned and they
were about 100m up the stepped path so I waved!. Into the camper for the last
time - wow! Just some food and a cup of tea and a change of socks and I was
ready for off.
Leg 10 Start Glandana. Support Helen Elmore,
Kirsty Hewitson, Keith Holmes, Wisp and Joe Mann. Scheduled Time 3.55 hours
Actual 5.17 hours. Arrived 19.55 Sunday
I jogged off next to Keith Holmes and we chatted away. I
could see he was hobbling a bit but I didn't want to go any faster and chatting
made the road go a bit quicker. Once over the stile we could let Wisp off and
she ran around happily. It was easy to find the path up Pen Yr Ole Wen and I
have never found this climb to be awful so kept going slowly. It didn't matter
about the time as I'd learnt that my brother and family were able to wait to see
me finish. I had been worried that they would have to get off back to
Berkhamsted and I wouldn't see them. There had been clag on the top and it was
swirling round. I hoped I didn't have to finish in the clag. Keith was on top
form, complaining about the rocks and making us all laugh. It was a jolly party
really that crossed the Carnedds. The clag came down heavily between Carnedd
Llewelyn and Pen Yr Helgi Du and Joe took the map and helped. I was adamant that
there was a left trod but there wasn't really much of anything. I was looking
forward to getting onto some grass again on the last descent.
There
were a couple of people sat waiting for me on Pen Yr Helgi Du which was nice and
then just a short pull up to Pen Llithrig y Wrach. We had a small celebration
and Keith gave his speech then we trotted off down the ridge. It felt surreal
now that it was all over as I'd never believed I could finish while going across
Legs 5 and 6. There was Keith out front with Wisp. Then me, Helen and Kirsty -
two of my closest running friends that had done everything they could to make
this happen for me. Their quiet, insistent encouragement to eat - which I always
tried to obey. Their constant attention to my needs which was always around, but
never too near or overbearing. Now I'm teary remembering what each and
every one of my supporters did for me. And I've cleared my diary so I can do the
same for them as soon as they ask.
Steve Sanders had come out with my Dark Peak vest. I was
torn as so many of my close friends and supporters are Penistone Footpath
Runners & AC - but decided I did want to finish wearing my vest because it was
Tom Westgate and Richard Hakes from Dark Peak that took me semi-seriously all
those years ago in 2005 when I told them I was going to attempt the Paddy
Buckley next, having just completed the Bob Graham in 23.33 hours. The raised
eyebrows and knowing looks I completely understand now. But still they took me
under their wings and showed me the Paddy Buckley routes, their schedules and
gave me their support. On went the Dark Peak club vest!
Running down to the road I looked at my watch and saw it
was 19.45 hours. My brain didn't compute much but I thought if there was a
chance of getting under something then I would. We all upped the pace just
slightly and seemed to fly down the road. It was wonderful. People running all
over the road. Wisp being very well behaved and not tripping me up! Joe Browns
came into sight and I aimed for the steel post I had left so many, many hours
ago. Touching it I was so happy. Lee Proctor video captures it all -
Inov-8 Double Paddy Finish video
I stopped my watch - at 19.55 having done an ACW
round in 23.21 hours followed by a CW round in 34.04 hours making a total of
57.25 hours!!!
Sometimes you don't know how you're going to feel and
this was one of them. Maybe I'd gone through all the emotions and disappointment
at not doing under 48 hours out on the hill. All I knew was that I was
incredibly happy and felt very satisfied. My family and close friends were there
and Charlie opened a bottle of pink fizz that I had hidden in my van "Just in
case!". It tasted delicious and I felt like I could party all night.
Thank you to all my support listed in this report and
Charmian Heaton who kept me going, fed me well, massaged my feet and just
completely looked after me at all the road stops. Thank you also to everyone
that has donated to Odyssey and if anyone would like to get me a little nearer
my target then please do so here
Justgiving.com/fundraising/nicky spinks
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