This was a much more positive Lakeland 100 than my previous one back in 2012. Last time, by Dalemain I was struggling with trench foot, blisters and early issues from what would later progress into a stress fracture in my right ankle. This time my feet held up really well until Kentmere.
 |
| Right foot post race - 2024 vs 2012 |
I didn’t have a good enough fueling plan, and struggled with low energy from Howtown. This became particularly problematic after Skelwith Bridge, when I seriously crashed.
I got to run the final 30 miles and finish with Nick, which was fantastic. I had a plan which had been working and believe I would have completed within the 40hrs cut off under my own steam, but it certainly would have been tighter. Alone, I think I would have stopped more, which may have given me more energy, or might simply have cost precious time. I met Nick after a slow queue around Haweswater. I had been feeling very sleepy, which was a big concern. Once we hooked up, I didn’t feel sleepy again; a combination of companionship, encouragement and Nick's solid pace.
Crossing the finish line with Nick was magical. Something I'll never forget.
