Sump To Summit

This was what all the training had been tailored towards! I signed up for this back in March, so I had plenty of time to prepare. I wanted to improve my running anyway, but having this long-distance event on the calendar definitely helped to motivate me!

We set off from Castleton, heading up the road, around the quarry, and down to Bradwell. The first few kilometers were very busy since participants from the 33, 50, and 100-mile events were all running the same section.

From Bradwell, we went over Shatton Moor, down to Hathersage, and along the river to Grindleford. From here, it was up through the woods to Curbar Edge.

Chatting with E&L, we joked that at this pace, we could make it in time for last orders! After running along Curbar edge we eventually dropped down to Baslow. This descent was ace. The whole section felt fast, but I lingered too long at the aid station, and my legs seized up. It had turned into a hot day, and running through Chatsworth to Darley Dale was a real drag! However, the route from Darley Dale became much more interesting, partly because it took us through sections of the Peak District that I rarely visit. At around 40km, I had really settled into my stride. There was a group of six to eight of us running in a wave, overtaking each other at times but mostly keeping the same pace. I made friends with Louise and Emily, and their families started cheering me on at all the aid stations as well.

The final push to Monyash was hard work for all of us, as we were low on water, making the run up Lathkill Dale even tougher.I made it to Monyash and was thrilled to see Mum and Sarah. They’d brought a change of clothes for me, along with a frozen flannel to wash my face. Mum also brought a tub of water so I could wash my feet and change my socks. ‘Sod it,’ I thought, and stood in the tub to give myself a really good wash. While I was washing my salty balls, Mum shouted, “That’s my flannel!” to the amusement of some nearby supporters. I apologized profusely, but they seemed entertained by the whole spectacle. I washed my chest and reapplied fresh nipple tape, which the ladies found very funny. Once dressed, I set off running again—next stop, Millers Dale. This stretch was hard with heavy legs but passed quickly enough. As I approached Millers Dale, I ran into the two ladies who had found my nipple tape so amusing earlier. They asked if I’d be putting more on at this stop. I ate some food and set off up the bridleway from Millers Dale. I found Emily and Louise taking the wrong route and tried to correct them, but unfortunately, they listened to someone else who was confidently leading them the wrong way!It got dark en route to Peak Forest, so I put on my head torch. At the gate by Titan, Louise and Emily caught up with me, and we ran the final descent to the village together. We’d had a cracking day, nattering and supporting each other on the trail, so it was nice to finish together. We crossed the finish line in 34th position, 13 hours and 10 minutes after setting off, which we were all super pleased with!After a bowl of chili and a quick chat with the nipple tape ladies, I was invited for a pint with E&L, which was very kind. An excellent way to finish the day—a pint at the Castle! Then, I drove back to Sheffield, slept, and set off to Scotland to holiday with Sam for a week!