"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Day 5
0600
The Brecons, a place I've never ventured to. I've recced a lot of the Dragons Back route, indeed I've run day 5 as far as Llandovery. Beyond its unknown.
I don't need to do this, the finishers Dragon is long gone. Still what else to do on a Friday in Wales?!?
Day 5 is a monster, 70km, 3200m of vert.
5 miles or so away is Llandovery, lets get there first. I'm away bang on 0600.
It's all fairly easy, road, a climb up to Nant-y-mwyn lead mine, and off to CP1 on high ground, dib in 46:28 53rd. Away in the distance the Brecons are clearly visible. Low cloud, mountain clag a distinct possibility.
No time to worry, I commence a painful descent, everything is already complaining, this is going to be a long long day. The route down to CP2 is simple, farm tracks, road, generally downhill. It takes just over an hour and I bump into Kate Worthington. Kates been on course duties all week, I didn't see her day 4 but here she is.
'Hey Kate!'
I'm not sure, Kate probably asked how I was, I probably replied rubbish, I do know the stile at CP2 was a hazard, falling to bits, I probably had a good moan. Kate mentions Crib Goch.. now felled by a stile. Exactly!
Dib 1:55, 62nd, off to Llandovery. The legendary pastry shop.
Yep, no I miss it. Then I remember I have no water as the pumps failed in camp this morning, quick scan and a dive into a cafe. Many bottles of finest water purchased, bladder refilled. Time to crack on.
I meet Kev Munt, he's been ahead of me since the road descent, I now catch him on the road out of town scoffing a pastry and having a coffee.
As previously mentioned Kev is a bit older than me, well a lot but damn he can move on the flat and descent! The route into Usk reservoir CP3 is mainly undulating road, we swap positions constantly for the next few miles. Eventually we turn onto open trail, Kev forges ahead, I can't keep up and the alarm bells start to tinkle in my head.
It's raining now, everyone is following a diversion noted (and forgotten) at the start this morning. It's all fairly easy going but I've lost Kevin.
CP3 Usk Reservoir
I arrive at CP3 10:05 am, 88th. I'm 25 minutes ahead of the guidance time.
Sam and Paul crossing at Usk ahead of me.
Just past the CP a friendly face appears. Someone I've not seen all week. Andy Lardner. Andy and I had been on a few RAW recces together leading to this years event.
Andy is having a mixed week, Time out on day 2 at Cym Bychan (SP) and forced to half day on day 3. We team up, in truth Andy slows down and we chat for a bit. The weather is still bad and we begin the climb up Fan Foel to CP4 at the summit.
Its cloudy, its raining and I've battened down the hatches, hood up, sleeves down, poles out. As we climb the wind speed starts to increase, the rain keeps coming. Occasionally the mist breaks and I can see other DBR folk to the left and right, people spread over a wide area. I'm sure I catch a glimpse of Kevin far off to my right.
We continue the climb, I'm following a guy in front, trying to stay close, going the right way undoubtably as we are climbing rapidly. I'm getting cold, the rain has 100% breached my jacket, shoulders, arms all feeling the wind and chill. Decision time is rapidly approaching, stop, faff in the wind, try and put kit on, loose the group or continue on.
I choose the latter, my watch is telling me its not far from the summit, it doesn't feel far, I'm working hard and figure its enough to keep me warm in the short term. Soon the top is reached. Andy has had enough and stops to put another layer on. I fail to notice, the wind is howling and I loose him in the mist. The trig point appears. Dib!
Thankfully a circular shelter emerges out of the mist. Really cold now, Andy catches up. I dive in an bump straight into Matt and Lowri.
'Hi paul!'
Hi Matt!, Hi Lowri!'
Race vest off and out comes everything, spare waterproof, insulated jacket, heavy gloves.
The whole lot goes on with my compromised jacket on top. Matt helps me. I notice he's got no gloves on and remark on it. I tell Andy to get going as I'm faffing wasting time. I don't see him again today.
'Of course I'm not cold I live here!' laughing. I dread to think what Lowri is making of this.
Anyway re kitted and warming up its time to descend. Matt remarks they need to get back down and they set off into the foul weather. Just as I start down the steps once again Simon Roberts comes thundering past, quickest I've seen him all week.
The steps on the descent are running red from the sodden ground, I'm trying to keep up with them and making a poor job of it. Too quick, but leading the way I follow and soon I'm out of the clag and can see the road below.
Forge a stream, onto a road and I've caught the pair up, the mountain team are also here, Stuart laughing as he sees me appear.
Matt asks me if I'm taking some layers off? Too right! I've gone from dead cold to pretty warm in the space of 20 mins. Kit off, neatly packed, now a small hill to go before the Support point at the foot of Fan Gyhirych.
Its here at the crossing I bump into Katrin and Matthias Grieger. I've ran with both of them on and off for the past few days, although in truth we have exchanged few words. It does however confirm to me that I'm doing ok time wise.
Another climb, cutting the summit and another descent into the Support point. As I descend I'm mainly looking at the Grinch ahead. The first time I've ever clapped eyes on it. Oh dear Lord! Oh no... I'm thinking well it's clear of cloud, that's a plus. Also I can stop here , it's the Support point.. I don't need to do this. My knees are howling again, in fact everything is just plain horrible. Nothing to prove, nothing. Stop!
Still running in, I can stop! I can stop!, I'm thinking also that everyone is still probably dot watching me, Fran, Nathan, Frans's mum, Arnie, my work mates, thinking of all the folk who have sponsored me this year, then I see Guto and Anita, and Mike. Damn it all to Hell!
Of course I'm not stopping, I know I'm not running out of time (in fact its far closer than I realise), Guto and Anita shout encouragement, Mike sees me and cheers. The whole support team know every competitor well enough by now, they all cheer. I'm into the support point. Quick water replen, eat my beans, usual, visit to the loo.
Another look at The Grinch, look back, Guto and Anita are watching. Guto has since confided that he thought I might stop..
Resolve hardens, time to get on and get this done.
I dib out at 2:05 pm, 40 minutes before cut off 113th.
Guto captures a snap of me toiling up the Grinch.
Up the Grinch, I catch up with Kirsten Isak who I'd last seen yesterday as she over took me near the finish to day 4. This is the start of a day of us teaming up, parting and reteaming.
The climb takes about 30 mins and I dib in at 2:05pm only 15 minutes ahead of the guidance time. At the time I didn't know this which was a good thing!
Fan Ned, Llia and Fawr are next all hard work but rewarding with stunning views. The weather has now cleared and you can see clean across the Brecons. I occasionally catch a glimpse of Pen y Fan in the distance noting it is cloud free, hoping it stays that way!
I remain 15 minutes ahead of guidance at Fan Ned, and add another 5 by Fan Llia.
At Fan Fawr I'm still 20 minutes ahead of guidance time.
Throughout the afternoon I spend most of my time with Kirsten and the Katrin and Matthias Grieger. Ahead a group maintain a constant gap which I occupy myself working out how many minutes ahead they really are. About 7, which remains constant all afternoon.
On the journey between The Grinch and Fan Fawr Chris Cope passes. Throughout the week just like Simon he has flown by. Today he is noticeably slower, still rapid compared to me.
'I see you've sewn up that rip in your arse?!?'
Chris turns and smiles 'Yeah man!' - I've mentioned it everyday when he's passed. Laughing he's away. Chris was like this all week, Leading for much of the race but always taking time to laugh, smile or acknowledge you when he passed. Top man.
Back to Fan Fawr. I dib at 10:52:29 race time 102nd. From the summit Storey Arms and the Water Point is visible. Pen y Fan has a hint of cloud gathering. Sigh!
The descent down is pretty steep, I do a quick check of my Cut off Crib sheet that's hanging from my vest, noting for the first time all afternoon that time is tight.
F*@k F&$k F*Ck!!
Its so steep and grassy I think 'save the legs bum slide!' so that's exactly what I do, zooming down the first part of the descent. Up and semi running I'm aware this is mandatory route , looking for the way and steering towards the underpass and dibber I know this there. Slightly off route I switch to my watch map and correct, madness really its just over there but I don't want to be caught out and penalised.
I'm going down ok and finally my body decides its had enough, well my right shin to be exact. Shearing pain, what the actual Fuck! Jesus this hurts, instantly I know its 'shin splints' that mystical runners injury.
Full on limp now, maybe the day is being taken out of my hands, dib into the underpass, and up towards the water point. Time may be short, I may now be limping, and also swearing like a trooper but there up ahead ! It's only a hotdog stand! oh my God! I hobble over, someone is already there and I shout 'Whatever he's having I'm having!'
A minute or so later , Fried Onions, Bread bun, Sausage , Ketchup and a Coke, away again scoffing the food and swigging coke. Shin is absolutely killing me. Closing on the water point, I can see Caz and the crazy gang of volunteers.
As I come in I'm in a right tangle, food gone still drinking a coke ' Does anybody know how to tape up shins!?!!? Anybody!!'
Mike Matthews is here, come to watch the action after retiring earlier in the week, Smile Paul! he takes a pic.
Just coming into the Water Point at the foot of Pen y Fan.
My water bottles are grabbed and filled, its automatic now, removing them as you come in. I flop into a chair. A doc is on hand, clearly I'm not the only wreckage arriving today.
'Have you got tape?, If you have I can tape you up.'
Honest I've no idea. Totally in bits now, I know time is ticking, wasting away, FFs where is my tape?!? Found it! shoes, socks, calf guards off.
Meanwhile Kevin Munt appears 'Paul! what the hell are you doing here?!'
Having a tea party mate...
Tape going on, 'you'll need to get this seen to tonight'
'Thank you thank you'
'How long do I have ? how long? Can I make it walking?'
Panicking, this from a man that earlier wasn't really bothered if he finished or not.
'Four and half hours, so 2.5 miles per hour, yes go!'
Kev is saying mate we can do it together but that's not an option, I need to go quick up hill if I can, I know the descents are now going to be brutal.
Kevin has stopped at the burger van just after the Water point. I dib out at 5:32 pm, 28 minutes before cut off.
'Kev mate I've gotta go, see you soon' he will understand, we both know this game well enough.
So I'm away committing to the final section and now under real time pressure, far worse than day 2 when I so pathetically stopped after Cym Buchan on the climb to the Rhinog.
Ascent is it turns out not to bad. I can see Katrin far ahead with the group I have been near all afternoon, I figure I'm 10 minutes behind. Pen y Fan is now clouding over. The summit becoming obscured. As I'm climbing day walkers are retreating off the hill giving encouragement, a couple of kids on electric assisted mountain bikes zoom by going up.
No further comment!
I'm slowly gaining on Kirsten, definitely.
As I start the climb to Corn Du the wind picks up and cloud drops. Jacket on, gloves on. Up and dib in after 44 minutes. A few walkers still around clapping us through. I meet with another fellow DBR competitor, walking wounded , like me with shin issues. He is suffering worse than me both legs in tatters, unfortunately I just cant wait, I dib into Pen y Fan 8 minutes later and loose him on the descent down Jacobs ladder.
This is bad, just pure pain, pain killers doing nothing of note. As mentioned I really don't know this part of the race, I've never been here before. As I'm coming down Jacobs ladder I catch Jane who I've not seen since day 2. She is as always in good spirits, I figure I'm ok time wise if I've caught her. I fall into line with her and of course notice Cribyn.
' Jane that's the last climb?'
'Not sure maybe'
Please God let it be, another slog up but thankfully clear here- Pen y Fan still in cloud, I wonder where Kev is.
Of course its not the final climb Fan y Big hoves into view, These aren't really big climbs in the grand scheme of the week, but now after 13 hours on my feet, shin still howling, knees wrecked it seems never ending.
Dib. 7.17pm Two hours and 13 minutes until course closure.
I'm slightly ahead of Jane, slowly catching Katrin and wondering when the Cairn CP16 will appear. The route stays high on the ridge line now and drags on for maybe 5km. The wind is picking up and we are heading into twilight. When I can I grab a look the scenery it is spectacular. Mostly I'm concentrating on the path in front. I can see a cairn, gotta be it.. watch Katrin as she approaches and clearly passes on . Damn it !
Continuing on, the light is fading now, I'm catching everyone in front. I've been singing for the last 20 minutes to distract from the pain.
'Jurassic Park its a massive park what can possibly go wrong.....lah lah la la la...'
Ok big Cairn. this has gotta be it, yep I can see people bending to dib, I'm soon there, Dib.
8.11pm 78th 1hr 49min until course closure.
Torch out. I've got a lighthouse of a torch, 900 lumen. it will last for 2 hours on full beam, so that's ok I've not got that long left before I'm out.
Jane catches ' Come on paul, come on!'
Off we go, light is fading quick now, I can see folk ahead on torches, folk behind, a line of tired humanity all heading as fast as humanly possible for a plate of chips.
The route continues along the ridge line, I'm fretting about when the descent will come, wanting to just get off this ridge and away from the wind. Jane has gone, to quick for this human wreckage.
Finally I see lights disappearing, signalling the start of an unknown but welcome descent.
Welcome until I reach it... then not so much. Its steep, it has those weird mud footsteps you get in the side of steep grass climbs, its slippy. Mainly though my shin starts complaining, close second both knees. All three can F*%k off I'm in no mood. A quick glance to see the line of torches and the route, noted I set off down as quick as possible.
The dibber at the gate leading into the woods is soon reached passing through at 8:47 pm, course closure in 1 hr 13 minutes.
I'm not sure how far to the finish, Jane had mentioned the woods earlier saying they could be a horror in the dark. Turns out she was spot on. Narrow track, slippy, semi confusing in the dark, unknown but I can see the odd torch ahead. I figure keep the stream to my right and follow the path. Excellent working well.
The Katrin and Matthias Grieger catch me and somehow we go off course, can't be right the grass isn't trampled enough for a race to have come this way, just below a torch, we dive through the undergrowth and re join the route. Eventually we hit the road, 500m of tarmac and the final approach to camp. The camera man appears, filming me as I go in. No idea what I may have said, one day I may find out. I doubt it was inspirational.
Final turn, the Montane arch is lit, I'm in. I don't know how but I'm back in time.
I cross the line in 15 hrs 26 minutes and 12 seconds, at 9:26pm, 34 minutes before course closure. 93rd of 108th finishers.
Returning to tent 21 everyone is back before the 10pm cut off, Tom declares he is out injured
We now have 4 left of the 8.
Paul and Sam are still in and competitive.
Kev and I are still running completing full days.
The Longest Day is finally over. Finally Cardiff beckons.