South Downs Way 100 Mile

On December 31st, 2023, I registered for my first 100-mile race, the South Downs Way 100, scheduled for June 8th, 2024. To qualify, I also needed to register for a 50-mile race. I chose the North Downs Way 50, set for May 18th, 2024.

After successfully completing my first ultra-marathon on May 18th, running from Farnham to Knockholt Pound, I was able to focus entirely on achieving a lifelong dream: running 100 miles. I stayed on the Isle of Wight and trained there, varying my distances and paces. Besides completing the Coastal Path in about four days, I regularly ran the river loop from East Cowes to Newport and back. I also explored inland routes over the downs, passing Carisbrooke Castle and heading west to “The Needles.” Sometimes, I used my motor scooter to return to my accommodation; other times, I took the bus. It’s a lovely island to run, explore, and enjoy. Thanks to David and Danielle, who provided me with a warm and loving home to return to each day, sharing space, food, joy, sorrows, laughter, and experiences. Keith and Malcolm also added their wisdom and old-school knowledge to my stay.

On Wednesday, June 5th, I took the Red Funnel ferry at 4:30 am to Southampton and then traveled to Overton to prepare for the big day on Saturday, when the race would start at 6 am. In Overton, my next family, Chris, Stu, and Hayden, welcomed me with open hearts and minds. During the welcome hug from Chris, I knew I was in the perfect place to have as my home base for my first 100-mile run. I parked my scooter, and Chris drove me to the bus station, filling me in with some general information.

I was on my way from Overton to Basingstoke to Gatwick Airport to pick up my sister, who had agreed to crew for me in my first 100-mile race. The bus and train ride to the airport were beautiful. I arrived just in time to meet my sister and help her with the big bag she brought for my next adventure after the race. We drove back “home” and had a lot to talk about, as always when we see each other. Back at the house, we talked even more, and we were spoiled with a wonderful meal that Chris had cooked for us.

Thursday was the day to recce the various crewing points so that my sister would be able to find me on the trail during the race on Saturday. The day involved a lot of driving, getting lost, and navigating gravel, rocks, and very narrow roads. At times it was fun, and at others, somewhat frustrating. However, we were lucky with the weather as it didn’t rain. We managed to locate the crewing points for the first 50 miles of the trail and figured she could find the remaining points after getting an idea of the initial ones.

Friday was a rest day, and in the evening, it was time to register for the big event the following morning. As always, nerves set in, and self-doubt, worries, and fears arose. Luckily, Chris and my sister reassured me with their trust and belief in me. It’s still unbelievable how much of a difference it makes when people tell you, “You can do it.” Encouraging each other to strive for more and aim higher is the best approach. Thanks to everyone who helps me learn and become better every day by believing in me and supporting me. So, that evening, when we arrived at the place where I would start the next day, I felt the magic in the air. I got my number, “483,” and my tracker was taped to my vest. Exciting. Back home, we ate some pasta and aimed to go to bed relatively early. However, it’s always difficult when I’m nervous and feel like there are still many things to prepare. I laid out all my gear and clothing needed for the early morning scooter ride to the starting line. I tried to sleep. I think I got a few hours, not much, but it had to be enough.

Saturday morning, 4:20 am: the alarm clock went off. Just before 5 am, my sister and I headed out on the scooter. Around 5:40 am, we arrived at Matterley Bowl, where the flags were already flying in the cool wind, the starting arch was visible from the parking lot, and dust was in the air from vehicles driving on the gravel road. Sun rays were shining through. No time for the toilet. I dressed in all the essential gear, breathed calmly, focused my thoughts, and got ready for a long day of running.

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6 am: the start. Here we go. Exciting. Scary. Intimidating. Finally, I was off to pursue another dream. Mama mia. Can I do it? What will go wrong? What will go well? What if…? Anyway, if I never try, I’ll never know. At first, it seemed like I was running with the masses at too fast a pace, but it felt good, so I went with the flow. The run began with a double loop around Matterley Bowl, a short one followed by a longer one. The views were beautiful, the scenery stunning, and the morning perfect. I tried to establish a solid pace where I felt utterly well, cruising through the breathtaking landscape almost effortlessly, aiming to reach a flow state of running the South Downs Way, feeling like I had wings.

After a while, I settled into the race, talked to various people, felt the terrain under my feet, and took in the spectacular sights along the way. Harmony in running unfolded in me. That’s why I love it. It almost feels effortless when you love what you do.

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I started to eat and drink regularly every half hour. At the first few aid stations, I stocked up, ate food that I knew I would tolerate well, and refilled my bottles with Tailwind. I saw my sister at mile 22 at Queen Elizabeth Country Park for the first time, a nice psychological boost knowing she would now accompany me until the end and probably through some tougher times too. I ran alone, sometimes with new or experienced runners, getting advice for the later part of the race. I knew I was a bit faster than I had planned, but since I felt good, I decided to go with the flow, knowing I could slow down later if necessary. Until midrace, at mile 51.2 at Chantry Hill, everything was perfect. My sister was there waiting for me, and I knew I wanted to change my shoes. One of my toes was in pain from the substantial downhill running. My sister put a plaster on the toe and helped me change my socks and shoes. Off I went again, feeling much better with the new shoes.

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As expected, the second half of the race was tougher. After Washington, I started to feel some turbulence in my stomach and intestines. The pounding of running was upsetting my stomach, and each step made my intestines more sensitive and painful. Well, I thought, this is the interesting part to deal with in such a long race. I took a break behind a tree and continued, feeling lighter and possibly weaker too. From mile 65.7 at Devil’s Dyke, eating and drinking became more difficult. I forced myself to get food down and hydrate.

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At mile 69.8, I couldn’t believe my eyes. From afar, struggling up a hill, I saw three figures, one waving a Swiss flag. I couldn’t make out who they were. As I got closer, I realized it was my cousin and his girlfriend. Really? At my lowest point in the race, with my legs hardly moving, my whole internal state a mess, and my mind not too sharp, I hugged my family who, by coincidence, were in Eastbourne that exact day, having only learned about my race ten days before their trip. What a beautiful surprise as the sun started to set. They told me they would be there at the finish line, and my sister would meet me at two other points before then. After mile 70, I couldn’t run for about 10 to 15 miles and could only walk. My legs just wouldn’t cooperate. It’s interesting being in a running race but unable to run. However, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. At mile 84, in Southease, I started to feel a bit better again. I was able to eat and drink, and I knew the sun would rise soon.

The last couple of hills before Eastbourne were quite steep and long, but because it was dark, the steep hills were easier to climb psychologically since I couldn’t see the incline as much. The last 2.5 miles were on a well-marked path leading into Eastbourne to the Sports Park. Just around 4:30 am, I crossed the final road and saw my cousin cheering me on, Pia taking pictures, and my sister telling me where to enter the park. I entered the 400-meter running track, thought about the struggle, felt the joy, and knew I was about to achieve another dream I had long thought impossible.

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I finished my first 100-mile race in 22 hours, 30 minutes, and 29 seconds, all in one day. What a great experience! What a great day! What amazing support! Thanks to all who supported me on and off the trail; without you, it wouldn’t be possible.

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Almost everything is possible if we set our minds to it. Consistency is the key. Thank you for joining me on this journey - it means a lot. Stay well and dream big too.

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