May 18, 2023
Unbelievably we made it! We finished the 100km walk.
Strategy went out the window due to the weather and feet, 11.5 hrs to the 50km mark! We had beautiful sunshine, which is definitely preferable to rain. However, in Ireland, 23 degrees is a heatwave of similar proportions to the heat here last summer, so for me last Saturday was HOT! I think Stoke on Trent lads feel the same was about the heat. Therefore, recover breaks were definitely longer than planned. Our 20 minute afternoon stop extended and extended and became 50 minutes.
The compede worked well – but not well enough! By 25km, a poorly placed compede meant I had developed a rub on my heel. However a better placed piece meant this was manageable. Rob on the other hand, by 60km had develop a lot of blisters so walking fast was not an option. especiallly for the last 20km. However, it is a beautiful area with stunning views so this kept us going. Even knowing the climb that was approaching after Durdle Door, didn't prevent us enjoying a few moment just gazing at it...... and all the folks lying on the beach..... eating ice cream..... swimming. When we didn't give up in that moment and join them, we were definitely going to make the finish!
We did still manage to complete the course in 25 hours and 3 minutes. Actual walking time according to Strava was just under 19 hour and 40 minutes. Not a bad effort I reckon.
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The event was amazing and we were really impressed with the organisation and the helpfulness of the staff. Every rest stop had plenty of food and drinks, welfare staff for sore feet or difficult headspace and the friendliest most encouraging bunch of volunteers imaginable.
Once it hit 5pm, volunteer walked from the 42km stop and mopped up any stragglers. They then walked with these folk to get them to the next stage. Overnight there was a similar system. We went out in groups every 10 minutes and the volunteer walked at the back with the slowest member until daylight. The support was impressive.
I checked on Instagram on Monday morning and the last person walked through the finish line at approximately 10pm on Sunday evening. She started at 7am on Saturday! Commitment I’m not sure I would have had.
Apart from blisters our main concern was how would we manage mentally. Even the briefing before we set off for the night section talked about this. Luckily for us the mental challenge never arrived. We just focused on watching for our luminous pink arrows and glowsticks and suddently we were there. On reflection, we feel we went into this with so much support from you guys with encouraging comments and sponsorship, that the possibility of dropping out never crossed our minds.
Currently the fundraising on Just Giving sits at £2570 and although any amount would have made it worthwhile, this makes it soooooo worthwhile. On behalf of the charity Hope for Tomorrow, thank you. I know we have more that this as numerous clients have popped cash in the box at the desk this week.
I will now stop haranguing you with our ‘walk’ and blog about other things moving forward. And if I ever talk about a mad idea like this again, someone please stop me!!!
Enjoy the weather.
Regards
Niamh & Rob