Annette Carlin is an experienced runner. Having completed many road marathons she has in recent years developed a passion for trail running competing in marathons and Ultra marathons. She has also run the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the Welsh 3000’s. Below is an account of her next challenge – her first big mountain race.
So there I was, trying to sleep in the roof-space of Pete’s campervan in the middle of a field at the foot of Snowdon. The weather outside our cosy nest was a wild mixture of very heavy rain and high winds.
Tomorrow will bring a day of unknown challenges. We were going to run the Snowdon Trail Marathon, 28 miles of high mountain terrain with a total ascent of 11,540 feet. Had I bitten off too much?
As a relative newcomer to mountain-running I was, what some would consider, a little naïve about what was in store for me. I was, however, safe in the knowledge that Pete, my fellow runner, is an experienced mountain leader who knows these mountains like the back of his hand. I had no doubt he would keep me safe and on track. Although I did get a little nervous when he confessed at the start that this was quite a long way and had never covered that much ascent in one day!
Tea and chips – the perfect after race snack
7.00am came and a collection of highly proficient mountain runners gathered for kit checks and a safety briefing. The weather had cleared although still windy, so our spirits were high as we set off. What a feat we had ahead of us, every emotion would be experienced to the full and our stamina and will-power tested to the limits.
There were times of real frustration, when my agility and lack of confidence hampered my downhill speed over the rocky and very slippery terrain. My anxiety that we would not make the timing cut-off points overcome by relief when we did. Conditions under foot were the main problem with the prospect of coming a cropper with every step running on slippery boulders, in deep bogs and into swollen streams. Staying positive and retaining a sense of humour is so important especially when falling flat-faced in a bog!
Every so often I would look around and wonder at the most amazing scenery that surrounded us, bringing you to a standstill and reducing you to tears by the sheer beauty and vastness of the mountains.
Bewilderment and confusion played their part too. With small streams suddenly becoming huge obstacles to navigate across and the last six miles seeming more like sixteen. How come my legs had morphed into wood and refused to bend when running toward what should have been a nice downhill finish? With tears of joy and relief I made it. The challenge to myself was achieved.
Running the Snowdon was the best buzz ever, the most incredible way to spend a very full day in your life. The memories will live forever in my heart and head. Thanks to Pete for your eternal patience and words of encouragement. I am so lucky to have amazing friends who love the same things in life as me and give me the confidence and encouragement to achieve my dreams.
The Snowdon Trail Marathon runs every September. For more details go to trailevents.co/events/Snowdon.