HFN Founder Completes First 100miler

What a first 100miler to pick.

Started calm and controlled. First few climbs felt easy but it was crazy hot and humid, but I felt I was cruising. CP1 came quick. No issues. But by CP2, cracks were showing: barely any salt scooped with just one gel, and I was sweating buckets with no appetite.

Then it hit. Calf cramps. Pole snapped. Low on water and I knew I was in trouble too early on.

By mile 26 (CP3), I was sat in Jon’s van, convinced the race was slipping away.
“How many gels since CP2?” – “None.”
“You’ve had no gels and missed salt? What the are you playing at?”
Electrolytes. Gel. Bar. Coke. Protein shake. “Just get it down. If you’re sick, you’re sick.” 10 minutes later, I felt alive again. @jonsamrai

From that point on I clawed my way back into it. Rejoined Gary by CP4. Fought cramps. Changed gels. Ran out of water. Climbed Pen y Fan hard. Switched to survival mode through the night.

By mile 80, my ankle was done. But the engine still worked, so we kept going. Every camber hurt my ankle. Every runnable section definitely became a grind.

I finished shattered, emotional, but proud. Deepest I’ve ever gone in a race, physically and mentally.

No DNF. No regrets. Massive thanks to Jon for pulling me back from the brink, and to Gary for the miles we shared. Not our perfect race but we got it done. Great experience for the next one. Thanks to my coach @caseypaulmorgan who got me more than ready for the climbs (6,600m) 🫠

Bring on the next @13valleysultra

Nutrition wise:
HFN BareFuel - one scoop in 500ml inbetween CPs
Hammer - Countless Gels, 3 on me at all times. Switched to bars after CP3/4, Endurolyte tabs. 4 in between each checkpoint. Everyday tabs. Anti fatigue tabs.
Xendurance gels - for a change of taste
Precision Fuel - Electrolytes (forgot my Hammer fizz)

Fair play to @harrier_trail_running who replaced my poles no questions asked.

@hammernutritionuk
@xendurance_eu
@highlandfuelnutrition
@beacons_way_ultra
@trainingfortrail
@tosh_simpkin
@danbentleyphoto
@joeljamesonphotography
@ridgelinemedia
@murchphotography
@trailskinuk