The lighting drew closer, the night sky was fizzing and cracking and then right in front of us the most exceptional pink lightning strike, it crackled, from sky to field dashed lines rather than a solid line, I have never before witnessed anything like it, followed by a great deafening boom, the reactions of the runners could be heard all around, most of us in awe and delighted, some scared, and then there was the realisation of just how close the thunderstorm was coming and there was much chatter on our safety. I found out later that Darren had been studying the storm real time and would be ready to make the call and halt the race if required.

Phrases I found myself saying:
“I normally walk up these!” (referring to a hill) “Can you tell me your life story rather than ask my questions? I need to breath!” “Oh my gosh we’ve only done 2 miles we have to go round again?” “I never normally run this fast!” “My shoelace has come undone, I’ll have to style it out to the finish” “This is the point where you could run off and leave me for dust”

One Sunday yard I was thinking how I could really do with a proper ice cold drink of water, I was manifesting it. As I reached the stairs, the manifestation worked, Gav was holding out a bottle of water, so cold the condensation was dripping off it, I faltered, “It’s ok” he said, “it’s legal” I took it gratefully and wow how refreshing it was to drink! (BYU rules state that no outside assistance is allowed, however RD’s decision is final and all runners were being offered the same)

Eric had informed him that a tornado had ripped through the campsite shortly after we had left and that we were to be evacuated to a classroom which was on the course.

When I first asked Terry if I “could do his big cock and balls” I was greeted with silence, maybe something to do with my message slipping into requests and being unnoticed…

I was perhaps a little over zealous at the start and ran the entire way to the first checkpoint (probably around 12 miles)… this meant I also ran up every single hill. I knew this was potentially a bit of self sabotage but I didn’t really mind as it was ‘only’ 50km and not an ‘A race’. I really enjoyed playing with the pace a bit, trying to push a bit faster on the flats and downhills. 

I wanted to try out a new fuelling strategy, it didn’t work and I bonked just before the end of leg 2 but I am so glad I tried it out.

Spot prizes included a toilet brush, a whole dead fish, condoms and sanitary towels. I was disappointed not to win a spot prize (awarded at random).