Completing the Dartmoor 500s has been a few years in the making for me. After a few recces and two failed attempts two years ago (one due to extreme nausea and thunder and lightning two tors from the finish, and the other due a concentration lapse in the planning concerning the military firing range times), I was planning another go mid June when the hours of daylight and length of the grass on rough sections would be favourable, but I was unable to fit in with work commitments on non firing days. The only time suitable would be Sunday 22nd, which gave me 3 days to prepare, already half way through a solid training week, so not much time to taper, or arrange support. I was set to undertake the challenge largely unsupported with a water purifier and heavy pack at the ready but thankfully a facebook shout out led to a runner who I'd only met once on a race offering to very kindly run with me on the mid section.
I set off from the Warren House Inn at the designated time to an amazing sunrise. Stunning, but I realised the forecast of cloud and cool temperatures I had seen was not to be. I had decided to copy the route used by Jack Edwards, collecting the Hammeldowns first, which meant the I could make the most of the runnable terrain on this section to get some good miles in the first hour, and I definitely thanked myself later when arriving back at Postbridge that I just had a couple of road miles to the finish.
Having a good knowledge of this section, and with great conditions, I made good time in the first few hours, except for the section between Great Kneeset and Hangingstone Hill which was very boggy. It definitely a gamble going this way, and I'm not sure I saved any time in the long run. I messaged Tom who would be supporting me that I would be arriving at Cosden Beacon quite a bit earlier than expected. I can't say that thoughts of the overall record weren't in my head at this stage, but I quickly pushed them out of my mind knowing what was to come.
Seeing Tom to have some company and get a top up of water was a real moral boost. The next few tors seemed to fly by, with a good pace on the flats and downhills and steady on the long climbs to the high tors. The descent after Fordsmans Ledge is always enjoyable, but the steep and never ending hike to Branscombe's Loaf looms. I had been feeling great up to this point, but my pace slowed considerably from there. The terrain up to the next two tors is flattish, so you feel like you should be running, but so uneven and boggy that it's impossible to get into a rhythm on tired legs. The kilometres just didn't seem to be going down! Tom ran with me to Gren Tor when he turned back towards his car. He very kindly gave me the rest of his water to keep me going to the next stream, and I cannot hank him enough for his time and company.
I set off on my own again making better progress on the next few tors, but had to stop to drink from streams on a few occasions which lost me some time. The section between Sharp Tor and Great Mis is a real slog. I felt like I was barely moving and hopes of finishing before dark were dwindling. The summit of Great Mis and my partner, best friend, son and dog walking up to meet me were a very welcome sight. I gave them my pack to take back to the truck and restock whilst I visited Herne Hole and North Hessary Tors. A quick stop at the truck for a sandwich and for my 5 year old to stand on my very sore toes, and I was off down the road towards two bridges. Not thinking quite straight by this point I missed the right turn off point from the road and took a less direct path with more ascent cup to Beardown Tors which probably cost me some time. It had been so hot on the tarmac it was a welcome relief to head up onto the trails again, and see that the clouds were coming in. The next few hills were tough going, but I was very pleased that the nausea hadn't reared it's ugly head, and I was feeling good in myself.
I reached Postbridge and cheering my support team at 8.45pm, the goal now to finish in under 16 hours. Only a couple of road miles to go but with a big hill and very tired legs and sore feet this was easier said than done but I pushed and touched the pub door with a couple of minutes to spare. This will be the fastest (and only!) women's time on this crazy route. I'm sure there are others who can do it quicker, for me I am happy to put it to bed now!