After a failed attempt to get to Greece from the Isle of Man for a 250km mountain race - I decided to use the training, motivation and stress to improve my unofficial Raad time from 2020. I never logged the FKT because back then I didn’t know they were a thing! Goal was to get round faster than 23 hours and 28 minutes. This was an achievable goal.
The supported effort was pulled together last minute but I was able to do this due to extensive experience on this route either in my own attempts or supporting others.
Heading North from Peel at 6am on Friday 5th of June . The vast majority of the first 20 miles is on beach so this time was to plan for low tide as much as possible as well as get in enough of the route in the light. The weather on the Friday was forecast to be dry and sunny with light winds. Those winds did not turn out to be light at all on the coast! From mile 20 to mile 70 they were a strong head wind. Many a hat were blew off throughout the day!
I got to the half way point in 8 hours 24 mins supported the majority of the way by a variety of runners. Harry, Sian, Dan, Paul and Emily helping me cruise to the 50 mile point. Felt great.
Mick and Neil picked me up in Douglas as I headed south back to Peel for the last 50ish miles. I started to struggle on this part of the route, feeling nauseous and finding it difficult to fuel. However after the Langness section with Neil, Jan picked me up and by the top of gansey my legs and stomach were back in the game.
Orran, my partner and coach, picked me up in Port Saint Mary - I was feeling really strong again and sights were back on getting a sub 19 hour time goal. I had a great stint to Bradda head when I had another dip. However this time I was able to maintain pace. Jan picked me up again at the sloc for the final few miles back into Peel, orran stepped out for a short while to grab a head torch ( he hadn’t planned on running as much) and came back in to support run at Niarbyl to get me home. He pushed me the whole way and I definitely ran faster on those final sections thanks to his support.
I hadn’t stopped for any rest for the last 6 hours focused on getting the time as low as possible. I came in just after 19 hours in 19:10.
Job done.
Huge thanks to all that supported me on less than 48 hours notice and to my coach Orran.