It’s hard to believe that this is Pascal’s first Rat Race event after a 5 year break. At one point, it felt like he was a serial Rat Racer and there was no injury serious enough to deter him from signing up for another one during his post-race high. It only took a global pandemic to break the cycle. But then, his 50th birthday arrived and he felt the “need” for another challenge. So here we all are again.

Continue reading “Coast to Coast (Scotland) 2024”

Prologue

The final event is fast approaching. In about 48 hours, it should all be over. I’d like to say “for good” but it depends how much common sense gets dropped at the top of Snowdon in Pascal’s quest for the third segment of his medal. Continue reading “Man vs Mountain 2019”

2 days to go…

and the support tape is packed. Pascal is trained in how to apply it and has grudgingly shaved around his ankle to make sure it sticks. Apparently, this is all the preparation an elite athlete needs. That and a massive spag bol. *snigger*

Continue reading “Man vs Lakes 2019”

Prologue

Only 3 days to go until Pascal sets off on his latest crazy stunt. Sim will be setting the pace having proved that 73 miles is within the limits of his legs. (I’m still bloody impressed by Pascal’s 43 miles!)

We’re doing last minute logistics planning, agreeing a run-fuelling flapjack recipe that I can cook at my mum’s whilst we are currently kitchenless and flapping a large paper OS map around to work out where the kids and I can cheer them on during the race. Continue reading “Man vs Coast 2019”

0700 And they’re off!

Pascal and Sim (being highly trained Ultra athletes) spent The Night Before loading their bodies with carbs and trying to get a good night’s sleep. Continue reading “The Wall 2019”

At 22:03, Pascal finished. He’s exhausted (obviously) but so pleased to have completed the entire event. Apparently his friends have forgiven him. From what I hear, they got it out of their system early on (cathartic mutterings of “Pascal the ****”) and were ready with celebratory hugs at the finish.

His first words one the phone were “Remind me that I don’t want to do this again.” A bit later on he admitted that he’s still very tempted by this Coast to Coast event. Not this year though. *phew*

He’s stretched and he’s off for a shower. And hot food. And more stretching. And beer. And sleep.

Congratulations, to my husband and his brave friends. An amazing result.

Here’s the route they’ll be taking on today.

In case you are wondering, the black markers are extra treats for the runners – a swim, a kayak trip, a vertical kilometre (that’s immediately after the Bay). Continue reading “Man vs Lakes 2018”

And one is sleeping (possibly a cunning energy conservation strategy). The budget airline style coach is whisking them to the start line many many miles from their finish line campsite. Continue reading “There were 7 on the bus…”

The brave (crazy?) boys have arrived at their campsite and feasted on spag bol to keep the carbs and proteins flowing. Continue reading “The night before…”

Off they go. Pascal’s just had his final meal before heading up north to register for Man vs Lakes tomorrow. Continue reading “Final prep for Man vs Lakes”