I woke up buzzing this morning for the Narradale fell race. I’ve been tracking my progress recently using the new app features on our website, and it’s had a really positive effect on my focus.

My weight is down 2+ kg since the Snaefell race, my resting heart rate has dropped by 10 bpm, and my HRV is the highest it’s been in months. I’m also sleeping much better now. My weekly mileage has been increasing gradually, and I’m at a really decent level without doing much speed work. I feel strong and on an upward trajectory, and while I’ve still got a lot to do to reach full fitness, I’m really loving the journey.

Pre-Race Chaos

I forgot to sign on and had to get Tom to set me up with a number (sorry, Tom)—not a great start. I also parked miles away from the sign-on area and forgot to bring my kit over. Luckily, there was only a spot kit check, so no drama there.

Warming up, Nikki was feeling the pressure, and Alice looked pretty nervous too. After a few chats with the other runners and a short race briefing, we were off.

The Climb Begins

The first five minutes of any race always feel awful, and this one went straight into a long climb up Ohio Plantation track. For the past few weeks, there had been a fallen tree blocking the way, and we’d all been looking forward to using it as an excuse for a quick rest - except it had been moved (shoutout to whoever sorted that, haha), so no rest, just more climbing.

I was in third, just behind Harry Kneen and Mark Burman (a.k.a. The Burminator). They pulled away initially, but I managed to close the gap, and we all hit CP1 together. The buzzers weren’t working, which caused a bit of a fuss, but once they were sorted, we were off again.

Harry took off on the wall track but hesitated after checking where the rest of us were going. He changed his mind and joined us. I took the lead here, heading through the kissing gate at the top of the Sky Hill track before descending westward toward the valley crossing.

The Burminator got a great line through the gully and took the lead. As we climbed out, Harry veered left while I stuck with Mark along the plantation to CP2 (Slieu Managh). Mark was first to click in, then Harry, then me. Mark shot off in a very westerly direction, while Harry went way south but kept checking to see where I was going. I decided to cut through the heather toward a gap in the wall we could run through, and we all arrived there at roughly the same time.

Battling Through the Middle Section

Through the gap and hammering it down to the next CP, we crossed the stream, with the Burminator clicking in first, then Harry, then me. Now came the arduous climb to the top of Snaefell.

I’d been pushing 175+ bpm for most of the race and knew I needed to back off slightly if I wanted to last, so I settled into an average of 168 bpm on this climb. Both Mark and Harry took lines further left than mine, climbing faster. Harry managed to run most of the way, which was seriously impressive.

It was misty at the top, and I hoped to make up some ground on the descent to Bungalow (CP5). When I arrived, I was about 90 seconds down on Mark, and Harry was nowhere to be seen.

I ended up on the lower trail near the road heading to CP6. Passing Black Hut, I figured I was about 80 seconds behind Mark, and as the mist cleared, I spotted Harry way out in front. "Bloody hell," I thought. "That’s some going!"

By the gate at the end of the flagged field, I had closed the gap to 65 seconds behind the Burminator. I picked a good straight line down to CP7 (Glen Auldyn valley), making up some ground on him and clicking in around 40 seconds behind.

Harry was already climbing out by the time I arrived - again, impressive. Mark must have taken a bad line out, as I caught him quite quickly.

As I climbed out, Harry Weatherill was descending toward me. We congratulated each other as we passed. By CP8 (tarn at the top of Sky Hill), Mark and I were neck-and-neck.

The Final Push

I expected a battle down the final 2+ mile descent, but Mark was struggling, and I managed to pass him comfortably. I knew how fast Harry was on descents, so I couldn’t afford to ease up.

Over the second-to-last gate, I opened up on the steep descent to the bottom of the plantation, my right big toenail aching the entire way - but I wasn’t about to slow down now.

I crossed the finish line in second place, with the Burminator just a few seconds behind me. He must have dug deep at the end too.

Harry was already sat at the finish, looking ridiculously fresh. He finished six minutes ahead of me - unreal!

Post-Race Reflection

I was buzzing with my finish and really enjoyed pushing myself today. Getting back to fitness is brutal at first - I felt like I was stuck in some pretty destructive, lazy habits that have been hard to break. I’ve realized that being heavier than normal has had a bigger negative impact for me than just carrying extra weight - its affected my mood, my self control and my motivation.

But this last week, I’ve been feeling really positive, and I know it’s a result of the hard work, dedication, and focus that comes from setting goals and tracking progress. Making myself accountable has made all the difference.

I just want to give a big thank you to the MANX FELL RUNNERS for organizing a fantastic race and thank you to all the Marshals for giving up their time to support.

Photo by Philip Crowe 📸

Onwards and upwards!