My Journey to 100 miles!

The Autumn 100 is made up of 4 legs which start/finish at the central point in Goring. Each spur is about 25 miles long. They consist of sections of the Thames Path and the Ridgeway national trails. A finish would see me complete the Centurion Running 100 mile slam! Because of the route’s format, crews are not allowed. A pacer can join only for the last leg.

I wasn’t sure if I would particularly enjoy the out and back situation. It made me nervous not having crew or company through the night. Also, the added pressure since it was the last one led to some very interesting dreams. I experienced them in the lead up to the race!

There was no particular ‘plan’. No crew meant no admin had to be done. It also meant there were no predicted timings for me to be at different places. My only goal was to finish. I took full advantage of the legs and decided I wasn’t running 100 miles but 25 miles, just 4 times.

I got driven down early with Dad and Sophia. Soon, we were at the village hall to collect trackers and bib numbers. As my number is handed to me I notice that mine is a different colour to the majority around me. All ‘slammers’ have a black bib so that other runners can identify those doing the slam. In total there were 19 Grand Slam hopefuls.

My tracker is attached and I head outside to find Sophia and Dad as we make our way over the bridge to the start. The vibe is good. We soon all start cracking up. A message comes through from Joey. He has used AI to make a song! Sophia takes a picture for the running club’s FB page. We all checked it and gave it the nod. Only after she posted did we realise my eyes were closed so a quick retake was needed. Hard to be nervous when you’re laughing so I was very pleased Sophia had come to see me off!

Leg 1 – Thames Path, Goring – Little Wittenham.

It neared 9am and Race Director, James Elson came to deliver the race briefing. Runners were told to go one side and supporters the other. I soon became aware that I was rather near the front! As much as I tried to move back I just couldn’t. The briefing was kept to the point, the trails looked good, don’t fall in the river and wrap up warm for the nighttime sections. Before I knew what was happening it was time to go. Safe to say I will not be heading to the front of a start again, it was quite terrifying. Very quickly the path narrows so I was pushed through and heading down a single track with no room for overtaking. So much for not starting too fast. There was genuine fear that the first mile would finish me off. The relief when there was a gate and someone behind me told me my shoelace was undone. I pulled over, dealt with the laces and waited whilst the speedy ones went past a bit, finally I could breathe!

The last time I was heading down this section of the Thames Path was back in May. I had just left Goring, which was mile 70 and it was dark. I was excited to see it in the light. I take a second to look around, it is a gorgeous autumnal morning. The conditions are near on perfect for running, once again this year I am thanking the weather Gods!

I have given myself 1 rule which I aim to try and stick with for as long as possible. Music is for running only, any walk zones it is turned off. I love listening to music. This is a good incentive if there is a crisis mode to get going again. I also like to save it for the latter sections of a race. 5K in is when I am forced to turn my music on. This is due to what sounds like 200 geese flying up along the river. I always say it but for some reason running heightens all my senses and this is something I can not handle so music goes on to drown it out.

Miles quickly pass. I have the odd chat with different runners. The trails underfoot are quite muddy with some unavoidable puddles. We were warned our feet would get wet. It’s definitely not the worst it could be, so I just splash through quite happily. I don’t need anything from the first aid station but remembered I’m yet to have any nutrition so grab a sandwich to go. As I’m running over the bridge I take a bite. Not good. My stomach rejects it the moment it touches my tongue. I’m then running along trying really hard not to be sick on the side of a busy road. From that moment on I decide that apart from watermelon all food is out.

The turn around point comes up and my bottles are filled. I also have my first cup of coke, what a treat. For the last few miles the front runners have been passing. I thought this would be quite frustrating. However, I proved myself wrong. I loved seeing the faster ones fly by. Everyone seemed to be in a very good mood. So, lots of smiles were exchanged.

I actually grew to love the out and back format of the race. I hadn’t realised the mental boost of seeing other runners would give me. Also throughout the race I would hear a lot of ‘Go slammer’.

The way back seems to fly past. I find myself in a small pack and decide I will stick with them. I had a trick of only trying to look left so that I would get both sides of the view. Seemed to work as I couldn’t remember any of it. Splashing back through the mud and smiling for the photographer. I think I was smiling anyway, I was having a lot of fun.

Back past Wallingford aid station and again I go in but this time just to grab some watermelon. I take 2 slices. I also have a realisation that I have had 1 gel so far on this leg. I was meant to be aiming for a lot higher than that. A gel is also consumed.

The last 10K is uneventful and soon I’m back in Goring. Leg one done in 4 hours and 50 minutes. Perhaps too fast but I am feeling great.

In Goring my drop bag is already waiting on a chair for me. You have access to your drop bag at the end of each leg. Mine was packed with pre-filled bags of nutrition. It also contained 3 x spare socks, redbull, iced coffee, and my warm clothes. As well as a small first aid kit. Thankfully Tim had helped pack so it was very organised!!

I’m asked straight away by a volunteer if I need anything. I give her my two bottles and ask for tailwind and water. I’ve lost a pin from my bib so the only thing I need from my drop bag is a spare. I have a whole sandwich bag dedicated to ‘leg 2’ full of nutrition. I don’t get it as I’ve barely touched leg one’s. I see a lot of people changing their shoes and socks but I just want to get going and don’t really want to sit down. I get a volunteers advice and she confirms my decision that if they feel okay to leave my feet alone. They feel fine so I leave it.

Ready to take on leg 2.

Leg 2 – The Ridgeway, Goring – Swyncombe.

Mentally I’ve reset. I am back to zero with 25 miles to go. I have never run on the Ridgeway before, so I have no idea what to expect. However, this is probably my favorite leg of the race.

The four miles to North Stoke were a bit boring on the road. I had taken an iced coffee from my drop bag. Unfortunately, I had to bin it on route. For some unknown reason, my stomach was saying no to that as well. I think I just went straight past the first Aid Station..

I hit some trails and a runner nearby tells me this is Grims Ditch. I LOVE these trails. Up, down, twisting round the paths. I am having so much fun I don’t even realise my music is turned off. By coincidence, I glance at my watch. I’m trying really hard to just run on feel. I notice I’ve hit 50K and achieved a big PB. Too late to do anything about that now, I just pray I don’t feel it too badly later on. Also reminds me to take a gel!

About 10K in and the lead runners are on their way back. Seeing them really inspires me to push on. I have the biggest smile on my face, dare I say this is all feeling rather easy!! Even on the inclines I’m up and down again the other side without noticing them too much. A couple of fields which are up and down, I use the downs to pick up speed before slowing to a walk on the way up. I already look forward to running back through these again on the way back!

The checkpoint at Swyncombe comes up and I quickly drain my water. I grab 2 slices of watermelon and ask for my bottle to be filled with coke. As my nutrition has been seriously slacking I decide it’s time to rely on the sugary coke. I’m not there long before saying thanks to the volunteers and on my way back to Goring!

First through the fields and then back onto Grims ditch riding out the twists and turns. My pace at this point was pretty consistent. I had a slight nightmare when my phone wouldn’t charge, the panic of it running out was stressful. Thankfully, it then decided to work. Lots of messages of support which was a great boost and my music was back on! I flew straight past the aid station as I knew I was only 4 miles from Goring.

Somewhere along the river there was a wooden plank put over the mud. On the way out, I nearly slipped over when going across it. This time, I decided to go through the mud. Before I knew what was happening the right whole side of my body was in the river. My leg, up to my shoulder was now soaking wet. Thank goodness my phone is kept in my left pocket because that would’ve been a disaster!! I had a quick look around to see if anyone had witnessed the plunge. It was a rare moment when no others were around. Until someone caught up with me and asked why I was soaking wet!

I was trying to figure out if I could get back to Goring without a head torch. Then my phone starts ringing. I already know who it’s going to be… Andy! I spoke to Andy and Nina for a little bit and they ask how I’m getting on. I report that life is good and I’m nearing halfway. Andy says he’ll phone in the morning and we say goodbye. I then crack on, just under 3 miles until Goring and I’m chasing the sunset which was beautiful!

It gets dark quickly and a mile out I need my torch. Pack comes off, torch retrieved and 10 minutes later I’m back at Goring. Leg 2 is done!!

Goring is busy! Once again my drop bag is ready for me and I’m a creature of habit so reclaim the same chair. I hadn’t appreciated how good it would be to see the same volunteers that saw you off at registration. All of them were amazing and couldn’t do enough for you. Like I mentioned, I had concerns about having no crew. However, I was looked after so well that there was nothing to worry about.

Volunteers appeared from everywhere asking what I needed. Oh god. I have no idea. My half way point usually consists of me sitting there and things happening around me. Cheesy beans are offered and that is a firm no. Coffee is offered and I decide that sounds good. Bottles are also filled with tailwind and coke. I then put my pajamas on. My baselayer, mid layer and jacket. The coffee is brought over and with one look I decide I don’t really want it.

I feel ready to leave. I down a redbull, delicious. Then I start to pack up (I have taken up 4 chairs getting my things together!). I take 2 empty gel packets out of my pack so I grab 2 to replace them. I send a message to Tim saying I’m leaving Goring for leg 3. I’m just about to leave when a volunteer comes over. She asks if I have leggings. I reply yes but putting them on will mean taking my shoes off. I don’t want to do that. It seems I should reconsider because it’s very cold up on leg 3. Other people jump in to the conversation. I take the advice. Shoes are off. Shorts are off. Leggings are on.

I then spot a familiar face! Kier is volunteering and has come to say hi! It’s soo good to see him! He jokes about the amount of mess I have made. Then he comments on how organised everything in my bag is. Clearly, I had help. I’m just assessing my feet which felt fine until I put dry socks on. Someone looks at them and tells me it’s the beginnings of trench foot*. Oh. Cue mega hunt for the sudocream which is slathered on. Dry socks and dry shoes then go on and I’m told to try and avoid puddles. I have faffed about far too long. I think I was there for over 30 mins. Another message to Tim with an update that I am in fact only just leaving now.

I leave Goring with head torch on and I’m ready to go. I ask the Marshall on the way out 3 times which way to go. I was terrified of going on the wrong leg!

Leg 3. The Ridgeway, Goring – Chain Hill.

Reset back to 0. I have 25 miles to go. This will be my first time through the night without a pacer. I feel the caffeine of the redbull doing it’s job. I feel fresh! Whilst walking up the road I send a message to a group chat with many club members. I inform them that I’m now on leg 3.

I had heard horror stories about this leg and had fully prepared myself for the worst. It was actually once again quite pleasant. My only complaint would be that I was slightly too warm. When I’m not running I can be found usually shivering if it’s anything below 20 degrees and wearing several layers. But I run hot. I considered taking off my jacket. I thought better of it and decided it’s better to be slightly warm than slightly cold!

Faster runners on their back meant it was easy to tell that I was going the right way! For quite a while on the way up I was all alone. I didn’t mind too much. If there is one thing I have learned this year, it’s that I love running at night. The aid station comes up quickly and I’m the only runner there. I ditch the remaining tailwind from the bottle and ask for that to be filled with coke as well. The volunteers try and persuade me to eat something and try and give me ginger but I politely decline. I take a moment to find a gel and I’m gone.

There are so many stars in the sky!! I am still warm. However, the frost on the grass on either side of the road tells me it is actually quite cold. I sip coke and run. My music is on and soon runners passing me on their way back is regular, some looking better than others at this point.

The higher I got, the windier it got. The next runner that passes tells me I’m 5K from the aid station and the vodka is good. Vodka?! Ignoring that for now I just continue on. I’m looking forward to the checkpoint. Not because I need anything but I’m excited to see the volunteers! It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to anyone.

Eventually I can see it, it’s lit up and music is playing. I’m the only runner there and they do a great job at getting me hyped about the slam!! Vodka is mentioned, as is cherry liqueur. If I was having a terrible time, I would’ve gone for it. But I’m 62 miles in and feeling pretty great. I don’t want to risk it. I mention the sickness and am offered chocolate milk. Hmmm. I should say no BUT I love chocolate milk. A mug is produced and I down the whole thing. A huge thanks to the volunteers and wheeee I’m on my way back to Goring!

My moment lasts around 20 steps. Just as a runner goes past the milk makes a reappearance. A whole 10 minutes is wasted on the side of the trail. Given the little amount I’ve consumed in the last 13 hours, there is a lot of sick. Once that’s done with I have a little more coke to replenish and I’m back whizzing down the trail!

My music is loud. I am having a little dance, a fun one person party. Life is pretty good. I pass quite a lot of people on the way down. I stop at the checkpoint only to say hi to the volunteers! They tell me I’m looking strong and that the big buckle is now in my sights. One jokes not to break my ankle down the hill. Brilliant.

On the way to Goring I catch up with a guy and we chat. He is also doing the slam, although not just the 100 slam but the 50 slam as well!! Woah.

My earphones have now run out of charge so I’m quite happy to have someone to talk to. He leaves when we are about 2 miles away and I’m putting tailwind in my bottle. I then sip it and realise what I’ve done. Tailwind and coke, what a combination. It doesn’t taste horrendous so I drink it quite quickly. Then it all kind of hits me at once. I’m not really moving fast enough to burn the energy, so am having a full on sugar rush with nowhere to go!

My feet start to hurt a bit as they got wet going through the last bit of mud. I don’t panic as I’m literally heading back into Streatly. All I need to do is cross the bridge and I’m back in Goring.

I turn round the corner into the hall and right by the door is Tim! Yay! In my bouncing state I’m a bit of a mess. Whilst getting my drop bag I fill Tim in on the coke tailwind combo and take a seat. Slight look of disapproval as both bottles have coke in. I have decided that my feet do need looking at and I’m also having some paracetamol. My blister powder is being poured into the socks which go on, shoes go on and I have a redbull. Tim also comments about the untouched nutrition left in my bag. I don’t have an excuse so just accuse him of being grumpy.

We should be ready to go but instead I have managed to lose the earphones I am swapping. I am sure I got them out of the bag. (Turns out they didn’t leave the bag, good 10 mins wasted looking everywhere but the bag).

Kier is still volunteering so again it’s a huge boost seeing him.

One of my bottles is taken to be filled with squash. I get an option of blackcurrant or orange. Definitely orange please. I take a sip, uh oh. This isn’t orange. I don’t know what it is but I’m not fan. For a moment I panic that I’m about to vomit all over floor in the hall. Rather than empty and refill it’s easier to take Tim’s bottle and he takes the squash.

Only Leg 4 to go!! We leave the hall knowing next time I’m back here will be the finish!

Leg 4. Thames Path, Goring – Reading.

I would love to say I took off running strongly down the Thames Path. Unfortunately not. I totally blame the squash, about 20 meters from the hall I could be found once again being sick. What a fabulous way to kickstart Tim’s pacing duties. Thank goodness by this point in the year he knows what he’s in for.

Once that’s over we get a bit of a move on. Tim has come dressed for the cold. At one point, he decides he’s too hot and is taking his waterproofs off. I keep moving but whilst doing so start swaying to the right and then to the left. In fact, anytime I walk I have no control of my legs. I don’t enjoy that experience. Thankfully it doesn’t last long.

I can’t remember when exactly. At some point, I tell Tim I only want to walk for 60 seconds. It doesn’t matter how long I then jog for. No idea how long this ‘tactic’ lasted but it felt right at the time!

I also had no desire to stop in at Pangbourne as it’s only 4 miles in but I need a wee. Fatigue may also have been setting in as I declare that the ‘flat has gone coke’ so need to fill up a fresh bottle.

Up the steps at Pangbourne and I head straight to the loo. Catching a glance in the mirror and thankfully I felt better than I looked because I do not look good. Mud is splattered on my face and I look rather pale. Oh well I need to get going. I’m not sure anything is consumed but the coke is definitely tasting better so off we go.

Reading is up next and I do not remember this part of the Thames Path well at all. The meadow seems to pass quickly and is rather uneventful. Tim has a catch up with a runner and their pacer who he knows. I was very impressed as she has also put it in a long volunteer shift at Goring!

All my layers have finally got the better of me and they need to come off, bit of a faff but that feels so much better! The walk run situation is going well and miles are still passing by quite quickly. Sub 24 is mentioned, I decide that what will be, will be. I haven’t thought or asked about time at all this race. I have simply used the amount of runners I have passed on the way back as indication that I’m doing okay. For me this is HUGE progress so I don’t want to start thinking about it now. Although I do definitely ask a few times!

We walk, run and chat along the path. I was excited to see the swan sanctuary and was a bit envious when they were all snoozing, a nap would be pretty good right about now. I can’t recall the next bit but eventually we got to Reading Aid Station.

Up the steps and food is mentioned. I can’t actually remember much about this stop, we weren’t there long and I think I took a Jaffa Cake. This would be the 2nd bit of ‘real food’ I would eat the entire race. Back down the steps and onto the home stretch.

It was freezing! Not long after leaving the checkpoint I am shivering and all the layers need to go back on. Pack off, clothes on(Took forever as I seemed to lose ability to dress myself?) , pack back on. All in time for the sun to start rising. I think I totally interrupt whatever Tim is talking about as I can’t believe we are missing the sunrise as it’s hidden the other side of the river! We catch a glimpse here and there. I ask Tim to take a picture, it’s very handy having a photographer!

The way back was fun, bit of sickness but nothing horrendous. I was definitely starting to feel the miles in my legs but the vibes were pretty good. The river was lovely as it started to shimmer under the sun. A bit of reminiscing was done as we passed points that were a tad dramatic back in May.

Pangbourne is in sight and we have no reason to stop. Runners are passing us, on the quest for the ‘One Day’ buckle. The Aid Station have now moved outside but it’s 4 miles to the finish so we go past. Briefly stopping for a picture so Tim can update my ‘Adoring Fans’.

At some point once again my phone charger has given up so my battery is now low. I don’t want to waste it on music so thankfully Tim lets me borrow his earphones. Running without music is problematic as I can hear my jacket rustling. Hasn’t been a problem once over the past 50 miles I’ve been wearing it. Now my senses are well and truly heightened. Not that much running happens in the last 4 miles. I must of really slowed down as I even put gloves on!

The river is crossed for the last time before getting to wooded section. I was so looking forward to the small descents. However, I don’t think I will get down them as I imagined. It’s a bad shuffle. We get to the steps and I just stop for a second. I say to Tim I don’t know how to get up them. Very helpfully he replies to put one foot in front of the other. Duh.

Back along the river and the makeshift stepping stones have been removed. This means a bit of splashing. It’s filmed so I can show people if they moan about mud or puddles when I’m running with them. I am quite dramatic in shouting how cold it was. I mean it clearly isn’t going to bath temperature but ‘absolutely freezing’ is a tad overboard.

It’s really not long to go now. I think I moan a little bit. Mainly walking and then I see a bridge and I can very vaguely spot out Lauren and Sasha waving. I must be close. Tim then gets out his phone as we’ve decided to live stream the finish, for the fans!

Now it’s definitely a jog zone, on to the path, around the corner. I nearly make my way up a driveway rather than the side of the village hall. Through the little alley and gate and then into the hall. That was that. Autumn 100, and a huge 100 mile PB, done which meant that somehow I had actually completed the Grand Slam!

The hall is a tad overwhelming as I’m passed my 2 buckles. A high 5 from Tim. There’s also a T-Shirt I had no idea about. Race Director, James Elson comes over and gives a hug and has a chat. We then move into the main section of the hall. I can see my pals outside waiting for me. I’m keen to show off my big buckle. I am so bloody proud of myself and feel rather bouncy!!

I finished in a time of 24:31:06. A PB by over 2 hours as well as picking up rather big 50K and 50 mile PBs. The race I most concerned about and it was my strongest one!

It still seems pretty shocking that I have completed 4 x 100 miles in the space of 5 months! What an amazing year it’s been!

I am incredibly lucky and grateful that I have had support from probably the most patient people in the world! In some ways I don’t actually know anymore about long distance running than I did at the beginning of the year. But I have learnt the importance of having the right people around you. Tough love is definitely needed.

I have joked throughout the year that by the end of this, I will probably hate running. I might have to donate all my trainers. However this couldn’t be further from what has actually happened. This has kick started a whole new level of motivation and love for ultra running. I have a list of future races and goals. Some are for the next couple of years. Others will be way in the future!

I had no idea what I was a capable of, and still don’t. It’s going to be lots of fun finding out!

Happy running,

Jade x