So as I mentioned in my last blog post (which seems like a long time ago now), I am more than very keen (for that read maniacally desperate) to try to enter a small portion (OCC) of the UTMB next year. In order to do so, I have to pick up what are called “running stones”, and these can only be collected if you compete (and indeed complete) one of the 30 or so worldwide qualifying events. Without this you cannot even enter the lottery for UTMB for next year. So having looked at what was still left in the calendar, I found that there were only three to choose from…

And the three that were left before the deadline closes were in Hong Kong, Australia and Thailand. All quite a long way from the English Lake District! I decided not to be deterred! Hong Kong however was sold out, and so that left two. Australia seemed like a very long way to go for one running event, and so I was left with only one choice. Thailand or bust!! So after a few frustrating attempts to get registered via the UTMB website and then the Doi Inthanon one (the name of the event in Thailand in early December), I managed to finally get approved and accepted. So I’m in!!

There are actually four events happening in Thailand on the weekend of the 8th/9th December. I’ve chosen one which most closely matches to the event I wish to do next summer, as this should give me the requisite number of running stones I hope. If not then it is a long way to go and a lot of money for nothing!

The event itself, a 55km ultramarathon, looks amazing. Set on the fringes of the jungle around Chiang Mai, in the northern part of mainland Thailand, the event centres around Doi Inthanon, which at around 8,500 feet is the highest mountain in the country. The run has around 3,000m of ascent (and a corresponding amount of descent) and so is going to be brutal. Add to this the mountain terrain, coupled with jungle, probably leeches and other nasties, and it is going to be hard work for sure. Oh and of course this is Thailand, and so it will be about 30 degrees C with about 85% humidity. I hate the heat and start to overcook when it gets about about 15 degrees 😳.

Also the event is one of only three worldwide UTMB World Series Events, and it actually carries double running stones. This means it will be very competitive, and attracts some of the world’s best athletes. And also very busy, as I believe there are over 5,000 participants taking part. 

So what am I doing there you might ask! Well I am certainly not trying to be competitive. Firstly I have never tried to run a 55km event before. Secondly I haven’t trained for it, and then there is the aforementioned heat. Let’s also add to this the fact that two and a half weeks ago I managed to break a toe, stubbing it on the wall coming out of the bathroom. So I haven’t even managed to wear proper shoes for the last two weeks or walk properly, so you can imagine what that has done for my prospects of even being on the starting line. My flight leaves in 11 days!!!

All I want to do though is get round. There is what I would normally consider a generous cut off time of 14 hours. In normal circumstances, even with the heat and the ascent, I’d be confident that I could speed walk 55km in that cut off time. But this is not normal. For one if I knock my broken toe on anything at all I’m out, good and proper. Also the heat and humidity will be crazy, and there is a lot riding on this, i.e. the UTMB itself. I have to finish, even if it is in 13 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds. So that’s the aim. 

The hotel is booked, the flights are booked, the time off work is arranged. I’ve even signed up for a 5k mini event on the mountain the day before. Why, because it is there, and I want to be part of it all and take it all in!

If nothing else, it is going to be the most amazing adventure, and almost like nothing I have ever done before. Cross fingers for me that my toe at least holds up enough for me to get round. Drugs will help!

Bring it on…….☺️