We set off as a group of 3 in a scout team, on Whernside we aquired another 2 who had similar pace and importantly humour and dropping into Dent, decided this is us we will stick together, as we approached Redshaw where we would be grouped a couple came thundering from behind and begged us to include them 'as you are the only ones actually running' against our better judgement we agreed. leaving the checkpoint the man set off at such a pace we all worried, we neednt have-this was the only time he ran. the rest of the journey he 'fainted' threw himself feet first off peat hags into fleets moss, meaning we all had to literally drag him out lots of times, and approaching each checkpoint he rallied and decided that despite promising to retire? he had come to now and it would all be better. it wasnt, i eventually stopped speaking to him and told his fiance to seriously consider not marrying the muppet (im not good when tired and frustrated!) eventually he did retire at Cray. Its not easy coping with a moron at the best of times but throw in tiredness? i could have battered him! I checked the Lakeland 100 results the same year and saw he retired in that as well. So my top tip-be blunt about what you want from people around you, be realistic about the impact you are having on those around you, and try not to get grouped unless you have seen them in action for a good hour and think you are well matched!
