Quote Originally Posted by Tussockface View Post
Just realised (by obscure means) that a guy I talked to on the way up Whernside - I mean the lower sections, when I was still capable of speech - was BritNick. He seemed to keep stopping to record instalments of a video diary. I'm glad he wasn't doing interviews.
Glad to have met you, anyway, BritNick. I was the wheezing, limping chap in red and white hoops, carrying a bottle of fluorescent pink sport drink.
Hi Tussockface,
I do apologise, but your description of yourself conjures up such a vivid picture in my mind, but I don't recall ever seeing such a sight on the climb up Whernside. Red and white hoops? Did you have to gyrate to keep them up? Fluorescent pink elixir??
Yes, I was taking pictures all the way round (and beforehand and afterwards) - about 80 in all. I've uploaded them onto Snapfish, which requires you to register your details before you can view them, so I'll try to find a more user-friendly alternative. Anyhow, for those who can't wait, here's the link:
http://www1.snapfish.co.uk/photolibrary/t_=88997764

I suffered compared to last year. I was 23 minutes slower, couldn't do any more than jog the downs and flats and CRAWLED up Whernside and Ingleborough. I honestly thought I was going to miss the Hill Inn cutoff, especially when I nearly snapped my left foot off on my clumsy, bumbling descent of Whernside. (Those Mitzuno Wave Harriers left my feet too exposed to the rocks and rough hard terrain. It'll have to be back to more stable, padded trail shoes if I return.) I was well pleased to see the Hill Inn checkpoint brought forward, otherwise I might have been timed out.

I was lucky in that I had no hint of cramp (never do), probably because I don't go fast enough. My time was 5:08.

I was so glad all the forecasts I'd seen were so WRONG. It was a great day.

Nick.