Where to start with this one?

The Arc 100 is a race I've been aware of since I chose to get into ultra running but never imagined for a second I'd be stood amongst wave 1 on the start line of this formidable course.  This is a race for runners much better than me surely?

The build up was like most others and to be honest.  I just put it out of my head while I trained my usual strategy of just running more miles than is sensible every week hoping that that alone would be enough.

We arrived Thursday evening and I was very relieved to see @my_running_adventures and Sandy were already onsite and registered.  I got through kit check without having to do any of my mandatory kit as they said, and I quote, "you look like an experienced and sensible runner" which obviously describes me well!

The coach journey to the start was spent chatting to @charlottefisher and @timeonfeetruns while I did my best to hide how unhappy I was about the weather.  This was my first winter 100 and at this point I was still positive I wouldn't need my waterproofs.  This would prove, very quickly, to be wrong.

The start line brought storm Ingrid with it and for the next 20 hours we would be absolutely pelted with wind and rain relentlessly in every direction.  Waterproof tops, trousers, socks, gloves and 5 layers of clothing still did little to cope with the wind chill.

My goal of sub 24 quickly changed to just making it to the finish line but I was happy to arrive at the first aid station just as night rolled in.  Unfortunately, by this point the race had already claimed James Yearsley and I took a moment to realise the Arc wasn't playing games with us.

The next 30 miles were a bit of a blur of mud, wind and rain all dimly illuminated by a headtorch I refused to take off its minimum setting to preserve battery.

The waves crashed over Penzance and I put on yet more layers with James and Sandy now arriving to support which was a massive boost to morale.

Then out of the endless night as I pushed along the coastal path, I heard it . . . the faint ring of a cowbell and the orange glow of a car's hazard lights.  @sarahhp_runs and @ultra_coach_max had arrived and just like that the race was fired up.

Muddy miles went by, the rain hammered down and the wind took me off my feet more than once.  By the time I reached Lands End I was in bits and ready to drop.  I'm 100% sure had it not been for Max doing what he does best, I would not have left that hotel.  But we pushed on with the worse section of the run now upon us.  Lands End to St Ives is what gives the Arc its reputation in my opinion.  It's a merciless 22 mile stretch of rocky climbs and steep muddy descents crossing rivers.  In some sections the trail is just a few inches from the long drop into the sea.

For nearly 5 hours runners battled through what felt like endless coastal path until I finally caught sight of a couple walking their dog at sunrise who said "you have my word, it's just around the corner" and thank god they were right.

From then on it was just a case of not getting injured and moving forward.  Sarah, Max and James popped up at every aid station and of course told me about all the support from Kate, the members of Liss Runners and our other running friends.  By mile 95 there was nothing left in the tank.  I'd fallen over, was covered in mud and couldn't stop humming the theme tune to Bluey for some reason.  At this point it was just 3 climbs and I'd never have to come back here again.

Unbelievable scenes at the Eco park as I arrived.  Kate and Sue had arrived from Liss along with my whole crew to cheer me over the line.  I didn't even know there was a gold buckle but that's what I achieved apparently, so I'll take that.  I was also given a pasty and with that it was done.

A race I never thought I'd attempt was done.  Some forever memories made and one step closer to the dream of the UTMB.