I've been meaning to get back into running for a while now. It's been a roller-coaster return from the UTLD, punctuated by highs, lows and bio-mechanical inadequacies.

In any case, after a confident assessment of my current endurance level on the Sandstone Assault, it felt about time to 'test things out' and restore any last lingering lost-mojo before the season's forthcoming challenges require some proper attention.

“I want to stop”, “Must keep going”,

“I want to stop”, “Just another couple of minutes and you’ll be at the top”,

“I feel sick”, “Just count your steps 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4”,

“I want to lie down”, “Come on keep going”,

“I want to go to sleep”, “Keep pushing”,

“I must stop”.

I stop.

2014 Lakeland 50 was absolutely what I expected it to be and completely what I didn’t expect it to be, all rolled into one rollercoaster ride. And that just about sums this race up. If you think you can predict, or control 100% how it’s going to go, then you need to think again. That’s what makes it so difficult and so rewarding and I think, what brings runners back, year after year, regardless of previous results, finished or not.