I started 2025 with a persistent cold, a heavy dose of the midwinter blues and felt very lacking in ambition or inspiration. Indeed, I only went out for my second run of the year on 23rd Jan !!!
But – the cold has finally lifted and I’m running again, and by sheer chance last week I stumbled across a series of youtube films covering the Montane winter spine races which were taking place through the 2nd week of January. The route is along the notoriously tough Pennine Way, and there are six different distance options available. I think this will get you to the introductory film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQHH_Dltonw&list=PLC2E5rGuOxnMF0bl15C2eRtjq-H-2TdFL&index=1&pp=iAQB
With the shortest one being the 46 mile “sprint”, and intermediate routes of 108 miles and 168 miles, there is no such thing as an easy option. However, to attempt to cover the full length of the 268 mile path, along the hilliest part of the country, in the middle of winter, when faced with strict cut-off times to reach check points along the trail – has to be an act of madness or heroism !
The runners commenced in deep snow, which thawed after a couple of days, leaving saturated bog conditions and heavy weather. I urge you to watch the series of films, and just try to imagine how tough it is keeping going in such conditions, with next to no sleep, and yet – as the films testify – to remain resilient and cheerful.
If you don’t have time to watch the whole series, may I point you towards episode 7 – link below. At the 10 minute point in the film, you will be treated to a 2 minute burst of inspiration from a 64 year old lady called Angela White who, addressing anyone who might speculate upon what we’d do “if I had my time over again”, says “you don’t need your time over again – the time is now” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gTocqj3VDw&list=PLC2E5rGuOxnMF0bl15C2eRtjq-H-2TdFL&index=8&pp=iAQB
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