Saturday saw John Boothman take on yet another ultra challenge - this time the 63 mile route along the Cleveland Way coastal path from Guiseborough to Filey. There was a coolish North Easterly breeze and apart from mist in places. conditions were ideal. Once more, due to business and family commitments, John entered a long race without adequate training or preparation. He started well and completed the first 10 miles up to Saltburn by the Sea at a good pace and was going well. He continued in similar vein until he got to the halfway point just beyond Whitby but by Robin Hoods Bay, he was starting to feel tired, but despite this, even by Ravenscar, he was still clocking up a good time. However, that was 40 miles into the race and at that point, the lack of training began to take its toll. He was now going at a much slower rate and any thoughts of where any other vet 60s might be in the field receded into the background of his mind. It was then all about getting to the finish. The next major town was Scarborough and from a runners' point of view, crossing it to get to Cayton Bay seems like an endless trudge. But cross it he did and after a cup of hot chocolate, he started on the last leg to Filey. By this time it was dark and thick mist enveloped the coastal path to the point where you could barley see your hand in front of your face. In those conditions, all runners were reduced to walking and John was joined by a group of others who were slowly making their way to the finish. They stuck together as a group, but as they approached Filey, John conjured up a burst of energy from somewhere and broke free to actually finish the race at a good trot.
Afterwards, a tired John Boothman expressed a quiet satisfaction at having finished the race. Indeed, he had good reason to be satisfied as he finished the race in 26th position which was a vast improvement on the 43rd place which he achieved four years ago.
26 John Boothman 14:46:14 (4th M60)
