Tom Scriven

I was very pleased to run 88 miles, which is 7 miles more than I did last year, 5 more than 2003, and 2 more than 2001.  So maybe I'm improving with age, who knows.

For me, the main differences from other years were:-

a.. Wearing sandles and not shoes.  (Only mistake here being I ran the first 40 miles without wearing socks so feet started to chafe.  After that I wore socks and things improved though feet were quite sore at the end because of this.
b.. Took more fuel, (Ambrosia RIce, Custard, Jelly, etc) on board quite early on and much more frequently up until midnight.
c..  Sipped water consistently throughout until stomach started to get squeamish in the early hours, then stopped drinking.
d.. Weather was quite warm until it got dark when there was a light rainfall for several hours but the temperature didn't drop too much so there was no need to change into warmer clothing.  Never changed clothing once, (usually it's three or four times), saving a considerable amount of time.
e.  Leader board was updated hourly.  After the first hour I was placed 28th out of 36 runners.  As I finished in 16th place it was nice watching myself moving up the Leader Board throughout right to the end of the race.
f.. Only came off the Track for 'natural' breaks and change of socks.  Lots of time saved here!
g.. Greased body parts a lot more thoroughly than previously so less discomfort.
h.  Counted (right steps) consistently throughout which helped to focus on running form.
i.  Had four helpers who 'worked' shifts so 'Base Camp' was never deserted - this was a crucial factor in these events, especially after it got dark.

Tom Scriven