This weekend the 7th edition of the Spine gets
underway. It will be the 1st time that I have not been on the start
line. Having steadfastly ignored a niggling groin strain, which initially occurred
in Spine 2016, and a subsequent pelvic problem, I now haven’t run at all for
over 2 months and am only now beginning to feel any improvement. Old age ensures
that things recover much slower.
I have very mixed feelings about missing the Spine. Disappointment,
jealousy…and relief.
I’m feeling really disappointed not to have all my kit all
packed and be heading to Edale where the excitement and nerves will be
palpable. First timers understandably nervous. Frequent fliers more relaxed, understanding
that there’s little point wasting nervous energy when you will need every little
bit of energy available for forward propulsion. I’m disappointed not to do my
traditional, and ceremonial, sprint start. By the way, this is only seen at the
Spine!
I will miss the camaraderie of all the Spine family, and I’m
jealous of all those who will experience it. I will miss eating at Tan Hill and
the fine dining at Greg’s Hut. I will miss having breakfast in Gargrave Co-op.
They probably won’t miss me! I will miss crossing Cross Fell. Sorry but I love
the sense of isolation up there…it can be a wonderful place. Can be nasty too!
But I am so relieved that I won’t spend a week in January on
an emotional and physical rollercoaster. I won’t miss the cold, the rain, the
damp, the mud. Definitely not the mud! I won’t miss the 15 hours of darkness –
but I will miss the glorious sunrises and sunsets that can occur. I won’t miss
the continual battle against sleep but I will miss the tremendous
boost of arriving at a checkpoint.
And I definitely won't miss the painful toes!
It’s been nice not having the pressure of training hard
through November and December and actually not caring about what I eat or how
much I train over the Christmas period. My family appreciated having a
non-Spine Christmas!
Jenny, I know, is very relieved. She won’t have to spend a
week worrying about my well-being. A week dot watching. She will be able to
sleep! But I fancy she will miss being part of the support team – she really
does run a top-notch checkpoint, and loves looking after everyone.
So, whilst I will miss everything that makes the Spine such
a great and unique event, I will enjoy my warm bed next week whilst trying not
to feel very jealous of all those who are going to have a great experience.
Good luck to all involved. Stay safe and have fun…whilst we
watch your dots.
