Cat Slater
The Montane Dragon’s Back Race® is a 6-day multi-stage race covering 380km and 17,400m ascent across Wales. At the start line in Conwy Castle, the anticipation of what was to come, and the excitement was palpable.
The course takes you over most of the peaks of Wales. Day 1 includes Crib Goch and what an experience we had. The clouds were cascading down the valleys and we were left with this stunning vista of the full Snowdon Horseshoe.
Cat on Crib Goch during day one of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® ©Bib Number Photography
The first 2 days were forecast to be warm, but the reality was much worse. The hills were baking and on the second day this caused a lot of problems resulting in a record number of dropouts. Any body of water was much appreciated either to dunk your head and hat in, or if possible, to submerge in. Llyn Du before Rhinog Fawr was a lifesaving swim. This could have caused some runners some problems, not only did you have hot, sweaty feet but potentially now they were soddened. Blisters could be and were a real issue.
Before the event I had seen a Podiatrist to help me manage hard skin and learn how to tape my feet. Many people said ‘why tape something that isn’t broken’ but if I hadn’t done this, I would have had blisters. I used talcum powder after each day too - to help prevent/reduce maceration and ensure my feet were ready for the next day. Feet were my number 1 priority!
I had seen the forecast and had a real shuffle around of food. I know I struggle to eat in hot conditions so I moved any gels or liquid based foods I had from later days to day 1 and 2. I increased my fuel (Tailwind) in my water and made sure that at the Support Point I had food that I knew I could eat but was calorific. Meatballs and pasta saved me on day 2!
Day 3 remained sunny, but not too hot. Cadair Idris was beautiful in the morning sun and the runoff was a welcome break from the steeper, rockier terrain from day 1 and 2. It was tough though, I walked into the Support Point eating a bowl of pasta I’d picked up from the garage in Machynlleth. For me, this is where the event really started. I had survived the first 2 days, but the calorie deficit was huge. I checked myself over, then had a word with myself - there was nothing wrong me other than being tired, I just needed to eat and keep moving.
The camaraderie was something I have never experienced. There was a real feeling of being in it together and we all felt that relief of surviving the first 2 days. I got distracted by various other runners, funny stories, ridiculous conversations, singing… I had Beyonce ‘Survivor’ stuck in my head for hours - and together we made it to camp 4. It had been a real tough day.
Cat on day four of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® ©No Limits Photography
The emotional rollercoaster really began on day 4. Dragon Mail™ from friends and family was amazing but had me in bits. On this day I was sobbing at the start line, but the volunteers were there ready to pick me up and gently persuade me on. They were amazing and unlike any volunteers you will ever come across. It felt like they wanted you to achieve this almost as much as you did!
To train for this event I had help from running coach Paul Tierney. I wanted guidance to help prevent over training and looking back this is 100% what would have happened. The tricky aspect of the Dragon’s Back Race is you need to be good at everything - mountain running, technical terrain, road running, trail running. My friend Jenny and I also recce-ed the whole course over 3 long weekends - this meant our training was done on the actual terrain. I personally think this was invaluable!
Day 5 was my favourite day. There was a lot of ascent on pathless terrain but with a new friend Antonio, we chatted all day and had fun. Running over the Brecon Beacons, in the clouds, wind and rain, was such a welcomed relief and I ate everything I had on me for the first time all week. I had little grab bags of Mountain Fuel flapjack cut up, Naked bars, Baby Bells and beef jerky. I also had a little bag of sweets to celebrate with at check points.
Cat and Antonio on day five of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® ©No Limits Photography
The last day… in my mind it was just another day, yet more checkpoints, I just couldn’t think too far ahead. At the first checkpoint, I saw some friends and cried. I was somewhat emotional, but the volunteers sorted my food, filled up my water bottles, and offered words of encouragement and off I went again. Anna Troup kept appearing on the course everyday supporting everyone and on the final day, all I remember was her telling me to ‘grind it out’ and that’s all that went through my head.
I finally had confidence that I just might make it. I had this thought as I arrived at the daily Support Point to find a surprise visit from my mum and dad! And that was it, the tears came again. My mum making sure they were tears of happiness in seeing them!!!
The last 10 miles were some of the hardest miles I have ran but on seeing Cardiff Castle, I was filled with happiness, relief, shock… I just couldn’t believe I had made it.
To finish in Cardiff Castle was the ending this journey deserved for all Dragons. It felt special and will be a memory most will never forget.
Cat celebrates at the finish in Cardiff Castle ©No Limits Photography
