Will I DNF? Can I survive the MUD on the Shropshire Way 80k? 🏃🏔️

Wow, the Shropshire Way 80k (SW80k) this year was challenging! A 50 mile run/walk through the beautiful Shropshire countryside was taken to a whole new level of toughness by the conditions we encountered.
Let’s start with the Mud, we had:
Sticky Mud - which glued our feet to the path
Slippy Mud - where we had to use all our strength and balance to just stay upright, moving forward was a bonus
Sloppy Mud - wading shin-deep in muddy puddles
Slurry Mud - when the smells emanating from the mud made me certain there were added “ingredients”
Streams of Mud - where a river of mud flowed down the path as I tried to climb up
The mud sapped my energy and strained my muscles, I felt like I’d done fifty miles after I’d completed the first ten!
Then there was the wind . . .
climbing out of the valleys to the tops the wind whipped my breath and ability to speak away, knocking me sideways or causing me to bend at the waist to reduce my frontal area as I battled into it!
Finally the rain . . .
I spent most of the day celebrating that while it might be muddy and windy, at least the sun was shining and the views were fabulous. But as I approached Clun, the storm clouds gathered, the heavens opened and the rain felt like needles straffing my face.
BUT
Other than the last ten miles (more of that in a moment) I had a fabulous day. As ever we were well looked after with great local food at the check points. The scenery was stunning and the wild weather actually added to the fun. It was lovely to see the wild ponies again on the Long Mynd and some lovely chats with fellow participants as I fell into step with them.
I was slower but enjoying myself and up till the rain started was confident about finishing. But then as the rain started the light also disappeared as the sun dropped behind the hills. Suddenly, I was forced to realise just how much slower I was than last year when I only had a couple of miles to complete in the dark. This year it was going to be over ten miles with a couple of challenging hills and what I knew was going to be some seriously challenging mud, a couple of fields had been bad last year this year my imagination started going into overdrive on just how bad it might be!
Total honesty? At this point I was unsure of whether I had it in me to get to the end or whether I would have my first ever DNF (Did Not Finish)
As I supped my soup in the community hall at Clun, listening to the rain and seeing other participants arriving with slight “zombie like” appearance, I tried to lift my spirits and persuade myself to get back out and on it. The warm soup, supportive volunteers and the hot sweet cup of tea certainly helped but it was a group of participants who allowed me to join them for the journey to the finish that made the difference. Their companionship, support and encouragement as we battled the elements tramping up steep hills and through muddy fields kept me going and it was great to celebrate together as we headed into Craven Arms.
What a relief then the lights and town signs of Craven Arms appeared like a mirage in front of us, hugs and happiness as we cantered our way through the quiet streets and back to the welcome, warm embrace of the Discovery Centre. I had taken over 18hrs, almost 4hrs more than the previous year, the conditions had certainly taken their toll. But I’d finished, I had a certificate and a medal to prove it and new friends to celebrate with.
Buffet Breakfast enjoyed (yes breakfast at 2am in the morning!) with a few sweet cups of tea to wash it down, before I dragged my weary frame back outside to my tent pitched in the grounds of the Discovery Centre. I crawled into my sleeping back and was quickly sound asleep.
Then there’s the morning after, you would think after that experience, I would be saying “never again” but . . . you know what, I’m already certain that I will be back on the start line in 2025, I’m just hoping that it will be third time lucky and that it will be a bit drier underfoot! Who’s joining me?
Hope you enjoy the film of our tourism adventure, please like and subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.co...
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Useful info and links on our blog post about the event
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About Ian, Iona and Family
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Each week on this channel Ian (Dad) and Iona share our little adventure experiences, often joined by Ewan (Iona’s older brother) and Ruth (Mum) too.
If you like heading outdoors and your idea of a perfect weekend includes parkrun, climbing a mountain or exploring new places on two wheels then we would love to have you join us on our adventures.

[@mikowineman]

Video Ian, dayglow Mike here! Thanks for your company on that last stretch, so proud the “Magnificent 7” made it back in one piece. Never again tho. Keep well, Mike

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Thanks Mike, it was lovely to be a part of the group and that last leg. Not tempted to be back next year then? 😀

[@mikowineman]

@@ALittleAdventureTime nope this was my swan song long distance event. Sticking to marathons or less…famous last words. Would love to have done the course on dryer ground

[@RCru24]

I'm glad to see it wasn't just me struggling on that sharp climb after CP9! Your video is a lovely little trip down memory lane - nice work :)

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Yes that CP9 climb is a stinger! Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Mack.Tracks]

Fantastic stuff, Ian. Well done remaining positive on what is clearly a tough challenge!

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Thanks, there were a few dark moments towards the end but got through it and will be back next year I think!

[@gillbracey1529]

I agree. I can’t find d how to make my own comment so am tagging on to yours @Mack.Tracks. Ian - you are a total inspiration. Brilliant resolve and determination - as well as fitness. ❤

[@tarmactrailandtrack]

@@ALittleAdventureTime dark in more ways than one!!

[@tarmactrailandtrack]

Well Done on finishing, i retired at 35.7 miles so didn't make it to Clun. I had an issue with my leg. My first ever DNF in over 25 Years of running. It was tough going and on the day I found my limit. I will be back!

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Thanks, hope leg ok now, it was certainly hard on the body!

[@tarmactrailandtrack]

@@ALittleAdventureTime it's ok not 100% but it's ok! How about you?

[@Run_Like_a_T-Rex]

Great video, Ian. I did my Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition over Long Mynd. Was just as windy back then too!

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

I don't think it's ever not windy on the top of there 😂

[@meirionwilliams8036]

Nice one ! I did an Ultra same day but only 33miles 😊. Same boggy conditions though and that pesky Storm Katherine winds. Managed to lose 2 toe nails as well 😅. Catch you at Eryri or if not before 👍

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Yes it was a challenging weekend for a run, wherever you might be, it was Coventry Way on the Sunday and friends doing that were wading through mud too! See you at Eryri

[@reliveparkrunvideos1105]

Great video Ian. That nearly makes me want to do the event!

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

I like the "nearly" shorter options are available (10, half mara and full mara)

[@reliveparkrunvideos1105]

@ALittleAdventureTime lol marathon Eryri is going to be enough for me. Most probably my last marathon!

[@rachelmarrington9058]

Very well done! Hope the trench foot isn't too bad

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Drying out slowly 😂

[@lizusedon9237]

Was it hard to navigate? Can you use gps instead of maps? Thank you

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Yes I had a GPS route on my watch. There are few points where you do have to be careful but mostly fairly straight forward and your often with others as well.

[@lizusedon9237]

Thank you as thinking of signing up for 2025

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

@@lizusedon9237 do it! Hopefully see you on the start line 😀