I had hiked with Dan from the UK who was an ultra runner with one 50 mile race under his belt. The difference between us thru-hiker's and ultra runner's is that we carry everything on our backs where as they carry the bare minimum to survive. In other words I carry a 25 or 30lb pack......they carry a 5 or 10lb pack. Also we walk......fast.....and they run...and sometimes walk. Generally uphill.

I am not saying one is better or tougher than the other I am just pointing out the differences.

We all started the day off setting the alarms for 3am and starting off hiking for me at 3.37am. Not a good start for me as my head-torch was giving up and it was raining lightly so I wasted 5 minutes putting a bin liner on the pack and my upper half. Also I hiked with my umbrella which slows me down considerably.

My plan was to hike 10 miles every 3 hours and only take breaks to filter water. Possibly take a short lunch break if I had to or stretch out if needed.

Daylight came and 10 miles in I was on time......drinking and eating as I walked every 15 minutes or so. The plan was to not get hungry. When this happens I lose my energy and slow down and usually have to stop to refuel. I also counted the calories as they disappeared down my throat!

Into the day with a good start

20 miles in and I had dropped 20 minutes behind schedule due to a 'long water break'. I had to stretch out some muscles and also grab more food out the bag.

I had not seen any of the other hikers but had met a few people along the way who informed me that they were at least 1/2 an hour ahead. I thought there is no chance of me catching them as they are all a lot faster.

Somewhere past the 20 mile point I met a section hiker from Washington with an Ice axe on his pack. When he discovered I was part of the 'Fifty crew' he said 'Hey... I'm going to keep up with you and proceeded to chase behind me......firing lots of questions......actually this really started to bug me...as now I had to concentrate on talking also. Luckily he soon gave up the ghost dropping off behind.......I was out of breath from the extra exertion of chatting.

30 miles in I was once again 'on time' and allowed myself the luxury of a ten minute break! Sitting on the dirt with my legs stretched out I ate a jam roll and forced some chips down. I felt really happy at how I was feeling....no real problems, aches or pains! well slightly tired I guess.

Dirty feet from using trail runners - Yuk

Fifteen minutes later I was trotting down the path like some demented hobbit. I have to say the soft forest path was ideal for this day.

Forty miles in and I was feeling a 'bit tired' at 4.30pm.... but still excited at making it this far with no problems. It looked as though 'Fifty' was on the cards.

down the path like some demented hobbit

Mile 44 I was treated to an uphill section. Nothing serious but it was enough to kick me. I sat down exhausted and out of breath.....quickly snacking for more energy.

Mile 46 I hit a highway and quickly crossed knowing another uphill was coming up. Meeting a couple of older section hikers who told me about the other '50's' and added.....'you are too late and you are not going to make it' Thanks guys........

I trotted uphill with no problems until mile 47 when I hit 'the wall'. I have had this before and luckily saw it coming so I knew what to do. Lie on the trail with legs elevated on the pack. Sure enough after 3 minutes or so I fely like going on......this was not going to stop me.

Mile 49 I crossed the last road next to Mt Hood which was covered by cloud. Also it had now started to drizzle and the cold wind had strengthened. There was no way I would continue up the mountain to make it a double marathon....50 was all I wanted.

So I turned on the GPS and went through the darkening forest until I had gone over a mile. As I hiked up the path I shouted 'come on then' to the clouds 'try and stop me now' This really gave me a burst of energy and I quickly realised the 50 was done!

With the GPS on and darkness now on me I used the topo map to find a level camping spot......perfect.....(although it smelled of deer wee...nice)