#MedalMonday - this is a special one and very personal. After Lisbon Half about a month ago, I had a few injuries creep on and had to stop running for a few weeks. Naturally, I panicked because I had races coming up and time was running out. I kept up my strength and yoga as best as I could and got back on the bike - but no long runs, no trail runs... and pain in both of my legs when I tried. I did the marathon relay in Milan and my right foot (which had been the original issue) was fine - but I had an intense pain in my left hamstring afterwards. 🤪 I knew I was going to go to Wales anyway, so I postponed the decision whether to actually do the SheUltra and didn’t post about it beforehand to not create any pressure (only worked to some extent 😆). Last minute decision the day before was: Ok, I’ll try to hike it even if I might not finish. On the day, I started with the rockstar that is @angelaascott72 for the first few meters before she went off to have an incredible race. I just put one foot in front of the other and kept going - climbing what felt like vertical climbs, scooting down a particularly treacherous bit on my bum, climbing over fences and mastering what felt like 70 different types of terrain, from sand to rocks to meadows to mud to roads to narrow trails... Had to tend to my feet and legs a few times, so I spent about 50 minutes at aid stations etc (and yes, that also included a lot of snacking 🤣) - but I still managed come in at 11:23 hours. That might seem slow to many but I am still freaking proud of that. I think. 😆 (Still trying to shush the negative voices in my head but I’m getting there 😉) Thank you to all my coaches and everyone celebrating me even though I didn’t win the race. 😂 Now enjoying the rest & recovery in Ireland. 💚 #beautifullybrutal