Author: Ria Knox
Participating in the Geordieman Full Course at Druridge Bay was an experience that I will cherish forever. It was not just an endurance event; it was a celebration of personal milestones, resilience, and the power of community. My 40th birthday became a day of pushing boundaries and receiving love and support from those around me. Every part of the event, from the early morning start to the final steps across the finish line, was filled with memories that I will carry with me for a long time.
The day began with an early morning start, an experience that in itself felt like a challenge. As I fumbled around in the dark trying to get ready, I realised that I had completely forgotten to that I’d brought a head torch. This made for an interesting pre-dawn breakfast, as I attempted to prepare myself for the long day ahead with only the dim light available. Despite this minor inconvenience, the excitement of the day ahead kept me going, and I found myself feeling more awake and ready as I headed out into the cool morning air.
Setting up in the transition area was the first real moment of the day where the gravity of what I was about to undertake truly hit me. As I arranged my gear and made sure everything was in place, I could hear the buzz of conversation around me. Everyone was discussing the challenge that lay ahead, whether they were taking on the full or the half course. It was a humbling moment to realise that, whilst most around me were doing the half, I was among the few women who had chosen to tackle the full course. I didn’t manage to connect with any of the five other women who were doing the full, but the shared sense of anticipation in the air created a bond among all of us.
As we gathered at the start line for the briefing, the atmosphere was electric. The water, glistening under the early morning light, looked so inviting that it eased any remaining nerves I had. The swim was where I felt most at home. Once we started, I found a rhythm that made the swim feel almost effortless. The water embraced me, and I moved through it with strength and ease, finishing much faster than I had anticipated. Clocking in at 1 hour and 21 minutes, I was thrilled as I emerged from the water and headed into the transition area, where friendly faces greeted me with cheers.
Transitioning from the swim to the bike, I focused on the routine: wetsuit off, helmet on, shoes on, and then off I went. The bike course was mentally challenging, made even more so by the less-than-ideal weather. The route featured a mix of inclines and fun descents, but it was the long, lonely stretches that tested me the most. Cycling alone for miles can be tough, especially when the weather isn’t on your side. However, there were moments of unexpected support along the way. People popped up at various points on the course, cheering us on and providing much-needed encouragement. These encounters lifted my spirits and kept me going, even when I missed the first feed station because I simply didn’t see it.
The second feed station was a welcome sight, though the placement of the loo on the other side of the roundabout was a bit frustrating. One thing I discovered on the bike was the magic of full-fat coca-cola. It felt like rocket fuel, providing a burst of energy that kept me pushing forward. However, despite its effectiveness, it won’t replace my beloved Diet Coke as my drink of choice in everyday life.
The bike ride also offered some beautiful views, moments of peace amidst the grind. However, not all interactions were positive; at one point, a motorcyclist yelled at me to “get on the fucking cycle path,” a jarring reminder that not everyone on the road is supportive. Nevertheless, I embraced the grind, kept my focus, and completed the bike leg in 7 hours and 58 minutes, just shy of my predicted 8 hours.
Returning to the transition area felt like arriving to a hero’s welcome. The cheers, the smiles, and even the unexpected gift of birthday cake as I took a brief break in the porta-loo gave me the energy I needed to prepare for the final leg of the event. With my trainers on, I set off on the run.
The run began at a steady pace, and I soon bumped into the Tyne Bridge lasses, who joined me for a lap. Their company was a godsend, giving me the boost I needed at that moment. We ran together around Druridge Bay, a stretch that was particularly challenging, but their presence made it more bearable. I was incredibly grateful that they missed watching football to be there for me.
Finishing the first lap, I was met with an incredible sight—friends dressed up as me, cheering me on in my own clothes. It was a hilarious and heartwarming moment that gave me the motivation to keep going. The first lap was completed in 1 hour and 6 minutes, a decent pace that I was pleased with.
The second lap began with more support, but as I continued, I found myself running alone. Despite this, the random “happy birthday” wishes from strangers along the way kept my spirits high. Completing the half marathon in 2 hours and 16 minutes, I felt strong but knew the real challenge was yet to come.
The third lap was the toughest. I was on my own for most of it, and it became a psychological battleground. The fatigue set in, and I found myself shifting to a run-walk strategy, losing some time in the process. However, even in the midst of this struggle, there were moments of beauty, like spotting a deer along the route. Small as it may seem, it was a reminder of the serene environment we were in, offering a brief escape from the physical and mental challenge I was enduring. Despite the difficulty, I managed to finish the third lap.
Here we go. Last lap.
The 4th and final lap was both the hardest and the most rewarding. This was it—the last stretch. The support along the way was incredible, with some amazing people even running in jeans to encourage me. By this point, it was dark, and my pace had slowed to what I can only describe as “walking with purpose.” Yet, I knew what was waiting for me around the corner.
As I approached the finish line, the support I received was overwhelming. The cheers, the love, and even a hug from Runnerbean, who never usually hugs me when I’m sweaty, made the moment even more special. Crossing the finish line after 14 hours and 34 minutes was a moment of pure triumph. I had done it: completed the Geordieman Full Course on my 40th birthday.
This experience was more than just a race; it was a testament to the power of determination, the importance of community, and the joy of celebrating milestones with loved ones. A massive thank you to every single person who came out to support me, and a particularly special thank you to Richard and Runnerbean for their ongoing patience and love throughout my training. This was a birthday I will never forget, and an achievement that I will forever be proud of.
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