The Isle of Wight Diabetes UK Event 2009

This event took place over the 11th and 12th of July 2009. My objective was to run the entire coastal path of the Isle of Wight. Dan Francis's objective was to cycle around the Island. I am a type 1 diabetic and only of 17 years of age, therefore it was even more so of a major challenge for me. The first day the weather was full of mist and drizzle, the rain came at me and the ground was very slippery. From the moment I started, I felt a pain in the back of my left knee which gradually got worse as the run went on. I may have over-done it during training for the event. I ran a clockwise route around the Isle starting at Ryde pier.

The signs were marked out poorly so I spent much of the time getting lost which was frustrating. At one point the path just ended and I didnt know where to go and ended up clambering over rocks. I ran up hills and it always seemed to be going upwards. Culver Down is one of the highest points on the Island and it was tough to get to the top, especially with the wind against me. The coast kept winding in and out and never seemed to end and at times the voice in my head said 'Your running through Hell.' The scenery around the Isle though was stunning. Ventnor never seemed to end and the pain grew worse in my legs. It was more miles then what has been marked out on the roads for sure, and the conditions did not help at all. I made it to Blackgang before collapsing, as my diabetes gave way at the end of the first day of running. Dan also had a simular problem, the mist was very bad and conditions were dangerous, after Blackgang an hour or so before I stopped for the day he also had to end his cycle for the day there. A group of hikers told my family when going past it had taken them 3 hours to go from Bembridge to Culver Down that day, which is not even half of what we done that day. It was a good 6 hours of running for me and around 5 hours of cycling for Dan.

The gig was amazing on the saturday night, at the Wight Rock Bar in Ryde. It was a very good venue for the gig and created a great atmosphere. I'd like to again thank Shaun and Debbie for letting me put the gig on. Floors and Walls and The Special K's performed at the gig and blew the place away, and my sister Kaylie Griffiths also sang Killing me softly. The Special K's produced a great performance and when Floors and Walls performed the dance floor was packed out, it was mental. I heard one man say '£4 for this is an absolute bargain!' All the £4 door money went to the cause.

The second day was extremely tough for me. My legs were stiff and the backs of both my knees were killing me, which was the worst thing. The sun came out on the second day and burnt me. I ran the long strip from Blackgang to Freshwater, which had yet even more hills to beat. I was in much pain and found it very hard to keep going. Everyone expected me to pack it in at Freshwater Bay, as I approached in a struggle and saw the congratulations signs, but I wanted to try and go on further. I made it past the Needles with my mate Matt joining me, and then to Alum Bay with a limp, there I finished with a bit of a sprint with whatever was left in me. The backs of my knees had had it and will now need looking at. Dan made it back round to Ryde the second day and completed the coastal path around the Isle. I was disapointed not to of finished the entire Isle, but I gave all I had and it just seemed impossible to do when I was struggling like I was, maybe I should have gone anti-clockwise as everything seemed to be going up hill on the clockwise route. The most important thing is I get money raised for a worthy cause which is diabetes research. I will be back some point next year though to finish and raise more money!

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Cheers!

Gavin Griffiths