I led a group on a recce of the northern section of the Manx Mountain Marathon course in very wintry conditions. The day was characterized by deep snow, up to 3 feet in places, and mist that created an eerie and cold atmosphere. The challenging conditions slowed us down, especially on the way to the first checkpoint, but we adjusted our goals and pressed on.Nikki had some issues with her hip early on but managed to alleviate the pain through stretching and self-massage. Chris left the group after Ben-y-Phot and headed home towards Ballaugh, while Joey continued running into Peel after we finished the hill sections. Nikki and I stopped at St Johns. The route was simple to follow, thanks to my familiarity with it, despite the snow hindering our pace. The occasional breaks in the mist revealed stunning views, making the effort worthwhile.We all managed our nutrition and hydration well, and the group kept moving together to maintain warmth. Although the conditions were tough, the experience was rewarding, and we enjoyed the day in the hills and on the mountain. Snaefell, the highest peak on the Isle of Man at 621 meters, was a highlight of the route.
