Pulled off at Runnymede – not the way we wished to finish DW2017

Having spent the last few years paddling with Diane Sharp, and in that time been through some highs and lows, I believe it probable that she is currently feeling a little down after having had to pull out of DW2017 due to a damaged shoulder at Runnymede ie after 90 miles and 70 odd portages. I will mention that she had been suffering for the last 2 days with bad blisters, and had taken an injury to her wrist- but these she happily managed to paddle through- a shoulder though is a different matter. So we pulled her off the course. I don’t think there is anyone who has paddled DW, who does not appreciate that whilst you can prepare as well as possible, if the Gods are against you, you are not finishing- it is brutally simple. If the body breaks, the body breaks and there is nothing you can do. In fact the sooner you pull out after the body has broken, the better, otherwise as a number of competitors over the years know to their cost, you are likely to end up with permanent significant damage.

So Diane aka Dirty D, it has been a privilege to be part of your journey this year. You pulled me down that course last year, with no complaints and total good humour. I only found out at Westminster after we had successfully completed Senior K2 in 2016, that camouflaged under your smiles and crap jokes (do you want super sex? Answer What flavours the soup), was a body that had been rubbed raw and been bleeding for the previous 50 miles. You are one tough (in a gentle way) Lady. Cortisone, The Rottweiler and I have had a fantastic weekend in your company. Team Dirty D was one very dysfunctional but happy family. We look forward to a rerun.

Cheers Beaujolais

Ps Big congratulations to Ione and Emma for their successful completion of Senior K2- in a fantastic time. It was great following these guys on the trackers. They too know the pain of not finishing- really pleased to see them pictured at the finish.