0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- I'm Lowri Morgan.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- I'm a television presenter, - an adventurer and runner.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- Running can be - both tough and painful.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- But for me, running is instinctive.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- Nobody forces me to do it...
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- ..or is bothered whether - I finish my miles or not!
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- It's just an integral part - of my life.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- After a two-year-break from - ultra marathons to raise a family...
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- ..to desire to push my boundaries - is stronger than ever.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- My next challenge - is three ultra marathons...
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- ..or a distance - of over 32 miles each...
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- ..from Llanberis to Wales's - highest peak, to Cader Idris...
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- ..and the top of Pen y Fan.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- It's 150 miles and scaling - 6,000 metres in three days...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- ..with Wales's - most inspirational athletes.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- There's something about her. - She has an inner strength.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- Lowri has something special.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- She doesn't give up. - She's a machine!
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- I conquered Snowdon and finished - earlier than expected in Dolgellau.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- It left 63 mountainous miles - on day two...
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- ..which was the longest day - of the challenge.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- The mountain runner, Owen Roberts - joined me at Cader Idris.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- The second peak.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49- It's done.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- That was a team effort.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- The runner and international - cyclist, Ifan Richards...
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- ..joined me until Aberhosan.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- I'm so emotional. That was tough.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05- I'm so emotional. That was tough.- - Tough going!
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- The legs felt strong on - the mountain roads to Llanidloes...
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- ..where I met the international - runner, Sian Williams...
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- ..but the final six miles - were a personal, inner battle...
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- ..and I came close - to packing it all in!
0:02:22 > 0:02:23- I'm exhausted.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- I'm starting to lose patience.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- If tomorrow is anything like today, - then I won't finish in three days.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- I'm serious.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- But after almost - 17 hours of running...
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- ..I arrived in Rhayader...
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- ..where I started my final day - which was another 40 miles...
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- ..before finishing - on the summit of Pen y Fan.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53- My body was feeling the effects - of the last two challenging days...
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- ..and I started my last day after - very little sleep the night before.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01- I don't know how I feel.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- I only know that I'm tired.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- But I don't regret any of it.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- I want to finish today - and go home to put Gwilym to bed.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- That will keep me doing today.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- I remember turning back - to the camera...
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- ..and asking the crew - to wish me luck.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- I didn't think that I was going - to make it through the last day.
0:03:26 > 0:03:32- My legs were heavy and I was - struggling to start running again.
0:03:32 > 0:03:33- This is going to hurt.
0:03:34 > 0:03:35- Argh... oh!
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- I just need to start.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- It was an honour to run through - the Elan Valley at that time.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57- There was nobody else.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- It was just me, the river and birds - and stunningly beautiful scenery.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- The silence and tranquillity - were incredible.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- As you approach a finish line...
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- ..and your dream of completing - a challenge becomes more real...
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- ..your mind plays tricks on you.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- I had to keep the momentum...
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- ..and find a new way to dig deep - and find some strength.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- It's all about the small challenges - within the massive one.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- I need to chop it all up - into small blocks.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- I've been thinking about it - over the last couple of miles.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- I think bravery is about - getting out of bed each morning...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- ..and saying, "I will try again."
0:04:55 > 0:04:56- And, um...
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- That's what I'll do today.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- I just have to do my very best...
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- ..and try to be - as brave as I possibly can.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12- I'm thinking about those people - who have shown me so much support...
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- ..who have donated to Cerebra...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- ..to help the children - less fortunate than us.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19- And just, um...
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- That will help me to keep going.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- It's going to be a good day.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- I can feel it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- Running can eat away at your soul.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- It can be mental torture.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- But by pushing forward, - going further and digging deeper...
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- ..the fatigue finally faded - and I found a new sense of strength.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- As I arrived in Builth Wells...
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- ..I was welcomed by my good friend, - Mark Lewis Jones.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- Thank you for doing this.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- Mark and I have known each other - for a number of years.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05- We hit it off straight away...
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- ..because we share - the same love for running.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10- You're looking great.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- You're looking great.- - I don't feel great.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- I feel as if I've been inspired - by all the peace and tranquillity.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- The finish line is in her sights.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24- She has this inner strength - and you can't buy it!
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- Let's get going.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33- Ta-ra!
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Here we go.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- I was so glad - that Mark was joining me...
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- ..and that he was also willing - to run 25 miles...
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- ..to help me and as preparation - for his next ultra marathon.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Have you always been a runner?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- My first ever run - was when I was eleven.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- It was the cross country race - at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10- I hadn't done anything like it - whilst in Rhos...
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- ..and I won!
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- I found that it was something - that came naturally to me.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- Ten years ago, - when I was about 40...
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- ..I started running again.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Since then, - I've done a lot of marathons...
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- ..and it's a massive part - of my life.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- I started with 10Ks, - then half-marathons and marathons...
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- ..and then ultras.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- I prefer ultras to anything else.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- There's something about runners who - have done self-sufficient races.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- We have something in common.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- We know that we have been through - similar experiences...
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- ..and share a similar mentality.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- The stories are the same.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- After my first ultra - from Brecon to Cardiff...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..I realized that it was - totally different to a marathon.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- When I run a marathon, - I try to beat my personal best.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- It's all about the time - and being faster.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- There's something about ultras - that runs much deeper than that.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- I'm a strong believer...
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- ..that something happens to runners - during an ultra...
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- ..when you push yourself - through the pain and torture.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- And you come out the other side.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- Something happens - and it's unlike anything else.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Has it helped your mental health?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Has it helped your mental health?- - Yes, definitely.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- I know that for me personally...
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- ..I find that running - is similar to counselling.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01- It's the way I feel - after a run and during a run too.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- My time with Mark flew by.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- We laughed so much.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- I was guilty as I could feel - myself slowing down.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- But Mark was so patient.
0:09:19 > 0:09:25- Mark was at my side - as both a friend and a runner.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- Mark refused to stop.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- He really kept me going.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- Do you think - the mind gives up first?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- Yes, I do.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- I tell myself to - ignore all messages from the brain!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- It can work the other way around.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- I think the mind can carry the body.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- My brain tells me to stop - and enough is enough...
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- ..and I have to ignore it.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- Mark's support and the generosity - of strangers towards Cerebra...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- ..was incredibly humbling.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- The support along the way - has been unbelievable.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- I really can't believe it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- I'm not just doing this for me - but for the family...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- ..to teach Gwilym - a few lessons in life...
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- ..but I think - we have this opportunity...
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- ..to raise some money.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43- Thank you!
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- It's wonderful when people come out - and show their support.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- It's a way of confirming the reason - for doing these challenges.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- If you're doubting yourself...
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- ..and doubting your ability - to complete the challenge...
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- ..it gives your spirits - a huge boost.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- And the pain just disappears.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07- Yes, it does.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- I'm just checking Lowri's - blood sugar level.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- If it drops below four then - we'll have to build up your sugars.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- You'll need some sugar to help you - get to the top of Pen y Fan.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30- Are you ready?
0:11:31 > 0:11:32- Aye!
0:11:34 > 0:11:35- Oh!
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Step by step...
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- ..the miles passed thanks - to Mark's inspirational words.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- We reached Brecon, the final stage - before the end of the adventure.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- And I allowed myself - to think about that finish line.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Thank you very much, Mark.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- You're worth your weight in gold!
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- And we've had a great time.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21- And we've had a great time.- - Yes, we have.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- Once again, and for the final time - with the crew at my side...
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- ..I had to focus on what lay ahead.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- I was ready for one last challenge - before heading home.
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0:12:41 > 0:12:41- Subtitles
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- The final runner to join me - was my best friend, Nigel Thomas.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- He's offered regular support...
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- ..and has been at my side - throughout all my challenges.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- I think he's one - of the only people...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- ..who truly understands...
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- ..how I manage to cope - with these kinds of races.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- He's done them himself.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- She's like a machine - when she puts her trainers on.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- We started about ten years ago...
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- ..with her preparations - for these endurance events.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- I just wanted her to put - one foot in front of the other!
0:13:31 > 0:13:32- Well done.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Well done.- - Good score. Well done.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- I'm so tired.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- I think that - I'm just keeping on going.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- I'm on automatic pilot.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- I can't talk. - My brain isn't working.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- I don't know anyone - who is as determined as Lowri.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- When she gets the bit between her - teeth then there's no stopping her.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- After years of training - in the area...
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- ..Nigel knows the mountains - like the back of his hand.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- It was pure coincidence - that we met his old friends...
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- ..whilst running through Brecon.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- The lady you just met...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- ..was my partner - when I was in the Special Forces.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- The path you're going to follow - is the same path we used to descend.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- When we reached the bottom, - we were kidnapped...
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- ..and taken for interrogation.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- It was part of the course.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Your mind is incredibly strong.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- Have you always been like that - or is it something you developed?
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- Over the last three or four years...
0:14:43 > 0:14:49- ..I had an accident - and needed a new hip and shoulder...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- ..so I couldn't go running - for a while.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- I went into quite a dark place...
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- ..but I learnt more about myself - when I was in that dark place.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- It helped and made me stronger.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- I've run many times with Lowri.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- She goes into the zone...
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- ..and when she's in that zone, - there's no stopping her.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- People will look at you - doing this...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- ..and think that - you're stupid to do it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- But I don't think you learn anything - about yourself...
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- ..when you're sat down.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- Life is very simple but we're - the ones who complicate matters.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- We eat too much, drink too much - and make excuses.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- But it's one foot - in front of the other.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- You can walk for 100 yards, - run for 100 yards and build it up.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- That's how Lowri started - and it's how I started.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- We carried on - and do it out of habit.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58- I feel strongly...
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- ..that people like yourself...
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- ..who specialize in various fields - are a true inspiration.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- We need role models - for the next generation.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- They can show people...
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- ..that you don't have to be - the strongest...
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- ..or the best person in a group.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- You can achieve something - with hard work.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27- Yes, that's right.
0:16:27 > 0:16:33- All you need is hard work, - patience and determination.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- You have to work hard - at everything in life.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- As we reached - the foot of Pen y Fan...
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- ..my heart sank - because the heavens opened!
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Thankfully, Nigel was at my side...
0:17:03 > 0:17:08- ..to remind me of the extreme - conditions I had already faced.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- It was just what I needed - to get through the final stage.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Be careful on your feet because it - will be slippery after all the rain.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- I can't let the adrenalin take over - so I need to be careful.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26- Yes.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31- She's asking herself why she's doing - it but she just needs to keep at it.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- We can all do it.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- It's all in our heads if we want it.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37- Right, OK.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- Off you go and I'll see you later.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40- Off you go and I'll see you later.- - Ta-ra!
0:17:41 > 0:17:41- Good luck.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Good luck.- - Thank you.
0:17:50 > 0:17:51- It's a huge challenge.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Few people in the world - are able to run for three days.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- Finishing this will be incredible - for her but not now or tonight...
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- ..but next year or a year after - when Gwilym reads about his mother.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- That's when it'll hit home - for Lowri.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19- Can you see the summit?
0:18:28 > 0:18:29- Oh!
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- The Three Welsh Peaks.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- Three ultra marathons.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- In three days.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- I can't believe - that I've run from Llanberis...
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- ..to the top of Pen y Fan - in 60 hours!
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- And I've loved it.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- This was a difficult challenge...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- ..but it's been a wonderful journey.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- It's a very special feeling...
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- ..when you reach - the end of your journey...
0:19:04 > 0:19:05- ..or a summit...
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- ..knowing that you've - carried yourself all the way.
0:19:10 > 0:19:16- You also know that you've pushed - your boundaries and found new ones.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- After conquering the 3/3/3...
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- ..I thought about my reasons - for pushing my boundaries.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- For three days, - I stepped away from reality...
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- ..but the family was waiting for me - so it was time to return to my life.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- And I couldn't wait!
0:19:43 > 0:19:44- Gwil!
0:19:45 > 0:19:46- Gwilym!
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Hello.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50- Hello, Nel.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- I've finally been reunited - with my running partners.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- I can't believe that I've done it.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00- Um...
0:20:00 > 0:20:06- I dreamt about doing this challenge - a few years ago...
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- ..but then, - someone entered my world...
0:20:10 > 0:20:11- ..and I couldn't do it.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- But I've managed to fulfil my dream.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- I think a few people - thought that I couldn't do it...
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- ..and I started to doubt myself too.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- But sometimes, - when you take a risk...
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- ..you find out that you can do - a lot more than you ever expected.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- I got emotional - after completing the challenge...
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- ..because Nigel gave me a gift.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- It was a medal - from the SAS Battalion.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- The inscription said, - "Who Dares Wins!"
0:20:52 > 0:20:58- The inscription of "Who Dares Wins" - is three words but speaks volumes.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Without taking a risk...
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- ..I would never have known - that I could have completed this.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- I'm going to keep this - very close to my heart.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- Thank you, Nigel.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- You're a friend for life!
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- Since I was a child, - I've been encouraged to work hard...
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- ..to learn about the world and not - to fear taking those first steps.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34- By taking a risk...
0:21:34 > 0:21:40- ..I've achieved more than - I ever thought was possible.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- It's been an incredible journey.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- I've met - so many inspirational people.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- People who have made me - dig deeper...
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- ..and believe in myself.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- I feel very privileged - to have had this opportunity.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- And now, I'm back with the family - and I'm happy.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Yes, we're happy now.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- There are two rules - when running an ultra marathon.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- You reach the start line - and reach the finish line.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- I made another rule...
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- ..of putting one foot - in front of the other.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- A journey of 1,000 miles - always starts with that first step.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- This is true of life too.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- # There are shoes to fill
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- # But if I must - follow your footsteps?
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- # I'm ready to fail
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- # There's water in the blood #
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:05 > 0:23:05- .