A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

I have often wondered where extreme athletes go when they disappear into the dark recesses of their minds.

When they are running on empty, and seem driven by something no-one else can see. When they go far beyond the frontier of what one might reasonably expect a body to endure – and then, even more amazingly, return.

I have seen people suffering hideously, yet still moving, sails fluking with sparse wind while all about them are becalmed.

I’ve seen too, helplessness and horror reflected in the eyes of their support crews and loved ones.

In the interests of journalistic research, I decided to go undercover and find out for myself.

I entered the 200km section of The Great Naseby Water Race.

You wouldn’t describe me as an athlete, let alone an extreme one. I enjoyed sports at school but only because it got me out of the constraints of the classroom.