tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18074912724109734072024-03-14T00:59:15.081+00:00Alice Runs The CountryAlicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-40671034011896527912022-09-19T19:38:00.016+01:002022-09-19T22:14:57.778+01:00The End?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>This challenge started as a way to see the country and run a lot of marathons. It definitely delivered on both fronts, with the unexpected extra challenge of the Covid pandemic in the middle resulting in 16 race cancellations. The logistics weren't as tricky as I initially expected - although I did run more ultras than I thought I'd need to! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>I did road races (City of Lo<span style="font-size: small;">ndon, Merseyside),</span> trail races including some incredibly muddy ones (West Sussex, Cambridgeshire), races partly or totally at night (Northumbria, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, West Midlands), I did races on both Saturday and Sunday in different counties (Dorset & Hampshire, Buckinghamshire & Isle of Wight). </span><span><span>I did ones beside the beach (East Sussex, Suffolk, </span><span><span>Norfolk</span>), hilly ones (Cornwall, Surrey, Wiltshire, Shropshire) and flat ones (Greater Manchester, Devon, Hertfordshire). </span> I had some horrifically long journeys (Suffolk, Hampshire, Tyne and Wear, Cornwall), I did 10 loops of a Grand Prix track (Cheshire) and 106 laps of a running track (Hertfordshire), I did a race that started at someone's house (Worcestershire), I did one in fancy dress (West Yorkshire) and one four days after eye surgery (Gloucestershire). </span><span> Somehow I managed not to DNF a single race although I DNS'd 3 of them. </span></span></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><img border="0" data-original-height="2589" data-original-width="3543" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbdcMyKwCCIG9WcIy9CIe8jvpEZIzAD1FIB-UPxAb_3GnocZPIugkoEF6dV3jLva9q3_o-Wn9IK3JgZNxeV3i81rhDWAWWIq7LO5vpx2JzrElWUDAuaBeRk2rGx5LA9cuGMzOIHw3CJzMASN0dKxe4GfffdsJzvbdi1lnWUCtxS-5NOz83J-91w/s320/CE0E7D26-8680-4450-B060-DAAA238A91EF_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">*missing the last one as photo was taken before I did it</span></span><br /></span></div><div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>It has been an incredible experience so I decided to pull together some statistics on the challenge as a whole, as follows:</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Total distance:</b> 2468 miles / 3791 kilometres<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Total running time:</b> 291 hours</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Total elevation:</b> 28591m (3 and a bit times the height of Everest)<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Average speed per kilometre compared with time of year:</b> I slow down in the summer<br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lYoh-gq57FmglAJJRGyGMi8C5Lv1ehQGTjomYJ8U_e8alOFqOC0VvUmH_VhDyNVrtopga_rEAMY4EBM-Ei_ycGhr4G23i4ukIPNH_yFHYxDOX-atBtknJhIoezY62n7EB0flftXlKNppWm1qZqTlkHlywbl9CpwpHdELRnGizCNJqy84KRb29Q/s883/Screenshot%202022-09-19%20at%2017.48.34.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="883" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lYoh-gq57FmglAJJRGyGMi8C5Lv1ehQGTjomYJ8U_e8alOFqOC0VvUmH_VhDyNVrtopga_rEAMY4EBM-Ei_ycGhr4G23i4ukIPNH_yFHYxDOX-atBtknJhIoezY62n7EB0flftXlKNppWm1qZqTlkHlywbl9CpwpHdELRnGizCNJqy84KRb29Q/w400-h243/Screenshot%202022-09-19%20at%2017.48.34.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 85px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2730; mso-width-source: userset; width: 64pt;" width="85"></col>
</colgroup><tbody><tr height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 64pt;" width="85"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 64pt;" width="85"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 64pt;" width="85"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 64pt;" width="85"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 64pt;" width="85"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 64pt;" width="85"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 64pt;" width="85"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>There follows a list of interesting
statistics and subjective opinions about my challenge as a whole which I
quite enjoyed looking up, thinking about and writing!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Fastest</b>: Greater London (Richmond marathon, in 3:59:33) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: East Riding of Yorkshire, Devon</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Slowest</b>: West Midlands (Escape from Meriden: 18 hours and 6
minutes)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Longest</b>: West Midlands (Escape from Meriden: 127km)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Slowest in mins per kilometre</b>: Cornwall</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Most ascent</b>: Cornwall (1930m)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Most scenic:</b> Herefordshire (Wye Valley Trail). <span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up:
Shropshire, Staffordshire<br /><br /></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEAziuiq1UBDGBCB-1mX88CW22Nf-y5Oe2pYFrT5PJm0ZwjI6m1l-bw6XqPPjEG52T4g0SSAALVP808iWYXRz_TGEzVLuElOdqOJSvkcJRn7CsuKUcEdH8NLQwIU24MmQfa1hi3XZUWyMYE7nDLvx0PniquVbkNLuuMDMc-_u7VH0IXt8Q-nBBQ/s4032/IMG_2990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEAziuiq1UBDGBCB-1mX88CW22Nf-y5Oe2pYFrT5PJm0ZwjI6m1l-bw6XqPPjEG52T4g0SSAALVP808iWYXRz_TGEzVLuElOdqOJSvkcJRn7CsuKUcEdH8NLQwIU24MmQfa1hi3XZUWyMYE7nDLvx0PniquVbkNLuuMDMc-_u7VH0IXt8Q-nBBQ/w320-h240/IMG_2990.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /><span>Most
memorable:</span></span></b><span> </span></span><span>Rutland - running most of the race with Tiger Tim the jogler juggling beside me </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsiKHB1M3L4n529mDxyL0S4VzhdR08ilHH6el9jVA4aVF0R0G7OHHqj4IrusLk8AU6h2AyX7iZpvCigxturAEmZrMndf4qnNuDEkpqqqu3L5PutXK43dbidJ4k2DTmgsmFZ3utcFh1mHiLj4RgOXWEbprRMQbIFfXXgk4SEttYACRX35C3WTp5Q/s3088/IMG_0512.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsiKHB1M3L4n529mDxyL0S4VzhdR08ilHH6el9jVA4aVF0R0G7OHHqj4IrusLk8AU6h2AyX7iZpvCigxturAEmZrMndf4qnNuDEkpqqqu3L5PutXK43dbidJ4k2DTmgsmFZ3utcFh1mHiLj4RgOXWEbprRMQbIFfXXgk4SEttYACRX35C3WTp5Q/s320/IMG_0512.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Most fun/enjoyable:</b> Dorset - had a festival atmosphere with a beer tent and food concessions and everyone was incredibly friendly<br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Favourite race director:</b> Paul Albon of Big Bear Events
(Staffordshire/Warwickshire/Leicestershire) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: Richard Weremuik of Beyond
Marathon (Lincolnshire, West Midlands), Denzil of How Hard Can It Be Events
(Shropshire), White Star Running team (Dorset)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Best organisation: </b>Norfolk</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Worst organisation: </b>Surrey </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Favourite item in post-race goody bag: </b>Dorset (pint
glass).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: Cumbria (gingerbread
medal, Kendal mint cake, water bottle), Hampshire (Garmin sweatband)</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXKBV-BI4yRMWI4YizQQY0EFiKsS9AzV9EAk3DuDY1mHoBGhB26vqN4ehcUzRjQV60ws62eCykJXVEIArE0wltF4OpYQ2eipPI6zmR67vqnqAO4Iy0oWhduY8ewWoebio2D11suz84W-q-bPnVpgDAFUYyI3pDE4eIODJraGvRaI7zExthq4gMA/s3088/IMG_0271.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXKBV-BI4yRMWI4YizQQY0EFiKsS9AzV9EAk3DuDY1mHoBGhB26vqN4ehcUzRjQV60ws62eCykJXVEIArE0wltF4OpYQ2eipPI6zmR67vqnqAO4Iy0oWhduY8ewWoebio2D11suz84W-q-bPnVpgDAFUYyI3pDE4eIODJraGvRaI7zExthq4gMA/s320/IMG_0271.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span> <br /></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Best finish:</b> West Midlands (1<sup>st</sup> female, Escape from Meriden) ultra;
East Riding of Yorkshire (1<sup>st</sup> female, Hornsea Trail) marathon</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerh2MLoLlkHhCnRkmOrMDAJGXNFAbn1pXfyV7WlmPwS_CS3FlUJlehcsXYrcg_krMApFttA5NF5iZpr3wU4pvVG0dtfSPwIhmV8q1GmbYHtsmOOkXnEIOWuXCHrKcJB1zHqRwCoykIn4CGzm1EC3BW3v8tT4CFCNqCHT04JY4R02tBZfQC26KyA/s3475/IMG_0185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2368" data-original-width="3475" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerh2MLoLlkHhCnRkmOrMDAJGXNFAbn1pXfyV7WlmPwS_CS3FlUJlehcsXYrcg_krMApFttA5NF5iZpr3wU4pvVG0dtfSPwIhmV8q1GmbYHtsmOOkXnEIOWuXCHrKcJB1zHqRwCoykIn4CGzm1EC3BW3v8tT4CFCNqCHT04JY4R02tBZfQC26KyA/w320-h218/IMG_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmF6rpZ8WVdH0C_bYc2n4iPJHU4qKpbdrUy-ZVZJHe1Gsu2nE6uXcW4TIh7y8BqAttDVT2RsMuDy6legIPChtkLf_UbJ_-ZcTrVAL3GJQWsvunT79w8OTKaOwsAHUZYmZ_lSSKH6uQnOHlE2y0stmX5viAdhU4uBwOzK2vIr_VN5IDi-Y9UBfrA/s4032/IMG_0673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmF6rpZ8WVdH0C_bYc2n4iPJHU4qKpbdrUy-ZVZJHe1Gsu2nE6uXcW4TIh7y8BqAttDVT2RsMuDy6legIPChtkLf_UbJ_-ZcTrVAL3GJQWsvunT79w8OTKaOwsAHUZYmZ_lSSKH6uQnOHlE2y0stmX5viAdhU4uBwOzK2vIr_VN5IDi-Y9UBfrA/w150-h200/IMG_0673.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></span></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Worst weather:</b> Isle of Wight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: Buckinghamshire, Tyne and Wear</span><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Hardest (for me personally)</b>: Suffolk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner up: Oxfordshire </span></span></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Hardest (terrain):</b> Wiltshire (cold, mud, elevation and
repetition in January).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner up: Surrey
(elevation, temperature, lack of aid stations)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Hottest</b>: Surrey (average 30 degrees).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: Northamptonshire (28 degrees),
Lancashire (26 degrees)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Coldest:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cambridgeshire (11 degrees).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: Devon (11 degrees), probably
Cheshire (temperature not recorded)</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Favourite medal</b>: Greater London (Richmond) - sparkly, shaped like a crown, doubles up as a handy bottle opener<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: Merseyside (Liverpool Rock n
Roll), Essex (Life’s a Beach Coastal Series), Shropshire (Piece of Cake
marathon)</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNqKHG3lSfUYWjnPJv7yznvnXIH8LuhKecZ-c4-u5CewvxW-79hC1tdZawwi3nXtv-l_pG3v5qh4-H-zDGsz9_MQFhEQGmR809--FAHtOHEzNVBZeid1iC4AGlwgKEqdIGJqcO5u606R3f-TRxih9YraSg_y-c0N3H3r4gSanovCTFlXfP5ZUWg/s297/IMG_7891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="297" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNqKHG3lSfUYWjnPJv7yznvnXIH8LuhKecZ-c4-u5CewvxW-79hC1tdZawwi3nXtv-l_pG3v5qh4-H-zDGsz9_MQFhEQGmR809--FAHtOHEzNVBZeid1iC4AGlwgKEqdIGJqcO5u606R3f-TRxih9YraSg_y-c0N3H3r4gSanovCTFlXfP5ZUWg/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" width="297" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span><b>Worst medal:</b> Surrey (Woldingham marathon) - the most generic medal ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner up: Suffolk (<span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Endurancelife Suffolk coastal trail marathon) really tiny and same medal for 10k as full marathon<br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw1YIFUO--C8khhJR2BONvn0QOVfIxV2AhVfvDBW8thcekKbJHLVY5AshMZteBZv-SwfeYWwXvTlrt-vYUZlQgrJfoO5nz7z_x5y8F5mqlmH5rcbNkqXUPScbqwv2Jumapk91HJqXXJO4sq-kwOUvpzJ2dJblN6N3ZaUo0igoCRk0hfbhTxlLtg/s272/IMG_3823.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="257" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw1YIFUO--C8khhJR2BONvn0QOVfIxV2AhVfvDBW8thcekKbJHLVY5AshMZteBZv-SwfeYWwXvTlrt-vYUZlQgrJfoO5nz7z_x5y8F5mqlmH5rcbNkqXUPScbqwv2Jumapk91HJqXXJO4sq-kwOUvpzJ2dJblN6N3ZaUo0igoCRk0hfbhTxlLtg/w189-h200/IMG_3823.JPG" width="189" /></a></div></span><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Nicest pre-race meal: </b>Oxfordshire (Waterside Inn, Bray).
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner up: West Sussex (South Lodge hotel, Horsham)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Nicest post-race meal:</b> Wiltshire (bean hotpot with cheese
and bread and butter)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Biggest surprise/defied expectations:</b> Hertfordshire (track
marathons aren’t totally miserable). <span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner up: Lancashire (race director had an ice cream van providing free ice cream afterwards)</span><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbzSJx5_qGwXtVfrXSgXoL10rusYoxTXIf7Ck1lrxVSG68SFpFtWybuMJAjddzwMUYgLpXY4leyppGRvvVzKYATA_F1GinpKIabJEgn_2z9-KO681x9QkFKhmxtG4NcQZiMVMT2LiFFMzdjpbja24sBg3pfnVkEicThaKwuu1S_2Ot33AVaLY5Q/s320/IMG_3583.jpeg" width="320" /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>One I’d do again:</b> West Midlands (Escape from Meriden)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Most popular race report (based on Blogger views)</b>: Rutland. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Runners up: Northamptonshire, Hampshire</span><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>How many races each year:</b> 2016 = 1, 2017 = 2, 2018 = 7, 2019 = 14, 2020 = 6, 2021 = 9, 2022 = 9<br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNZbf7EQVfAxqPwCAkY_CoUZ0uhD8-w-PLas8yceOMNVCvlwLSIUelFnBxjbbB0RjGh0IIRfp5o0mqBvIZ8E45rzjiEDzigPxVPV8wmp3WLm6lWgZLGCuLBxcDyF8af95g5CO55olutitki2sv2809bnbBjN_ZKghjxYmrOUNqZclXE_a4kcOPQ/s573/Screenshot%202022-09-19%20at%2017.42.00.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="573" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNZbf7EQVfAxqPwCAkY_CoUZ0uhD8-w-PLas8yceOMNVCvlwLSIUelFnBxjbbB0RjGh0IIRfp5o0mqBvIZ8E45rzjiEDzigPxVPV8wmp3WLm6lWgZLGCuLBxcDyF8af95g5CO55olutitki2sv2809bnbBjN_ZKghjxYmrOUNqZclXE_a4kcOPQ/s320/Screenshot%202022-09-19%20at%2017.42.00.png" width="320" /></a><b><br /></b></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> <br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Worst single moment</b>: falling in the bog on Escape from
Meriden (West Midlands)</span></span></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Total weight of medals:</b> 4.8kg <br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Least participants</b>: Staffordshire (30: due to Forestry
Commission restrictions during Covid)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Most participants</b>: London (40,382)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Ultra marathons vs marathons</b>: 15 vs 33 <br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC3EASYF6PyFAQLpCOhYV_zOPhuydPHB-LQjIQVej3IWSc2mU9TU0pzo_C4rLbbnR08SOo8pBG_Gr0ALzvEKUUfJ2BV0QBruHKrKx449Nr8Fy_c2qc0UMS5g9fWbSumErlM1oNsyH3aWUj8VZDUDK6jNJ0_LX9dyf9PbcjmycFo6uHvjOy0Nozw/s695/Screenshot%202022-09-19%20at%2017.39.24.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="695" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC3EASYF6PyFAQLpCOhYV_zOPhuydPHB-LQjIQVej3IWSc2mU9TU0pzo_C4rLbbnR08SOo8pBG_Gr0ALzvEKUUfJ2BV0QBruHKrKx449Nr8Fy_c2qc0UMS5g9fWbSumErlM1oNsyH3aWUj8VZDUDK6jNJ0_LX9dyf9PbcjmycFo6uHvjOy0Nozw/s320/Screenshot%202022-09-19%20at%2017.39.24.png" width="320" /></a> <br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Best stay the night before</b>: East Sussex (The Artist
Residence, Brighton) <span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner up: West Sussex (South Lodge, Horsham), North
Yorkshire (Low Costa Mill, Pickering)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Worst stay the night before:</b> East Riding of Yorkshire (The
Embassy Hotel, Hull (on an industrial estate, next to the prison)).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Runner up: Northumbria (Blackcock Inn,
Falstone)</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><span style="font-size: small;">And finally ... a few thank yous:</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>Firstly to all the lovely runners I've met along the way, including quite a few I'm now Facebook and Strava friends with and the lovely Chloe and Paul who have become friends 'in real life' too</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>To my parents, for letting me use their house as an overnight stop on my way to marathons up and down the country and for supporting me with their giant sign (see City of London, Northamptonshire, Kent)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>To everyone who came along to my final marathon including Lee-Anne and James, despite not really being all that interested in running!</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>To my daughter Iz, who spent my Worcestershire
marathon sitting in the car doing her homework and popping out to wave at me each
lap,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> my </span>Cumbria marathon sitting in a café sketching
the lake, Bristol - fair enough she got to go and see some cool graffiti, and
County Durham she walked round the town centre in sub-zero temperatures before
we both nearly died on the way home. Fun times! </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>To Mattgreen, for helping me out with the statistics (Again)</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>To Ian, for his unwavering support at the start when I didn't know if I could do this, and his financial help in making it achievable. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>To all the people who read my race reports and leave comments - it's a lot of effort sometimes when I'm busy/tired but knowing people enjoy reading them makes it worth it. I'm still hoping to turn it into a book one day...<br /></span></span></span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>To Ant at <a href="https://zerosixzeromap.com/" target="_blank">Zero Six Zero</a> for the fabulous map - definitely the flashiest thing on my website - many thanks for all your efforts over the years</span></span></span></span></p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>And finally, the gorgeous Ben, who I met when I still had over
a third of my challenge remaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s
become my biggest supporter and has done an awful lot of driving, washing
sweaty kit and standing around holding jelly sweets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a cyclist (hisssss!) when I met him
but has increased his own running from 5k to beyond half marathon and started
saying things like, “I think I’ve got a marathon in me one day”… so obviously
it’s a slippery slope from here...</span></span></span></span></p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> </span></span></span></span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span>
</span></span></span></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><style><span style="font-family: inherit;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></style></span><span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /></span></span></p></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-7487535678537811862022-08-29T09:31:00.535+01:002022-09-12T17:46:00.334+01:00Kent: Pride marathon race recap<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were some aspects of my final marathon I'd planned since the very beginning. I always knew I wanted to finish somewhere local (ish) so my family could come. I always planned to wear all the medals for the last mile ... that was why I made the rule that every race had to have a medal in the first place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But there were also some things I hadn't thought about. Various changes to marathons and their dates meant the most logical county to finish on was Kent, which wasn't that local for most of my family. The way that my races fell meant this would have ended up being my 99th marathon which seemed a bit random, so I squeezed in an extra one during London's 35 degree heatwave so this could be my 100th.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hadn't really thought about <i>how </i>to celebrate the end of a challenge like this (other than obviously there MUST be cake). I started there, by ordering a massive 12" x 12" plain iced cake, some green fondant, some paper flags and a running figurine. Ben managed to print out a map, transfer it onto cardboard and patiently assisted me as I recreated it in fondant and placed it on the cake. Here's the finished cake, which we were rather pleased with:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyzNGSzto08WTej8WjI0aOL7GvaF50ZRkmBKYGvD6wTXKba5GoDpTlItJL5s_rG6k4PE06Gn1yLdLc5ulrQUlTsTvvp_PyJG9ykDk3qme4F9bi9eddu43dSKh-Cy-Wq8yJnee7ftntqPMR0mDm9iaLKrtHkUPipOQ9gW2CeZllbT7lA4_r7gTxw/s320/C33B8F9F-EDC3-4AEA-B562-069437EC810D.jpeg" width="320" /></div>and here's a close up of the flags... <p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRhSjJAfiRJLFLRvlrr5bRURxapZqwGzbb5pXuxF-G_trDXqWLaPXe1qRSK-M0oTU8tTaDwErcYggVL48lxeHxmEpovNHNNErgE8RScnKor1BQBV55g4SJOxMFlcd3sv1BuYdzk-U2spLMfLJfMGdTZiI3VQVIxUjK8eTvJKzFI1NP2DsXlQAkw/s320/80D9A4A4-744F-4147-8780-DAE0B297A60E.jpeg" width="240" /> </p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I also ordered some helium balloons, a couple of confetti cannons and a smoke grenade to add a bit of drama. Ben organised some champagne and we bought a new coolbox and packed plastic glasses and a folding table and chairs. I arranged for my mum and dad, my best friend Lee-Anne and my daughter Iz to come along. Closer to the time, my lovely running friends Chloe and Paul also entered the event meaning I'd have company throughout and some extra people to celebrate with. Ben had also entered the half marathon. I was getting very excited! I was also a bit nervous because the weekend before the race I scratched my cornea taking a contact lens out, and had spent much of the previous week in a lot of pain. I'd managed to go into work but couldn't drive and had to wear sunglasses all the time. I'd not done any running other than a 5k two days before. Then again, after all this planning, and after all the hard marathons I've run, there was no way I was going to give up easily. I would give it my best shot.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywdwMCr_7rZoxW4izKn2fHnu4jnLrlNSCO7EbOk0dX8r1RLEsFdr3Ari-98POCCsMVRGuXv2cRF58r9TcWW4VF0hDVJ30iNIebOYNJUXQB1BhRSl3G6zNqDQN1pj-JV-67HAoTBk4Phy1MBTvEsdEyzBvhHd4JEWBSOtCN5uglh1ZymWuEzM8Og/s1675/IMG_3445b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1675" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywdwMCr_7rZoxW4izKn2fHnu4jnLrlNSCO7EbOk0dX8r1RLEsFdr3Ari-98POCCsMVRGuXv2cRF58r9TcWW4VF0hDVJ30iNIebOYNJUXQB1BhRSl3G6zNqDQN1pj-JV-67HAoTBk4Phy1MBTvEsdEyzBvhHd4JEWBSOtCN5uglh1ZymWuEzM8Og/s320/IMG_3445b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another reason I'd chosen Kent was because I'd been here a couple of times before (once I planned to do the marathon but it was close to my 100 miler and my coaches insisted I stop after 3 hours, the second time was so Ben could do his first half marathon). I'd met Traviss, the race director, who is lovely and organises an awful lot of races so is very used to people completing 100 marathons. We chatted beforehand and he was happy to host, and it was also a looped race (5 x 5.25 miles) so very convenient for spectators. It was also the 10th day of 15 days of races so there were plenty of people there doing multiple marathons, i.e. I wasn't the only nutter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ben dropped me off early and then drove to the station to collect Chloe and Paul. I registered, went to the loo and got my table all set up and sorted the cake out, which pleasingly received lots of "oooh"s from other runners. Ben, Chloe and Paul arrived and we said hello. As we were waiting for the race briefing, Traviss introduced me to a runner called Ivan Field who was also a counties runner. He'd run waaaay more than me, as he'd also done all of Scotland and Wales and (I think) quite a lot of Ireland as well. I'd vaguely heard of him as he is <a href="https://www.100marathonclub.org.uk/contents/896-uk-counties-challenge" target="_blank">top of the leaderboard</a> for counties on the 100 Marathon Club website. We bonded over how many ultras one has to do to get all the counties - apparently in Wales it's even worse! - and had a really nice chat. <br /><p>In the race briefing, Traviss pointed out all the runners doing their 10th marathon in 10 days (there were quite a few of them!) and then told the assembled company about me and my challenge, and highlighted that I had brought cake so I got a cheer for that!</p><p>And then it was time to set off! I had run the course before and it is a very, very simple out and back route. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T5lNw4XkDLn7gubBddbtyN4byAKdGYAblmZJBHttELMPV1DJ9II8U0cFJyC15tKCq_3VA1SgY4an-R2YgJoe2xmezm4JbhRKrEz6nxqAg0lieMfiuS6XcMP2kvt8_NnzENtoMGvK9rbxiIUN57cjZHf-bE3CnvG86j73YQQWY94EUNYE4E7FcQ/s1289/Screenshot%202022-09-12%20at%2014.36.00.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1289" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T5lNw4XkDLn7gubBddbtyN4byAKdGYAblmZJBHttELMPV1DJ9II8U0cFJyC15tKCq_3VA1SgY4an-R2YgJoe2xmezm4JbhRKrEz6nxqAg0lieMfiuS6XcMP2kvt8_NnzENtoMGvK9rbxiIUN57cjZHf-bE3CnvG86j73YQQWY94EUNYE4E7FcQ/s320/Screenshot%202022-09-12%20at%2014.36.00.png" width="320" /></a></div>There's not much to say about the run. Chloe, Paul, Ben and I chatted away at an easy pace, catching up on what runs we'd done lately, what we'd got planned and so on. Chloe had had a nasty fall over the summer so was just building up her distance again and planned to stop after the half. We noodled along and the time passed quickly. Ben took a nice selfie of us, I think this was on the first lap:<br /><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3rgVLdBDOvPghQY9XFHRyw5W1YWpZR0NJRGoB-vMSjwPws6dxuXmwy4qyBkt-V31MxEgSFib5gLYMK53jSLrIj9g--qD3papJGsDKm6wb76k8fZwVMtKmuTi-6a5GeQoa6nzVuShiCGzT17oO4vD_f-ZZKswuC9ehVFcJbE_XfZz6PohPqNPZA/s320/4794B6F2-C3A1-498C-98CE-9AA44B293F18.heic" width="320" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">On the second lap, I took one, laughing that it wasn't as easy as I thought...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVEfGzvXCVOUkPzzTAyH_gnFyBe4aowuCA_wf4A5sJNlNEeoHy52hLX0iBLI2rP4AHGdioKtkoOzXzRflMVpDAA5oiJxZE2y27HgcU7g2D6lyj8B_7jZeffzwWT8lQ-ZgaQxIUaOqfx3o5QlXBUip_UNyD2jeqijmY75Mt8N4GeAXI-T6bfozew/s320/74281970-2F90-4850-9B2D-003A949BF08B.jpeg" width="320" /></div>It was a perfect day weather wise: dry with a slight breeze, not too warm. The course has a couple of gentle uphills, barely noticeable at first. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVez_n_h6p4MIyzft2cYGi2zrbROhd8gxcM5mCQcE1tG9Gc9UMWvVCK90ZaP4wFYQKHKj8PV6jaioOgjTSnG_oK8c76hFtk87Sx0WhMV9F9YzsCpAozwgIy5jgfX4tYSXTjivdpFyFkysGOUE449ONo_GWEeiY9jlXDX1s6HJ598QC5F2zVtOavA/s4032/01094781-1639-4442-84AB-BAB382D65855.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVez_n_h6p4MIyzft2cYGi2zrbROhd8gxcM5mCQcE1tG9Gc9UMWvVCK90ZaP4wFYQKHKj8PV6jaioOgjTSnG_oK8c76hFtk87Sx0WhMV9F9YzsCpAozwgIy5jgfX4tYSXTjivdpFyFkysGOUE449ONo_GWEeiY9jlXDX1s6HJ598QC5F2zVtOavA/s320/01094781-1639-4442-84AB-BAB382D65855.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After 2.5 laps it was time for Chloe to finish. She was delighted to find that she was 1st female in the half marathon and got a special "Winner" badge for her medal!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwu79Z3etchqVaWu7BzzOQu5FQAq6GPjccuZJozt38e1Roo6Rok-yzG6FTW48W4_afTDfPkyQ4TBIO5U8gBAaAISnN72VMo0nFMMfOwwAtM0KOI0qnTmc7b_vCvjBJGQqTi8HCw_yZooMF3h_-R8YvUXt-BeAwjqs3XAWllouGvBphtiPlsl8Hw/s4032/E4729688-1C3F-4DCA-9F7A-05606B2A56E1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwu79Z3etchqVaWu7BzzOQu5FQAq6GPjccuZJozt38e1Roo6Rok-yzG6FTW48W4_afTDfPkyQ4TBIO5U8gBAaAISnN72VMo0nFMMfOwwAtM0KOI0qnTmc7b_vCvjBJGQqTi8HCw_yZooMF3h_-R8YvUXt-BeAwjqs3XAWllouGvBphtiPlsl8Hw/s320/E4729688-1C3F-4DCA-9F7A-05606B2A56E1.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br /></p><p>While we were stopped, my daughter Iz appeared. My parents had just arrived, but had parked in the other car park, and sent her to find us. I was planning to cut the cake (so that it could be shared with all the people doing the half as they would be long gone by the time I finished) so Iz stayed and watched that before going back to collect my parents. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_GGH37E5rA9eGQjulHIK7d2TuHkFZPsSeEAUi9OnGSr2RzjnQlqd4uljiE3iFBz7z5-JMTBZSFJvd_xwzB-zf5AtxYIJ44elTUCl6TVbAlcVcjVhz5fmQxNxzAZQAoT0aFAbH339NGMBRRG2zyZybufeuH4-SGdwAfXnrtEAFG-CYCr7ZnP4Hw/w240-h320/1F6C2398-BA15-4290-B34B-D3B2E5F6BB78.heic" width="240" /></p><p>Chloe went to get a cup of tea and a change of clothes and Paul, Ben and I set off to complete the third lap. One of the particularly lovely things about these local races is how lovely the other participants are. So many people said, "Congratulations" to me as I was running. It made it even more special.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1xLKUW15l8Z06rwZApnJkcprqrhgSckuLgV-hG0MeKGRw9POG7mRLeiAgO7lWJsQtqjcJHAWTQlIAQwU_vfXCKOdQ34yrrRW8V0ZpVgPL1S4tebydn8Z6YjQnsIh1TkilWsis5VRfhbFFUZvOoYIL4BzFiAou-cBE2YWwFv_X8WXv29cZdWtmw/s4032/1B021F19-EF73-409D-9B37-502E83CE5BB6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1xLKUW15l8Z06rwZApnJkcprqrhgSckuLgV-hG0MeKGRw9POG7mRLeiAgO7lWJsQtqjcJHAWTQlIAQwU_vfXCKOdQ34yrrRW8V0ZpVgPL1S4tebydn8Z6YjQnsIh1TkilWsis5VRfhbFFUZvOoYIL4BzFiAou-cBE2YWwFv_X8WXv29cZdWtmw/s320/1B021F19-EF73-409D-9B37-502E83CE5BB6.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">On our return to the car park, my mum was there with her gigantic sign (you may remember it from <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/06/northamptonshire-shires-and-spires-35.html" target="_blank">Northamptonshire</a> and <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/06/west-midlands-escape-from-meriden-ultra.html" target="_blank">West Midlands</a>) but this time it had been amended!<br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtTdtEHajjB4XQLOMm0nS6uWaXObs6rvKH7Oa3131HPT13ArTad5n0AlD3Y1MwnTfTzU1b8IQOyk9G-MqsobikNDsRfX6oJWJ9o8zJY6ha64-PM5G4x9Sn7Vl72Opt9FGVu8fGwn3rTGM3Lx7mrHmExD-S6wLiFIAYqblaEa4ekpATY_QxlXExg/s4032/9BEFAF12-0F40-48CC-890A-AD9EA3B0272C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtTdtEHajjB4XQLOMm0nS6uWaXObs6rvKH7Oa3131HPT13ArTad5n0AlD3Y1MwnTfTzU1b8IQOyk9G-MqsobikNDsRfX6oJWJ9o8zJY6ha64-PM5G4x9Sn7Vl72Opt9FGVu8fGwn3rTGM3Lx7mrHmExD-S6wLiFIAYqblaEa4ekpATY_QxlXExg/s320/9BEFAF12-0F40-48CC-890A-AD9EA3B0272C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyizyGtICGjodIxZr2p4tD8wIrbIa4DrVS1muaS0h6ngatom7g4KaN07BtGGGxLkm9-kgJiaTdlUqQ6pRrFAlkvkyXtph4qjYJqsKWJEqiojtZ3H7z-0DPRpOGs7Vf0JljuDHZUVJdyfYoYY0O9_WfZdXkdbrTvyUzg4NBXUe3Jn-EE7CJPOC7g/s2486/IMG_3860.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ben was finishing here, so he got his medal and we all stopped for some cake and water. Dad took this lovely photo before Paul and I set off for the fourth lap.<br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUPsNvOV6LFpO-gxYFEGOT_sXFoUo8jE2ar09HL1O9OXfHTXPdGMmZ4qPy0kNnCNusCh4NMM5r5qOuCXErk07rGXacoLeUKQ9cY-_iguuZ26Pb2DnFs_pDRFqepupI4sE0XXUeHt3Fk-1vY-ajqxtjHOPf8pTtMbB_XogCHFJKm6Rh8TbJEu7XQ/s320/FFC9F5D9-9A7E-450B-9B2A-EF1660175719.jpeg" width="320" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Paul and I ran together for the first half of lap four, chatting away. As we passed the loos, he wanted to stop so I decided it'd be a good idea for me to stop too. He told me not to wait and he'd catch me up. Unfortunately, due to faffing on an epic scale, I took ages, and by the time I was back on course I could only just see Paul disappearing into the distance. I noodled on, eventually seeing him after he turned around and was on his way back. He was laughing. He'd thought he was behind me, so had done "the fastest kilometre ever" (his words) without realising he was actually getting further away! </p><p style="text-align: left;">In any case, it was fine. I noodled along some more, stopping to take photos of the motivational words written on the pavement. I was starting to feel quite tired, but my eye was completely fine which I was very relieved about.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uCbzx7v9yUPoG-fg3YSAiCyUhGPok1ZtjFRl4HQZwJMy4YrS4Lq4XNwVmLwHU9EEdQPv36VhNno2h8YwpRRifuuxWx1PJfO02DNRNS_La2FFj09lfiKoWb2GYRYcuRmRSG6U3aqM3efMigTEE_vssyGPqFBxxBOVOt7f6fRn2TeAVYTGHBmE9Q/s4032/4C4454BB-7078-4466-A828-00F2900AB85D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uCbzx7v9yUPoG-fg3YSAiCyUhGPok1ZtjFRl4HQZwJMy4YrS4Lq4XNwVmLwHU9EEdQPv36VhNno2h8YwpRRifuuxWx1PJfO02DNRNS_La2FFj09lfiKoWb2GYRYcuRmRSG6U3aqM3efMigTEE_vssyGPqFBxxBOVOt7f6fRn2TeAVYTGHBmE9Q/w150-h200/4C4454BB-7078-4466-A828-00F2900AB85D.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxjz9PfJQQc9E8DoxTZIZvtZA4RNRASZbtcPwBMDD8s-yxtMU7T_Azy8Y0siz6tMVkqWObCN849t62JNbWwOD9nfgUcXSXL0yOoPJgWMdywoHCmPmdTB9f7vN3L599BuDYqmnIEi-YPNkH3eXpcZkwqoffmLo99scvbn82PDVuVhJNKZbTaIWNg/s4032/6E4AE864-31B7-49E2-ACFF-29826B5E6C7C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxjz9PfJQQc9E8DoxTZIZvtZA4RNRASZbtcPwBMDD8s-yxtMU7T_Azy8Y0siz6tMVkqWObCN849t62JNbWwOD9nfgUcXSXL0yOoPJgWMdywoHCmPmdTB9f7vN3L599BuDYqmnIEi-YPNkH3eXpcZkwqoffmLo99scvbn82PDVuVhJNKZbTaIWNg/w150-h200/6E4AE864-31B7-49E2-ACFF-29826B5E6C7C.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div>As I came up to the aid station at the end of the fourth loop, everyone was there waiting. To my surprise, Ben's friend James was also unexpectedly there, having cycled from Bromley to see my grand finale - I thought that was really kind of him as it seemed like a long way (apparently about 25 miles).<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyizyGtICGjodIxZr2p4tD8wIrbIa4DrVS1muaS0h6ngatom7g4KaN07BtGGGxLkm9-kgJiaTdlUqQ6pRrFAlkvkyXtph4qjYJqsKWJEqiojtZ3H7z-0DPRpOGs7Vf0JljuDHZUVJdyfYoYY0O9_WfZdXkdbrTvyUzg4NBXUe3Jn-EE7CJPOC7g/s2486/IMG_3860.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2486" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyizyGtICGjodIxZr2p4tD8wIrbIa4DrVS1muaS0h6ngatom7g4KaN07BtGGGxLkm9-kgJiaTdlUqQ6pRrFAlkvkyXtph4qjYJqsKWJEqiojtZ3H7z-0DPRpOGs7Vf0JljuDHZUVJdyfYoYY0O9_WfZdXkdbrTvyUzg4NBXUe3Jn-EE7CJPOC7g/s320/IMG_3860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Paul had waited for me (also lovely as he must have been standing around for 5 minutes, never great in the middle of a race) and we ran the last lap together. I'd arranged to meet Ben at the bottom of the slope going up to the finish to put on all my medals and collect the smoke grenade. He was there waiting, and it took a couple of minutes to put on all the medals. I'd weighed them beforehand (4.7kg) and it was really funny putting them all on. Paul said I looked like Mr T which was amusing because only earlier I had been going on about how much I love milk as a recovery drink. I tried to make the smoke grenade work, but when I pulled the cord, nothing happened, so I abandoned it*. </p><p></p>Once I had all the medals on, I started making my way up the hill, with Paul and Ben following behind.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-RvCuZqNZQJZJ0x_SaypMkgLxeTjv7gWuUnGReJeSAqOsTpNTJTodvtsezgAS0rgPiRrP_Lx3ru2swzxDfdXFRRfVw1m8mLwNHSSkslMNWrQclENjKTYvcPAfPVRRBCWkPyksrjdMZvKesJjfEMN0WHCB31yOKpwZrg842hIveNTDaG9B_jQ2w/s1796/IMG_3887.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="1796" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-RvCuZqNZQJZJ0x_SaypMkgLxeTjv7gWuUnGReJeSAqOsTpNTJTodvtsezgAS0rgPiRrP_Lx3ru2swzxDfdXFRRfVw1m8mLwNHSSkslMNWrQclENjKTYvcPAfPVRRBCWkPyksrjdMZvKesJjfEMN0WHCB31yOKpwZrg842hIveNTDaG9B_jQ2w/s320/IMG_3887.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div>Here is a hilarious video of me clanking my way towards the finish. You can hear Lee-Anne laughing her head off in the background, which totally adds to it for me. Hope it works...<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1jb8Wg6yC9sUpzBVgsz2Em-voLAHXUITQE_0RgF-fDTW2n-EO91KcOCvq1UwEC7Eh4qS_e8lX6vFAkQPgbQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>As I passed Lee-Anne and Iz, they set off the confetti cannons on either side of me. I absolutely love these photos....<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82zLJ5V9il0NSlVqi3IaYwZ-VcCFGb9nO-FIZBq5BH1_qBORbvlOxCdskrkXyK9WDYPdFARV8s8JWTdmSNrxYOhQhgbkZJHc-qJD80JQVu8R8wiaZOprFIjppKEPE-SKmrZhrskVFkhTKsKDMWH5Rh71h4CLcsJpxJOx6of_BMxHCWsB8vZqiMg/s320/62AA5338-13E3-4A6C-8421-C1B9F8501149.jpeg" width="320" /></p><p>It was such a joyful moment!<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBqIGwNNE0Y9ucparGlfh_v2iJ4TH93XUo0qZZNTdOb-m4Jb6W2c_Dact79Ru1t95Lz6bCVciSj0vVTX3CjKiUCOMuMFTRvCcal9w4YkPLturH1QWBQqtcaLV_XQCEd1xLeP0Nvc-_N1oNRas9rTOohozT3GufS17ohtHmCtOH0o4E1pQ-W0RTw/s1024/D84D8658-3C86-408A-A935-FF306BD45CF1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBqIGwNNE0Y9ucparGlfh_v2iJ4TH93XUo0qZZNTdOb-m4Jb6W2c_Dact79Ru1t95Lz6bCVciSj0vVTX3CjKiUCOMuMFTRvCcal9w4YkPLturH1QWBQqtcaLV_XQCEd1xLeP0Nvc-_N1oNRas9rTOohozT3GufS17ohtHmCtOH0o4E1pQ-W0RTw/s320/D84D8658-3C86-408A-A935-FF306BD45CF1.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">And here it is from another angle!<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkimBNeuOkzX8POnFDi_bU8FxK-2eOYUC2wAwmtGwX03koW6gOaAJgL_fep6LOtY-_RduJKjnjwRHGlmE9_AluS2SPk16fGkUaHVq8cbBaJcxv2lbaf01bSdr6GlWyTdbcAcds8mixMS4QowcPNBCHLj96oiEvj4dnv44_wMFy-nRDtT5zTnq3g/s4032/7B617CD1-3B43-48FF-81A7-E62FC6CB7A12.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkimBNeuOkzX8POnFDi_bU8FxK-2eOYUC2wAwmtGwX03koW6gOaAJgL_fep6LOtY-_RduJKjnjwRHGlmE9_AluS2SPk16fGkUaHVq8cbBaJcxv2lbaf01bSdr6GlWyTdbcAcds8mixMS4QowcPNBCHLj96oiEvj4dnv44_wMFy-nRDtT5zTnq3g/s320/7B617CD1-3B43-48FF-81A7-E62FC6CB7A12.jpeg" width="240" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Biodegradable of course.<br /></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhij8EUGYLw0HukRX1cvUj2nSLwbTjTInFPGQhixJQPgfWLJpPqDPPXRgKMTx3acF2Xshj9vdBqzSvgLWNGHb7dE9y4UGAAzsWxpoaNv72BiGFkTbojViFpSySUy7nHgTE9fh3Ru32OuT9zMvm_zoupNHkFY9H7PWnMv_28n5grYH6neTDnNaRzfg/s2048/6F0E575F-2B25-4A66-AFDF-431518407F03.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhij8EUGYLw0HukRX1cvUj2nSLwbTjTInFPGQhixJQPgfWLJpPqDPPXRgKMTx3acF2Xshj9vdBqzSvgLWNGHb7dE9y4UGAAzsWxpoaNv72BiGFkTbojViFpSySUy7nHgTE9fh3Ru32OuT9zMvm_zoupNHkFY9H7PWnMv_28n5grYH6neTDnNaRzfg/s320/6F0E575F-2B25-4A66-AFDF-431518407F03.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I jogged on to the finish where everyone clapped and they added my 48th medal to the clanking pile of medals around my neck.<br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2242" data-original-width="2818" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTukgL6hOoEF11jR4-BfoI78BQOBAGdfU-C0VM0qALyIIIqqHpj-NzRXzdMFx0rOsAKwJR4LwB-smqgKCfJozPT1OuhBOIylpTw2UgR3HiI3dPWhQJl2GScjUgnHw7SxUu0kdlMBgHKUgj_ug0bErPuhESTd46oLIwyGAc5cqF-RzsZvuC_RcDRw/s320/3B615CD4-AC58-45E6-A648-D5230D08930D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></div><br />I had a few photos taken with all the medals but to be honest I was quite keen to take them all off. Despite having run the marathon distance 100 times, I've only actually done about 7 other official marathons, so I'm still 45 marathons away from joining the "official" <a href="https://www.100marathonclub.org.uk/" target="_blank">100 marathon club</a>. By then I'll probably have run nearly 200 marathons! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s-dT8O5SjAB2VoyFq0veUPsD8zVC8giINhRCZFB3hpXYeINmBoKxv2KmfKu1WbXmQ90f9WT2QgZksGRdtlcepFb8aTYALKHIlCp-7aLIGGNjFcxQgGPsxDPBv1GPRzHaTSRnsDuRXtswI2Ms-eERYMsmN4zg5zm8LYiZl53EdhjKW0Dx-bGsOg/s4032/IMG_4348.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s-dT8O5SjAB2VoyFq0veUPsD8zVC8giINhRCZFB3hpXYeINmBoKxv2KmfKu1WbXmQ90f9WT2QgZksGRdtlcepFb8aTYALKHIlCp-7aLIGGNjFcxQgGPsxDPBv1GPRzHaTSRnsDuRXtswI2Ms-eERYMsmN4zg5zm8LYiZl53EdhjKW0Dx-bGsOg/s320/IMG_4348.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn1vGUfysVNQYJvYbVlu_z4tqzt3894TnwsgsUR_PqnNVGu_w-RdFXJA0jiQL2FQYuv2j94SU02HuKdl5RmUkta3iU1HnkiJYhULVdAa3CDE3-BhYAVDzFvGx4Les9sUeNJ9eEE75_7pF-ZZ2p_yPVW65SeOCYkl-X2J4-og-7m3g5eWC1lVJGg/s2616/IMG_3436b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2616" data-original-width="1625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn1vGUfysVNQYJvYbVlu_z4tqzt3894TnwsgsUR_PqnNVGu_w-RdFXJA0jiQL2FQYuv2j94SU02HuKdl5RmUkta3iU1HnkiJYhULVdAa3CDE3-BhYAVDzFvGx4Les9sUeNJ9eEE75_7pF-ZZ2p_yPVW65SeOCYkl-X2J4-og-7m3g5eWC1lVJGg/s320/IMG_3436b.jpg" width="199" /></a><br /></div></div>After that it was time for some photos with my family and with everyone who ran with me today:<div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq7qZ_I4fb0J1pD8v0NbuM1QxYHhidcmAoDCpOwMnZ6dOkmHToBQdRVCczFNxUW6wvP7CzGyrfcejDRlz1aFXtD-AybP7ocTRkF64Ha-VjdXLdH5WzZ-MdpOhYQ9v14qCNGTbdTSbwR3CBOpS89Y04mSNday2v-fha_lkhglrpm-xkXuyZDbNlg/s1125/1C24F7F1-D8A4-4BD0-BBCF-36E20B9E90A2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq7qZ_I4fb0J1pD8v0NbuM1QxYHhidcmAoDCpOwMnZ6dOkmHToBQdRVCczFNxUW6wvP7CzGyrfcejDRlz1aFXtD-AybP7ocTRkF64Ha-VjdXLdH5WzZ-MdpOhYQ9v14qCNGTbdTSbwR3CBOpS89Y04mSNday2v-fha_lkhglrpm-xkXuyZDbNlg/w200-h200/1C24F7F1-D8A4-4BD0-BBCF-36E20B9E90A2.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08kIUcyzqwaPooJU1JYVh6pQDD4wrPcYNHpQ4A0fs2Ch-_TbjNevE0UyMLsFUobpfkDPc4M3-b9WZJ92d9_gGJnof9f7j4Cm8491Dfs9ReaWxAwjr6DN-5Y5jNXR9Kls2EtOXzDU2L1iyso0aw8OdF5xNqSePz-9fWkTza7g4XR4PD46WRHvFCw/s1024/D6FB2A7D-845B-4245-88E3-6AE81BF8C826.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08kIUcyzqwaPooJU1JYVh6pQDD4wrPcYNHpQ4A0fs2Ch-_TbjNevE0UyMLsFUobpfkDPc4M3-b9WZJ92d9_gGJnof9f7j4Cm8491Dfs9ReaWxAwjr6DN-5Y5jNXR9Kls2EtOXzDU2L1iyso0aw8OdF5xNqSePz-9fWkTza7g4XR4PD46WRHvFCw/w200-h150/D6FB2A7D-845B-4245-88E3-6AE81BF8C826.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br />Then I gave a short speech, which I hadn't originally intended to do but Ben encouraged me to write one the day before. There is a video of it but it's too big to put here, suffice to say it was quite a cute moment and Ben was right, it was a good thing to do. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlS4UgSI5kDTN-dgKkJ_NBdv6bDTebuIttUK9pBAKjct-PH6gIDV8yK692Mf-mv8u-rmQ9uklE6TxkehDQrNOny3Ht5a1ZLwD1boQD050CfE5UB9yuQzudmFG15vvWI9duuP3TmxnvKd2SgKIRnGw0c2-S-H6U1Kll4vCqsRkucHu3iN6R-oHfg/s1041/Screenshot%202022-09-12%20at%2013.30.41.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlS4UgSI5kDTN-dgKkJ_NBdv6bDTebuIttUK9pBAKjct-PH6gIDV8yK692Mf-mv8u-rmQ9uklE6TxkehDQrNOny3Ht5a1ZLwD1boQD050CfE5UB9yuQzudmFG15vvWI9duuP3TmxnvKd2SgKIRnGw0c2-S-H6U1Kll4vCqsRkucHu3iN6R-oHfg/s320/Screenshot%202022-09-12%20at%2013.30.41.png" width="246" /></a></div><br />And then we opened the champagne and some alcohol-free fizz that Paul and Chloe had brought, and we all had a few drinks. Lee-Anne had brought me a running mug (which I love) and a bottle of sparkling wine from Kent (awww, so thoughtful!) and I received a couple of lovely cards:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa-SuwdRl2HdjYj14EJZyFuzGCm2t2llh5_dON9MXVUg1tq0N03qUdSX_p7PgaFsCCWEgbUTiqAcPGwUiXhxSR12qhhvJozYIDnKULv3MWhQgy1fqFBAO3HUm2hCDkYbmU2W_u1imBNuSmmgNA3F7NhblKYWeTH2OuHvRhMHxls1s55e8QR85CA/s320/IMG_4012.JPG" width="320" /></div><br /></div><p>I'll do one more post with some stats and my thoughts on all the counties as a whole, but for now this is the end. People keep asking me, "What's next?" which is always a tricky question. For now, I've signed up for another 100 miler next summer so I don't just give up running - sounds funny but it's actually very easy to just sort of let things slide at the end of a big challenge! After that... who knows? I do have a bit of a plan... and I'll post again here if there's any news. So thank you all so much for reading, feel free to <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alice-runs-the-country" target="_blank">make a donation to my chosen charity</a> if you've enjoyed my blog, and I promise I will keep you posted.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">*</span> It transpired later that the smoke grenade was NOT intended
to be hand held as it was in fact a firework (I hadn't read the instructions properly) and required
an 8m radius. Its failure to work narrowly averted turning my last
marathon into some horrifying trip to A&E. Yikes!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Photo credits: Ben, James, Chloe, my dad - thank you all<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0The Tollgate, Watling St, Gravesend, Istead Rise, Gravesend DA11 7NP, UK51.419250299999987 0.354113323.109016463821142 -34.8021367 79.729484136178826 35.5103633tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-48751615935214970662022-07-16T08:30:00.628+01:002022-07-25T18:12:50.298+01:00Cornwall: Black RAT ultra race recap<div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Ahhh Cornwall. I've been thinking about Cornwall since this challenge began. In some ways, this was the most difficult logistically of them all. There are only two marathons in Cornwall - both road races and both in winter. When I did the <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/01/devon-plym-trail-winter-marathon-race.html" target="_blank">Plym Trail</a> in Devon, I ran with a lovely lady who told me about this race and I've been patiently waiting for it ever since. I was there, with my finger on the "BUY" button the minute the tickets went live, because I knew it would sell out as it was also the British Trail Championships Middle Distance event.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I knew it had a lot of ascent, because it was on the Cornish coastal path, and that's famous for being steep, but as usual I'd tried not to think about it and thought I'd do some hill training nearer the time. Ben and I hiked Seven Sisters twice in one day, I ran <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2022/06/gloucestershire-race-to-tower-day-2.html" target="_blank">Race to the Tower</a> which was pretty hilly, and last weekend I went out in the Surrey Hills for another long hike. However, I never got round to doing the hill sprints I promised I would. Lately I haven't even done much running as I've been tired and it was hot. I knew I was under-trained going into this and I knew it had 3300m of ascent. That's triple the height of Mount Snowdon. Arrrrrgggghhh.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I booked a physio for Monday as otherwise I might struggle to get into work on Tuesday. Ben kindly volunteered to do an unbelievable amount of driving and we set off at lunchtime on Friday to drive down to Mevagissey. It took us 8 hours to get there, which is a very extremely long time for me to sit still in a car (!) but we finally made it and arrived at our accommodation. I set out all my things ready for the morning and we walked down into the town to have dinner. It was a beautiful evening:<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrddCHuftGjJzGQKnH_0Y__MX5vNOJQ5W8DjKXqO752s-oa7aY0teAxh8qkFZZdv7K9y4Qy5SluqIv-Jv_vPSGGyaYiivB7kvREPVAMXpPXHl8k9lIpmvbrkzOdTWA8awtA-ZssBVLbWvvhOg7cO2BMl6wfFfLBPwlVFcwUpgnv1l6BucaASjzHw/s3088/IMG_3418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrddCHuftGjJzGQKnH_0Y__MX5vNOJQ5W8DjKXqO752s-oa7aY0teAxh8qkFZZdv7K9y4Qy5SluqIv-Jv_vPSGGyaYiivB7kvREPVAMXpPXHl8k9lIpmvbrkzOdTWA8awtA-ZssBVLbWvvhOg7cO2BMl6wfFfLBPwlVFcwUpgnv1l6BucaASjzHw/s320/IMG_3418.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">... and the restaurant did fantastic fish tacos, which were utterly delicious as well as being good carb-loading:<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXWvhMVm_CXZisF1XvvUjHw1lbzi9uLtOxpLYU27zx4_F9W35rDGEdtGhIYk4iFXDlc_O0wa5BdN0sciyTmA9lRjCHN51wySFc84kImX1vpiitTZg4L5F7Gtet9jYiEENo3W7VdDNAgp-XhVorAzn9hnNsOiZR2okL3jdtwvtU7ckswOK7XSPLA/s320/IMG_3416.JPG" width="320" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Despite the dire warnings about the weather from both the organisers and the weather forecasters, I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. We've been slowly roasting in London this week and the following week was set to be utterly horrendous. The race was going to be a maximum of 22 degrees with a 15 mph sea breeze, versus next week in London touching 40 degrees without so much as a puff of wind.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I brought my warm weather kit and some salt tablets and didn't think anything more about it. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRkv_Z98BjfvQwJMmbrHqGRMRg68Ty1fFGhhu9ji1eY4ObKa1ziLJTAgxlGNx2n87fR6vwObxDCUJ343RCaYlq991oxiK_oPBrgMLeIC7ejrIKSo_BuimCI53J56p11grV-wU-UFsu5qXgaRsfXlaC8JhkBEz6UmBwbqlFMURkjZFsDzqi_a2Jg/s2010/IMG_3412.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2010" data-original-width="1123" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRkv_Z98BjfvQwJMmbrHqGRMRg68Ty1fFGhhu9ji1eY4ObKa1ziLJTAgxlGNx2n87fR6vwObxDCUJ343RCaYlq991oxiK_oPBrgMLeIC7ejrIKSo_BuimCI53J56p11grV-wU-UFsu5qXgaRsfXlaC8JhkBEz6UmBwbqlFMURkjZFsDzqi_a2Jg/s320/IMG_3412.PNG" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglee3m55cwI7M5THUf-HZjjp8MqWl_zNEGS9Fl2N3skReDupjxxZ56J61Nu1Qf1yHG6wFGvXXLqLvYSvxiT6KUj8fFif8nVir-qIOtDN0YeRmo_4MT6_YJLwU1YUbxk_MCsj2bJkAbgqTVTGZ3w-ekBUjuqnYOip-dFq7HvK2Y2ydiGX8D9fEQYQ/s1993/IMG_3422.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1993" data-original-width="1118" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglee3m55cwI7M5THUf-HZjjp8MqWl_zNEGS9Fl2N3skReDupjxxZ56J61Nu1Qf1yHG6wFGvXXLqLvYSvxiT6KUj8fFif8nVir-qIOtDN0YeRmo_4MT6_YJLwU1YUbxk_MCsj2bJkAbgqTVTGZ3w-ekBUjuqnYOip-dFq7HvK2Y2ydiGX8D9fEQYQ/s320/IMG_3422.PNG" width="180" /></a></div></div>For reasons unknown, you had to register for the Black Rat between 5:30 and 6:30am, then get on a coach which took you to the start, then hang around until 8:30am. This required me to get up at 5am, which seemed a bit excessive, but oh well. As I always say, if you don't like the rules, don't enter. I had offered a lift to a bloke called Bob on the Facebook group at 5:50am so we met him and walked down to the car park. Unfortunately, as soon as Ben reversed the car, it was apparent we had a flat tyre.<p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ben, Bob and I leapt into action. Like a Formula One team, we whipped out the spare tyre, found the locking wheel nuts, got the wheel off, replaced it, wiped everyone down with wet wipes and were in the car by 6:03am. Registration closed at 6:30, but it was only 15 minutes away. It was bloody lucky we were giving Bob a lift as otherwise I might have cut it finer - eek! Also, big thanks to Bob for his help - it would've been a lot more stressful otherwise. On the way there, we chatted about the race, which Bob had done before. I said I was worried about the ascent as I hadn't done much hill training and 3300m was a lot. Bob looked confused. He said when he did it last time it was only about 1800m. I figured it couldn't have changed as the route is the same.... which would be Very Good News for me as 1800m is a lot more achievable.... !<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We arrived at the venue and Bob and I got registered and had 10 minutes to spare before the race briefing. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8Y6n1FDkt-xbIFaJ4WGdW1iSJ2K1pKFR9UbDKvvFaR0NS_EvNk4NNIK_BEf9yqsysmidSuov0yCRu7dsCirBBwO8RtfnI0gqG63fD3CLpt65BehmsHK9gION3G2GMDqIy41a0KgsAdRw07dzLjO3UXgITKNCymF1HaA4sTrcZWVZi4vkgBEISg/s4032/IMG_3423.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8Y6n1FDkt-xbIFaJ4WGdW1iSJ2K1pKFR9UbDKvvFaR0NS_EvNk4NNIK_BEf9yqsysmidSuov0yCRu7dsCirBBwO8RtfnI0gqG63fD3CLpt65BehmsHK9gION3G2GMDqIy41a0KgsAdRw07dzLjO3UXgITKNCymF1HaA4sTrcZWVZi4vkgBEISg/w200-h150/IMG_3423.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmOz8PnH-aBwW73ZAiWjuf98X4VpF7JLo2vkPUphWwD375xCcEdz8FWg57wqv5Cin0etTOhKt81I7JWiTb36TWMVHH3bTOGFKQ1RTdoSueLv79vbVuN4PM2CtuKO6GMPc-khBOTqjkVnNktwRTpSvzQVcjbnThFS6c6eDS3yoymeAzktvDllrkw/s4032/IMG_3424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmOz8PnH-aBwW73ZAiWjuf98X4VpF7JLo2vkPUphWwD375xCcEdz8FWg57wqv5Cin0etTOhKt81I7JWiTb36TWMVHH3bTOGFKQ1RTdoSueLv79vbVuN4PM2CtuKO6GMPc-khBOTqjkVnNktwRTpSvzQVcjbnThFS6c6eDS3yoymeAzktvDllrkw/w150-h200/IMG_3424.JPG" width="150" /></a></div></div>There was even time for Ben to take a quick pic of me hanging out on the podium!<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR750S1LKu5U1z18wxHpxFSyc7AnNYuG1LTAwjrfCX0dG6RzB6eumHVOHGY5bVcO-HltewSSQKbutOSyB3TOtE76cJ3TfYBJMMyAsaN6RpqWRPecKktwcuQ-zWrZE4VNWZPP_mpuOFQ/s1024/06e7e902-5a11-44fc-b255-f2f2966218fb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR750S1LKu5U1z18wxHpxFSyc7AnNYuG1LTAwjrfCX0dG6RzB6eumHVOHGY5bVcO-HltewSSQKbutOSyB3TOtE76cJ3TfYBJMMyAsaN6RpqWRPecKktwcuQ-zWrZE4VNWZPP_mpuOFQ/s320/06e7e902-5a11-44fc-b255-f2f2966218fb.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Then it was time to get on the buses to the start. I spent much of it pondering how I got the elevation so wrong. I've been worrying about this for weeks! Then I realised the GPX they'd sent was for the Plague, which is out-and-back e.g. 64 miles not 32 miles and I'd halved the distance but not the elevation. Anyway. My trepidation was starting to ease off and I was starting to feel quite excited!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hzAIprGrDTic21krNmpfpj_OQSSbhYKJ8BN3dC14b-hQVk-JUox1vqmMCARk-E6IU6CzY9GK2hB23qnFvE5ar9p6h9GNMW_1bLfraluOZqlFj5u5CBaplSeYn2-c0cy-tceEFVs0v2mzxAVRA43j_PoelR9sWw3GoYmySOQnDDZeyDhLYHYTTA/s4032/IMG_3426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hzAIprGrDTic21krNmpfpj_OQSSbhYKJ8BN3dC14b-hQVk-JUox1vqmMCARk-E6IU6CzY9GK2hB23qnFvE5ar9p6h9GNMW_1bLfraluOZqlFj5u5CBaplSeYn2-c0cy-tceEFVs0v2mzxAVRA43j_PoelR9sWw3GoYmySOQnDDZeyDhLYHYTTA/s320/IMG_3426.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We arrived at St Anthony early and had half an hour of hanging around before the race started. There were some volunteers wandering around collecting rubbish who I overheard say they'd been up all night supporting the Plague runners. They seemed very smiley considering.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I chatted to a girl who told me the first half of the race was "very runnable" and most of the big hills were in the second half, which is also what I'd found looking at the elevation plot. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit8N6CYKPHcES22WAxpqi9Qi_iVEnULjHfF-TTA7w42YHMZrslAo9DWaU_ert910fhCKKXn79E9A0CGJsPl7-zH3wsibUFw-sctCNO3mUT6tw1cbb8jaIl1qlf-FBUOe9wkgn3krkrWBedVWSaJWgfuPtgt-Cj9QI5popyp_x0kxyDsAL3GxrRw/s4032/IMG_3428.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit8N6CYKPHcES22WAxpqi9Qi_iVEnULjHfF-TTA7w42YHMZrslAo9DWaU_ert910fhCKKXn79E9A0CGJsPl7-zH3wsibUFw-sctCNO3mUT6tw1cbb8jaIl1qlf-FBUOe9wkgn3krkrWBedVWSaJWgfuPtgt-Cj9QI5popyp_x0kxyDsAL3GxrRw/w200-h150/IMG_3428.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMuoTwiMxsqMkr2nP3at6FWLUhwCrx9CBFeCBnNpON0MyheMcKUvzdzZfE501HZwZ8SEhN3UQmC7XEYjiRloSmuWFD4O1LtqoMAWV1X9m51ku6Lhz5cOL3klLe195qp90e9ZRlFU-_kMmbsQdA5xlD4DGhG8kpV7eNW2RsQiW_mRX3dBVjMKE4A/s3088/IMG_3430.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMuoTwiMxsqMkr2nP3at6FWLUhwCrx9CBFeCBnNpON0MyheMcKUvzdzZfE501HZwZ8SEhN3UQmC7XEYjiRloSmuWFD4O1LtqoMAWV1X9m51ku6Lhz5cOL3klLe195qp90e9ZRlFU-_kMmbsQdA5xlD4DGhG8kpV7eNW2RsQiW_mRX3dBVjMKE4A/w150-h200/IMG_3430.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Eventually they announced it was time to get started and we all lined up:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3hJ8XPQlLqKb3kMPsChXeRpsbalw0R6miRzNaauIp0XOeZYuow8wE0JcwzMFH5MXajQBhNh4S5tK64LzMe7RGjIRhCPzM-lelBIj3zMsE9xXeqWIkMPs7yG1vJTlUmbf2iImDY6wsJ3IgODhU7zXEMyzc3TffV1TQ-fz1HcVNpMIwn3XUHf0_w/s4032/IMG_3431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3hJ8XPQlLqKb3kMPsChXeRpsbalw0R6miRzNaauIp0XOeZYuow8wE0JcwzMFH5MXajQBhNh4S5tK64LzMe7RGjIRhCPzM-lelBIj3zMsE9xXeqWIkMPs7yG1vJTlUmbf2iImDY6wsJ3IgODhU7zXEMyzc3TffV1TQ-fz1HcVNpMIwn3XUHf0_w/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We set off running, but after about 20 metres slowed to a walk as the path ahead was pretty narrow. The first kilometre was stop-start like this. Occasionally a Plague runner would come past in the opposite direction and we would all cheer them. It was hard to imagine that they'd already done the whole race and were about to do it again in reverse...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CBtdF-w5CO97ev2eFL020sLFIWy2IokENRdI4BPeKQ_tsRaTL71RZOV5NUmz-lK9orK6XjCMlfRopWpqMmB3Yuu5R-t0Nxye9mHWOOSnTAC5Nvw7ASWx43nYfFiDqZp9c1jCmZepVV1T4ydfxbrSJxcd9AzCKS_q6R_7gu2nxwhyU07gwBVHFw/s4032/IMG_3433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CBtdF-w5CO97ev2eFL020sLFIWy2IokENRdI4BPeKQ_tsRaTL71RZOV5NUmz-lK9orK6XjCMlfRopWpqMmB3Yuu5R-t0Nxye9mHWOOSnTAC5Nvw7ASWx43nYfFiDqZp9c1jCmZepVV1T4ydfxbrSJxcd9AzCKS_q6R_7gu2nxwhyU07gwBVHFw/s320/IMG_3433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The scenery was predictably beautiful, helped by the weather. There was a lovely sea breeze too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxpfk6zuUKSPKAsNlfC1UzIIa79AQEY3bqhktNH-LTuSNY9yIsDkfsZJwKZ6pwsc03mZzJ5vOlT8O-NTouGFIRTAHvLSQsdtgwlbsR_hzozZkOrnvK85HRsz8_bsi0nFiqfzNAyxTbmtBVHqF0Cpqtu3_26F-iAZ-M0JnMsEaQ795WjF3IHhhsw/s4032/IMG_3434.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxpfk6zuUKSPKAsNlfC1UzIIa79AQEY3bqhktNH-LTuSNY9yIsDkfsZJwKZ6pwsc03mZzJ5vOlT8O-NTouGFIRTAHvLSQsdtgwlbsR_hzozZkOrnvK85HRsz8_bsi0nFiqfzNAyxTbmtBVHqF0Cpqtu3_26F-iAZ-M0JnMsEaQ795WjF3IHhhsw/s320/IMG_3434.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>After a few kilometres I ran past a completely empty beach. Pretty awesome.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAg5xinubaBD6fhh8qPuicoyCsZhOVdulpuW1l0OG5DlSXrKwkymRB_ubHSn7Y78tuaOKt5m0YYbnp2GQLyx22e1pFKO7c8_pO2anQ5GbXxnOodUUrIDyyR1fxukGt08JRjZLKXBupkL87FFxR4MmsBPkq0kNNEG_p8YxxlKA_CKmDj9LnF44wg/s4032/IMG_3435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAg5xinubaBD6fhh8qPuicoyCsZhOVdulpuW1l0OG5DlSXrKwkymRB_ubHSn7Y78tuaOKt5m0YYbnp2GQLyx22e1pFKO7c8_pO2anQ5GbXxnOodUUrIDyyR1fxukGt08JRjZLKXBupkL87FFxR4MmsBPkq0kNNEG_p8YxxlKA_CKmDj9LnF44wg/s320/IMG_3435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">After 4 miles, we arrived at the first checkpoint in Porthscatho. The checkpoint seemed to consist of a couple of volunteers handing out water and watermelon in the street. I filled up my bottles as I knew it was a long way to the next checkpoint and continued.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I ran after this guy in the loud shorts for quite a while. At one point I'd overtaken him and I came down some steps onto a beach and stopped for a second and looked around, confused about where to go next. He ran down the steps, looked at me and shouted, "this way"! I didn't initially realise it was him but was glad to follow him back into the undergrowth as I really didn't want to have to run on sand. I nearly said, "I didn't recognise your face, only your arse!" but guessed that might not go down well, haha.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PK-BjVft9RxgVEz61OwBfcwWxmnAOz704kt7soXHX_HmVs9fcQyetfP_EU2uwgfa_QvEU5yBb8vrE2NWESKYGM-Tr2zIl1O3XObjk2knNZ6SVZiz1pT41JLEboTdPnLbRpKwVrtWIXMEx4j66sRyLmllTGKtrkp71npKzuYCZQAgtZtRBMHYpg/s320/IMG_3437.JPG" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Beautiful scenery continued, albeit quite samey. The runner at the start was right - it was all pretty runnable. Lots of mild uphill/downhill and a surprising amount of flat.<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoT8M6nc5--HFaU65DUSTMBbh6CLQOINrPCZa0swxSWToffijXeBzqeocWoGSebBN-GktZjjIyzwHXzKg42JZtMYqEacQ9GYVnt7Nl3AaQoP0slQFV6H4piwLLHvmEpRzQnkj6cnZYiMxSY5BCK_eWwAlyFxkqzxd2R3RBXUmJsZ5MN-OHyCcXQ/w200-h150/IMG_3438.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYG1nzXEW-gD_Httw4ZGv1AyB1haPTe4_4lXrVpn27VllUMOEhBMnlAIXMNDwBkEKlANHxryQfyLVzueMNPAioK9S2_nRuelVjhzL-fRlc0oPHnN6dwJeixSWqssWvHnJzb2tI4s-4xY_c9qhW5gXVm3Y5wjDJkb4Wwd-vPuNKUFoPcfTOxdkXA/s4032/IMG_3439.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYG1nzXEW-gD_Httw4ZGv1AyB1haPTe4_4lXrVpn27VllUMOEhBMnlAIXMNDwBkEKlANHxryQfyLVzueMNPAioK9S2_nRuelVjhzL-fRlc0oPHnN6dwJeixSWqssWvHnJzb2tI4s-4xY_c9qhW5gXVm3Y5wjDJkb4Wwd-vPuNKUFoPcfTOxdkXA/w200-h150/IMG_3439.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div></div>This was the most joyful downhill of the whole race. A lovely breeze as it was starting to get HOT.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqN7omyDhF48Yai-nQHE5_PSr2v7xIGrCp4x32zOUq6TRAmxE0KGFiP1AzB6FVE5lj3q63BjSNfVCgYj5f1683w2a-xxG8FYJBZ6-neRg0roQQoA2Ssz8HG4YzZk5rtAmTGn4fIuaLWNMyYAt5QjtjSQspY9YEhmZOum7jRjSo5Lb3Q8Xl4OQRg/s4032/IMG_3440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqN7omyDhF48Yai-nQHE5_PSr2v7xIGrCp4x32zOUq6TRAmxE0KGFiP1AzB6FVE5lj3q63BjSNfVCgYj5f1683w2a-xxG8FYJBZ6-neRg0roQQoA2Ssz8HG4YzZk5rtAmTGn4fIuaLWNMyYAt5QjtjSQspY9YEhmZOum7jRjSo5Lb3Q8Xl4OQRg/s320/IMG_3440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Still lots of places where you had to queue to get over stiles or kissing gates or narrow sections. For most of this section I could see people ahead of me the whole time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWoMKR44U0uPe1T5wZwX2FEwE8UcnN6oJbJhJmvenI2Bpdi2DnRD4oJ2bakJpHycRpeQu-McdJ0Yd2zxOem35fIuVjz5VOtWUXFNUve8K_B-pee8yhqYGkaFdXOEL0Y6rluiqjvijfk1uA6tIBb_u69ezSBWl1zTMDxkJ1vL1bWErsJ95PpDw8g/s4032/IMG_3441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWoMKR44U0uPe1T5wZwX2FEwE8UcnN6oJbJhJmvenI2Bpdi2DnRD4oJ2bakJpHycRpeQu-McdJ0Yd2zxOem35fIuVjz5VOtWUXFNUve8K_B-pee8yhqYGkaFdXOEL0Y6rluiqjvijfk1uA6tIBb_u69ezSBWl1zTMDxkJ1vL1bWErsJ95PpDw8g/s320/IMG_3441.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>There was also a lot of pretty thick bracken, not my favourite because I always worry about ticks. I insisted Ben search for them before I went to bed just to make sure nothing had got into me on the run. Luckily for me, nothing had. I hate the idea of ticks. Especially in one's nether regions, which apparently is where they most like to go!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3uGoFlg3rIGhZVWij71m5uRV5fumyMwmsxQiraVEL7FSwELJa0hHe-xsSInByNU63slJKsvUazzrvdYpqJa8n46hK4bEd3LkKm2KElnhgR80qW3V92sipnJFwczcmFRyAux8bsOmWoancRJKVcFlrEwmdz3vHTkqPVas8HWERLSal43V0zExYA/s4032/IMG_3444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3uGoFlg3rIGhZVWij71m5uRV5fumyMwmsxQiraVEL7FSwELJa0hHe-xsSInByNU63slJKsvUazzrvdYpqJa8n46hK4bEd3LkKm2KElnhgR80qW3V92sipnJFwczcmFRyAux8bsOmWoancRJKVcFlrEwmdz3vHTkqPVas8HWERLSal43V0zExYA/s320/IMG_3444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It gradually got hotter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_zFFqnfsDCbvN9Z21XSrLSLsPqidIEEOuiPLQN5MC0C_UeqK7GIyXsQOs_X8F46V2Fj2Xm0stZTv5joY7YTAE1c-D0sS02e9tSiMj7elzgSWSOJsIIYPob5TON6O26w0TA7Qp19Sws3AW3VxLSk0fi-jK8Zy0G6_SHoEoV3cb1RI-jQEF70Ydg/s4032/IMG_3446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_zFFqnfsDCbvN9Z21XSrLSLsPqidIEEOuiPLQN5MC0C_UeqK7GIyXsQOs_X8F46V2Fj2Xm0stZTv5joY7YTAE1c-D0sS02e9tSiMj7elzgSWSOJsIIYPob5TON6O26w0TA7Qp19Sws3AW3VxLSk0fi-jK8Zy0G6_SHoEoV3cb1RI-jQEF70Ydg/w200-h150/IMG_3446.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikA923C7DfSpMGvZW3ccBlo9Bfe3XVwfZNTdvwO1Et2H2Lft1WttlnH866O7I3lW2aVC6ovA8W6etv74zxB6OZK943VGwZbAl9O_HQ_nDeQW_HQzo2BxUKkS_JnW6gIvXCnqpQhFAbwUKdiaLal6Lp9WHuXWlsdu4UEd4Z18EATgQPTpYBbrwfA/s4032/IMG_3448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikA923C7DfSpMGvZW3ccBlo9Bfe3XVwfZNTdvwO1Et2H2Lft1WttlnH866O7I3lW2aVC6ovA8W6etv74zxB6OZK943VGwZbAl9O_HQ_nDeQW_HQzo2BxUKkS_JnW6gIvXCnqpQhFAbwUKdiaLal6Lp9WHuXWlsdu4UEd4Z18EATgQPTpYBbrwfA/w200-h150/IMG_3448.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div>There were a few short, steep hills.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBP5E6mOYJOCnAGcEfRMrhVzleFFj1FpkqNPr3tuYTu822j-PXS2RBdmynZvFMemTyFvDDf8R1SslZiiC0UZ404k_x4jLNw-p1dbmyLkgB8EuJQxwD4b6Lm1i3GDUrIXMSVBUc1-OMC8e0VY8R9DBJpXjD9n2XT9YyqSUSEqgBaamr-H0x6UxNg/s4032/IMG_3449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBP5E6mOYJOCnAGcEfRMrhVzleFFj1FpkqNPr3tuYTu822j-PXS2RBdmynZvFMemTyFvDDf8R1SslZiiC0UZ404k_x4jLNw-p1dbmyLkgB8EuJQxwD4b6Lm1i3GDUrIXMSVBUc1-OMC8e0VY8R9DBJpXjD9n2XT9YyqSUSEqgBaamr-H0x6UxNg/s320/IMG_3449.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It continued to be very pretty. I was feeling comfortable and much less worried about this race now, and mostly just enjoying myself. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMqPTic_tOdZ9OrSHl1wXAxo_G7qWSm1Oq1IIEpxzQ2EWg2PALirFN5n_nYIvGjxqGpnMzN9EJ6ZXzZZUkoNFXmszd6gMBhlqBWsrmhHreCob-o-kNTwdrhuIRKMsE07NqAjDIXdCE6mnyxoYaWvV8_luTNqWTaaKW_dqsX_tsJtcEW-yV4N6Hg/s4032/IMG_3453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7mj1CJWj7OPvWz6so8oJIT7T02wV0vxw1yfTSmj9eHnU0-jV2K5_cXJ49xGem3x8Kj2v4-I3qdlvlgKVjptsGpovVEBtuU6Z5JYOViQPzYf6R0PpnAZlnPvNesQSZJDqMoQCY132T_sHmVmTpE2O20CmTer-irseMM2jcmSzwn6VX-Krf5wNFQ/s3088/IMG_3450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7mj1CJWj7OPvWz6so8oJIT7T02wV0vxw1yfTSmj9eHnU0-jV2K5_cXJ49xGem3x8Kj2v4-I3qdlvlgKVjptsGpovVEBtuU6Z5JYOViQPzYf6R0PpnAZlnPvNesQSZJDqMoQCY132T_sHmVmTpE2O20CmTer-irseMM2jcmSzwn6VX-Krf5wNFQ/w200-h150/IMG_3450.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMqPTic_tOdZ9OrSHl1wXAxo_G7qWSm1Oq1IIEpxzQ2EWg2PALirFN5n_nYIvGjxqGpnMzN9EJ6ZXzZZUkoNFXmszd6gMBhlqBWsrmhHreCob-o-kNTwdrhuIRKMsE07NqAjDIXdCE6mnyxoYaWvV8_luTNqWTaaKW_dqsX_tsJtcEW-yV4N6Hg/w200-h150/IMG_3453.JPG" width="200" /></div></div>Occasionally there were some short boardwalk sections:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbLYYHcSRx9eKpaBr8qtHPJcqmmzspoRByzHCii-oGYf6q0YAf2GB3QrWVj5ai0bF5ee3EWT1aXMlBkdrHMPCteFx3ocQ2HwAHlURILO4wKiydJ6ocwcVI4ya6mJ13PEvy8vV_y6eUeJRl_0-z3sJg45sgQVPjft_ITlXgPhBaGa4W33UbXdChg/s4032/IMG_3454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbLYYHcSRx9eKpaBr8qtHPJcqmmzspoRByzHCii-oGYf6q0YAf2GB3QrWVj5ai0bF5ee3EWT1aXMlBkdrHMPCteFx3ocQ2HwAHlURILO4wKiydJ6ocwcVI4ya6mJ13PEvy8vV_y6eUeJRl_0-z3sJg45sgQVPjft_ITlXgPhBaGa4W33UbXdChg/s320/IMG_3454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Shortly after this I came to a corner where there were a couple of women in 'Mad Hatter Events' T-shirts with a cool box. I recognised they were part of another race taking part on the same day, a Run/Swim event that had been mentioned in the race briefing. As I approached they offered me an ice pop. I explained I couldn't take it as I wasn't in their race, but they insisted. All their participants had finished so they were giving them all to us instead of carrying them down the hill! I thanked them profusely. It was a pretty amazing ice pop and definitely one of the highlights of my day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW0Al1WCJSliPhpivCLJa-pYlPWpc4Dk7FrITXRWksNbhyykiTMQuybGA8jnEgln_3nsAoUPI0jckFSDmX9oqpUrI1r300BNxV0iFuiZTu8l15uaJsdNqUR4zTdH-rcBRYr9mNCGFnxEc7E53az05R8qPTXwh2BvAWySLS9n22REMhfvDe_m32Q/s4032/IMG_3455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW0Al1WCJSliPhpivCLJa-pYlPWpc4Dk7FrITXRWksNbhyykiTMQuybGA8jnEgln_3nsAoUPI0jckFSDmX9oqpUrI1r300BNxV0iFuiZTu8l15uaJsdNqUR4zTdH-rcBRYr9mNCGFnxEc7E53az05R8qPTXwh2BvAWySLS9n22REMhfvDe_m32Q/s320/IMG_3455.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>Shortly after this I went through a small town, Portloe. There was a marshall there. I stopped and fixed my feet - I had the beginnings of a blister - and dipped my cap in her bucket of water and filled my bottles. She said the next checkpoint was in 5km.<br /></p><p>The views remained dramatic:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkBE1TX3yRdX627hR8ArA55tvpEd4rvap_YDqJcq73kr6EX2tKOO4DxKO4ASpiXKPNa9pcrresvP9sBqu-OTgGO6-nFk1loW7TGJ5HUrLwOAycgz9-FYdfW-JL0zcZgMCNFmrY3EjcdEmNIqwA0blvI3qB5O6IpQCFK2uySl-engAKZWjRm9dJw/s4032/IMG_3456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkBE1TX3yRdX627hR8ArA55tvpEd4rvap_YDqJcq73kr6EX2tKOO4DxKO4ASpiXKPNa9pcrresvP9sBqu-OTgGO6-nFk1loW7TGJ5HUrLwOAycgz9-FYdfW-JL0zcZgMCNFmrY3EjcdEmNIqwA0blvI3qB5O6IpQCFK2uySl-engAKZWjRm9dJw/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I peered over the cliff and spotted a checkpoint on the rocks (!) I figured this must be something to do with the Run/Swim event?<br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkVbAqg4nB-v4iN3ZtaHNxAvXq1EUkwbPjNlcIGS4btanA7Kr0O9E1MRDIekXPwnIxqoD5vUkwhILFwf8iD7X2MOqsLLrS_8V808obJvohPEByfTsGqHlTxlU11_lRxYaQTltEZRGdE2qnG7IzIv7x-SGCdRojp_ohDy7Fipn1pPEneh86Id59g/s320/IMG_3457.JPG" width="240" /></div>Zoomed in view... these women were hanging out on the rocks with an event flag. Not sure if the participants have to check in there or whether they're just there for support but either way, kinda badass!<br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielb5giRkF-qzflZ1zN6dMT1G7CU1ZivGRJ7DmQjCzq2GEnIiNEY6uoC7F2D7IZO1zieMUc7whcuhNHR0LzcrTW5ZXhQV10xguP1ZyzIj_TwgDcTeE0rJlfaUTX5_OT0AQlDu0FKDgkwmP-B6uumGHIGC3ZlCvxDkK32Snu3Dupqqk03AORZxXqg/s320/IMG_3457%20(1).JPG" width="310" /></p>After this was another section full of thick tick-infested bracken:<br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtssOs3Vz5xIhZjB7tSx_fdmSjxnFhlRt3CkuS1wQu8zav95HT-uoxDkCiSNHt9ePQMI4-eEtn7zqbG6eWU3DN0F40Gi0f7cARDZLO2AOLhfNEb_WcVPD7MnAFtupFIUv-t9oKMxqPiVOheKg_zYjdpDtaNzhIca74PJaybaQJTsznL8YJoTgQVA/s4032/IMG_3458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtssOs3Vz5xIhZjB7tSx_fdmSjxnFhlRt3CkuS1wQu8zav95HT-uoxDkCiSNHt9ePQMI4-eEtn7zqbG6eWU3DN0F40Gi0f7cARDZLO2AOLhfNEb_WcVPD7MnAFtupFIUv-t9oKMxqPiVOheKg_zYjdpDtaNzhIca74PJaybaQJTsznL8YJoTgQVA/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Then more pretty beaches and gently sloping hills:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAFBob2GlMHpRSGbcRI6XrUDursLLrLsS7LiSjELNSTHhlZOBpmVZZ4SaF20hOWfgPL1BtqUzXiPrWAy8G2al1qvh7MATa0DWZvCHj86AWRKdc0IebzNO8zYtsnE3TsB5xLemiVeammcabv9Nw_YMRLfthFXbjY9J77gldDKrGaPEeVyo48KpKA/w200-h150/IMG_3459.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibLsj8-37JAtI1yHthpJymykJAkJzGZNccIHksRxsDgvgDDOHeyZg4Pw6CLWqN-kmZhzWZbuIkInI7oEN3wVrsPNtc2mJt9w3Bs9y3YLsN0AdaSjlZKexQgT5_-n1afBwSKRiGQNwsqD6-BOtmAjzzdS7UL9J6bbb3sQtPlsVG4E-6I542eMq6A/s4032/IMG_3460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibLsj8-37JAtI1yHthpJymykJAkJzGZNccIHksRxsDgvgDDOHeyZg4Pw6CLWqN-kmZhzWZbuIkInI7oEN3wVrsPNtc2mJt9w3Bs9y3YLsN0AdaSjlZKexQgT5_-n1afBwSKRiGQNwsqD6-BOtmAjzzdS7UL9J6bbb3sQtPlsVG4E-6I542eMq6A/w200-h150/IMG_3460.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Finally came to a road section - it was only short, but it was shaded and there was NO CAMBER. It felt like a blessed relief, even though virtually everyone running this event would prefer trail to road, and I overheard a girl say, "Why couldn't all of it be like this?"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyxVcyRRPpEU-_iWAdV1P4fNRsNDir22hps2jY8atsT2m6QBbmbzgUNs1UzgYoH0I8PuuSVehwJxfv5ug8g1SmGQGNNDgCHGn7JNMwBlv16LejLIupBsa_VcynJyumAjKVr_10EHQt_vXCAe20xgxCPeTWoNfM7JaTcFU9vRaw3E5gKDE_zY2qg/s4032/IMG_3461.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyxVcyRRPpEU-_iWAdV1P4fNRsNDir22hps2jY8atsT2m6QBbmbzgUNs1UzgYoH0I8PuuSVehwJxfv5ug8g1SmGQGNNDgCHGn7JNMwBlv16LejLIupBsa_VcynJyumAjKVr_10EHQt_vXCAe20xgxCPeTWoNfM7JaTcFU9vRaw3E5gKDE_zY2qg/s320/IMG_3461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>By this point I was getting quite tired and really looking forward to the next checkpoint. It had been over 5km already and I was meeting Ben there to get electrolytes and change my kit and eat some food.</p><p>I arrived at what I thought was the checkpoint and said, "Is this Caerhays?", and a marshall standing on the road said, "Do you want water?" I said no, as I still had enough from the lady in Portloe to last me until the checkpoint, and she said, "You can just carry on then". I ran on, past a car park, through a gate and up a hill. I walked past the official photographer, who took this pic. I asked, "How far is it to Caerhays?" and he said, "You've gone past it - it's down there!"</p><p>I turned, confused. There was a big tent in the car park. I didn't understand why the marshall hadn't mentioned this. I had no choice but to go back, so I trekked back down the hill, feeling increasingly frustrated. Another man behind had also been misled and also needed to return to the checkpoint, so we walked together, moaning. I went to speak to the marshall, but unfortunately didn't handle it as well as I should've, and she wasn't particularly receptive so the less said about that the better.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvxXsKUIzJGX7iCxy_TQGicW77jkdGFZcNbY5SyD_-eWCru3-6OVYhCbioKjpaK4IxzFvfnAJHlaCUoOSj4a67RTni3d47mJ-r_wLEjomk_5ZXHRnAJE41cSQq42_vLHFFX9lZJPqKGuBYeh1SWpc9qh8W5SkD5TMTbOZ3NzEcoWI4SkQgCUN6w/s320/5D01FAB2-9544-4617-BDB5-910ABE770C8B.jpeg" width="213" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I walked over to the checkpoint, sat in a corner and promptly burst into tears. I just felt so distressed about the having to do an extra hill and nearly missing the checkpoint and being misled by a marshall who wasn't even slightly apologetic. A marshall has never upset me this much before in 98 marathons - I guess there's a first for everything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I sobbed. I considered dropping out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eventually another runner came up to me and said, "Are you alright? What's going on?" His name was Tommy and he was doing the Plague. He was kind, empathetic and had a sense of humour. He went and got me a handful of watermelon, told me to eat it and offered to fill my bottles. Meanwhile, a lovely checkpoint marshall called Sharon came and I explained what had happened. I said I might drop and she said, "Is something wrong? Are you injured?" I said, "No, I feel fine actually" and she more or less insisted I continue. I scanned the car park for Ben. There was no sign of him. I tried to call him but there was no signal. I texted him morosely that I would see him at the next aid station and set off. <br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4miA3TC0926O6GNmlHUIEMeSrbeJLWG2PTNRKBROUq1gffwp_OdiuOirQKGgUOhFVwzr15MKiAqbD3oM6k4ZRYhwowPXGGU7hESRW2_X7_hFnLIct3SVdZdv0Dm2MAIix3aArR-197fnMbzQ4JW8Hu6D0480CsO4_UyC6bBPlMCCS_LN_7DAXQ/s4032/IMG_3462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4miA3TC0926O6GNmlHUIEMeSrbeJLWG2PTNRKBROUq1gffwp_OdiuOirQKGgUOhFVwzr15MKiAqbD3oM6k4ZRYhwowPXGGU7hESRW2_X7_hFnLIct3SVdZdv0Dm2MAIix3aArR-197fnMbzQ4JW8Hu6D0480CsO4_UyC6bBPlMCCS_LN_7DAXQ/s320/IMG_3462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the top of the hill, looking back down towards the bay:<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC4HrT9IJUJ3iQdrUdSrbmBw_eNSudQwEjyNfQK3B3X_Il9oFPY_kxoP3o4MgHSN9LRqKxfqJDCCIBSy6L4IFwV7DjYEq8QsY7o6MuXp065aY5QcrsEOV49XvM7Nmi_IpgqKPxurTczYR-zH6Qhr32Y5w4VGf-uPUkpOS1VjsHbdKUU0tvJtcsw/s4032/IMG_3464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC4HrT9IJUJ3iQdrUdSrbmBw_eNSudQwEjyNfQK3B3X_Il9oFPY_kxoP3o4MgHSN9LRqKxfqJDCCIBSy6L4IFwV7DjYEq8QsY7o6MuXp065aY5QcrsEOV49XvM7Nmi_IpgqKPxurTczYR-zH6Qhr32Y5w4VGf-uPUkpOS1VjsHbdKUU0tvJtcsw/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I kept going, climbing up into the woods and out the other side when suddenly my phone rang. The signal was rubbish but it was Ben. He was huffing and puffing and asking where I was. It transpired he was <i><b>running </b></i>up the hill behind me. He'd been at the checkpoint for nearly 2 hours and didn't know how he'd missed me. I stopped and waited under a shady tree.</p><p style="text-align: left;">He arrived within a couple of minutes, sweaty and out of breath and running at twice the pace of everyone in the race. Astonished runners had wondered what on earth he was doing as he passed them in the woods, and commented as they walked past: "You caught up with her, then?" I was deeply moved and also incredibly grateful as I got changed into fresh shorts and t-shirt and topped up my electrolytes (very important for me on a hot day as I only have one kidney and had already used up all my supplies). He took this picture of me running away before he made his way back down. Awww... I am very lucky indeed to have him. Thanks, baby.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgberhEqawqKxIwJpg4WMgTPPEQyg3cVoEANOwHvwljr0K0Iycc9y5BjRKlg6GtHrUodSLZ1Ji5cWZsaVDCh21VnjKS5z2Nz2DCd2HcC4AB1KvNP-XwAbuo0O8AcPHITL888jVnIyEwAVPjJzHWB-EK_Fi46GcFxW9FNl10Ee80CKffXAPQXZPnFQ/s320/0fa19c03-07f0-4ad3-83c8-fc44bb84413e.jpg" width="320" /></p><p></p>After Caerhays, the hills began in earnest, but there were still quite a few runnable sections. I was on my own here for quite a long while, often with no other runners in sight.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinw-wGypIoNO8efT6QAp1pRhuqwsEmxQ3CskUMJ67GXiwKK6-z3v0RpBHNl8U7mjZuOayzG8AujoagmMTbGrL_zWsokwRImwpzKEd-eo_fnIUwTARFdt8gyt2AnuU6F9trhfELbo9aMPpKeHr0DCWLR0YKnFYJ23rugWCMdwPqXz7QHcXCwH3M8g/w200-h150/IMG_3465.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUKQCP9QuLJCCrv33NEpP8uIfYBGn32wAImUAm0k1Iq27Im8GuUdjdL-WkDHwzuB2XvydzLfTC76d7jbsGQZhbpVSejrKSvFG5gK8y8se-39fWfb7siKhwmkDD95X_TCdUDg-yBnRGAECFJQEg_Its0sv1cRcqc1esOa69HGcD4DrHC2JxXhEpw/s4032/IMG_3468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUKQCP9QuLJCCrv33NEpP8uIfYBGn32wAImUAm0k1Iq27Im8GuUdjdL-WkDHwzuB2XvydzLfTC76d7jbsGQZhbpVSejrKSvFG5gK8y8se-39fWfb7siKhwmkDD95X_TCdUDg-yBnRGAECFJQEg_Its0sv1cRcqc1esOa69HGcD4DrHC2JxXhEpw/w200-h150/IMG_3468.JPG" width="200" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was running along as usual when suddenly I tripped on a tree root and went flying. I landed face first on the trail on top of my poles. The first words out of my mouth were, "Are my poles OK?" as they are carbon-fibre, easily breakable and very expensive! Luckily they were, though my thigh has a pole-handle-shaped bruise on it as I write this a week later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly falls are a pretty common occurrence for me - usually when I'm getting tired. I slowly started to pick myself up. Suddenly, a trio of Plague runners appeared - one of them it turned out was called Richard, and the other two were together but I never caught their names. They helped me up, watched as I wiped the worst of the mud off my knee (which was bleeding) and bottles and walked with me for a minute or so until I felt OK to run again. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue63TV_yE3tQ9mWhZBE0THlq9sQWrkGv_LAEv0htoKaNb_em2p764DK4Ehe-_2CNklcxY0-JVjk4WiWl28WKzrGe4qwgZwRGWtKV_D_FguAbNk1EAy-2kCz_-yQM8daScZ_gZdUIg4n4hkiLF4KKj0LqhIGcp6mp6E9QOV-lE_cFejmZTgOyM0w/s4032/IMG_3469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue63TV_yE3tQ9mWhZBE0THlq9sQWrkGv_LAEv0htoKaNb_em2p764DK4Ehe-_2CNklcxY0-JVjk4WiWl28WKzrGe4qwgZwRGWtKV_D_FguAbNk1EAy-2kCz_-yQM8daScZ_gZdUIg4n4hkiLF4KKj0LqhIGcp6mp6E9QOV-lE_cFejmZTgOyM0w/w320-h240/IMG_3469.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkgvyPZgPhHi54AE4Yte9m5OYgLgUoHisr0FYXciq06kJVU2xQi4rD0kXjumdNNx_uQX_fjNfgXY6Dc5JscSAAzzwZ2sl3UjkT435qdCl7q9_PHk0seuh3ZZ4BAX1WeJt1_DMToVnl3fDkyep24fpAZA0Es8GXCcuAhNPlDJFpMqyPqmK3jcPMA/w200-h150/IMG_3470.JPG" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once I started running I felt fine, and agreed I would get my injuries sorted at the next checkpoint (Gorran), which wasn't that far away. When I arrived there, I went to see the medic who helped me clean myself up and apply wound wash. Ben appeared and assisted me getting sorted out and then we bought a Calippo each in town and walked up the next hill together before I headed off.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyB6ngscmTZEuQRlPkrI3bhzfROzhAU_9tEX-VPXDEOILTnEmqb85AkXotOYHmg2wkKrw38LGqCKjOAmv4jG7dZDVntI9vz0IKD0zifLq3C4NRmZDli7h_oYnM4TeV-9Wjz90qpuq41EEO1C3PVDkwl6QFSyzV_SDHeCofqw3fX5BT0r2qPbcBQ/s320/135f1343-0df8-4c26-b8c7-d379827e1f9d.jpg" width="320" /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Along this next section I got chatting to a bloke from Bristol. I talked to him about races in the Bristol area and we had a good moan. He also told me he "doesn't like going north of the M4" as there isn't much up there (!) I tried to protest Liverpool's awesomeness but he wasn't having any of it - haha!</p><p style="text-align: left;">He also complained that at the last checkpoint, they had ice lollies but were only giving them to people the marshalls knew. He'd witnessed someone else being given one, asked for one and was told they had 'run out'. I'd spotted a bit of this behaviour as well and I agreed there was some suspicious favouritism going on. This race has a long history and has a lot of local runners taking part, but nevertheless - it's not difficult to solve. Just have more so there's enough for everyone. I suggested he just buy one himself at the next available place and said I knew there was an ice cream shop that we run past in Mevagissey.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Shortly afterwards, it appeared on the horizon... let the ice lollies commence! I managed to get a sorbet and the kind people let me queue jump as they could see I was in a race (and covered in mud and bleeding, haha). I also met a bloke standing on his garage roof with a garden sprinkler who offered to cool me off - which was UTTERLY DELIGHTFUL and a girl at a coffee van offer me a free bottle of ice cold water WHICH WAS AMAZING. Thank you so so much local people, you absolutely rock. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ben and I went back to the coffee van later that evening to buy something to repay them, but sadly they were closed).</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCMl30Y9YI__C0Rb83uBN_SN6DMjNFJqmELYheKQe0hb6tAQeITIPdvvRzXzM0Kc5YP2AY92QBPGz3fCznRVzAN25YqaQprDqrN1D8ViuKXnczrazmE48jwii5o-xJBJ8A38p7IBm7T2fyIWy6vwXUiPryDHIw3szNLSYOovj85gUgJ2F_de-JA/s4032/IMG_3472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCMl30Y9YI__C0Rb83uBN_SN6DMjNFJqmELYheKQe0hb6tAQeITIPdvvRzXzM0Kc5YP2AY92QBPGz3fCznRVzAN25YqaQprDqrN1D8ViuKXnczrazmE48jwii5o-xJBJ8A38p7IBm7T2fyIWy6vwXUiPryDHIw3szNLSYOovj85gUgJ2F_de-JA/s320/IMG_3472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Somewhere along the next section I caught up with Richard, the Plague runner who'd helped me earlier. He asked me about my poles - he had been recently looking into poles and knew a lot more about it than I did. He gave me some advice about how to use them - I gave him the poles and he demonstrated and then I spent the next half an hour practicing my technique. You basically need to hold them slightly behind you, at an angle, to get the maximum push off the ground. It was super helpful as nobody has ever shown me and I've never watched a video while actually holding the poles! So that was really good. He also warned me that the whole of the last 4 miles was steps. I knew there were some dreaded steps at the end but this helped me mentally prepare for it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xL2D91sxFDGOLSiHWXqqoD2RSyLUprPNTJEAX4lNHsPc1_mIsEZYH9BXYOAJvd0yIIheu5p2DcnjehwYgSqrJvYdqVj_aj7_g2t80Qj4DTeoZ6DLeeFv44x-TGs8YJCEAECc3OTsS3zrDU2RNdmM6FoxX7-drDKPJdQqpITJeLo6iEVl6YdMnw/s4032/IMG_3474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xL2D91sxFDGOLSiHWXqqoD2RSyLUprPNTJEAX4lNHsPc1_mIsEZYH9BXYOAJvd0yIIheu5p2DcnjehwYgSqrJvYdqVj_aj7_g2t80Qj4DTeoZ6DLeeFv44x-TGs8YJCEAECc3OTsS3zrDU2RNdmM6FoxX7-drDKPJdQqpITJeLo6iEVl6YdMnw/w150-h200/IMG_3474.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGG6zgGhPuivjAJdPeJ-yLyuLFN9-f5b6ojcbqPcSTUvTBL-JD1n38p8H5BAoSbERXTcFxlZmgQLOX_NV2Pv5678IUThXV-qYH3y62CaFf32i4ghhek48-TUwYGDCz5_kNX5-7UVrQ8CMf4piz-FUDeKfDz633hWXybWGwGbZLKlGMNC_dWCh-g/s4032/IMG_3476.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGG6zgGhPuivjAJdPeJ-yLyuLFN9-f5b6ojcbqPcSTUvTBL-JD1n38p8H5BAoSbERXTcFxlZmgQLOX_NV2Pv5678IUThXV-qYH3y62CaFf32i4ghhek48-TUwYGDCz5_kNX5-7UVrQ8CMf4piz-FUDeKfDz633hWXybWGwGbZLKlGMNC_dWCh-g/w150-h200/IMG_3476.JPG" width="150" /></a></div></div>He also told me about Cocktail Corner, which I'd read about on the Facebook page. Apparently it's always here, run by a couple of local women (not sure if it's an 'official' checkpoint or not?!) They dress up in hula skirts and provide cocktails made of Lucozade and fruit juice to every runner passing. There was Caribbean-style music playing, cola bottle sweets and loads of runners just hanging around, taking photos in the Instagram-style frame. You knew it was coming because there was a sign and some bunting:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuQU6BeUPDhAcAXFOeRr1MpMbu7CFnQtW6Ln9nnLYdAWxZmyKPqeaS1HqEWGGB3Bw_dYHr5S7Ame-SWWNivjmd6BHscDifq0Na3KynuMfCNs3zvebpPkOoXrOKjTVHJuUU53RcElJ6_VuNo7Avfw3tFn6ABDyvK249bWqUboKcChR19GfQMLJFg/s4032/IMG_3477.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuQU6BeUPDhAcAXFOeRr1MpMbu7CFnQtW6Ln9nnLYdAWxZmyKPqeaS1HqEWGGB3Bw_dYHr5S7Ame-SWWNivjmd6BHscDifq0Na3KynuMfCNs3zvebpPkOoXrOKjTVHJuUU53RcElJ6_VuNo7Avfw3tFn6ABDyvK249bWqUboKcChR19GfQMLJFg/s4032/IMG_3477.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuQU6BeUPDhAcAXFOeRr1MpMbu7CFnQtW6Ln9nnLYdAWxZmyKPqeaS1HqEWGGB3Bw_dYHr5S7Ame-SWWNivjmd6BHscDifq0Na3KynuMfCNs3zvebpPkOoXrOKjTVHJuUU53RcElJ6_VuNo7Avfw3tFn6ABDyvK249bWqUboKcChR19GfQMLJFg/w150-h200/IMG_3477.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXNTz70izvMiEX7fzMLQ1lng0kxTGYopfZnOQnGA7bAsQNyw9-ZhOaOfk7ih--djhDe1wWMIuB5wB0YWV9l34Ms0coFA2RLwDpyfYUMAepS6SxhqDS6Uxq-VBgfs3HUYfKIGkMIwjhFm5CwZBeAbZgOm0ofXehLOgQ1iMhBSgm0IabAu0XQqUvQ/s4032/IMG_3479.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXNTz70izvMiEX7fzMLQ1lng0kxTGYopfZnOQnGA7bAsQNyw9-ZhOaOfk7ih--djhDe1wWMIuB5wB0YWV9l34Ms0coFA2RLwDpyfYUMAepS6SxhqDS6Uxq-VBgfs3HUYfKIGkMIwjhFm5CwZBeAbZgOm0ofXehLOgQ1iMhBSgm0IabAu0XQqUvQ/w150-h200/IMG_3479.JPG" width="150" /></a></div></div>... and it definitely had a party atmosphere! Cute and fun especially so close to the end of the race.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxEnVrgQ9XHczsu0bAcgQdfn5KInQGtWjBEehP6ZIxW-Ik60VIDafKd5MJyEeT2DXmYligNgy_HqZkfXmAiCvnvuIqpnOKaRIRvk3Brjg5kZC-RezGgfoMElfBQCkz9AxsNSW46mThJo52lLgYLKAGthoxt3mqnGHPk4YRGQyfPW_SzTzWa3Xsg/s4032/IMG_3480.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxEnVrgQ9XHczsu0bAcgQdfn5KInQGtWjBEehP6ZIxW-Ik60VIDafKd5MJyEeT2DXmYligNgy_HqZkfXmAiCvnvuIqpnOKaRIRvk3Brjg5kZC-RezGgfoMElfBQCkz9AxsNSW46mThJo52lLgYLKAGthoxt3mqnGHPk4YRGQyfPW_SzTzWa3Xsg/s320/IMG_3480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After this came the brutal steps. They weren't quite continuous - but they were pretty tough. Expecting to them to be continuous was actually an advantage as they weren't quite as bad as I expected. I overtook loads of people with my fabulous new poles technique. Here's a photo looking back - we had just come down that hill opposite which was also all steps - no wonder people are looking tired!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzl0VHArKxsGh0VU1PBTyJBr_HmzBtXB2mrZ8BqhINbVRrsTvCOjdEYlIAPGmNZ1hdLaN-VFH_frNt4jOUk2L4RbAOCA2OmBvSnLSlYqIXXBCLgNo4oQG8A0lal5ryNUqcNv61qnBhLwhORdMRBHGqhOBEt32mTMN2zJXw9wilmwOWWqcOIFqng/s4032/IMG_3482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzl0VHArKxsGh0VU1PBTyJBr_HmzBtXB2mrZ8BqhINbVRrsTvCOjdEYlIAPGmNZ1hdLaN-VFH_frNt4jOUk2L4RbAOCA2OmBvSnLSlYqIXXBCLgNo4oQG8A0lal5ryNUqcNv61qnBhLwhORdMRBHGqhOBEt32mTMN2zJXw9wilmwOWWqcOIFqng/s320/IMG_3482.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>A couple of runners past us and I overheard others talking about them - they are doing the BOYD, which stands for "Bring Out Your Dead" and involves doing just the hilliest 5 mile section of the course over and over and over again for 24 hours. Apparently they've been going since 7pm last night. Unbelievable.</p><p>It wasn't much longer before Porthpean came into view and the end was in sight!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FrXR9XXYvm3Teas7m9Um7QJpOh2n2QWvT0_Q3D-YDrMj-AHcQQdKL3krISKjxhWYoaJIl0lhrWDZESh42kximz9_EUOQzdHFsaMXexGZMLmX_i245CUJdD1GpIQu8fJ7e7Z9gqsVeqFEcNgUD1wM_-qwU7yeXDlHZOB0NjLO9Rm42oeACv0nrg/s4032/IMG_3484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FrXR9XXYvm3Teas7m9Um7QJpOh2n2QWvT0_Q3D-YDrMj-AHcQQdKL3krISKjxhWYoaJIl0lhrWDZESh42kximz9_EUOQzdHFsaMXexGZMLmX_i245CUJdD1GpIQu8fJ7e7Z9gqsVeqFEcNgUD1wM_-qwU7yeXDlHZOB0NjLO9Rm42oeACv0nrg/s320/IMG_3484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I came up the final hill and suddenly there were spectators on the left hand side and I could hear the loudspeaker. Unfortunately the route was not really well signposted at the end, and due to being tired and approaching from the opposite direction to this morning, I was a bit confused where I was supposed to go in the last 100m. Eventually a spectator pointed me in the right direction and eventually I saw the finish line. Ben was there, taking pictures:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSZi0LnuyZtaks6yvgG6_X5tmgA72ruk490Cw_oTHRyRRvM-LeNBhbta3OcjNzRPdcRSObVsCQtcYpnCL0Ksdl8__QfHZZYK7SLyUneLD3wfJ__k7HDynxndJlDbSrqSVwPdk-I_8q028LXl6uEKeQjZ0JFSprYM_q_8Y1FV2fQN1Rsjik26bSg/s2436/IMG_3504.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSZi0LnuyZtaks6yvgG6_X5tmgA72ruk490Cw_oTHRyRRvM-LeNBhbta3OcjNzRPdcRSObVsCQtcYpnCL0Ksdl8__QfHZZYK7SLyUneLD3wfJ__k7HDynxndJlDbSrqSVwPdk-I_8q028LXl6uEKeQjZ0JFSprYM_q_8Y1FV2fQN1Rsjik26bSg/s320/IMG_3504.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>Super relieved to finish this one, especially after the drama of Caerhays and the fall. If you include the race entry fee, the cost of two nights' accommodation in Cornwall, meals for two for two days, the poles, and the petrol I reckon this race topped £600. I really, REALLY didn't want to have to do it again. As you can see I was quite chuffed to have that 47th medal:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLJpx9ZlZFwDCbhwGU9qtXr4xvRBpn1sYBc9xXo9NyDHg8otA21cQtH2TmNtpMsQhJlE0TSRflhlqrL7Ydo6T23j3_iviSPCRIfOaYxPIOBfeT0-EPYgsCsmUkB5HRxBvsv2Dvxl43J-2gzbIZ8CvYd6dbM4puzHD0ntgKMwZi57R6tL_YxBBAw/s3088/IMG_3488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLJpx9ZlZFwDCbhwGU9qtXr4xvRBpn1sYBc9xXo9NyDHg8otA21cQtH2TmNtpMsQhJlE0TSRflhlqrL7Ydo6T23j3_iviSPCRIfOaYxPIOBfeT0-EPYgsCsmUkB5HRxBvsv2Dvxl43J-2gzbIZ8CvYd6dbM4puzHD0ntgKMwZi57R6tL_YxBBAw/s320/IMG_3488.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>There was a paddling pool at the end which was very appealing, despite the water being extremely grubby. It was cool, it washed all the mud off and it was a great place to socialise. The other two Plague runners who'd helped me after my fall came and joined me as they'd just finished and we had a nice chat - the man was saying he was already thinking of doing the BOYD next year! </p><p>It wasn't until the next say I saw this picture of the Plague winner in the same paddling pool - the water looked a bit nicer for him... and the paddling pool a bit more inflated.... :)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueRO2u4NSvN2sxolw-qR-m-WYbk4Pur2pp1SuJ0YwtzchcARDP_GG6wGcrM1tXN-QXwSfNeVuL5Pnc7uemTsjdw0hbTMOehIpnm2Cf3JAe4ilaavAcJGlzTs6apO_Cs1DzD9JZN_k-7Gmb_UwcKK-c_jQ1LzpqODT7kK6ctYUKtZEVemXO1EmHg/s4032/IMG_3485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueRO2u4NSvN2sxolw-qR-m-WYbk4Pur2pp1SuJ0YwtzchcARDP_GG6wGcrM1tXN-QXwSfNeVuL5Pnc7uemTsjdw0hbTMOehIpnm2Cf3JAe4ilaavAcJGlzTs6apO_Cs1DzD9JZN_k-7Gmb_UwcKK-c_jQ1LzpqODT7kK6ctYUKtZEVemXO1EmHg/s320/IMG_3485.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjYJY9KPObg7ialwuZIbRma8hAhtCX717t5QpOr0B2W2PBq4QZoT-Tt14HD2Kz2tlWka4Edj_9U7tKJQOpxUz42_s4EVWiIw3nkmrXoOe6C4EW7vbO3wcR8x3i9SaNC3Xa_VbGBeU__V_0fVOA2kdKZNI7_7FqyySzhpv2a870wmtp1bemJkUmQ/s2436/IMG_3499.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjYJY9KPObg7ialwuZIbRma8hAhtCX717t5QpOr0B2W2PBq4QZoT-Tt14HD2Kz2tlWka4Edj_9U7tKJQOpxUz42_s4EVWiIw3nkmrXoOe6C4EW7vbO3wcR8x3i9SaNC3Xa_VbGBeU__V_0fVOA2kdKZNI7_7FqyySzhpv2a870wmtp1bemJkUmQ/s320/IMG_3499.PNG" width="148" /></a></div>Garmin stats tell me this was a pretty tough race - I don't think I've ever scored 5.0 before, which (I think) is the highest it goes:<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYATznzSqg236TuqTKxPLSq2IhF-p7TGQN_yW2Ca6zr9KAjdzXtFgxGO5jqbW5zru0ZQc54_aJeqhU5kMcczNV21nopq6wgQrA-2onhgK4-iumELoVRl99YaLO78x_v5NI358OdcaZx9IbwGU7-LD7MvBtkuVRtU7f2ddT9mB9D2wfmhfJneQ-gQ/w93-h200/IMG_3501.PNG" width="93" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">It took me 8 hours 40 minutes and apparently the average temperature was 27 degrees (though that was Garmin which would have been in direct sunlight for a lot of it). I was pleased to see later that Bob also finished - quicker than me, but he's also quite a bit younger!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Overall, a great relief to get it done. We even had time to squeeze in a quick visit to an old friend in Penryn for Sunday lunch the next day, which was really lovely. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">My final county is Kent, which I'm doing on Monday August 29th in Gravesend, and I welcome anyone who wants to come along to do so and join me for cake and fizz to celebrate the end of my Counties Challenge after SEVEN YEARS! If you want to run, you can do (<a href="http://www.saxon-shore.com/World_Series/" target="_blank">the race is 5.25 mile loops</a> so no obligation to do a full marathon obviously) and there is a nice cafe etc to chill in while you're waiting. Drop me a line or leave a comment and I'll send you all the details!<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Porthpean, Saint Austell PL26 6AZ, UK50.3185565 -4.774939722.008322663821154 -39.9311897 78.628790336178838 30.3813103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-86325705450997737912022-06-26T06:00:00.506+01:002022-06-30T15:48:01.336+01:00Gloucestershire: Race to the Tower day 2 race recapOriginally I planned to do this race in 2020, but it was cancelled due to Covid, so this is the very last of the Covid reschedules. A few weeks before the event, I got a phone call from Moorfields booking my long-awaited eye operation. The op means I can wear contact lenses again, which is damn handy for running. I had this op previously on the other eye and I wasn't allowed to run for two weeks but I was allowed to walk. I checked out Race to the Tower's website and the cutoff was 13 hours - well I could definitely walk it in that. It was too late for a refund in any case and having already paid for accommodation I decided I might as well just try it anyway, as including petrol and food this race was costing somewhere around £350 - ouch. I could always DNF if it all went horribly wrong...<br /><p style="text-align: left;">On the day of the op I asked the registrar if I could walk 'quite long distances', she shrugged and said 'yes, sure'. So when the consultant came round, I tried my luck and asked if I could run post-op. She said, 'I don't see why not... do you mean jogging or sprinting?!" I said, "Jogging, slow jogging" and she said that in a couple of days, that would be fine. I was delighted!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVO16FLBkE1pHCHQulDjEYqT9HMazb8DeM55DvAh_47doMdGaIAysZpUKNVBO89B9o0_PPFnCsfRnUCl7Ys3-2QwCy0P9jZBVA4CK7FEa7J52zYi0Ph-XajsZlPjZ4qEsRaicCLxRnNvMJ5DRPLwioy0TB8fspjm7Q__Bjn10dB9lKPmedao5BA/w240-h320/4B997E22-6D1F-404F-9BDF-127F0684D79C.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;">I was in and out in half a day and the dressing came off after 24 hours. Here is an artist's impression of my right eye:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMoVWsIt4eNs2081eBgsC6c5H5GTaLXUYY8vAjH-5o_El4dGAumuDRoynMxSQC3faqwIMAGBOT90UQ7EevIm3pxl--Valj5pi5Yh4zhWLCxhm99FbCnhy2lWgNSvAQrmEOm8XpkBvqJGPpgO19_Fme9eCE4QeHiUerQ0nyr3cciJTlpMxl8vHcQ/s964/eye%20of%20sauron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="964" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMoVWsIt4eNs2081eBgsC6c5H5GTaLXUYY8vAjH-5o_El4dGAumuDRoynMxSQC3faqwIMAGBOT90UQ7EevIm3pxl--Valj5pi5Yh4zhWLCxhm99FbCnhy2lWgNSvAQrmEOm8XpkBvqJGPpgO19_Fme9eCE4QeHiUerQ0nyr3cciJTlpMxl8vHcQ/s320/eye%20of%20sauron.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I won't scar you for life with any actual pictures, don't worry! I wore sunglasses nearly the whole day to try to limit light-sensitivity and only took them off in the darkest of woods.<br /><p></p><p>The day before I had a pretty rough car journey involving nausea, headaches and an unbelievable amount of moaning. I refused to play mini golf, I insisted on an afternoon nap (admittedly I hadn't been sleeping well due to the eye shield I had to wear at night) and I complained bitterly about having to walk into Cheltenham because I was cold. Poor Ben!</p><p>It didn't help that the race started at 6am, which meant a 4:30am alarm call. But as soon as I woke up, I felt better. Ben said he could tell I was going to be OK before we even left for the race, which was only 15 minutes away from where we were staying. It was a bit chilly so I started in my waterproof jacket.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2aAz3wJroddAQueIn4CdMsTB4A2mpLubBgNrcyOuuY-ZG9Vf6lgomLJLifMlUxDz4VmQZ3ixBNAK8rpcOMPKEvMRVV4Omqwi3ZLsleFlh025kEQ9cgZjXVv9zxIoTy3bq6L3pZern_HppiGb2nCNmmoHPhSXxQReqjGZsdtQABKp7BEqmkIsGw/s2692/IMG_4112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="2161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2aAz3wJroddAQueIn4CdMsTB4A2mpLubBgNrcyOuuY-ZG9Vf6lgomLJLifMlUxDz4VmQZ3ixBNAK8rpcOMPKEvMRVV4Omqwi3ZLsleFlh025kEQ9cgZjXVv9zxIoTy3bq6L3pZern_HppiGb2nCNmmoHPhSXxQReqjGZsdtQABKp7BEqmkIsGw/s320/IMG_4112.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><p>When we got there, Ben was surprised at the mega-organisation. Rows of neat tents, proper catering facilities and showers. He said, "It's like a mini festival!" He's more used to me starting races in car parks with some bloke in a hi-vis jacket. </p><p>Just before 6am, a small group of runners assembled at the start and there was a short race briefing, which mainly said there were nearly 100 gates between here and the finish, arrggh. Without much ado, we were off. My plan was to walk the first few kilometres and see how I felt, but I only managed a few hundred yards before I was cold and bored. I decided I would shuffle-run for a bit (a classic ultra-style gait where you lift your feet the minimum amount possible and sort of shuffle along at a pace faster than walking, but not quite fast enough to be called running. Watch the mid-pack from mile 45+ of any ultra and you'll soon see exactly what I mean). <br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyYG2KC8qQxiylDdsXomqKtBFGXmTbobr13GDfkJUPM3lhQNFgr-c1YIz1vzpB1SFkZ7np-8HnEUy5quZ90Uqs9MH7iShI1Fx29L9G2Gzpi8NASp94-_C_6SAFgBVZO091cIN2JH15gHQlMKWsC7x7Mun7yQpVSXYo8qanQX9Ax9RdGUCy8ZvMg/s4032/9DEB649C-4D8A-47E3-BC48-3F3422AED17D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyYG2KC8qQxiylDdsXomqKtBFGXmTbobr13GDfkJUPM3lhQNFgr-c1YIz1vzpB1SFkZ7np-8HnEUy5quZ90Uqs9MH7iShI1Fx29L9G2Gzpi8NASp94-_C_6SAFgBVZO091cIN2JH15gHQlMKWsC7x7Mun7yQpVSXYo8qanQX9Ax9RdGUCy8ZvMg/w240-h320/9DEB649C-4D8A-47E3-BC48-3F3422AED17D.jpeg" width="240" /></a> </p><p>The paths were pretty flat and easy to shuffle along and I felt sure road shoes were the right choice. Looking back at my race report, I wore road shoes to <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/07/oxfordshire-race-to-stones-100km-ultra.html" target="_blank">Race to the Stones</a> as well, which were almost certainly the wrong choice, but I don't think I owned any trail shoes back then! </p><p>The below picture was taken at 6:15am, pretty soon after the start. Shortly afterwards I got chatting to the woman on the left of the pic, who was (I think) called Kate, and later I ran most of the race with the woman in pink (Kim). <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LxkchZQdrd7LMZqzjb5gqB9sbQoVUcVIPy73mZ2uGrk51luD4rbvYftjtzH9dHDC54oY-9mdbGcZ0Q8l3_MwyMTrmBBLkaTAYDrcSEHTSS9VZVHrwmGxKzojQ_mGpW0qFEUXqIGYukxPzwAgcp9FbRgtGuo94AOcok4XfvFbQJXBPWmUIIY0AA/w240-h320/6243C8E9-D70B-466A-8596-A644600A4D3F_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></div><p>Kate was quite local and her husband had run the full 52 miles yesterday. She'd been supporting him all day and also picked him up at the end. As a result she'd only had about 1 hour's sleep herself (!) She told me that this race is 'on hold' next year, and that places were still available last week, which made me suspect this might be the last time it goes ahead - all the better that I'm doing it now! She also told me there were 3 big hills plus the one at the end, at which point the first hill presented itself and we climbed up it. Views from the top were great and you could even see the Malvern Hills in the distance! <br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGbdteZpa05AIxNFDYIIIdF3uTNYyB9fPoc-UdzB9p2m8yNqYivoSUOwN-v-MxYGEgZDwgQOI0DmHprnbV4RzRC-iSFMMEuIIRAQStVMbxiqpXGdFMGuGg7ODKgOkQ856vFcbHIJEKH-_Z_TVsr_vY7oOjOySMObWi4If9vebMU4wOXEtu9hnOg/s4032/E228D38D-53F8-42EF-8B1A-5C7CD5F1A63F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGbdteZpa05AIxNFDYIIIdF3uTNYyB9fPoc-UdzB9p2m8yNqYivoSUOwN-v-MxYGEgZDwgQOI0DmHprnbV4RzRC-iSFMMEuIIRAQStVMbxiqpXGdFMGuGg7ODKgOkQ856vFcbHIJEKH-_Z_TVsr_vY7oOjOySMObWi4If9vebMU4wOXEtu9hnOg/w200-h150/E228D38D-53F8-42EF-8B1A-5C7CD5F1A63F.jpeg" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOq-1LP6VilW6OVZqx8KLjoO86Y4Lr_6z6UX5JIvv4U0RmukeAhSUKNRjXB7-gwdBkGZptg_oWwtvBjTKunDCNy6MY3ViVeHMWbWVe4V06rd0sAzPo6-u8tX1UVGOShsuvr7gH5Vrw39NP8YkgNzWWMlCe5efLjgdBcsQiiw54kWGxIl356Zzlw/w200-h150/FBFA18F7-5F1B-4448-AC65-B2A5309AB45A.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">She kindly offered to take a photo of me with the lovely view: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBURwZy0i2QuAp2FX-fKKWTFLN5WybuSB0jye9tUpT_s8U0UttGElu78IpmxppJpQUmlvSvs8vxPa9KWetGygQCYOt0-OqlJaHHyKStn8PxXpYsE66KHJWfQMVhFMf1JbAWXP54BMmlqAGPBhFBmbMgr-490MDEw0OXUI_T9HgXn3Qsh62ONp-Q/s4032/182D64BD-479C-40D3-A99F-196D115D13B9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBURwZy0i2QuAp2FX-fKKWTFLN5WybuSB0jye9tUpT_s8U0UttGElu78IpmxppJpQUmlvSvs8vxPa9KWetGygQCYOt0-OqlJaHHyKStn8PxXpYsE66KHJWfQMVhFMf1JbAWXP54BMmlqAGPBhFBmbMgr-490MDEw0OXUI_T9HgXn3Qsh62ONp-Q/s320/182D64BD-479C-40D3-A99F-196D115D13B9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p>As we reached the top of the first hill, we came upon a couple of other runners - Helen and Kim. They were both from Oxfordshire but didn't know each other before the race and we all ran together until we reached the first aid station. Helen had run yesterday's marathon and stayed overnight at the camp. Kim explained that this was her first marathon - I was delighted as it's always a privilege to be even a tiny part of someone's first marathon. I waxed lyrical about how you never forget it and no matter what, the first one will always be special and that I was envious of her of getting to have that wonderful experience today. We also chatted a bit about how a hilly trail marathon isn't the<i> easiest </i>first marathon she could have chosen!<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4GZ5yX7znvkRbUFUYVdq5jQzmyaWPnKyk1B-8E_B5k4M2R1mVUNyU-g3i7tx961sW-B8-Kr1ExU7LIm2jCM_71C0LLgrG_CEE5TOgEfYn3KQ9BMHJGbCJXyyzA-1gXLORbcPppPcVMBnrJ2NM79TELfS7ExDEqh76GdsIHfWTFmUzwY7YiGEpg/s4032/7A3A9E39-FDA0-498F-B67B-D91EF17CDB21.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4GZ5yX7znvkRbUFUYVdq5jQzmyaWPnKyk1B-8E_B5k4M2R1mVUNyU-g3i7tx961sW-B8-Kr1ExU7LIm2jCM_71C0LLgrG_CEE5TOgEfYn3KQ9BMHJGbCJXyyzA-1gXLORbcPppPcVMBnrJ2NM79TELfS7ExDEqh76GdsIHfWTFmUzwY7YiGEpg/w200-h150/7A3A9E39-FDA0-498F-B67B-D91EF17CDB21.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQDuLuWneiRR1wDEvuFzTh3pllD8X4JfSQtqZuYN193YFF8iu6mtNMAYzwcNmGb7MJ7Uk6HY2j8DUaDwQAZ3qAkjxvfOCxIPPY6O8lwM93SXI8B84VrQ8WNq5VzlsAzqaOg7KDsmmW5AA_JnbC4Tb_YhqiqY46rjN_venoZXIKtd1odk2y4ky4A/w200-h150/06F7955C-C44F-48F4-8D9C-9B907FDB5C7D.jpeg" width="200" /></p>On arrival at the first aid station, we all scattered around to go to the loo and pick up snacks and fluids. I was expecting great things because Race to the Stones (run by the same people) had the best aid stations of any race I've ever done and this was no different. Because we'd started so early, it felt like we were amongst the first few people through. I had some fruit and picked up a flapjack to take with me and took off my jacket as it was getting warmer now. I soon caught up with Kim and Helen and we carried on, chatting away.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mKIf-SxNdu3jsf8aBDjWgn8lV6ysaFe4smjgCcRoVrIoxCdQSCZSO0XeKR2BPPPxh7NShhKQaUZfARG96aIwSwul8TPOOdFPwMzX-l4ZnLA_FJsKRueYPVs5ukc3QySVVnoR2MmecOkbv37sBJfZGWbQyYeZe7CAfgXB3tU0JgMZVUqBlK0XEg/s4032/35ED8ED4-FC02-4F5F-9FE1-75E3E0A91B77.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mKIf-SxNdu3jsf8aBDjWgn8lV6ysaFe4smjgCcRoVrIoxCdQSCZSO0XeKR2BPPPxh7NShhKQaUZfARG96aIwSwul8TPOOdFPwMzX-l4ZnLA_FJsKRueYPVs5ukc3QySVVnoR2MmecOkbv37sBJfZGWbQyYeZe7CAfgXB3tU0JgMZVUqBlK0XEg/s320/35ED8ED4-FC02-4F5F-9FE1-75E3E0A91B77.jpeg" width="320" /></a> </p><p>Unfortunately, we chatted so enthusiastically that we missed a right hand turn and didn't realise until we reached a junction. Suddenly I thought, I haven't seen an arrow for a really long time. We looked left and saw participants coming down the hill. At first I thought we'd just taken an alternative route, but when I got my OS map out and checked the route, I could see we'd missed out 3 sides of the square. </p><p>We had a quick discussion. We were all in agreement that we'd have to go back and do the bit we'd missed or otherwise our race was going to be quite considerably short, and Kim wouldn't have done her first marathon. So we ran back to where we missed the turn and then did the extra three sides, leaving us with a funny looking circle on Strava, and adding 2 bonus miles.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWxtqHavKmjG5kxV48kUXYWPeBvM-dJ0DtwwOcjiL8jz6axIg7xN1AWPlePSbYemfq4zB1uUOI4AspOzlPVBs81l5SeYJ7f5L8jW0hf38MccRhsA_M2ocntvqRzq8HC9NqweObiGk6ASHMO7r1dylgK6v3Q-LEqYl6GNaNEkdex1trqRooDXD0Q/s1125/IMG_3328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1125" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWxtqHavKmjG5kxV48kUXYWPeBvM-dJ0DtwwOcjiL8jz6axIg7xN1AWPlePSbYemfq4zB1uUOI4AspOzlPVBs81l5SeYJ7f5L8jW0hf38MccRhsA_M2ocntvqRzq8HC9NqweObiGk6ASHMO7r1dylgK6v3Q-LEqYl6GNaNEkdex1trqRooDXD0Q/s320/IMG_3328.jpg" width="320" /></a> </p><p>After what seemed like forever, we got back to the junction where we realised we'd gone wrong and took this celebratory picture, which I love!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIo86DTYxW9Gxv9sXSY3NxHSKCAThU8NOKyjncbiLN283PrzC-zt-pZejRJFgCr0admn4Lo2jsaeABHhdPtR146nFPRwQ6ZIxBLzXkxd-bZ2NxOtSnjP9gHNSm5Lgw3_ihxjzbsQGs27jU7iaNU9CpH1D1GJ86EIY4fd8emp4tb9NsGl98DLTUA/s3088/A0C8F1FC-8E41-40C5-944D-59A7B61B15A0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIo86DTYxW9Gxv9sXSY3NxHSKCAThU8NOKyjncbiLN283PrzC-zt-pZejRJFgCr0admn4Lo2jsaeABHhdPtR146nFPRwQ6ZIxBLzXkxd-bZ2NxOtSnjP9gHNSm5Lgw3_ihxjzbsQGs27jU7iaNU9CpH1D1GJ86EIY4fd8emp4tb9NsGl98DLTUA/s320/A0C8F1FC-8E41-40C5-944D-59A7B61B15A0.jpeg" width="320" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">There was quite a gusty tailwind which I was grateful for, as a headwind would have made my eye stream. As it was, I had no issues. The paths were mainly pretty flat and manageable. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwebgvxlHyxsAdfSsmRo9dDisYFCg0p8YnFtgW9K12ELWhYkFflyzfb1rnpL2M7o6dtUb-DGEOhci8DVlOCraeqpcvEvZB47v4pC-6JgcUobd0Rws2CW0n0M0KJTRsSIedODeQ4nWqbE7b7vQPoqpt9EoUHcIdqBRCfOHLwQCUB9i8BXAH9srdkg/w150-h200/62DC1246-CAC8-4267-87E1-E9B65ED4EE45.jpeg" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBx13Zug4vel9bItN9UkXBDlSgDMR2nuKGAEwRsKaSSJsW0iDJ4u1v8iCVs0WqjkOTkUVvhp-l_gpD6oJAk_4LK_5rld8ZPz8N9BTOL4d9pNQ0YLf7OUxHeOsjOl9eWnGPoRmLecYvV8JE_IkaLxErTCApnFwXUEUjT8pfjJiGlISQN2Wz2t0Cg/s4032/C42567BB-90DB-4965-B08E-266805E03416.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBx13Zug4vel9bItN9UkXBDlSgDMR2nuKGAEwRsKaSSJsW0iDJ4u1v8iCVs0WqjkOTkUVvhp-l_gpD6oJAk_4LK_5rld8ZPz8N9BTOL4d9pNQ0YLf7OUxHeOsjOl9eWnGPoRmLecYvV8JE_IkaLxErTCApnFwXUEUjT8pfjJiGlISQN2Wz2t0Cg/s320/C42567BB-90DB-4965-B08E-266805E03416.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>After much further than it should have been, we made it to the second aid station. Again it was ridiculously well stocked. This was only about 1/4 of it! You can see they had special coloured recycling bins for food waste, gel wrappers, plastic and other rubbish at the far end. We all gathered our snacks and carried on.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElNCGz3MbHsgH6upf-0ISBX0yEv2G7yu7xMTTcDhqbhMLHSfToxVRZnxf9FuG5InpT4H933TIY3wfPG7GO8LxG2U-UM12iDv4aE32vqY5YODy4Qy08R3fXxOrB7zFzrgWLfke879UXM5E3iU3h7-hG5PosyJRpg_BWWWTqZ7djIREO8PGRAMHeg/s320/F15E1631-4604-4431-8B57-837BDE7DD7BC.jpeg" width="240" /> </p><p>Shortly after we left the aid station we were walking up another big hill when I felt something brush against me. At first, I thought it was a dog and I turned, only to find Ben there! We'd roughly agreed he would meet me at some point, but he'd managed to park somewhere and then run along the trail until he caught up with us, which was a lovely surprise. He was not remotely surprised to find me looking well and cheerful and he walked with us for the rest of the hill as I filled him in on race adventures and introduced him to my companions. As we approached the top of the hill he took a lovely photo of the three of us. When we started running again, he walked back down the hill and drove off to investigate the farm shops of Gloucestershire - we're still eating the rhubarb, chocolate and other goodies he bought whilst I was running!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirbUs9F93M9mP1FNKfNwVidwfzU_zh_cKhdpJPFeWd4u-1PyFqR9FAL3laUWnU9vB8vC29GQ2C9Ks1Quv2X87IuX7pi1Bjnrn8IQws4kqZLsisEDPcPoXzZ2t8dGRhzSDiBNQhXNOqZa5DktLPWyne7ZjgzA6YyP45c-2MJGgjMJNA67kTd0bmw/s320/F41F8924-8735-4136-AAF0-9D8EDA05BEE6.heic" width="320" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">A bit further on we came across these horses lying down which was quite funny. They got up when we climbed over the stile though!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITU9CXHWeRiO_BMyc_GbYp6AlauByR8ecOTvtC9eed1pBm6bGpK8PtPFkj5NuGq9UtJfQL2VubnL_aHncjw3JsE007QJVwVtIEs_1f_JK1lSiDzUD8W6qRrq_NzWQLg__wPZucBmLDXbjlByyxWJ7xleexdRc0maevipi9dU_e33XsbGgzNyb6A/s4032/9D6DFAAB-F9E1-4AC4-8DC1-6378F0EB3964.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITU9CXHWeRiO_BMyc_GbYp6AlauByR8ecOTvtC9eed1pBm6bGpK8PtPFkj5NuGq9UtJfQL2VubnL_aHncjw3JsE007QJVwVtIEs_1f_JK1lSiDzUD8W6qRrq_NzWQLg__wPZucBmLDXbjlByyxWJ7xleexdRc0maevipi9dU_e33XsbGgzNyb6A/s320/9D6DFAAB-F9E1-4AC4-8DC1-6378F0EB3964.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p>Here's Helen and Kim passing a pretty Cotswold stone cottage:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnO0RrsNrtRQTqglVpFpEqnxEHxR29Q2RQ7CbbG57_wMUz7Khb-n-z2oo1_-MvTiadI3IsELFdHPpciJKIePK8TfF-RyEu4OSFsiNpIqieqlHbpKNwr95Aj5cgTQCfHl_bTgPODocYRBbss8NJfYe4l5s_UhqBwiRNBw2cp9ZXWtWHMVrGOV3bA/s4032/0A534F87-DD1D-4CE2-BFB4-EAFCB0FC8786.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnO0RrsNrtRQTqglVpFpEqnxEHxR29Q2RQ7CbbG57_wMUz7Khb-n-z2oo1_-MvTiadI3IsELFdHPpciJKIePK8TfF-RyEu4OSFsiNpIqieqlHbpKNwr95Aj5cgTQCfHl_bTgPODocYRBbss8NJfYe4l5s_UhqBwiRNBw2cp9ZXWtWHMVrGOV3bA/s320/0A534F87-DD1D-4CE2-BFB4-EAFCB0FC8786.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Spotted this plaque on a wall - this bit must be part of the route of the Cotswold Way Century, an ultra which is still kicking around on my "Must Do" list. The whole Way is 102 miles long - maybe I could do it as a multi-day as a kind of warm up? Probably need to start <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2022/01/wiltshire-beyond-dark-side-6-hour-race.html" target="_blank">LOVING HILLS</a> first though. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYlqQu7b-Y5hKWeGOsPYB1PPkI3PQdAn6NCu4L2v-IY47JvJG44neYokBJuo_7MrvRE9Slha6Ff2e32WpSQ0PRaUM1iJnDijhVwkg4QldS50EReTWkGEDUS8BkELhrD4kin94p-qQEms6fmt5dPru38tvRVFFXbjugxIWXrqJd666K6jqxUfBMQ/s4032/296474E3-3A04-42F9-99F2-72BC06B025C5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYlqQu7b-Y5hKWeGOsPYB1PPkI3PQdAn6NCu4L2v-IY47JvJG44neYokBJuo_7MrvRE9Slha6Ff2e32WpSQ0PRaUM1iJnDijhVwkg4QldS50EReTWkGEDUS8BkELhrD4kin94p-qQEms6fmt5dPru38tvRVFFXbjugxIWXrqJd666K6jqxUfBMQ/s320/296474E3-3A04-42F9-99F2-72BC06B025C5.jpeg" width="240" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">We kept on going, through wheat fields, past hay bales, past lambs. It was very pretty but we were all starting to get tired now. Kim was having a psychological struggle with the fact that her watch said there was only 6 miles to go but she knew it was more because we'd done the bonus miles. I showed her my watch, which on the map screen tells you how far it is to the end rather than how far you've done. I find this helpful as if you've gone wrong, it'll still show the correct distance to the end. (Although it can be quite intimidating when it says 160km to go at the start of a 100 miler - I didn't mention that!)</p><p style="text-align: left;">To be fair to Kim, she did amazingly well especially as it was her first marathon and we inadvertently turned it into an ultra. Helen also did amazingly given she had already run a full marathon the day before. We were all starting to get tired so the plan was to get to the aid station and have some Coke and some sugar and then get the last bit done. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Around this time we kept overtaking the same tall-ish bloke with calf sleeves and a red vest and a cap, but I think there were actually about 3 or 4 of them who were all dopplegangers. I joked with the others, "look, it's identikit bloke number 47"!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OPlb03QA4WaO3dIkIPn__3yxdL6cltJhBdBY1xH-lm5UejiqSxuBBPpHrRN59FykFQfEkvwX9OZVN36_GO26gmVc2_PpdJr8_fNbjo9tHYteyvMuSGJornLDIXoQOsKOmpo-egAIDr2L05yhMTBlUd-zJM4Fq6T9-N7RJrL8r524HfZ4vbo1UA/s320/C233FA4C-BA72-4240-9421-9B99FACD5EBD.jpeg" width="320" /></p><p>When we reached the last aid station (which was only 8km from the end, rather than the 10km I thought), the aid station volunteers had written inspirational messages on the bananas with a Sharpie. This is such a great idea, I will definitely be stealing it if I ever organise a race. It really made me smile!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv__fVmpmLXqM07XhFcoVpEglqgIC6rXyw5bm3xMGoyGblnY6fQalh7dbguo5UrSgoHeLcowInlASU1oZhJ0NKV8QMtcEbDSnQb8KF3yXzm_jsoGF0E6mgKIHAth_v56RuTHBsY-PnPdP0Xnra1pdzyS1V4nDzxkGbBGagGPBLtm57IUVooIfjEw/w640-h480/8E2AD22B-D5FF-408A-A16B-9800AD12CF51_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">After the aid station we went through a field of wheat that reminded me of Race to the Stones, although not quite as dramatic as their famous money shot!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCEdNKCYT50QMEXSGoSJEuNAzPpS0UPQxn54oPzqpA6GmOuSJOdgbnOXwIf0UfuwJHHjqAkGU7N5wlyKXu48nUbbx7HZEZJbIJbvYgjeSpnSKXBIWh1K4DsTPssV_huWebH4XHiKNWvoaMa78mFnrjZzgDgtvx81nbsBewd0KSBqVWcqbk9PqHw/s4032/B42D30C4-E0E6-4B4E-8B28-54FD303D42FA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCEdNKCYT50QMEXSGoSJEuNAzPpS0UPQxn54oPzqpA6GmOuSJOdgbnOXwIf0UfuwJHHjqAkGU7N5wlyKXu48nUbbx7HZEZJbIJbvYgjeSpnSKXBIWh1K4DsTPssV_huWebH4XHiKNWvoaMa78mFnrjZzgDgtvx81nbsBewd0KSBqVWcqbk9PqHw/s320/B42D30C4-E0E6-4B4E-8B28-54FD303D42FA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The last town you go through before the final hill is called Broadway, and Ben was here but missed me because he was using Find My iPhone as a tracker and it's not particularly precise. He told me afterwards he was in a shop as we ran past. Apparently Broadway is very fancy. I'm sorry I didn't have time to enjoy it properly!<br /></p><p>It started getting hilly on the way out of the town and continued being hilly until the end of the race.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-psMK-lP7YRiNCfOc_E_StteYfwDO7I0C752T4_qZEXkNLMknNhfbS6h6ERd9U4L1KMmd5KpIlw8Y5UxFAlpk2pux2F5ztODrRxV9eQYVmD_7v3PHJDzLbnR2ww7yfoasQHdlcMYBQ/s320/9ADC5C3C-89B7-4449-9C70-800593BD1CC8_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /><br /></p><p>On the final kilometre I traded Facebook details with Kim and Helen so we could keep in touch and we all agreed it had been SO LOVELY to have each other's company throughout the race. I often run with one other person but rarely two - but this race really leant itself to it with wide paths and pavements throughout. It was an absolute pleasure and an inspiration to see these two achieving their goals - and I was just grateful to get round it with no eye-related problems considering I only had surgery 4 days ago. </p><p>When we crossed the finish line, both Kim and Helen had their families there and Ben was waiting for me, so we had a quick finish line picture and went our separate ways. In the end we did 28 miles in 6 hours 30 minutes.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo51bkKx6kD30nzKv96IUVlpWSURYnkttKGpofNY5MgxLDtz1rR7KULgdOrlHFK5cJ_IBTkr_DVGCkX44BW_OizIh_MFHe1kQt0qKkC-oHLyF7a7EwrrXqrXQiKwgbFx22r4QtGmtCRA/s320/7CB1776E-62EB-490E-80E9-37D59B304459.heic" width="320" /><br /></div><div><br />My poles felt like they really helped again although my arms didn't ache at all and my legs absolutely killed me for days afterwards which suggests I wasn't really using them correctly - hmm. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oiT9ni34ytdcROO-SrlHvt3hyphenhyphenoWysbmHe9YLYOOtH53PdOYGvgsN1dE4AxeqxDpTLhIsz0AfCvSjQ02ZkJMTXZeZiQ6-KNxLPtCPisrFi9EM1ufysjuvB5paSZLOAHeTZx10bbEruA/s4032/ECFE8A85-C31C-42AF-834C-281EA65B41BD.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oiT9ni34ytdcROO-SrlHvt3hyphenhyphenoWysbmHe9YLYOOtH53PdOYGvgsN1dE4AxeqxDpTLhIsz0AfCvSjQ02ZkJMTXZeZiQ6-KNxLPtCPisrFi9EM1ufysjuvB5paSZLOAHeTZx10bbEruA/s320/ECFE8A85-C31C-42AF-834C-281EA65B41BD.heic" width="240" /></a></div>After this I went into the competitor's food tent and ate a really quite pleasant meal of vegan onion bhajis and salad and chips, which was included in the price.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiC9eBqJkyovWq6TZHA794iSbdMzvRxfYbcc4R4khzP5lu7owZKsY6f14jPc7iVk_pkEdDJWt4Ou4U9zkR2lKXl8U1e40A1LEZiaHrLY_1RxuubfcLnD7M1El33wXK790q8J355g2GA/s320/177927AF-FA15-4791-8322-9EFDA2C85FA9_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /> </div><div>Then Ben insisted I have some pictures taken with the tower, I didn't want to go all the way round there because it was cold, so we compromised and I posed ridiculously with the tower in the background. Fascinating fact: apparently you can see 16 counties from the top of the
Broadway Tower... although quite a few of them are Welsh ones.<p style="text-align: center;"></p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnqrevX8LKo1kHIIC2tqY4ci93qIRToor61ouGRL-RnIxXd__1hBNqCpS8qSbP4BWCwBvESLzBYWPy4xVlfanO7g_KlFzEN9pY45twyqthyYs0QQg75sqWZyiQoGWSF9TEzQct0_xYg/s4032/7EF21156-947A-41DF-8D10-7F5E7C12BB13.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnqrevX8LKo1kHIIC2tqY4ci93qIRToor61ouGRL-RnIxXd__1hBNqCpS8qSbP4BWCwBvESLzBYWPy4xVlfanO7g_KlFzEN9pY45twyqthyYs0QQg75sqWZyiQoGWSF9TEzQct0_xYg/w200-h150/7EF21156-947A-41DF-8D10-7F5E7C12BB13.heic" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2IWQXTeqvcb9PhJ5eIwykb5dHoaHUEOS2EGfNX_po_97HUEkK6UGUbnUNks9Lp4osbN6cjOVfWx0KwOo3mDPZuybagL260jwepE5bKP_Eqj1kCqamjMeFGrKVPLtC0f-6mwGXfLP_w/s4032/3DB38810-DE26-4EE8-B7FD-457ECE3F7F1E.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2IWQXTeqvcb9PhJ5eIwykb5dHoaHUEOS2EGfNX_po_97HUEkK6UGUbnUNks9Lp4osbN6cjOVfWx0KwOo3mDPZuybagL260jwepE5bKP_Eqj1kCqamjMeFGrKVPLtC0f-6mwGXfLP_w/w200-h150/3DB38810-DE26-4EE8-B7FD-457ECE3F7F1E.heic" width="200" /></a></p><p>After this I went and got changed, then I dropped off some old sportswear for recycling (this was a good initiative which other races should also do) and then we went home. Because the race started at the crack of dawn, we were back in London by 4pm which must be a record!<br /></p></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Cheltenham GL54 4EZ, UK51.8879848 -2.022916823.577750963821153 -37.1791668 80.198218636178837 33.1333332tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-75342470448070061412022-05-29T09:00:00.513+01:002022-06-06T15:14:26.682+01:00Bedfordshire: Greensand Country Ultra race recap<p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last summer I was casting around for a race in Bedfordshire and I came across a really fun sounding race called <a href="http://www.runningandstuff.com/bingo-race-2022" target="_blank">Bingo Race</a>. What happens is: Your running number is a 3 number bingo card. Each runner has their own bag containing bingo balls. You run a loop of 2 miles, then pick a number out of the bag. If it's on your card, you cross it off and do another loop. When you've crossed off all your numbers, you're done. Obviously this might take a while.</p>Unfortunately at the time I was training for A100, my first ever hundred mile race. I sent a begging message to my coach:<br /><p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">Alice: <i>I really want to enter Bingo Race
on 12/9. I’ll take it easy I promise! It’s 5 weeks before A100 and it
may/probably does involve 10 hours of running on a flattish course.
Please let me <praying emoji></i></span></p><p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"></span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Coach: <i>Hey
Alice, I have a few questions for you - Do you think this race is going
to add to your A100 training? How
many hours on your feet is that going to be? what sort of impact is that going to have on your energy
levels going into the A100?</i></div></div><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span><p></p><div class="du4w35lb pmk7jnqg lthxh50u ox23h4wi kr9hpln1" style="visibility: inherit;"><div><div><div><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"></span></div></div></div></div><div class="q9uorilb sf5mxxl7 pgctjfs5"><div class="no6464jc pedkr2u6 nv5ty6hh"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41">Reluctantly, I agreed that this was probably not ideal, even though it sounded FUN.</span></div><div class="no6464jc pedkr2u6 nv5ty6hh"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41">One of the other runners being coached by my coach had recently run the Greensand Country Ultra and recommended it. It was nearly a year away but fit in with my plans so I entered. That year has rolled on by and here we are...<br /></span></div><div class="no6464jc pedkr2u6 nv5ty6hh"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"><br /></span></div><div class="no6464jc pedkr2u6 nv5ty6hh"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41">A week or two before the race, the race director sent an incredibly detailed email with all the instructions including the GPX in multiple formats (other races could learn from this!) and the race day briefing video. I watched the video and everything seemed familiar. The Race Director. The signs they use. The every-last-detail organisation. I was sure I'd done one of their races before. Eventually I realised it was <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/10/buckinghamshire-chiltern-ridge-ultra.html" target="_blank">Chiltern Ridge Ultra</a> - my first post-Covid marathon! I remember the torrential rain well!</span></div><div class="no6464jc pedkr2u6 nv5ty6hh"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"><br /></span></div><div class="no6464jc pedkr2u6 nv5ty6hh"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41">I also remembered it was impeccably well signposted, which bodes well for this race. The weather forecast was good and the race was a mix of trail and tarmac, but the RD said in the </span><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41">pre-race video that although you could get away with road shoes, he'd still </span>recommend wearing trail shoes. I packed my trusty Saucony Peregrines and set off bright and early for Bedfordshire. On arrival, predictably it was super-organised. They had even proper printed maps of the route they were giving out to everyone!<br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJejXTNdabmXM-w1F5JsgyrjfDOS3QtATJXRj1RSosOUMUNS2vKLWjSa6m1X4-NUtB5fhjFvcXprXHpAF0U8BBLs4Rfn4ieK6g85uv4rWvxQoA_BbrBvGyGW17C_dTi4m_Jv6rpFdplKzDu81X8v9nO8SlyOYdXYt5lTEDcTXtiCA1WQDHhrZGAQ/s320/IMG_3111.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41">The
race was right next to an airfield, which just so happened to be where
Ben keeps his plane. He has a private pilot's licence and a share in a
lovely old Cessna so we'd planned for him to (hopefully) fly over me
during the race. When I arrived it was pretty windy - fingers crossed it would be OK for flying later. The wind was also making it feel pretty cold - despite the sunshine I wished I'd brought gloves.<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kRnfYg9ztryq12DCy2F8cFZw1QiQF7NsW_hC_V6PQz3W3nN5MFkvPq7lawoI-PCSU509zUZBtf8MoHcsXVmp-gGMSuRIV9fQdrr7b44GBF2LNYx7I80oZITRzs6jyJ0us9NclR2clA-iayQa0ybHwjlPRf90AaeGjq_SNjrO8xFG2a2y1WizDA/s1581/IMG_3112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1581" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kRnfYg9ztryq12DCy2F8cFZw1QiQF7NsW_hC_V6PQz3W3nN5MFkvPq7lawoI-PCSU509zUZBtf8MoHcsXVmp-gGMSuRIV9fQdrr7b44GBF2LNYx7I80oZITRzs6jyJ0us9NclR2clA-iayQa0ybHwjlPRf90AaeGjq_SNjrO8xFG2a2y1WizDA/s320/IMG_3112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I collected my number - it was a 50k so being number 50 was kind of cool - and had time for a really nice cup of coffee before the race started.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYmaW7j2tU0LYFnBFI4ZCd_FQbMEd6iMenK63Knq-JLuVnLgTRZ3AfY72j6espeplcBwCl2aG_EuVxbNMFDtsGjAczsB9WC0wRer1GocuojRT86i7DSRj7RwJeeqAdyWTDOxijqRnQIyo9YAynqWE5YPIdNlRrxfuN3Ud321iEEIFDTJUpsCUgA/s4032/DB02A296-A029-400A-9B22-828AB694206D_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYmaW7j2tU0LYFnBFI4ZCd_FQbMEd6iMenK63Knq-JLuVnLgTRZ3AfY72j6espeplcBwCl2aG_EuVxbNMFDtsGjAczsB9WC0wRer1GocuojRT86i7DSRj7RwJeeqAdyWTDOxijqRnQIyo9YAynqWE5YPIdNlRrxfuN3Ud321iEEIFDTJUpsCUgA/w200-h150/DB02A296-A029-400A-9B22-828AB694206D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqU_AM8RwpvZI3e4ZW8rUp4O99SoGKnXGUOsViEjWj_aStvOMzl0gk0JFlmtkM2ap92qi6WrwCfI1btARQPYo0nrsaTc3Yq082jk-e8ki4amJ28ybzNho0hh4TvMySq7Ua3tEgsxLrC1Z-OvMZpKp51ZDwE5-qr7fG1qlrozyjICx7YPg88cdZw/s4032/0FC5D429-66D8-47DE-B890-CDADCF09FEC9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqU_AM8RwpvZI3e4ZW8rUp4O99SoGKnXGUOsViEjWj_aStvOMzl0gk0JFlmtkM2ap92qi6WrwCfI1btARQPYo0nrsaTc3Yq082jk-e8ki4amJ28ybzNho0hh4TvMySq7Ua3tEgsxLrC1Z-OvMZpKp51ZDwE5-qr7fG1qlrozyjICx7YPg88cdZw/w200-h150/0FC5D429-66D8-47DE-B890-CDADCF09FEC9.jpeg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The race began with a short loop around Shuttleworth before heading out into the Bedfordshire countryside. The first section was all on grass and I remember being glad I was wearing trail shoes.<br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvkVwFkUOb-ifPGAJp3JO3JbcWvhT5s1uEOXUfPqyFQD-iknfv-HxehW1NmPzJmsHDgJ_xbTitdl6EmTYHbebq2mfEvHm2P8RGgvJP7Xyner6DIWsc_eldmoSptGQ9QLR7WKVoEsFk5aqcc_iSFA7W6kndVIQrln8MmECjvtD7z6Tc1YKVHqKEg/s4032/36CF3F3D-6394-4DB6-BE9F-D0A89B1F0391_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvkVwFkUOb-ifPGAJp3JO3JbcWvhT5s1uEOXUfPqyFQD-iknfv-HxehW1NmPzJmsHDgJ_xbTitdl6EmTYHbebq2mfEvHm2P8RGgvJP7Xyner6DIWsc_eldmoSptGQ9QLR7WKVoEsFk5aqcc_iSFA7W6kndVIQrln8MmECjvtD7z6Tc1YKVHqKEg/s320/36CF3F3D-6394-4DB6-BE9F-D0A89B1F0391_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>As with Chiltern Ridge, there was a race photographer taking (free!) photos - got to love that. Here's one of me near the beginning in the woods:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBhZfH7zlKH_WIBHtINLeJYmPtJJdtKTHrb8AZ2FanZCQ1AQrFFNz59tDFElJYVcHxHsqprdblqaO2TTuwqnHl6g9gPo0GBO74jaluy413KD9K53lcrQ5QilYHWFFKDmjJRmhn8FFNf2UxKV-G-fzouQbF1DcTVMlo8cH7WwAs0PQOG_ajoH9hQ/s3600/CC06B787-463E-4FD0-97E8-9330195887DA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBhZfH7zlKH_WIBHtINLeJYmPtJJdtKTHrb8AZ2FanZCQ1AQrFFNz59tDFElJYVcHxHsqprdblqaO2TTuwqnHl6g9gPo0GBO74jaluy413KD9K53lcrQ5QilYHWFFKDmjJRmhn8FFNf2UxKV-G-fzouQbF1DcTVMlo8cH7WwAs0PQOG_ajoH9hQ/s320/CC06B787-463E-4FD0-97E8-9330195887DA.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>The wooded section didn't last long and we were soon out into farmland. I was settling into a comfortable pace by now and got chatting to the guy in front, who turned out to be called James. This was only his second ultra and he was wearing white cotton socks. I'm wary of offering unsolicited advice to runners, but cotton socks are a disaster area so I went out on a limb and gently suggested he invest in some proper running socks. A decent pair are almost as effective as a new pair of trainers in terms of comfort and will help prevent blisters and moisture damage. Well worth a tenner in my opinion. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvdOYU_aDT7se7fNB1bysJg8XvNEoeC2zWXP4bQb8DYmohUFC5zSQiQ6sOqmZQfKE4gV6cQ357VyE-cHS2u6dnvSMtNWkokNfpBPaa1va36XXCktgSDOQhDbh5pkS5IhWTs4AnS-8Mq3oHGKJYgMiXFfKCsriS7DGxAwDgeZ_-32bT3v7aewU3Q/s320/4125A309-F1DB-4C50-A1EA-36F52016A7E5_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Luckily, James took it well (!) and we ran together for a few miles after that. He was local and lived not far from where we were running. He pointed out Cardington Hangars, which he told me was where they used to build airships which he used to see all the time when he was a kid in Bedford. I grew up in Milton Keynes and also remember airships being quite common - nowadays I only see them in Fortnite!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRo3wErzHUcD06ZhZUvwLsXOtGBDUziynE8hzrZWy_j1B4gGHGuWY2_bhVK42NbTpBaESczqW0yhArlw46TSjyBwLXthaoRpH4Gg2_C2HhnrJepvE_WfKekWd3SZEIPKYfZ6nEqiDucumZpKa-0IwATMTtmx5GswfR5NeWMwzgn2RZaTyPwqlhog/s320/1DDC97CE-DA37-4858-B69B-9B551F3D5900.jpeg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We chatted about races, and running generally - he has 3 young kids so unsurprisingly finds it more difficult to get all the training in. I told him about Bingo race and it turned out he actually knows the RD of that race (James Adams) - I follow him on Strava so knew he was from Bedfordshire too and have read his book - small world! Anyway it turns out that it is on again this year, in October. James told me he was already signed up. I was delighted at this news and promised I would sign up when I got home - James, if you're reading this, I'm in! It seems to have been shortened to a 6 hour race this year but that's probably a good thing :) <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We continued through really lovely countryside:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXKMdm2JQCtWkkEbYDDaBDN39IThDE_7eQgpUYzCAYm6FQnqSlD93YQTmXLhn4XgkNMEN9MoXHENYDfcg7ndUSkA6kTcb_DTdu36U3cubLKhPiXM5rv1eO9y9LxVZdwKmrFpxMq6XrInGAnW5B7YgnIy71OngiDyN39nqI5BvWZtvrW9OLjgJ3g/w200-h150/2E5E67EF-5107-46B7-8C6F-0F8ED379011A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPi_SvuO10fQV2D-G2v84DiramEB8Z5C3wN5p52muRaTA2Hc6RDdFxPbn9jg0EQfSqWPPlgu4DUlZZFQBxZ1eblK8C_n-FJfBqEeTx8Py5Hz1HGPzKtzRG093JJi8lBaBsFjPzkrufJ-xqnDp-pN0IXDkQ90XgsOgUUljz7O35C_A8APcqNXGyag/w200-h150/5DCC5E10-6579-457D-8300-42338527F374_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a few miles I lost James, but stopped to take this picture of Cardington (the big green warehouse in the middle of the picture). There were a lot of beautiful cornfields in this race.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN82yT4QS1Kuz6FD3UGSpX5BBt-FaIyOmGyipa1yuYgHUQeK7TF2oHywpZIKfFnqx5L8O0jsJ5uof0oTOHh_fvWk_zWGgRmkU3Cj6FJDNIavvkCekqUWZxCQFbv6faugD7Mt4qqv4MecbGgz_aF441UyTF-45i5P3wpAN5WKtqJVeFpSoKnwgdpA/s4032/C942B092-8D4A-4BB6-B740-07B021323E04.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN82yT4QS1Kuz6FD3UGSpX5BBt-FaIyOmGyipa1yuYgHUQeK7TF2oHywpZIKfFnqx5L8O0jsJ5uof0oTOHh_fvWk_zWGgRmkU3Cj6FJDNIavvkCekqUWZxCQFbv6faugD7Mt4qqv4MecbGgz_aF441UyTF-45i5P3wpAN5WKtqJVeFpSoKnwgdpA/w640-h480/C942B092-8D4A-4BB6-B740-07B021323E04.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">At 11k, I finally felt warm enough to take my jacket off. The first aid station was at 15k - delightfully it had a huge selection of really nice snacks including Tribe bars, oranges and bananas and also proper indoor toilets. I took advantage of these and when I came out I saw James's wife and children had come to cheer him on at the checkpoint - awww!<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbBSbx0r3tkXhptHOopA68jx7NjOomkQJooi23la-eude8mRGVvIbmRdHaRZDA6jIA2H-w1IWBI8lq_sygM2gaCGdAZf1enPJpVC-Isei9BFLs9onVSWgV1ChUhY9sM7GP2wlUCNAUJgiNM1e3WvY0pprXoMWNoTUTMAECDpEkMp3wNmsZuSgKQ/s3600/A479E673-9B06-46DA-9631-610891CDA15B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbBSbx0r3tkXhptHOopA68jx7NjOomkQJooi23la-eude8mRGVvIbmRdHaRZDA6jIA2H-w1IWBI8lq_sygM2gaCGdAZf1enPJpVC-Isei9BFLs9onVSWgV1ChUhY9sM7GP2wlUCNAUJgiNM1e3WvY0pprXoMWNoTUTMAECDpEkMp3wNmsZuSgKQ/s320/A479E673-9B06-46DA-9631-610891CDA15B.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was taken just after the checkpoint. The field to the left was scattered with poppies and the path was quite narrow and overgrown. Around this point, I turned on my Glympse so that Ben could see where I was in the hope he might spot me from the plane.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdC4oCZebmDOcGMgRsaBI_TP5V_zrsFbx5yZul-jyXzperylD0FUKWpZDAiKVeqz_EZX9lXXDg2mhNb0GFG8pyvXwPMXJ4QUFrTDuZKDe-7iRX5grIRT1Z072YsedY4kGEkKDkGUnJjruQ5TGsyfe06Vr7iLJ2Ln4jXdrEADV0wB1hTbHkTy4rQ/s4032/82EC4B19-B4B8-4D23-8D04-CB6A9B3515C6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdC4oCZebmDOcGMgRsaBI_TP5V_zrsFbx5yZul-jyXzperylD0FUKWpZDAiKVeqz_EZX9lXXDg2mhNb0GFG8pyvXwPMXJ4QUFrTDuZKDe-7iRX5grIRT1Z072YsedY4kGEkKDkGUnJjruQ5TGsyfe06Vr7iLJ2Ln4jXdrEADV0wB1hTbHkTy4rQ/s320/82EC4B19-B4B8-4D23-8D04-CB6A9B3515C6.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More fields followed. The paths were very, very hard as it hadn't rained for weeks and I was starting to get a bit of pain in my calves - unusual for me so early in a race. My trail shoes don't have much padding and the trails were so hard they were almost like road. Hmm.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49jIBkaPGwVISbfYDz3BmSOsyYvn4LMncozHc-cif8jxWEeqbaoGJBdIMEkLNoNhjIIewCrL4b4nF9Vma3Vd3X2TI327lw26-KmZT_1EkJ2jAosrmsFSQx14TgYpbi1Np10n_she7YvndafmaXh1jt7FvFN1siEG6KkxL3ZpNUqlOUYXI7NwZGQ/w200-h150/F8A2DC83-272A-4CEE-A5B6-FFAE5865169A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9UmtXSHlhR43n6wRkptmMQVlLbPxFBRUM9mbd7teLnbEqCJh8CcYXS6fyYtwM09viHd0QKJNgpyOgg5yG4NFe93_IqCjr0lzX8gwxezViwawxRQ257D2TGQ1T5n4x_NUCCkfUqMwF7Ml8oQ8V6Kr_ImbONSbNqseqgjH6_AvqyyX4Hd8GMlW9w/w200-h150/EB663FD4-2AFA-49BD-842D-6EB3A2D2E7F0.jpeg" width="200" /></div></div></div>I came to a field which looked like crops, but they definitely weren't potatoes. I ran through, peering at them, annoyed that I couldn't identify them. I sent the first picture to my mum whilst running, asking if she knew.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5XwtkLH3LpWPlLjup3BW6w8Q0dYLQ-g11CoFMTKrDKUPiRPfJQFTAtbZbgpLD2IEfk91ewy1rziJpaOuTbNYA-9ECvB6sV3-Rgj6FnDY9lznyhfJEdoyiV7X-GICCmo9HrjBhSOSWmsQHZOxFp5IhQOgJgi6ooAQGUmH1uh-QhouqpIWTUuCxg/s4032/16CA5FD0-D82C-4A30-ABA2-879EF161901B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5XwtkLH3LpWPlLjup3BW6w8Q0dYLQ-g11CoFMTKrDKUPiRPfJQFTAtbZbgpLD2IEfk91ewy1rziJpaOuTbNYA-9ECvB6sV3-Rgj6FnDY9lznyhfJEdoyiV7X-GICCmo9HrjBhSOSWmsQHZOxFp5IhQOgJgi6ooAQGUmH1uh-QhouqpIWTUuCxg/w150-h200/16CA5FD0-D82C-4A30-ABA2-879EF161901B.jpeg" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4tpX_PbsAJTdB5MhgpM1jFRYPTcty1frNixjnlBGnJeA8_4HwWMKMMdrKkeBEL1gwBQlkVypvoO4hULH-ba3IKPLgF1x3-N8XaphXCZ1CwMX5kY45sqkik9GXPRPjYFqnjoTMjyCjSk9Llc2i8JQK4z26HB-pP7krh9avBT0UMdmD6bgJ0kqJw/s4032/C7BFF2ED-D30E-4AF3-B739-BAB84184AF54.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4tpX_PbsAJTdB5MhgpM1jFRYPTcty1frNixjnlBGnJeA8_4HwWMKMMdrKkeBEL1gwBQlkVypvoO4hULH-ba3IKPLgF1x3-N8XaphXCZ1CwMX5kY45sqkik9GXPRPjYFqnjoTMjyCjSk9Llc2i8JQK4z26HB-pP7krh9avBT0UMdmD6bgJ0kqJw/w200-h150/C7BFF2ED-D30E-4AF3-B739-BAB84184AF54.jpeg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The font of all knowledge very quickly replied, resolving my annoyance! </div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_rt4U0ZtfHY7NixXJTLLMJ2cGUnw3Zu8xZc-Sw-8575pQqsz_TM0y2ImRFKfdQiCusa5ktnnW7r3W7s16pSHKCsRkK6_o4aD1kXtCCwmrVQLqL3orCKCac642WwJa-r1hh7gAeedCklzN_ctwz8WgRLsPpk2cMWYCa1vJ-dhdQSMz4pfotIj4g/s1064/37062139-1BA2-4A02-AC28-F8C48B8B6F93_4_5005_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="1064" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_rt4U0ZtfHY7NixXJTLLMJ2cGUnw3Zu8xZc-Sw-8575pQqsz_TM0y2ImRFKfdQiCusa5ktnnW7r3W7s16pSHKCsRkK6_o4aD1kXtCCwmrVQLqL3orCKCac642WwJa-r1hh7gAeedCklzN_ctwz8WgRLsPpk2cMWYCa1vJ-dhdQSMz4pfotIj4g/s320/37062139-1BA2-4A02-AC28-F8C48B8B6F93_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></p><p>I passed the official photographer hiding in a bush. He must've taken this picture after I passed - sometimes it feels a bit like the paparazzi! Nevertheless I love this shot. Somehow he's managed to make me look quite elegant and dramatic, neither of which I was feeling at the time!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8YncMMQVh6irGE_3SeFSuRqIeMB9KJ3cV_-JkQGhiimh5I18fZyMxic3cJlGhTpqo0JBI-PLV1OULv6Q_BTQEiY9_A5hJ2iwAKzVBxEztWFrF4geHti62D7XpjXmNXd5Swf_YDn8OakmE3CCwbB0tcQ5YrrsnpiDyZJR9PwIdCrmVXUXLfoncA/s3600/AC747372-8177-4B95-B79A-FC9C0ACE3BE6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8YncMMQVh6irGE_3SeFSuRqIeMB9KJ3cV_-JkQGhiimh5I18fZyMxic3cJlGhTpqo0JBI-PLV1OULv6Q_BTQEiY9_A5hJ2iwAKzVBxEztWFrF4geHti62D7XpjXmNXd5Swf_YDn8OakmE3CCwbB0tcQ5YrrsnpiDyZJR9PwIdCrmVXUXLfoncA/w426-h640/AC747372-8177-4B95-B79A-FC9C0ACE3BE6.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>I turned a corner and could see a purple field in the distance. I wasn't sure what it was, but could see other runners in the distance so knew I would be getting closer shortly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ18aih9gZ7kHzHIbs7Q7cpPKvKvOIKQUP6MXffY20ysfG8M1bcR2qqD3XshTxHebEK5w4keo5-DOJ5B4PfhhI4eswEaNXbiuAZQo7qFDM_XfRChg9PgF10pvMwEbPya4oJhOhO2GuShSCyCZOl8c4iEfb8xQTO9Wl-WLcpTALuYgd0lfOwFCGQ/s4032/53E5A8E3-EF0C-40F4-8CF8-B04E15C039D3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ18aih9gZ7kHzHIbs7Q7cpPKvKvOIKQUP6MXffY20ysfG8M1bcR2qqD3XshTxHebEK5w4keo5-DOJ5B4PfhhI4eswEaNXbiuAZQo7qFDM_XfRChg9PgF10pvMwEbPya4oJhOhO2GuShSCyCZOl8c4iEfb8xQTO9Wl-WLcpTALuYgd0lfOwFCGQ/s320/53E5A8E3-EF0C-40F4-8CF8-B04E15C039D3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Definitely purple:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsnzqECLAO8-emmiKxrOMObcBMh8MaWTVPTLpxazwWZotwsCe33U8uNEXH5T5wU6bg2LI8Tcvu5T5AR1cHLuFoohbnwPL1wIqtZr7ia14HExelLmY7B5QqoITZ8VIIN9a6LGyqBuFCC-Odyhphlpt8oKLeWqg1r44T9Eqo70b7FleHgLTypGnbg/s320/8D1E3DA9-7B2B-4574-8713-2BA82A4E7F3D.jpeg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I got close enough, I could see they were just small purple flowers. Weirdly they didn't look big or purple enough to have such a big effect from a distance.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M-yyCXicN11TUsD205Ca4oXm2RXBq2eNcu1sZFpGXnuoohMTvKJ3V3GSrKiXWC3DEwdqHzz9ORU4wHA11Nujvhe2-mIRy8NMushePLMpiVuS2Z7UZBU-U9Eu8H9kHQlUgfbPxgyQxb00ciF_iNKcxgqBJtTgt4X1yveqqD0OSg9WK9uHFJnwJw/s4032/631FAB59-B5A7-4F4D-B707-1C6D007AB0C9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M-yyCXicN11TUsD205Ca4oXm2RXBq2eNcu1sZFpGXnuoohMTvKJ3V3GSrKiXWC3DEwdqHzz9ORU4wHA11Nujvhe2-mIRy8NMushePLMpiVuS2Z7UZBU-U9Eu8H9kHQlUgfbPxgyQxb00ciF_iNKcxgqBJtTgt4X1yveqqD0OSg9WK9uHFJnwJw/s320/631FAB59-B5A7-4F4D-B707-1C6D007AB0C9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The next section was on a tarmac path and by now my legs were really starting to hurt. I was quite grumpy about it and not really looking forward to another 25k of this. You can see three men on the left of this picture - I leapfrogged them for much of the rest of the race.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-3PPMtxhICSpUn-U_97g9Ilqt7xs8R6-U1cvfAY-zdR9HzmlBLuLrA3GfyJHJfibiZ3yi9vN_gV6u3zYb78HiyafEe5lgJ41D4xMcCxDdXUHjtAhi4MVCsWvqS-vVpvXcO-mRTDfosFSr-Hcs57wU_idJmDGg4EXemz27XbdiZxshjHYeqPyQA/s4032/5C6104E5-4C84-47D5-8234-D934137823D8_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-3PPMtxhICSpUn-U_97g9Ilqt7xs8R6-U1cvfAY-zdR9HzmlBLuLrA3GfyJHJfibiZ3yi9vN_gV6u3zYb78HiyafEe5lgJ41D4xMcCxDdXUHjtAhi4MVCsWvqS-vVpvXcO-mRTDfosFSr-Hcs57wU_idJmDGg4EXemz27XbdiZxshjHYeqPyQA/s320/5C6104E5-4C84-47D5-8234-D934137823D8_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I think somewhere after this was the 30k aid station (the aid stations were at 15, 30 and 40km, which happen to match the scoring in tennis and made it very easy for me to remember where they were!) I remember moaning to the people there about being advised to wear trail shoes. </p><p>Shortly afterwards I was running on some extremely unpleasant gravel and chatting to a chap named Guy. He had some Kendal Mint Cake flavoured gels - I'd never even heard of them but how exciting that they exist! I took a (not very good) photo so I could find them <a href="https://www.kendalmint.co.uk/shop/energy-gels" target="_blank">on the internet </a>later:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXf0r3NxyD35cvPlr8pt8IPeQs5C4DBquuPeUbam8-kL7BpBUJTJk3XP6pPT0e2r3vqUtKhJwVh3OfLWAdEcPIzt-LcCwuz2HL0K_DCCtbsH-Kvxjt0mOGmMcxnI6p4jgMTFFjxfvskaXQVPCoHhbM6IFCmVvACcrs6QeVMjScajvfogU13QbRA/s4032/B158CC95-961C-42F0-80EE-6E7F7C3B7B96.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXf0r3NxyD35cvPlr8pt8IPeQs5C4DBquuPeUbam8-kL7BpBUJTJk3XP6pPT0e2r3vqUtKhJwVh3OfLWAdEcPIzt-LcCwuz2HL0K_DCCtbsH-Kvxjt0mOGmMcxnI6p4jgMTFFjxfvskaXQVPCoHhbM6IFCmVvACcrs6QeVMjScajvfogU13QbRA/s320/B158CC95-961C-42F0-80EE-6E7F7C3B7B96.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>An example of the signage, which was utterly fantastic again. An arrow sign points the right way, backed up with the orange tape, with a 'Wrong Way' sign in the distance for the avoidance of doubt. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjMQcrnWyE2TnDUDiRXHcnvujpShmRnsuES3kbBFI-A6gR2gb7qh5TwBHwrZtKN8nhFgTAhzPtjtMIGO6cUNlf0R8PEI0Oy-RCdbCYYB_JzehNxyWDze2fE6LyHviFPWHDBVe_z7zfuiraG57BX2Yi-Zt9gnN9VsYeBk6LYc_hEG485rKl4X7tQ/s320/32FA7D3D-5C34-440D-98E7-7E71EF0C3852.jpeg" width="240" /></div><p></p><p>Shortly after this I saw Ben's plane fly overhead! Unfortunately I only saw it when it had already passed, so it was too late for me to do anything except wave my arms wildly and take a photo. I looked up on Glympse about 30 seconds later and he was already far away - planes are a lot faster than runners, haha.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQN8Ras3j4zpSNWUibvCSk-UTBAnuJxCC9FQh1OgM9ZGJyaXn5cB9Agfs8qJfeqCDSFcnB-3O8B5AXSKNTmqJ-7tpeBZi2r5EAXGEaBXTAutNgDmL3TOclGsRBmecupyoI9PN-e0PM_7DZVfX61vAmlS-YWgCQdDPostL1M3tYP7PryZ6bgqX9g/s320/A807D46B-5E06-412F-A934-63917E1081B2.jpeg" width="240" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4Jgsng7vxJVSgsB5zaxSn1ER68_Fp9L0mmKj3_Z_9E7Bz7rPZYXNJgZad4lu2usbieoli4E8uoSeXV3Yx5JNBM_HQiUOFZZE58AR4bKQ8WB3x5W5eYNbb0UXipximNBleEUUWf6uRN74MEm23oBViCjloaDB0SIXDDOjYAdDknFDGkwqGXzbiA/s320/F0F4DA75-21C1-462B-BAD9-5A7BE910BBE1.png" width="148" /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">There were some runners just behind me who saw me leaping about and they caught up with me as I stood trying to get my breath back. I explained, "That's my boyfriend up there in that plane!" and one of them said, "Well he could have made an effort!" </p><p style="text-align: left;">The race continued. There were a few short sections on road, which I was bitter about. I took more paracetamol, playing hard and fast with the maximum dose limit. I texted Ben to let him know, just in case something bad happened (spoiler: it didn't).<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp1WKTHz2bj-TPMcWWUCaRLNPHEzzwj9virYBpyluTDdRylcAKZJluCQY1VW7PAggZNs1M8zBs8bPeOsIj6YnYsvebyAMds0uyHFuJdSAVivfo2oamEEAi_vfUFmQZPiMez56l1DRjOqE5LiRg9Fj-sxjQjf9wkqvOOST_-EdJ37DtNyHDwKSJA/s4032/97C48B69-D229-431C-B2DC-B35CE7509E76.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbp1WKTHz2bj-TPMcWWUCaRLNPHEzzwj9virYBpyluTDdRylcAKZJluCQY1VW7PAggZNs1M8zBs8bPeOsIj6YnYsvebyAMds0uyHFuJdSAVivfo2oamEEAi_vfUFmQZPiMez56l1DRjOqE5LiRg9Fj-sxjQjf9wkqvOOST_-EdJ37DtNyHDwKSJA/s320/97C48B69-D229-431C-B2DC-B35CE7509E76.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Here's the three lads again. As you can see this is 'trail' but it may as well have been concrete for all the softness and bounce I was getting off it.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tWmeku1n3odYZ6urux3Hmsncr80BQvXmCneI-hBFX59Tt8IQBSuIFQcKpDr_pDLf61gvn1pcGwN6RLgQlEYmNt3kLw_N0R5l0q1oorpIznjiFt8FYqCNfzbwgGfxK5ks5xBoigrUxFYr4h-MRuzwO_dqyKQPepZMxTLPV0lbyPfhBOPtF_4luQ/s4032/E5D888EA-1B7A-410C-9C5E-7E46EE2CE096_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tWmeku1n3odYZ6urux3Hmsncr80BQvXmCneI-hBFX59Tt8IQBSuIFQcKpDr_pDLf61gvn1pcGwN6RLgQlEYmNt3kLw_N0R5l0q1oorpIznjiFt8FYqCNfzbwgGfxK5ks5xBoigrUxFYr4h-MRuzwO_dqyKQPepZMxTLPV0lbyPfhBOPtF_4luQ/w320-h240/E5D888EA-1B7A-410C-9C5E-7E46EE2CE096_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Shortly after this I started running with a girl whose name I didn't catch. It was her first ultra - she was supposed to be running Race to the Castle but it had been cancelled so she was doing this instead. She seemed to be doing fine to me but nevertheless seemed worried about finishing. We had a nice chat and she asked me casually what the furthest distance I'd ever run was. When I said '100 miles' she was awestruck. Shortly afterwards we arrived at the aid station and she told the people there - including the RD! - how inspirational I was! I was quite embarrassed but it was also a huge compliment. I still find it surprising that people would be inspired by me - I genuinely think anyone could do what I do. (With the caveat that they have to actually WANT to). <br /></p><p>After the aid station it was only 10k til the end, which seemed manageable.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ygDlqa6bRet_2BzLr1kFw2HwHi_CwD2-nfVv3rSkIniQDojck4MgEoB7gzWxPRCyWEzDF275zMR381tSyDXlu7NCtIyqOYEDPnFSEklhjtsoZIfU1HBF5d2fhkbChyMyskbsaPK9zZ8C2fWEJouF3U8wNcwrrxmuu2tQc4Kp2lOyH7T_Kv6BNA/s4032/A11BB28C-608E-41DC-A30D-CF99CCEC528E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ygDlqa6bRet_2BzLr1kFw2HwHi_CwD2-nfVv3rSkIniQDojck4MgEoB7gzWxPRCyWEzDF275zMR381tSyDXlu7NCtIyqOYEDPnFSEklhjtsoZIfU1HBF5d2fhkbChyMyskbsaPK9zZ8C2fWEJouF3U8wNcwrrxmuu2tQc4Kp2lOyH7T_Kv6BNA/w200-h150/A11BB28C-608E-41DC-A30D-CF99CCEC528E.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QQQYkH9wYVmIeS8J1-BJmX-jl_xbzM078UbdTKLG9jgbia_9Lzixs3rpPEOcjh8n_PfHzQgenXZI-vInLeswWHN9erHh9zFQE33fclHetNn8bCxa5kdQAUpjf1OG1YHfHUU1ppaxAeT6rAuhSvJgCNFb-LuJtWczuUd0ozMVQnLSJMbmtfO8rg/w200-h150/B5A81B1B-D728-4909-B1E2-D067EB718C61_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">At one point I saw a pedestrian taking a photo of one of the ribbons. I stopped and asked if everything was alright and reassured him that the race organisers would be taking down all the ribbons once the race was over. It piqued my interest though so a bit further on I stopped to take a picture myself: <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_xPB18Q8Jsj3lnxzGItZLac4U30cqcxzt89kuGC4yNoJc5XdAY92rILgjFxBq7g94UG0eoDJ-P-zeWm9w6gAAI4jQh6dqCErOcmIN4h2HePJLWWaG_9tPYWy-9UNRA-S-g12-m6Fl_wqwAX6h2ViE6kQep_F4Gg_0JXTc_sCa-hvW1VZXRhuYw/s4032/9C81A1A1-05D8-4AA1-9257-27AAF6D03514.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_xPB18Q8Jsj3lnxzGItZLac4U30cqcxzt89kuGC4yNoJc5XdAY92rILgjFxBq7g94UG0eoDJ-P-zeWm9w6gAAI4jQh6dqCErOcmIN4h2HePJLWWaG_9tPYWy-9UNRA-S-g12-m6Fl_wqwAX6h2ViE6kQep_F4Gg_0JXTc_sCa-hvW1VZXRhuYw/s320/9C81A1A1-05D8-4AA1-9257-27AAF6D03514.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>I heard my watch beep and looked down to find a text from Ben: "Flying over you within 5 mins". I replied, "DON'T TEXT AND FLY!!!" and untied my coat so I could leap up and down and wave it around. This time I saw him coming and was ready, flinging my coat in the air and waving frantically.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SQggIlnlfYSdbsG8C_CgaQmPfTphxTLTTXNiY8FHNJbYD9ZKlFHJwoa_IPGHv2jT4b8C_TmnUy3OxgS0HmX6CXVgrRfC1O_SI7ERkrs7vyeOXAfv93_dZmp186HuJNLTM1M7h4WUXd9wZTG0iExvEeQsA67ewDuMlXzLAjazbkGe5lZTPlUBYQ/s4032/110A1AA8-53D2-4E69-B4AF-0ABF94BC885D_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SQggIlnlfYSdbsG8C_CgaQmPfTphxTLTTXNiY8FHNJbYD9ZKlFHJwoa_IPGHv2jT4b8C_TmnUy3OxgS0HmX6CXVgrRfC1O_SI7ERkrs7vyeOXAfv93_dZmp186HuJNLTM1M7h4WUXd9wZTG0iExvEeQsA67ewDuMlXzLAjazbkGe5lZTPlUBYQ/s320/110A1AA8-53D2-4E69-B4AF-0ABF94BC885D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A girl caught me up and asked, "Are you OK? I wasn't sure if you knew someone, I thought you might be signalling for help!?" I explained. She thought it was pretty cool. I got my phone out and looked at the track:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilulXtJKFRY9FWn-_H7JSPEhuc2Wlv1Bjj1lPhSWBMqOvFoxB9Kb9bde_MX0zQkjnbC4gBrGlljokxtPZgYDbRkKAv9r_J8YDqttY1_kDXwFiabf29NCQoNbQblYmAMZVERlLn2vr52Qh3UbGiDGNygJYauon5A-ayDU3rcetdEp_cS4xCHd4tdQ/s2436/363C5F11-D69C-41B6-AFA6-960150445048.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilulXtJKFRY9FWn-_H7JSPEhuc2Wlv1Bjj1lPhSWBMqOvFoxB9Kb9bde_MX0zQkjnbC4gBrGlljokxtPZgYDbRkKAv9r_J8YDqttY1_kDXwFiabf29NCQoNbQblYmAMZVERlLn2vr52Qh3UbGiDGNygJYauon5A-ayDU3rcetdEp_cS4xCHd4tdQ/s320/363C5F11-D69C-41B6-AFA6-960150445048.png" width="148" /></a></div></div>Ben would be landing shortly and I still had a little way to go. I turned down the road we normally cycle down when we're going to the airfield and then ran through some fields and around the bottom of the runway. Back through the forest and into Shuttleworth proper. Not far now.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQkgKL4SRhLw8okF8OBkJhAzPNNInsg41UUGIMbuG15X4bd_g_V4V1vbJi5X9Qgh56MscbLeeTTsQodyDX4fKsRzFGUe0hhIMHF2J4oyUjF2RWSgDQMx51LjlofZ4O7L_1SDnOZ_yZjAMXKjrHwapKJQgugFPj1xp0NFik5D_Iwkbtr-jyehJYQ/s4032/14F1A6D3-2357-4227-BCDE-52CFE9B8790E_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQkgKL4SRhLw8okF8OBkJhAzPNNInsg41UUGIMbuG15X4bd_g_V4V1vbJi5X9Qgh56MscbLeeTTsQodyDX4fKsRzFGUe0hhIMHF2J4oyUjF2RWSgDQMx51LjlofZ4O7L_1SDnOZ_yZjAMXKjrHwapKJQgugFPj1xp0NFik5D_Iwkbtr-jyehJYQ/w200-h150/14F1A6D3-2357-4227-BCDE-52CFE9B8790E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmisi6HEk-iW-HeYFYmf7QakYnOJNO7RtlzDiDoGzAfLwvTD6J-7WtZ_agfDQUOhxC5nDsxNKfqbkkmUmgY19U9yNt6kxdpxmku4X43pBc9o2IAhmXNjYdYdPihwJBvGl-Kn6axqGnE5rabuUTDAjXgqVE0cC6vSlrM3P60n_n_HsMt5KtJcmgCQ/s4032/9D2BBCA3-EF6F-4A5E-BC4D-79D19111BB62.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmisi6HEk-iW-HeYFYmf7QakYnOJNO7RtlzDiDoGzAfLwvTD6J-7WtZ_agfDQUOhxC5nDsxNKfqbkkmUmgY19U9yNt6kxdpxmku4X43pBc9o2IAhmXNjYdYdPihwJBvGl-Kn6axqGnE5rabuUTDAjXgqVE0cC6vSlrM3P60n_n_HsMt5KtJcmgCQ/w200-h150/9D2BBCA3-EF6F-4A5E-BC4D-79D19111BB62.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p></p>On the home straight. I could see the big house on the left and I knew the finish was just through the trees:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyF-Cr1fMvlG3bTMJPp79JCUtCrMdUtZNXY3rEGSy-sgX-7i1fNpRSidC2m3H8jgZPlSfuWUQJwxsvrvhbcGV3ZyVHHETFe6_AvPgM1xf8J3iU8iEjilPgH6DqCl-gxUbeNGEtOnZTdokLUdxhRojxhrPaFjEnDikBGBSVm0v8KZWFU5f9PJB7Q/s4032/2CD20294-57BE-4EF0-AA17-BEEFC1815612_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyF-Cr1fMvlG3bTMJPp79JCUtCrMdUtZNXY3rEGSy-sgX-7i1fNpRSidC2m3H8jgZPlSfuWUQJwxsvrvhbcGV3ZyVHHETFe6_AvPgM1xf8J3iU8iEjilPgH6DqCl-gxUbeNGEtOnZTdokLUdxhRojxhrPaFjEnDikBGBSVm0v8KZWFU5f9PJB7Q/s320/2CD20294-57BE-4EF0-AA17-BEEFC1815612_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I crossed the line and collected my medal and took a photo. Then I drank some water and sat down on the grass and took my shoes and socks off. I couldn't see any blisters but they really hurt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Sj14rjm6VHfOcTBQaBHdqyjEf68hMN5EarZMNdqfPHgeC8oShVTxx5c637tswi6u8pVN-h8HbjyULzLfbVIz7E7LBlcaa7u3QsU2k6SFiuQn_scKZaVC-yDtm6MKgmgUN3zAzZ-vdd1AS8XbYrfQcfzdk9KjeoTMEISflCGfZ0GZN9I4tXOBw/s3088/485B41E3-250E-4AA1-96B1-84455C3F829E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Sj14rjm6VHfOcTBQaBHdqyjEf68hMN5EarZMNdqfPHgeC8oShVTxx5c637tswi6u8pVN-h8HbjyULzLfbVIz7E7LBlcaa7u3QsU2k6SFiuQn_scKZaVC-yDtm6MKgmgUN3zAzZ-vdd1AS8XbYrfQcfzdk9KjeoTMEISflCGfZ0GZN9I4tXOBw/s320/485B41E3-250E-4AA1-96B1-84455C3F829E.jpeg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw9zbhDPQm-G6fMsG08EvM7mTdhsUXo797GxLUgod35RNLeiDtVSnvj5Q6WGKYVI93ZM1sRv05HwDtWlePIbEun-cyiWDme8dapvYgHuzdW9yZFxmS7B2KySwfADbiT2JQ3wJ1M3xWKqdwTVxYK9oyrjit9EfZU0UKEr69RjzLfXqMxRa0Gj8bA/w200-h133/CACF5169-7C0A-4FC0-8525-6F3961C37B84.jpeg" width="200" /></div></div><p>A few minutes later Ben appeared. He asked if I wanted anything - sadly the unbelievably fabulous pizza van they had at Chiltern Ridge Ultra had been replaced with a Pancakes and Waffles van. Now I love pancakes and waffles as much as the next person but after nearly 6 hours of eating sugar it was the last thing I wanted. I couldn't face coffee or hot chocolate either, so in the end we just walked back to the car and went home. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0UARZ-IJrc8HO9luTt9gfFtyB53PXeJ1KRw7vcATilnKWMBjuTZtm4oWZtQF2ijP5hbx_a-nKqQIKZBMELl4EyJvoras3B6hpEhrhf_5iA3z_kWDoVFfSvMP1yNgP3kkOYKZLubT9aIc_zUWCsh-cVMzk8igSBIYaqP8JYw45Om8kyb5_uFLLg/s4032/E1C5C412-60FE-4B54-B3E3-4DC69BE11917.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0UARZ-IJrc8HO9luTt9gfFtyB53PXeJ1KRw7vcATilnKWMBjuTZtm4oWZtQF2ijP5hbx_a-nKqQIKZBMELl4EyJvoras3B6hpEhrhf_5iA3z_kWDoVFfSvMP1yNgP3kkOYKZLubT9aIc_zUWCsh-cVMzk8igSBIYaqP8JYw45Om8kyb5_uFLLg/s320/E1C5C412-60FE-4B54-B3E3-4DC69BE11917.heic" width="240" /></a></p><p></p>Thanks Bedfordshire. See you in October for BINGO!<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Shuttleworth, Alder Dr, Biggleswade SG18 9DT, UK52.075765 -0.300979523.765531163821151 -35.4572295 80.385998836178842 34.8552705tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-10908642682603030212022-05-07T08:30:00.570+01:002022-05-15T13:54:12.039+01:00 Herefordshire: Wye Valley Trail Running Challenge race recap<p>Herefordshire has been one of the most difficult counties for me to achieve. Initially I struggled to find any races here, even ultras. Eventually I found an ultra that was 99% in Worcestershire but just briefly crossed the border. I decided that was close enough and signed up, but then it was cancelled twice due to Covid, then the route was changed last minute. Frustrated, I searched for another race that fit my schedule and found the inaugural Wye Valley Trail marathon, which was both properly <i>in</i> Herefordshire and only a week later. <br /></p><p>As Ben's daughters live nearby, we decided to make this into a mini holiday. We picked them up on Friday evening and drove to where we were staying - a cabin in the Herefordshire countryside - and spent a lovely evening exploring the woods, sitting round the fire pit and having a BBQ. The next morning was a glorious day and Ben and I set off bright and early to the race. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1frxhLYzM098KdO3HHOdZsuHtzJh7coKJDNc1EKAwwv_wwu16oSkohLgkc6YfCfnQ-aw8CnEZPjcsLkgTzXDISrzzizBbfTOpo6RCF6LRpJDHI8jN6X0LoKP2DvvHrMseHxiSB0D9E5xqcReEPlcQXawobN2y1lR6bosH1egDWhcqydET1JQVkg/s4032/IMG_2964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1frxhLYzM098KdO3HHOdZsuHtzJh7coKJDNc1EKAwwv_wwu16oSkohLgkc6YfCfnQ-aw8CnEZPjcsLkgTzXDISrzzizBbfTOpo6RCF6LRpJDHI8jN6X0LoKP2DvvHrMseHxiSB0D9E5xqcReEPlcQXawobN2y1lR6bosH1egDWhcqydET1JQVkg/s320/IMG_2964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I had another crap day at work on Friday (hmm... are you starting to notice a theme in these race reports?) and have also been getting a bit fed up of running in London which just doesn't have what I call 'real' countryside. As we drove to the race, I could already see that today was going to be quite something. Herefordshire is STUNNING. Even though I was a bit grouchy, the portents were good.</p><p>The race had a lengthy kit list and the pre-race email said, "<i>The mandatory kit lists will be applicable whatever the weather. Please
respect that the kit lists are put together in collaboration with rescue
services and are not up for debate</i>". Generally speaking I don't have a problem with this. If you don't like the kit list, don't enter the race - it's the race director's prerogative to make you carry whatever they think is appropriate. If you don't like it, tough. That said, having to carry a base layer, taped seam waterproof trousers and jacket, a hat, gloves and head torch on a day like today IS quite annoying. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ4mQWM1lrnRUAEq1xoG34hXE5-humI-Y6uzmmcmDJQveohlwYeFtEjEEEDa8PjziQDBX6IYEVYmfisXGKVLwFbf66jhRzNgrzwTkqNBVMAA2c8Xh1jJI3_673s65tV4iLwhRAiCJU8cG2nozHp_bmJS7vg9OBi1RzmmaSgQONcDSauJJpatYeg/s1158/Screenshot%202022-05-09%20at%2010.11.58.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ4mQWM1lrnRUAEq1xoG34hXE5-humI-Y6uzmmcmDJQveohlwYeFtEjEEEDa8PjziQDBX6IYEVYmfisXGKVLwFbf66jhRzNgrzwTkqNBVMAA2c8Xh1jJI3_673s65tV4iLwhRAiCJU8cG2nozHp_bmJS7vg9OBi1RzmmaSgQONcDSauJJpatYeg/s1158/Screenshot%202022-05-09%20at%2010.11.58.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1158" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ4mQWM1lrnRUAEq1xoG34hXE5-humI-Y6uzmmcmDJQveohlwYeFtEjEEEDa8PjziQDBX6IYEVYmfisXGKVLwFbf66jhRzNgrzwTkqNBVMAA2c8Xh1jJI3_673s65tV4iLwhRAiCJU8cG2nozHp_bmJS7vg9OBi1RzmmaSgQONcDSauJJpatYeg/w200-h138/Screenshot%202022-05-09%20at%2010.11.58.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQJn0zgCKCOZKWPLYYnHt3FvHzjhKt0j8JSDMnRfDrfCRF_qQ36AkmVPptGwjPUj4olyuB-itwZeFo82KdDeTeJfs8zSVFbKy2B4nVcUMDubiByCjlq1hrFevhPSoKA6cuLLwSOdZfWIXBh7CRdeYl07pbxbZQuLYV2tGO9U_yjePexk_NbOVRg/s2436/F4C17638-E0FA-4746-B97B-5E7E8B9C5341.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQJn0zgCKCOZKWPLYYnHt3FvHzjhKt0j8JSDMnRfDrfCRF_qQ36AkmVPptGwjPUj4olyuB-itwZeFo82KdDeTeJfs8zSVFbKy2B4nVcUMDubiByCjlq1hrFevhPSoKA6cuLLwSOdZfWIXBh7CRdeYl07pbxbZQuLYV2tGO9U_yjePexk_NbOVRg/w93-h200/F4C17638-E0FA-4746-B97B-5E7E8B9C5341.png" width="93" /></a></div><br />We arrived at the car park and were promptly informed by a helpful marshall that the race director had decided to remove ALL of the above items from the kit list. I removed nearly a kilo of weight from my vest with total delight. I've done races where the RD stubbornly insists on you carrying the kit whatever the weather and hats off to this guy for doing the right thing. I met many runners during the day who were grateful for this decision! I felt even more optimistic about the race now and headed off in search of registration. It was slightly tricky to find but once I got there, the volunteers were efficient, there were clean loos and a short but useful race briefing. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl_BstpqfTNHslBpVpMXZwAEJ3wlyHXQpbmZz-wc_W1IFGZDXU0IMXlL5t8nyj-DM8c82sl9j3c3iI6GWmcZI8E7AE67NKwxS-6IA_NhGr-WssXr9DsAaSBW9DHHx4SthWr9yoKDZseuR0frM9fiJ_6Q8g_pYXBfiX2Cw1fQtf49XNIROlNnWmA/s320/IMG_2967.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ben was there to wave me off and take this picture - I look happy because I was happy! Afterwards he went back to hang out with his daughters with the plan that all three of them would meet me at the finish.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeJTa5rlaHLbf73lxZx6ETDPn8uk_MKYceAelNOqKeFRbOuH1Szsr2UobuRPjdqQHqMLDpV2wxUtBss0c1fFUBZKqHtZg10J51iUWt70kfJbpKv6kGO0ca_F5_RHyxb3vPYPq3dCwQtgqUkKMunyI0sQtMTHH88EQHKtll6B0tbxrKxoGTY66dg/s320/IMG_3965.jpeg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The start of the race was quite slow because the paths were narrow and there were a few gates and twists and turns that meant we could only progress in single file. I wasn't fussed in the slightest - as usual I felt a bit under-trained and wasn't aiming to be speedy in any way. We went past some huge greenhouses which pretended were growing Hereford strawberries (I have no idea if that's actually true).<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mM-BG6PVHWMTH1-Cc_tgP0ISdBaUrcBVmAlHCO6f77OuoPxvtXurOMmjBYBASAut8hgztHAPQ1Gl0T218vuvLPC503cj6L898wRrkCirkMlnQb5t3_lu5XSlX-loxVWl6Yl_Hk69BcLahHatBqbOhcZTQ64bHF2J59vfEWjpLakODJWEO0tDpA/s4032/IMG_2971.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mM-BG6PVHWMTH1-Cc_tgP0ISdBaUrcBVmAlHCO6f77OuoPxvtXurOMmjBYBASAut8hgztHAPQ1Gl0T218vuvLPC503cj6L898wRrkCirkMlnQb5t3_lu5XSlX-loxVWl6Yl_Hk69BcLahHatBqbOhcZTQ64bHF2J59vfEWjpLakODJWEO0tDpA/w150-h200/IMG_2971.JPG" width="150" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldog5zpJ7IQ_tYwnbbjl2Vggyj5bI2pACDD1hbAw3YKgVdrYMYxhGw3CUnnTGIrDsXDPXVan38Jt0LLA4Y5QJVTSYDxwD0VDCU6FZbHmAdKmujb2LkUeBH0p1_0IrANKEXl7Utle2ah9R77sZtPJCjZnMupRZjV_FcvDuGDxV-thGhR5y-ApzCg/w200-h150/IMG_2969.JPG" width="200" /></div><p></p><p>After a short road section the course opened out into glorious countryside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUuRS2lyPhNVirS5M7v0-FMwddO9tDagNVxfWPm4apcvFF2-SGzjPyK_qTQMg6FolvFFj19KhpCjE2EKvzjC-2N4FDB-nrBqJc8ngIEqLsnPrN3LcVxI9gRTPNeTO9cnqPbFJ-YhVttgF1gOfUDi2OGSSln81GU8nTeMVJ927Fc5qrLjplBBDEw/s4032/IMG_2974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUuRS2lyPhNVirS5M7v0-FMwddO9tDagNVxfWPm4apcvFF2-SGzjPyK_qTQMg6FolvFFj19KhpCjE2EKvzjC-2N4FDB-nrBqJc8ngIEqLsnPrN3LcVxI9gRTPNeTO9cnqPbFJ-YhVttgF1gOfUDi2OGSSln81GU8nTeMVJ927Fc5qrLjplBBDEw/w200-h150/IMG_2974.JPG" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUS_XB4755sgfERDA6HH3kH9-7f-dHmoIaY-jmVtDIjmAwdhVXExA-fIEp0kp3HJjqdGreNzP6i54bUsWeBTi5y8i1H49aSzJyu0uOVHi7ZyZtzjaZvVyZWSXmsPg2NdFIcJOkmeP0LWqfO46sm789NMkTZzjpgt_hp9DubnXqEydP4tlbZQQ1A/w200-h150/IMG_2972.JPG" width="200" /></div></div><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5neBVNZ_9YpWt4EHhZHuULToXC8M8_vBRBXaU8INtqRORFZoYv5Zb4xM3cca6A5pwWkNFz4HixgRy0hgy71zyH3K3AwycVGXlgYmLeboAkhAAIKDxjPUoBfpkZx_enAdUfL4ItsP8TpfxeKIrLfgS2zfbXoC8dyVVLlWlaUSro1gbRR3rpjx4Q/s320/IMG_2978.JPG" width="320" /></div><p>There was even an official photographer taking (free!) pictures: <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1980" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqJnUDgymqgoI2S7dQhhicFZaTvst7455HP6JB_B8cfwDxCpMimTqAynaSQL3GBuyo7YljZ7ZFXUEYl9kxTucSzIE49Z42Ak-dpFzMPAcCN9juMbl8hFN5tbKOqlupf0gerwE8E2Jhkclib-HgPd3UkqO32AFxagb8MDZCUvx73VFwojGzl8g-Q/s320/Alice-Wye-Valley1.jpg" width="320" /></div><p>I could feel myself exhaling. All the stress and worries of work, getting here, moving house and everything else just fell away as I got into a running rhythm. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, the countryside was beautiful and already in the first few kilometres incredibly varied, as you can see from the pictures. It was, quite literally, everything that I love about running. I tried to remember the last time I'd had such a good time at a race and couldn't. It was the same feeling I sometimes get when I do multi-day trails on my own. It's a mixture of total freedom and immersion in nature and enjoyment of my own physicality and gratitude that I have the capability of getting this much pleasure from something so simple as running. It's what makes it all worthwhile. It's quite difficult to explain it in words.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6l88OwE4RdoBhOo8JzZtdNyVJE-ejDf1khV-q5rpJF4lZcR5q5f694ZTMmsMQnNsWuYPObDOgrgsW_SQjPpFahRvon_6u9FjrXLCF-Mp4zpXVWzlW5de4LrlGbmX-pLNdyQ2CZvkC7iX3-ASkqiKtDe5itk_8z7tnCAvU5jJ9SG5ZzcejCMeArw/s3088/IMG_2980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6l88OwE4RdoBhOo8JzZtdNyVJE-ejDf1khV-q5rpJF4lZcR5q5f694ZTMmsMQnNsWuYPObDOgrgsW_SQjPpFahRvon_6u9FjrXLCF-Mp4zpXVWzlW5de4LrlGbmX-pLNdyQ2CZvkC7iX3-ASkqiKtDe5itk_8z7tnCAvU5jJ9SG5ZzcejCMeArw/s320/IMG_2980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Somewhere along here, I spotted a girl just ahead of me waving. I looked to see who she was waving at but could only see a field of sheep. I had to stop behind her to pass through a gate and asked, "Were you waving at the sheep?" and she said, "Yeah" and we both laughed. We got chatting after that. Her name was Maddy and she was from Bristol. She told me she was here to get a suntan and eat a lot of cake, making her my kind of companion. After a few minutes, she said, "I'll let you get on," which is runner's code for 'you're going too fast for me'. I said, "Oh no, I'm not in a hurry, I'll slow down!" and we stayed together, chatting away about races. She told me she had entered this race as training for a 40 miler in a few weeks. Today was meant to be 29 miles but after adjustments to the route it was only 26.8 miles now.</p><p>We arrived at the first aid station (9km) and I had to pop to the loo (luckily minimal GI problems this race) but figured I'd catch her up later on.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRlisLxRtl67c_NANDWwBOajzV-OcGDWTDP6Ynh8-AcxLwSvJ8yKHsh1EQztmS3PqHf7GH5B-0oFvuo1eBwAi-GYB9iNY2w2F6cCa1Ikw9EckcRe962jr8UJeLfHTKqldppSDX0KCGBWvAnCGXr_g2OX7Dt2Tl6tDrwuCUfGVT6ka_hGSDF54FQ/s4032/IMG_2982.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRlisLxRtl67c_NANDWwBOajzV-OcGDWTDP6Ynh8-AcxLwSvJ8yKHsh1EQztmS3PqHf7GH5B-0oFvuo1eBwAi-GYB9iNY2w2F6cCa1Ikw9EckcRe962jr8UJeLfHTKqldppSDX0KCGBWvAnCGXr_g2OX7Dt2Tl6tDrwuCUfGVT6ka_hGSDF54FQ/s320/IMG_2982.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>After the aid station, the route continued to be absolutely stunning. It was so lovely I didn't even want to have music on and I couldn't stop taking pictures. It was getting warm by now but there was lots of shade keeping me comfortable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4dHXpv8zWCZTUn0J3nIDdNXm4nKikJtA78deCJPPOYqwAn8Zp9eUuVXhyBL4lKJ12LrwXq13fY6VoENV0sjSEaPp2aMUXOPNRtsg6Iwu52LaRfGAZBQTIMSe_2VdWHKE2WaoDjFl5lpB6SllKW1ImT34Nezw3-foH465lDQtC9nQw-I9OlUocQ/w200-h150/IMG_2983.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKvpUFzwUoJvfGoDQgNJegSVrrwJQDmkStMAyAjvoebdR5V7hlkm7_gDqKEPfOzDQNZQ2gMs1KYJDU0ZqZkU-ROqGx_2ntHNTSBDwFSZsZFNKniswaZwCE0Dwk3vh-iEGI50vkefwHRd0jT88ARzCnfuuMpljtUQEA1rmRBMYVDEEKUqhg5O_pw/s4032/IMG_2984.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKvpUFzwUoJvfGoDQgNJegSVrrwJQDmkStMAyAjvoebdR5V7hlkm7_gDqKEPfOzDQNZQ2gMs1KYJDU0ZqZkU-ROqGx_2ntHNTSBDwFSZsZFNKniswaZwCE0Dwk3vh-iEGI50vkefwHRd0jT88ARzCnfuuMpljtUQEA1rmRBMYVDEEKUqhg5O_pw/w200-h150/IMG_2984.JPG" width="200" /></a><br /></div></div><p>I met a guy from Devon who I ran with for a few miles, including the section where the race went through Monmouth. Although it did go past a Lidl at one point, there were barely any road sections on this race. I didn't catch the guy's name but he'd run quite a few marathons with <a href="https://trailevents.co/events/" target="_blank">Trail Events Co</a> who organised this race, mainly in Wales. I would definitely run their events again in future - the signage was frequent, the checkpoints were well stocked and the organisation was good. </p><p>There was one point just before this funky-looking bridge where the route did a sort of U turn and I would have missed it if it wasn't for some random passers by shouting and waving that I was going the wrong way. They were sat on a picnic bench on the side of the trail and I got the impression they'd done that quite a few times already!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-Mvkhwscx1CVPasnuOQUdvdQF6t9KB8sbX8CefFfIXRcnXSPdeJmcplRhSrzQDKiMbl3Ig_D8wuOvf7NKLmnADwpZpmZXLRjYVovsEtTywJ-1zmKtjCT3zPehg3Lb_6cj5cyCbNLaV2Wa5C3MTb42OhphVvpC1kXoTvhQeHOy3Yk52_B2hI_xA/w200-h150/IMG_2986.JPG" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA4-HiP0Vni9VZSvAzD-tiSS7quYo1HJhSwYyE2CCeStZedR6fUNBo2RkT-W3KmnjVtaQqrjG-MnVtQYBjEWmOl9n8JscBkc61qA4nA0MEDWWaDhb3a-5x9FeWStZ1Iu2wm7fDFEha51ZHvgJVeTatYowgWaahDPRszx0dHkvPP1xdzeoGuTulQ/w200-h150/IMG_2987.JPG" width="200" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had initially thought I might do the first half in about 2 hours, but it took me nearly 2 and half. I stopped a lot of times and was really focusing on enjoying the moment, rather than rushing through it. The trail was also quite technical in places - I'd already collected a few minor war wounds (bramble scratches and stinging nettle stings) due to the narrow paths - totally worth it though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took a lot of photos but you can see why. Just look at it! By this point I was already starting to think this might be the most beautiful of all the counties so far. I was incredibly glad I'd chosen a race that is actually IN Herefordshire as what a waste it would've been to have missed this:<br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngB5XPKZjss2ye5J2EwV-3Pv79mypPp4gYOh4xAd-QOqrkXy4pw1j1kmj0OjaD4VVQplYhyblQUTQxy59sZxhWUt3m98bQ4IFnLB4qRnf0On_RVsQ2vC9xfPBb8k8pnJNFXgoTBADU_rMiwjGV5XA6qUTvzNDMtM_g8Fj4TeIa-QxjT4rCGBIww/s4032/IMG_2990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngB5XPKZjss2ye5J2EwV-3Pv79mypPp4gYOh4xAd-QOqrkXy4pw1j1kmj0OjaD4VVQplYhyblQUTQxy59sZxhWUt3m98bQ4IFnLB4qRnf0On_RVsQ2vC9xfPBb8k8pnJNFXgoTBADU_rMiwjGV5XA6qUTvzNDMtM_g8Fj4TeIa-QxjT4rCGBIww/w400-h300/IMG_2990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The next aid station suddenly appeared at 23k and lo and behold there was Maddy! It had taken me a long time to catch up but got there in the end. I stood around for a while eating cake and chatting to her and the tail runners from the ultra, one of whom was doing the Cotswold Way Century in a few weeks (definitely one of my bucket list races). They told us about the last lady in the ultra who is 68 years old and only took up running 4 years ago. Sadly (because the routes diverged) I never managed to catch up to her, but what an amazing story! I really, really hope she finished but the Cotswold Century guy said he would stay with her until she finished even if she missed the cutoff. Awww. Runners are so lovely.</p><p>**Update**: just checked and she did, in 11 hours 13 mins, RESPECT to her. What an achievement.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgcSO7HLDMhdnD6_hqbe1PopzPtyfKCvcKv6q_Hg97EEwVKUtt83mh9JZH9iHhhZBUs_hxyIIuggFlwapXeOPnVgmrD1bja1RGXbA-nXbI5KUlRSLYxANbrdENfwxJIVfjeBeeMH2MLblLoSCShpNZA7djyNYaMQfKSrN4eM3x3LxPuDmPtEp8Q/s4032/IMG_2991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgcSO7HLDMhdnD6_hqbe1PopzPtyfKCvcKv6q_Hg97EEwVKUtt83mh9JZH9iHhhZBUs_hxyIIuggFlwapXeOPnVgmrD1bja1RGXbA-nXbI5KUlRSLYxANbrdENfwxJIVfjeBeeMH2MLblLoSCShpNZA7djyNYaMQfKSrN4eM3x3LxPuDmPtEp8Q/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p> I got my poles out at the aid station as I knew the next section was going to be the hilly bit. Luckily I'd had room to stash them in my pack since removing all the extra kit! It turned out there was quite a bit more flat to go but I wasn't complaining as it was GORGEOUS:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJPX65suJs9gel815TFcuiYHngrq5CNmIjCbQTqztsA5C6vKWssk87awLLokifV6PujWfAdaj3Y7B8ReOLFz1GpmDQf7bi3bcA8thjQeQN17CLoxJZbU5yUYQVMfZlR03LIgz0i5SGHKPFMbkbrGZwpFCJz9iFmk6I2PYVj6jfvVM8qwCnZm62w/s4032/IMG_2992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJPX65suJs9gel815TFcuiYHngrq5CNmIjCbQTqztsA5C6vKWssk87awLLokifV6PujWfAdaj3Y7B8ReOLFz1GpmDQf7bi3bcA8thjQeQN17CLoxJZbU5yUYQVMfZlR03LIgz0i5SGHKPFMbkbrGZwpFCJz9iFmk6I2PYVj6jfvVM8qwCnZm62w/w200-h150/IMG_2992.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixAuql83nwIIewb217btLWdBpxjJdHc6v_L1BEdf8Vi1Bl4XMvG_R-UmAUYzVW973LPtr1IVintwxg5HUjKJpn1L-leh8r9G5gYTwYYtLAwVwrSoIEio19m_3Xxzzu66-AvkdgBkDwSjJ2RAf5Xo-pNGeePNzZl_y10t2r09vuFLc1fjiv1AjAw/s4032/IMG_2995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixAuql83nwIIewb217btLWdBpxjJdHc6v_L1BEdf8Vi1Bl4XMvG_R-UmAUYzVW973LPtr1IVintwxg5HUjKJpn1L-leh8r9G5gYTwYYtLAwVwrSoIEio19m_3Xxzzu66-AvkdgBkDwSjJ2RAf5Xo-pNGeePNzZl_y10t2r09vuFLc1fjiv1AjAw/w200-h150/IMG_2995.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBbksuR8-fVDh3DMo6SDycjUr61RDqDoA3UJqLg7TCxcDQfRJtrHJ9awWDVqoxU_H5m-8H5AdpM42vucSqAmThJIWaxWEt0EwELsCk44mT9dToqhvB3_d0CKvzi_p_7LYV-96UIQ1Ni5DQ7s_dsxbWpk1FV4FW4lusIk_r0vqNFZg0eKUVNKysg/w200-h150/IMG_2997.JPG" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWx8FYpph2dAWdZvaRfzCF6lst9q8oxIRzQdnyV0-ymRDNuB2UzYOMVRiSaKljY43xLs5cKWwDR67IGYJyMAGpTQbzvd0rX7fXos06bGyQ58jh2nbB2387eg_Ggj6AWiGwEpM-5qR1I4i-kde0BQ3YEXIRcIMhD9gzLTMByPKvBpV5RWeukubzA/w200-h150/IMG_2998.JPG" width="200" /></div></div><p>Loads of bluebells and it was getting pretty warm by now so I was grateful for the shade in the woods. Soon enough the hills arrived and they were great. I was ready for a bit of a walking break and the poles were amazing - it really didn't feel that difficult. I like hills that are steep enough to feel like a hill without being too brutal (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2022/01/wiltshire-beyond-dark-side-6-hour-race.html" target="_blank">Wiltshire</a>/<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/08/surrey-woldingham-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Surrey</a> level of steepness is a bit too much) and these were just right. An excuse to walk and eat and chat without feeling like you're going to die.</p><p>Somewhere between aid station 2 and 3, Maddy caught up with me and we ran together for a bit, stopping frequently to take photos, before losing each other again. I asked her about her upper body strength - she looked much too well toned to be 'just' a runner - and we had a long and interesting chat as she also does a lot of weights in the gym. She loves both and switches between them - I said I just don't find any other activities as enjoyable as running - so then we talked about cycling, and swimming, and the conversation just flowed. Miles ticked by.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgLD07_wEAI8n_f-Rc61UF5SImrN2KYOB6Dt8-I8KGOPG7mUH2HHdEPpD-zV3pmlAoH88QWiEL7DqWK1xNX2VmpZIP0GUHgBUTh6-nyBfY2BCL-vnCUxWSMEczfPGK46_oGg20jwIyipQOyi89L07-SJbdeZT8AG1hoA5boCTZ5Nr8kQrkUs8_w/s4032/IMG_3003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgLD07_wEAI8n_f-Rc61UF5SImrN2KYOB6Dt8-I8KGOPG7mUH2HHdEPpD-zV3pmlAoH88QWiEL7DqWK1xNX2VmpZIP0GUHgBUTh6-nyBfY2BCL-vnCUxWSMEczfPGK46_oGg20jwIyipQOyi89L07-SJbdeZT8AG1hoA5boCTZ5Nr8kQrkUs8_w/s320/IMG_3003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Just before the third checkpoint, the path suddenly petered out into a pretty normal housing estate. It was weird to suddenly be somewhere quite urban after the gloriousness of the paths!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXduaz2VBWykgAB6iaEVd4TEBkyl-me7NDUlReupgfgianem0AkMGtutw3fGWRyVmVH-0Y_GHrhA6fBw29lDzAHEtJTUPDXB-08itgxlYwOw5_vwNKM8CuarkG79AKPcWDjOEInO3un1n4b2mlwJAu5SPTptMCgeIHKMQswupm14N3DfyT3lMHQ/s320/IMG_3005.JPG" width="320" /></div><p>The aid station was manned by Explorer Scouts, who were really friendly and helpful and well organised. One runner came in asking for ice as she'd tripped over and they managed to find her a cold pack pretty quickly and efficiently. Maddy was there and announced that we were all on the home straight now, a couple of other runners looked slightly dubious but she was all smiles and her positivity was infectious.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSD0Eqi-MYkkb56iNQi1ExCPDZd1Ks-5Qgy03SBn8Yu7V29uItnX6sv1T0iP_N_oFG7aHH-heTn6J6vlxd78KRdJxXjIJCXLIsGgug6osnMC7t8Tt3bfFB74L1EN6O9z8tDcJAgWNNHm4Ve4KeAGqRoYBw3XUDNIA7PBvbTXQ-IIWy0ELdOergdQ/s4032/IMG_3007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSD0Eqi-MYkkb56iNQi1ExCPDZd1Ks-5Qgy03SBn8Yu7V29uItnX6sv1T0iP_N_oFG7aHH-heTn6J6vlxd78KRdJxXjIJCXLIsGgug6osnMC7t8Tt3bfFB74L1EN6O9z8tDcJAgWNNHm4Ve4KeAGqRoYBw3XUDNIA7PBvbTXQ-IIWy0ELdOergdQ/w150-h200/IMG_3007.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIDxCJ4UGy5rcUosRlcWVK1Fce7qGdJuXFNJ2Pv5RYrqi5_cPdr7iSQ82lCwtHCIomOHa4xPjKG8kaIBW_mbvOZQjnS3n_b53c3kg3b7rsQSudVvvZn4lUjLwiiZ_5sYQW1TcaZY0CvqyN9epgVHPuHP5vj0ZWfMj5czlWKvZrv5iJNOIx3wexw/s4032/IMG_3008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIDxCJ4UGy5rcUosRlcWVK1Fce7qGdJuXFNJ2Pv5RYrqi5_cPdr7iSQ82lCwtHCIomOHa4xPjKG8kaIBW_mbvOZQjnS3n_b53c3kg3b7rsQSudVvvZn4lUjLwiiZ_5sYQW1TcaZY0CvqyN9epgVHPuHP5vj0ZWfMj5czlWKvZrv5iJNOIx3wexw/w200-h150/IMG_3008.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><p>At one point I saw these and had to stop and take a photo - this is a flower called Celandine. I'm currently doing a 12 month challenge with <a href="https://www.caminoultra.com/london-greenways-challenge-2022" target="_blank">Camino Ultra</a> to run 12 different routes in London and the May one (which I did last weekend) is called Celandine after this flower. I didn't see any on the Celandine route - despite looking - so was made up to spot them out here.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGk9rvd2OPwrWA_X4LLfJFvWFkXE6Q4MktrKGaliyc9nN86WQWuejTYOjq-z8zP_hc91yMUI2K8-YFOfhTzDbDjytNlsCtIzUfWi4GEz08NaAWgO3Vje_AnAwVTe3yL5o7gaV9yYgFtlJLcpTBZnz0ib5Vi3afaoO4RknkOaXkq-DKzx4vpPfGA/s4032/IMG_3010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGk9rvd2OPwrWA_X4LLfJFvWFkXE6Q4MktrKGaliyc9nN86WQWuejTYOjq-z8zP_hc91yMUI2K8-YFOfhTzDbDjytNlsCtIzUfWi4GEz08NaAWgO3Vje_AnAwVTe3yL5o7gaV9yYgFtlJLcpTBZnz0ib5Vi3afaoO4RknkOaXkq-DKzx4vpPfGA/s320/IMG_3010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Yet more beautiful countryside:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFMStoLDSN8R1cjVtq4YH8eOCT4hizTMUKv_EqNHNGvQB1U8eBQSEGEHCj_IxxWDdCjsgciSqwSkJGrUQd9nZjkxwnEVhj-q-5uilzvPLh2aERR6bJKg2ENgR0dV7ohHRYrNEHf_Nek-rBETo7cmHaGIQLkue2R8sU4_xvaibOScfeBGhe4BQ3g/s4032/IMG_3008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFMStoLDSN8R1cjVtq4YH8eOCT4hizTMUKv_EqNHNGvQB1U8eBQSEGEHCj_IxxWDdCjsgciSqwSkJGrUQd9nZjkxwnEVhj-q-5uilzvPLh2aERR6bJKg2ENgR0dV7ohHRYrNEHf_Nek-rBETo7cmHaGIQLkue2R8sU4_xvaibOScfeBGhe4BQ3g/w200-h150/IMG_3008.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehhpEzk9iOSS4dP4F68MD7MHA2kX6JS-uFjbgmVscri1vSZ0FYfPy3zidEoy25NPtG-Sko5nPAjnwkjL2GTrP0GDTK61oXh24B4-Q3eUxUjeelrfz9LWq3D5-qCOAj2BWjH4przY6piZSRnvMa4NMk8j9_-0ViuxevswZGME3FNC5YUkkBCZR_A/s4032/IMG_3011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehhpEzk9iOSS4dP4F68MD7MHA2kX6JS-uFjbgmVscri1vSZ0FYfPy3zidEoy25NPtG-Sko5nPAjnwkjL2GTrP0GDTK61oXh24B4-Q3eUxUjeelrfz9LWq3D5-qCOAj2BWjH4przY6piZSRnvMa4NMk8j9_-0ViuxevswZGME3FNC5YUkkBCZR_A/w200-h150/IMG_3011.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_2moDUYQxmplvIlFIEuA1MaO-CinGyfcVOcaqG-RhsPFQPG4Va8svMQnchR8Ub-_OBdqgX8ODB9YG90tN8hvdq-hNt_0K9Czl3sBbG6-juDUjvo4hqE84ix_yBV-T7Scq27CRXWSy11wS2YXIrrAzKx6Qa_Sd2HQ77PVs40gdWbmOh2FQs9B1Q/s4032/IMG_3014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_2moDUYQxmplvIlFIEuA1MaO-CinGyfcVOcaqG-RhsPFQPG4Va8svMQnchR8Ub-_OBdqgX8ODB9YG90tN8hvdq-hNt_0K9Czl3sBbG6-juDUjvo4hqE84ix_yBV-T7Scq27CRXWSy11wS2YXIrrAzKx6Qa_Sd2HQ77PVs40gdWbmOh2FQs9B1Q/w200-h150/IMG_3014.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXjMBHLWqLM9EYLgoL7lMu7oE6L1cOPnwena6jNV5LrgqK5Lyxuy1C29PuP8RJelThRdH1nlNpIAADiTUKvb2vJ_xkhDpQF0_6LxYLGADgjarqS8bVRb4vJNIfMdsuv19_m1g2WchTrL5ZuqHuGdSeGi9fgIUeP_JRyVvyNcxYSVm8AB1Q9QkyQ/s4032/IMG_3015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXjMBHLWqLM9EYLgoL7lMu7oE6L1cOPnwena6jNV5LrgqK5Lyxuy1C29PuP8RJelThRdH1nlNpIAADiTUKvb2vJ_xkhDpQF0_6LxYLGADgjarqS8bVRb4vJNIfMdsuv19_m1g2WchTrL5ZuqHuGdSeGi9fgIUeP_JRyVvyNcxYSVm8AB1Q9QkyQ/w200-h150/IMG_3015.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>A few miles from the end, I met up with Maddy again and we ran the last few miles together. We chatted so much that we took a couple of wrong turns - luckily my GPS put us right and only a <i>few </i>people followed us - oops. Maddy is one of those relentlessly positive people who views getting lost as bonus miles. She said, "I wanted to do 29 miles today anyway!" which is a great way to look at it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BV1oxMJ3sQ3xtf9ZIXueja4W_QngeO5yrTCUHzdo8oQ6-5QWzsmAmppeyRuhR9gO9bZapWkeygjJgTii0_ub61j-6-aU7lQLXXQcwtl_OHJ9tXicFRSjRNxlNtMun-GReCI7Nh7Eg7eoenqQZjaHPiofE2r6Tu_WAUh-FeXLYcbmZQYAs5xj7g/s4032/IMG_3019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbosmbCn1wPEkmEq-eEdJRb9QTul4NTnfDbuXlSDfwG7tTHBlNQ6zFov_CvoOaUvYyPy8-j8HugSeKNv1-U_0DHBH_1F1UbcfVa56WKFImGCDgvMOuA3tocdN-C06H-HJypg9ePDM8e60kQG7FEsThfHTd3HF7uAlJc9P6rI6dtKqyDcyfWUVsw/w200-h150/IMG_3020.JPG" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BV1oxMJ3sQ3xtf9ZIXueja4W_QngeO5yrTCUHzdo8oQ6-5QWzsmAmppeyRuhR9gO9bZapWkeygjJgTii0_ub61j-6-aU7lQLXXQcwtl_OHJ9tXicFRSjRNxlNtMun-GReCI7Nh7Eg7eoenqQZjaHPiofE2r6Tu_WAUh-FeXLYcbmZQYAs5xj7g/w200-h150/IMG_3019.JPG" width="200" /></div><p></p>She also told me that there was a really cool bridge coming up near the end and she wasn't wrong! Only 6 people are allowed on it at a time and it's like one of those rickety bridges you get in children's play parks, except it crosses a pretty big river. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlaD3dS26IjRKBGY5k7JHTHPPdvRNzrfVGxoOX3093MKjrhcTulP_LPHH5nKmRV29FBAm888LygOteFqhuwCt9yl-phXQaE8nMTHCu_ShTkis3qR09MKyNkeiu2_H8Tp2bsAXSkLLqq1XXkC_bSRGp9-L-cmj4eyOBNxL1DG39ECdZnKIoVf6Ag/s4032/IMG_3021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlaD3dS26IjRKBGY5k7JHTHPPdvRNzrfVGxoOX3093MKjrhcTulP_LPHH5nKmRV29FBAm888LygOteFqhuwCt9yl-phXQaE8nMTHCu_ShTkis3qR09MKyNkeiu2_H8Tp2bsAXSkLLqq1XXkC_bSRGp9-L-cmj4eyOBNxL1DG39ECdZnKIoVf6Ag/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><p>I recalled the race director advising us against running across it during the briefing - now I can see why!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimClQeShd51cxwqdQsbPb1QjtbBSYzKA3MTG8mSXi4U6Vjv_HnkphXHOsL1Oeg1e3mTAGsOKRedDLTDylm8lvdonEnys4DzcqhlgNyqC_EIj0DDbv_qSDHmmj1-bl7VWNFZH33tCyJVKNJIQNKJpTS8zM7M9wcdsQiwZouWL-tQ2V-KJSJViedTg/s4032/IMG_3022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimClQeShd51cxwqdQsbPb1QjtbBSYzKA3MTG8mSXi4U6Vjv_HnkphXHOsL1Oeg1e3mTAGsOKRedDLTDylm8lvdonEnys4DzcqhlgNyqC_EIj0DDbv_qSDHmmj1-bl7VWNFZH33tCyJVKNJIQNKJpTS8zM7M9wcdsQiwZouWL-tQ2V-KJSJViedTg/w200-h150/IMG_3022.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MYcNp69F_My9m6pYb6j4n2y9CFjAyaFAuen8PFi9DOj5_Ic9YAT-wcrD2MEnOdiB2K6WCffxFf5aqhtjd8hZh7wMAxVLV9Ry7s5YriGHdlJz6zUJJUkNYDBcLojF44YrTqvXYVKrNWgB5d6m8PrNLl0YUYCAvhRPj72PaSRzY0G1eS0B4lWBwA/s4032/IMG_3023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MYcNp69F_My9m6pYb6j4n2y9CFjAyaFAuen8PFi9DOj5_Ic9YAT-wcrD2MEnOdiB2K6WCffxFf5aqhtjd8hZh7wMAxVLV9Ry7s5YriGHdlJz6zUJJUkNYDBcLojF44YrTqvXYVKrNWgB5d6m8PrNLl0YUYCAvhRPj72PaSRzY0G1eS0B4lWBwA/w200-h150/IMG_3023.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><p>It wasn't much further to the finish line, and Maddy and I crossed together. Ben and his daughters were there waiting, which was lovely. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNzICa9tG4t_VmVFwa3VERktXKuDzX4B8TsCxkiD-mQM4vwfgBdsaAeomesMFvlKN2Yqm0_ejO2BsJiETV-cMUrFpyCx_C9ipy5SdLzn1-qQB0eWhdmUUFo9Etwyy4hNKEGaY9cbHiqG35BXK4AzrExhmdKzZg0_c8lsSDYtFunnsX_xQGc_ANA/s4032/IMG_3972.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNzICa9tG4t_VmVFwa3VERktXKuDzX4B8TsCxkiD-mQM4vwfgBdsaAeomesMFvlKN2Yqm0_ejO2BsJiETV-cMUrFpyCx_C9ipy5SdLzn1-qQB0eWhdmUUFo9Etwyy4hNKEGaY9cbHiqG35BXK4AzrExhmdKzZg0_c8lsSDYtFunnsX_xQGc_ANA/s320/IMG_3972.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-OJyf8gpBLCgP7Ouof0qy5HbycdOFK-V0y6BIR4ReCqFFhL6td8ih5xPa60P0w7mBR64qnshgQ2dmeHgeo93aRksZlD02gQlDKzYQbtBTmSvr0MT_30d8X0x1JAZ6qSJGbAIXAdfO7QZHNAPStBbB6K6pg4vErvIxZR2re7qZ1Aau40KJA9jmA/s1980/Alice-Wye-Valley.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1980" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-OJyf8gpBLCgP7Ouof0qy5HbycdOFK-V0y6BIR4ReCqFFhL6td8ih5xPa60P0w7mBR64qnshgQ2dmeHgeo93aRksZlD02gQlDKzYQbtBTmSvr0MT_30d8X0x1JAZ6qSJGbAIXAdfO7QZHNAPStBbB6K6pg4vErvIxZR2re7qZ1Aau40KJA9jmA/s320/Alice-Wye-Valley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I didn't take any more pictures after that but here's the medal - not bad for a wooden one! - and a pic of the elevation which was pretty much all in the second half. Poles were great and definitely helpful - and it was good to have the practice pre-Cornwall too. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgedXMvRyNBKQKwVBEZYPszWpjhpRX6W2zpCGnqA2oTQiR-eOocJ28xzdR6-TejQFAOVPZ6YNl-VwNPqyxjtJ2NyTnNSKYPOImMsoV8kzE2ES0WoDA2ETw0ssXLJvvEKQAih2dq8SNe7BaCA7WW4Zd3gzYhGbFtEUHo1J2CeJ72t5w1yxRK94zw/s4032/IMG_3041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgedXMvRyNBKQKwVBEZYPszWpjhpRX6W2zpCGnqA2oTQiR-eOocJ28xzdR6-TejQFAOVPZ6YNl-VwNPqyxjtJ2NyTnNSKYPOImMsoV8kzE2ES0WoDA2ETw0ssXLJvvEKQAih2dq8SNe7BaCA7WW4Zd3gzYhGbFtEUHo1J2CeJ72t5w1yxRK94zw/w150-h200/IMG_3041.JPG" width="150" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1125" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwK1nDzHKlE_Zg5mON46zUYoKtusqFpexN0-EEWgd4AdAPKPRMG5BoyLJuM4nN-deiHiw8PR70YJBF_Ah02Zsa5ZMx-EjO89ygg9s0inVXsTGyVHlLrYEUclyQZARBGLPJ-BBmUVVs667LwWrJ_BnCEsSsyd6qXTFUOikBy_WYKJR2okUNfxZYQ/w200-h181/IMG_3038.jpg" width="200" /></div></div><p>Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable race which I can highly recommend. It doesn't get much better than this! <br /></p><p><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Wye View Ln, Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6BL, UK51.8429081 -2.643162523.532674263821157 -37.7994125 80.153141936178855 32.5130875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-28950674433442028382022-04-09T09:00:00.308+01:002022-04-19T23:11:41.007+01:00Berkshire: Magna Carta marathon race recap<div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This race was always going to be tricky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd intended to do Autumn 100 as my Berkshire race
but realised it didn’t have a medal and therefore didn’t meet <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">my criteria</a> so booked this as a replacement. This race was promptly
postponed due to Covid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The postponement
email was the most rudimentary of all the postponements I had, with not-so-much
as an apology, on 11/3/21:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBXpXzNb9u8zXbSH7aqssjvdyY4P1zdVeziFerBGfEWB3Kax8znXnonmKpazo8uxHUXWK5Jhvsd1NiGzFOLXIjZJsd9ZAa9yoXYqY16iZKN_SrcyxG1Nqp3YrV7oyZvAcVg-lyKxTvgzSOf8iZf_tgwR99QnvexJ1_DSohTErQHgOHYr6LtSAQw/s945/Screenshot%202022-04-18%20at%2018.30.04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="945" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBXpXzNb9u8zXbSH7aqssjvdyY4P1zdVeziFerBGfEWB3Kax8znXnonmKpazo8uxHUXWK5Jhvsd1NiGzFOLXIjZJsd9ZAa9yoXYqY16iZKN_SrcyxG1Nqp3YrV7oyZvAcVg-lyKxTvgzSOf8iZf_tgwR99QnvexJ1_DSohTErQHgOHYr6LtSAQw/s320/Screenshot%202022-04-18%20at%2018.30.04.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I then heard nothing from them for a year. A further timetabling issue resulted in my <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2022/04/leicestershire-badger-challenge-race.html" target="_blank">Leicestershire</a>
race being moved to 2 days prior to this race, which was never going to be ideal,
and my lack of training and recent Covid meant I wasn’t as
up for a double marathon weekend as I might usually be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben couldn’t come with me this time so I drove myself to Egham where the race started and
finished.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As it turned out, there wasn't a lot to love about this
race. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BAD POINTS</b></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I arrived and went to the registration desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Hi, I’ve come to collect my number,
I’m number 77 I think” and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The volunteer said, “Alice?” and handed me my number. That was the only word spoken to
me by anyone in the first 90 minutes I was there.</span></span></p></li><li><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a Union Jack on the bib number (since Brexit I think
putting a Union Jack on anything immediately makes it worse).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please also note the stupid slogan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stupid slogans are a guaranteed way to put me off a race.</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p></li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAyWcmq8dWACPg4KQDF-Un6a9Cyy6hLqWbOspzkr0NGdTvViNwBVDYMpwwHOozLNix6gXAxE3e56P6zpOEbsnpJMZfybBcXr9po8lhQm_Vt0eEHfe-GNkMkakIDxFppRks46Dmx-KcQLPPHFoGPkgWuloZDP8TWKne2_8n5-_POcL00Zup9zKFA/w400-h300/014B3DF8-ED1D-43C1-BCA4-F0D2F64FFCF5_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><p><span style="font-size: small;">The weather was slightly sunny, but the race
start was under the shadow of trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a result it was bloody freezing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
wearing three layers, a buff and gloves and still shivering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a lot of runners wearing nothing
but vests and t-shirts which doesn’t bode well as it usually means little
thought has been paid to anyone who isn’t racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7o-09LeLC7yZO73_hyhpwKcbBhKMnVTRokK5_Po4eQMcfpsMUJlqBWv1KWuU5TBIhhdEoDgT3oT9rrfTlgQWSAPid9XM87UHysS0eRsCvU-_-2APB75DWQLlYDoY-6RZ7YR0brsNhMP4m1u_nCjb5PKBfmlTT-ZjWjUD522yXGsOYT_650qfJg/s4032/764EB296-70E3-4F23-B29E-3C5E89FEA4A9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7o-09LeLC7yZO73_hyhpwKcbBhKMnVTRokK5_Po4eQMcfpsMUJlqBWv1KWuU5TBIhhdEoDgT3oT9rrfTlgQWSAPid9XM87UHysS0eRsCvU-_-2APB75DWQLlYDoY-6RZ7YR0brsNhMP4m1u_nCjb5PKBfmlTT-ZjWjUD522yXGsOYT_650qfJg/s320/764EB296-70E3-4F23-B29E-3C5E89FEA4A9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Later, the race was absolutely boiling and I
stripped off all my layers and regretted not wearing suncream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li><li>The PA system at the start was broken so the
race director just spoke in his normal voice meaning it was really hard to hear
him and half the field missed all the instructions.</li><li>The race was directly under a flight path and gigantic
jumbo jets roared overhead at frequent intervals, ruining the tranquility of
what was billed as “<i>one of the most scenic and historic stretches of the River Thames skirting the actual site where the historic <span class="il">Magna</span> <span class="il">Carta</span>
Royal Charter treaty was signed by King John of England on 15th June
1215</i>”. They didn't have vast numbers of 737s back then though. Just saying...<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1805" data-original-width="3024" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6ruH-qwe7oIL0iRUdjF2ePEE9AjGDKhaZYXo_0Z68m5LDVh886EyvWV0EtqsXfnrrw9CteF7YGn0sBHSCIL22bESKLdC4SHnJsuePnq9QxOn69EmNnUumaRO-Xl8Ou5bIRqLiVXVzcdm2ZFVjwCpfj5v_PFBLUp14ejd5uSKWm6c0sZpNDiJ0w/s320/IMG_2707.JPG" width="320" /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Just as I was settling into my stride after a kilometre
or two, my Garmin did that deeply unhelpful thing where it tells you your
training status is ‘unproductive’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks for that.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftqUkPuTeEEA1h0fGU7RsMdReFTHAYeH1GqVLIJbT-IyBeus1c0gjNlei0PN4lfHkcVE-0Z3NqMUSNzUhwXMGiVTzVRtAXyl-vFWWOFuRCg85tesIHxMzZNuYYbk0_fFTX75ZanP-cqNAS-pTd17NuWfNlIhpYI-kxKERlysD-gBiXsSrcamLow/s1125/3558A576-C725-4B2C-9B59-705883A51CC5_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1125" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftqUkPuTeEEA1h0fGU7RsMdReFTHAYeH1GqVLIJbT-IyBeus1c0gjNlei0PN4lfHkcVE-0Z3NqMUSNzUhwXMGiVTzVRtAXyl-vFWWOFuRCg85tesIHxMzZNuYYbk0_fFTX75ZanP-cqNAS-pTd17NuWfNlIhpYI-kxKERlysD-gBiXsSrcamLow/s320/3558A576-C725-4B2C-9B59-705883A51CC5_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Although some bits of the course were quite
nice, there was quite a lot of running alongside busy roads:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMih4AsT2B0hfylmLYvL9rUWacmYV7bolc_LZKHv6QaDJO9MLtmMWJtjEWryPu2KQA8Ng1WkuLUKqHwPbC9osPOWgT-xj_Yn6LmmygCdkqFc0d1OMz41E47aFEop0SVh2M3_Czb_Y8mfAk5n3_MRn9wcXMcxb0sGZHJvcAStEv5ItsToAGZesXug/w200-h150/E529640B-39B3-45A7-9E85-57C0DF2055C7.jpeg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FqU-uedKU6i6NoTnFC1sP91VreCubBv6D3OzInJGNUwNXpibsgllzj76vBZWKoEO_wmVKcKGGYkQ0EWRqxzn-uFSPzVbHKehGSxKmrkc65ZcpIQsQcYo16Cs-skFMa_uPMFHs-0S-HNmrjS1EQws1Kkd-TfewopOSikiJS_XDluFuWEeWdFZSw/s4032/81833D39-1665-4260-B9CC-332CA73341D5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FqU-uedKU6i6NoTnFC1sP91VreCubBv6D3OzInJGNUwNXpibsgllzj76vBZWKoEO_wmVKcKGGYkQ0EWRqxzn-uFSPzVbHKehGSxKmrkc65ZcpIQsQcYo16Cs-skFMa_uPMFHs-0S-HNmrjS1EQws1Kkd-TfewopOSikiJS_XDluFuWEeWdFZSw/w150-h200/81833D39-1665-4260-B9CC-332CA73341D5.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There was also quite a lot of uneven
ground, and fairly early on in the race I came across a runner who had tripped
and had a nasty fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped and sat on a bench with her while she got her breath back and gave
her a wet wipe. </li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f1pujtAIKOpscqrFYI9EsTKpxvGAqbBdeUcMzJIN56Ttj07TXyARqB6tzG_kEIJ7uhvEoGM5JRAW5l2zhdu22_hWPyzluLro3gS9iBi9A5So_pZA69-6LTdY_iqQNtOeSCF7mNK_FvaGtasYbuDMph5t_NkHkpIQl8t9mqAvdhpOPjSFBOXZkw/s320/4CA11885-F1EC-4D74-82BF-C0C20DC957C4_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The course consisted of two short out-and-backs
in one direction and four longer out-and-backs the opposite way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of it was along the river so it was pretty
much totally flat the whole way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
that would be good after the hills on Thursday but actually it was just dull.</li><li>My legs started feeling sore from 11km in and
carried on feeling sore for the rest of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be fair, this wasn’t the race’s fault, but
it didn’t add to my enjoyment of it.</li><li>It was mentioned at the race
briefing that there was a walking race taking part on the same path today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This race was substantially larger than our
race and featured about a thousand people all walking along the
same trails as us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were all going one way – we were going out and back – so for about 15 miles you
were constantly stopping and starting, dodging people, shouting “excuse me”
etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As walkers tend to, they were frequently blocking the whole path/meandering around/not paying attention/stopping to take photos. </span>I’m sure the runners were really annoying
for them as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea
whose race was first but it was a planning disaster and one of them should’ve
been rescheduled. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTtJKIIbQkb3nMXYX9Y8mv5yJ5Hz_be6_6sUs6qKlXs7IEG4ZQgmpJKmvm39YxVbiyA40jli06_fclu_QBus3iGjDmmHwbqA9qKM8TIEM7M0ywnibf5oeBXhImeiLCt0xbgifVWm_toUannaFPex13Yb_pk4TlMv0gA5GxYs_Vk-CNWskTGW9zg/s1993/IMG_2710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1993" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTtJKIIbQkb3nMXYX9Y8mv5yJ5Hz_be6_6sUs6qKlXs7IEG4ZQgmpJKmvm39YxVbiyA40jli06_fclu_QBus3iGjDmmHwbqA9qKM8TIEM7M0ywnibf5oeBXhImeiLCt0xbgifVWm_toUannaFPex13Yb_pk4TlMv0gA5GxYs_Vk-CNWskTGW9zg/w200-h140/IMG_2710.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QCR61Zn9gdL1nr1yvBMLmhd8DHtnXxvFGHjxehPa9awQGROwhG3Jsnz9Q5BZBLLNlogEKdm8cUtMCJOBtF6DUenW793IFb2vMwQMZTE-qJDq-ETCVXnGpdRm2iWU_2-zQd9JkunVt5emdQVG3FxvN8O74ji39J1fIaeSfB6b-ZTdaxsOj6bFWQ/s1216/IMG_2722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1216" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QCR61Zn9gdL1nr1yvBMLmhd8DHtnXxvFGHjxehPa9awQGROwhG3Jsnz9Q5BZBLLNlogEKdm8cUtMCJOBtF6DUenW793IFb2vMwQMZTE-qJDq-ETCVXnGpdRm2iWU_2-zQd9JkunVt5emdQVG3FxvN8O74ji39J1fIaeSfB6b-ZTdaxsOj6bFWQ/w200-h112/IMG_2722.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpvvGScIhR8opdQcShs1T3_ZtbgzxCnGCJyj5GBgyuORPeSuyyfMuyGC2IHARJiW04i82WtmJMBHvNSrWs0s5DxBf44WPCUNP-eK8h37b9W19-ON7nMAIT9qgqPSvrg7psSKLSbZ45Z9b0SygFIskGVNt__AHqP7TIAGfmrTd0EObUghUmH1A9w/s1553/IMG_2717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1553" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpvvGScIhR8opdQcShs1T3_ZtbgzxCnGCJyj5GBgyuORPeSuyyfMuyGC2IHARJiW04i82WtmJMBHvNSrWs0s5DxBf44WPCUNP-eK8h37b9W19-ON7nMAIT9qgqPSvrg7psSKLSbZ45Z9b0SygFIskGVNt__AHqP7TIAGfmrTd0EObUghUmH1A9w/w200-h154/IMG_2717.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1842" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXcYPZyp_dgpx-UFwh0ZU5mRQLUZWarhI71mzJVMFOW6ipMPZHIUI9APl0P4f-KofIjezK7YqLHsrA43pVB6Acc9XPKRzEzCUv3aRZiG8kaNoreq34SdzinlSeXRE6ww4L6hyqQigGA08bsDJzmxm3hozwQKI-cKNySojifmiPatjaRYvDahdbg/w200-h163/IMG_2715.JPG" width="200" /></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>As a result of this, people racing and trying to
get a PB were often held up by the walkers and obviously this could be a bit
frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the worst episode of
trail etiquette<b> I</b> <b>can ever remember seeing</b>, I witnessed a half
marathon runner literally PUSH an older Asian gentleman out of his way because he
was holding him up by about 2 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was horrified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apologised to the man
on behalf of the runner and the race in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got back to the HQ I stopped, mid-race
to report the guy to the race director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The race director said he would ‘have a word’ which, as I’m sure you can
imagine, is unlikely to have much impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Personally I would have DQ’d him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was absolutely shameful behaviour that gives all runners a bad name.</li><li>The aid stations were shit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were only two – which was OK because of
the out-and-back nature of the race – but all they had were gels, water,
electrolytes and waffles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one
occasion I managed to get some orange squash and three jelly sweets (!) but I never
saw those again (presumably used up by the faster runners ahead of me).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waffles were nice, but not really a substitute
for a properly supplied aid station (<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2022/04/leicestershire-badger-challenge-race.html" target="_blank">Leicestershire</a></span> had hot cross buns, FFS!) </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWC79awqF7IP3ibjCriG4LZxlEeiBqH_UHq30-u6afYZPc7902ToikaruxF0zgVEhqPeyqhzzEdq6rWblfi18JxbEPM20tjw9sSeO0vhktvrOC9ZJgslbnfQ0wwYW8XYw2lzuSAHChXSNtq7dquoCK80IrQVdL0dJ_sJFe-YhuNNEL18aSVBdKg/s4032/098FFD3E-E725-4CF0-A880-D897BB287DE7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWC79awqF7IP3ibjCriG4LZxlEeiBqH_UHq30-u6afYZPc7902ToikaruxF0zgVEhqPeyqhzzEdq6rWblfi18JxbEPM20tjw9sSeO0vhktvrOC9ZJgslbnfQ0wwYW8XYw2lzuSAHChXSNtq7dquoCK80IrQVdL0dJ_sJFe-YhuNNEL18aSVBdKg/s320/098FFD3E-E725-4CF0-A880-D897BB287DE7.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>At 30k I was really struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was boiling hot, my legs hurt, I was bored
of running and there was still really far to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a couple of paracetamol, a caffeine
bullet and put on Gordy’s A100 playlist, a triumvirate that has never failed
me, but even after 20 minutes I didn’t feel significantly better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Around this time I got chatting to a bloke who I’d
seen around at other races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him
about my counties challenge and explained that Berkshire had been a tricky race
to find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He replied, “But we’re not in
Berkshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re in Surrey!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “surely some part of it must be in
Berkshire?” and he laughed and said, “No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You want to do one of the weekday marathons in Slough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s in Berkshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Egham’s in Surrey”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frantically tried to remember if I’d checked
– if marathons are near the border I tend to – but I wasn’t sure if I had or
hadn’t. I might’ve checked that Windsor was in Berkshire, but the race didn’t
actually go to Windsor – only OLD Windsor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh god. The bloke said, “I should’ve told you this when you were on your last lap
shouldn’t I? Enjoy your race in BERKSHIRE!” and ran off, laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Possibly I made up the bit about the
laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I certainly felt
distraught that I might have run this miserable race <i>for nothing</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got my phone out and started googling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It seemed like Old Windsor was in Berkshire, but was I on the right side of the Thames? <br /> </span>In the end I had to wait until I got home to check
the ceremonial county borders and be absolutely sure. The top map is
part of my Strava trace - the red line is the route I actually ran. The
bottom map is the ceremonial county boundary map: the bit above the
red line is Berkshire and the bit below is Surrey. Comparing the location of Friary Field, at least part of the race was<i> definitely</i> in Berkshire. Phew....<br /></li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjdkNChee5cK_NIl1EsSrF6F5RDu0ZSLzoxnHpg3KqDmWaJ5ttXlpCQee0YvhOVqaS4TbwsHmNBsjTOynT4hFSIc6oI4TEL-yoiwDMTDP1ei_3FyW6eWj2KVFTqPlDX3wd2E3ZzN5NXlyDqIeL65GuQZ_yD3TOulBBhKtqcEhT17FYHXGNIaLpg/s815/Berkshire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="696" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjdkNChee5cK_NIl1EsSrF6F5RDu0ZSLzoxnHpg3KqDmWaJ5ttXlpCQee0YvhOVqaS4TbwsHmNBsjTOynT4hFSIc6oI4TEL-yoiwDMTDP1ei_3FyW6eWj2KVFTqPlDX3wd2E3ZzN5NXlyDqIeL65GuQZ_yD3TOulBBhKtqcEhT17FYHXGNIaLpg/w341-h400/Berkshire.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><br /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The race briefing promised sports massage would be available at the end. I walked all around and there was none to be found. If they ever existed, they'd obviously packed up and gone home after all the fast runners finished. Have I mentioned I hate it when races cater primarily for fast runners? *cough* I'm looking at you, <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/10/isle-of-wight-isle-of-wight-marathon.html" target="_blank">Isle of Wight</a> *cough*<br /></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>GOOD POINTS</b></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I ran with the woman who had had the fall for the best part of an hour and she was
really nice and we had some interesting conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally I'm pretty reckless with reporting chats I've had with people on the trails, but as we talked about quite personal stuff including about her child, I'm (unusually) reticent to invade her privacy by reporting it here.</li><li>There was a nice medal with a picture of the
Magna Carta on it:</li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBr9cVsssjFKLttuzPB4zG-vWFbXyfLJ0j14vzo5mFckx9KZUiWcx4rmdQ4hmpDQ5M0COgQNcEK2J2UZw9E8_Mtpj42inKzPqI1XxrP6OKO1lTgYkUTWbI8M0t-9MjUzkbc9HPsoIOR1PNSsdHRT_bvMWPh9mUD8AJdSk9kCm7H8uRzjlzPRlZg/s320/E55AFB0F-988D-4580-A86B-02DFD9675A1D.jpeg" width="240" /></div><p></p>
</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The car parking machine was broken so parking was
free. I think it's safe to say that when free parking is the highlight of a race, the bar is
pretty low.</li></ul><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblMuuJfMw3pPjo4QE0rky_9OZscgp2HCCkyOhSNjQUvnlqDzE2ocqTZKMWE5_cZsLBYeAmU8WcUf71jhWxo6M0oIXydGavdRp6HZSQ8As-Sd-ZmWOdOcwlLV9P35LkVL4ehIta_O4hKtXG7U9eBt47Y5PrHh7KyVxGp18JOBgOjo_ELhhsCacyQ/s4032/057DF883-2456-40F5-B551-C05EE7A27091.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblMuuJfMw3pPjo4QE0rky_9OZscgp2HCCkyOhSNjQUvnlqDzE2ocqTZKMWE5_cZsLBYeAmU8WcUf71jhWxo6M0oIXydGavdRp6HZSQ8As-Sd-ZmWOdOcwlLV9P35LkVL4ehIta_O4hKtXG7U9eBt47Y5PrHh7KyVxGp18JOBgOjo_ELhhsCacyQ/s320/057DF883-2456-40F5-B551-C05EE7A27091.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
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{margin-bottom:0cm;}</style></p><p style="text-align: left;"><style> </style></p></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-68656216976436391162022-04-07T09:00:00.353+01:002022-04-10T16:28:41.911+01:00Leicestershire: Badger Challenge race recap<p style="text-align: left;">It's been a while (well, 2 months) since my last race and a lot has happened. Training has been a bit hit and miss, with three weeks where I barely trained at all thanks to work-related hassle, a week skiing and then getting Covid. I wasn't that ill with Covid but I only stopped testing positive two weeks ago and have really struggled to build back up to any sort of distance prior to this race. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Then the day before the race I had yet more work-related drama and was feeling really upset. I put a brave face on it and went to stay the night at my parents because it would've been too far to drive from home. Luckily they were quite good at cheering me up and distracting me so I managed not to think about it too much and had an early night.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I got up early and headed off to the race which was now only an hour away. I was feeling very sad and when Ben rang me I was a bit tearful and pathetic and told him I really didn't feel like doing a race today. Nevertheless, I got there, got my number and changed into trail shoes on the advice of the person next to me in the car park. It was cold and slightly raining, which wasn't exactly helping my mood. I stood under the race gazebo, staring at the rain, feeling morose.</p><p style="text-align: left;">And then I saw a bloke with a tiger on his head.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/09/rutland-rutland-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">I know that tiger</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I met Tim at Rutland marathon in 2019. He'd run 46 marathons juggling then. Today was his 63rd marathon juggling, or jogling, as is the official term (portmanteau of jogging+juggling). Rutland was my 22nd county. Today, Leicestershire was my 42nd. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Last time we'd run almost the whole marathon together so I was immediately cheered to see him. I didn't really want to spend the whole race thinking about work so was extremely happy to abandon that topic and instead talk about running, all the races we'd done, how we planned to celebrate the end of our respective challenges, and so on. Just like at Rutland, Tim's jogling was a total show-stopper and other runners, walkers and dog owners frequently made comments, clapped or stopped to take pictures.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_iV8WdYe--OSfaJVSq9Mr0zlH0sSA-IiWvuBm383k1DGAY0ddZ7xKeFpPH3ZZd2Q3pcPAfbk8VOx92oWoM9R8DGtqmsTNmDHpSFao_sMPVbAzUxEI33lW1dvR9sF-1xsoF91BqgAw-bfwJ4N-EVv2HEDq-pMLuxRLRy446OAoRfdqkL0UA8dbw/s3088/5C6F8891-5585-45C6-83EA-0A19B5699846.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_iV8WdYe--OSfaJVSq9Mr0zlH0sSA-IiWvuBm383k1DGAY0ddZ7xKeFpPH3ZZd2Q3pcPAfbk8VOx92oWoM9R8DGtqmsTNmDHpSFao_sMPVbAzUxEI33lW1dvR9sF-1xsoF91BqgAw-bfwJ4N-EVv2HEDq-pMLuxRLRy446OAoRfdqkL0UA8dbw/s320/5C6F8891-5585-45C6-83EA-0A19B5699846.jpeg" width="320" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">At one point we passed a party of schoolchildren and their teachers who burst into applause and started cheering for Tim as we went past. This happened on more than one occasion (as we were doing loops) and I definitely felt the benefit of reflected glory!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzs5iM8_TEV5yOiz7dLnDyXdeDWt1c-3Q5YzgG4VLo43bp1SYotgS8qagOGb9AvnjjNNOwRfnYCfB66SbRGTXd3gQq-jJgy6zF4SDZo9nF19sp5dRSmJuDOLRDEpbrXWQQusAOwrERgg4IKwr0O8Gd-0VnyRKa1bnk9cLVZA16kr9P5l0HPehW4A/s320/374E0913-44CB-4642-9601-CD26FCA6EDB8_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We talked about Tim's fundraising (obviously he's raising money for tigers - here's the link: <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/timstigers" target="_blank">https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/timstigers</a> if you can spare a few quid, please do. I'm going to go to his 100th jogling marathon as it's lovely to celebrate these milestones and one of the best bits of running is meeting interesting people. We have added each other on Strava now so I can keep an eye on how he's doing. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The loops sped by. I probably ran faster than I would've on my own - Tim is a pretty speedy marathon runner who can do a 3 hour 40 marathon without the jogling, whereas I am not. I need him to juggle to slow him down enough that I can stick with him, and he says it takes the pressure off, so it's win-win!</p><p style="text-align: left;">On the way round we had a good conversation about
Green Magic, which are a health food/nutritional supplement which comes in the form of a green powder. Tim had seen an advert for it and had signed up for a
year's supply at £20 a month. My dietitian sense started tingling, and
when he went on to say it was full of
superfoods like spirulina and wheatgrass, it went into overdrive. Poor Tim got
cross-questioned about his oral intake and then lectured that his magic
powder was almost certainly useless and he should try probiotics and
fibre for improved gut health. Having now had a chance to review the <a href="https://www.proto-col.com/products/green-magic-powder-180g" target="_blank">nutritional content</a>
of Green Magic (0.3g of fibre per serving), there's more fibre in a bag of
crisps (0.9g)! Compare that with milled linseed which has a whopping 2g
per serving. Don't get me started! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We also had a long conversation about running poles - I've never used them before but as I have a VERY hilly race in Cornwall coming up I'd asked for some for my birthday. They arrived last week and I'd decided to bring them to this race to try them out, but thought I'd get them out after a few loops in case they were annoying. Tim had used them a lot in mountain races and said they helped a lot, which was positive, but also said that adjustable length ones were better (mine aren't adjustable) and that it was best to get cheap ones as he'd broken quite a few (mine were horrifically expensive and better not break - although it did say on the packaging that due to being lightweight they were prone to breaking). Arrrghh! It's funny how runners are easily parted from their money by the promise of powder that makes you healthier and sticks that magically zoom you up hills. We both saw the funny side!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I decided I'd get them out of the car after the 4th lap and change back into my road shoes at the same time. By the time I'd got sorted he was well ahead of me and I never managed to catch him up again.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpZjH6S0siSuwOgEhN1DTyZMEWbzgMaPrJlRVSgNQPCps6u8GRJDhk_52ViYeQuXpkhCJpgMrwzWVYeNsJ59EZ_m6-3qrNUQmycr0494Pgvg0nYLc64WTwFm4fqqSb6xD7-lL4fcARSctu0Rg1Hd-658lmGofSGjJBVV3xn2QGgfZnRBNxOzwYw/s320/EA732C4A-7395-439E-8814-2A77AA6C8738.jpeg" width="240" /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p>The park was called Beacon Hill Country Park and there was one big hill at the start of the loop, followed by a couple of smaller inclines and then almost the whole of the rest of the route was downhill. I'd watched some videos of how to use poles which I tried to copy, but found my legs were too long (or maybe my arms were too slow)? In any case I got into a rhythm that seemed to work on the uphills. They seemed easier because now I could push myself off. The downhills were trickier, because they weren't really steep enough to need poles (and possibly also what Tim said about needing longer poles on downhills... gah!). The main problem was the loop was so short (3.3 miles) it wasn't worth folding them up again, so I just carried them in the assembled position the whole time. OK in a quiet country park, not so great in a busy race when you're poking people's eyes out. Apologies in advance to the residents of Cornwall, I'm going to be a menace.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1MI3FVOGn7iL4t6wuyHPdig8tJnKtOxys3WDs48DSX5EOXJcSXGPgLAr0hF5e9vxizFyfvihD_YvxdpHhy3lpP6gHAAh2_VgAPmK0GAmma3ugTsQHfNPu4gCB7ZpVW9hutZHGy00Vz2vJt5_8SB-F4I8mJtEXSjNvzhquDDPMwXeug7YLtEVsQ/s4032/0FB598E9-2B9B-4551-B3D9-55ACC6412B4E_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1MI3FVOGn7iL4t6wuyHPdig8tJnKtOxys3WDs48DSX5EOXJcSXGPgLAr0hF5e9vxizFyfvihD_YvxdpHhy3lpP6gHAAh2_VgAPmK0GAmma3ugTsQHfNPu4gCB7ZpVW9hutZHGy00Vz2vJt5_8SB-F4I8mJtEXSjNvzhquDDPMwXeug7YLtEVsQ/w320-h240/0FB598E9-2B9B-4551-B3D9-55ACC6412B4E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /> </a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The weather was a bit hit and miss. Some sections were sunny, often it was pretty mild but there was one particular section which was horrifically windy every time I did it, and often seemed to start raining as soon as I approached it and stop as soon as I got past it, hmm. Here's some pics of the course - pretty standard country park stuff, nobody reads race reports to look at pictures of paths so feel free to scroll on by!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu728pPnV87yEx3zvtP3wq05A42q7aquKvPLNDTq6qHcBxFXanocuaxYsexiZy5-H_V8Sgnu_-imZIt6EJV6qpOb0gOZfdWThv1HB6uRQMOqS4G_WVVe4XSBd2qCDRZwgp7bwtU9Srf8IdRAH704sOmALCfNeYywpIZpSCAuJ1MTAqpfK8QbVU1w/s4032/6B7848C3-6E4C-4FD9-8534-8E669179C694.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu728pPnV87yEx3zvtP3wq05A42q7aquKvPLNDTq6qHcBxFXanocuaxYsexiZy5-H_V8Sgnu_-imZIt6EJV6qpOb0gOZfdWThv1HB6uRQMOqS4G_WVVe4XSBd2qCDRZwgp7bwtU9Srf8IdRAH704sOmALCfNeYywpIZpSCAuJ1MTAqpfK8QbVU1w/w150-h200/6B7848C3-6E4C-4FD9-8534-8E669179C694.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqPr-7-Nhei5XmF_0kRKVBhCP6s1OyREkCPo0UL6VFgTbP9PJ_RppmZoVQBGEC4a-LaF_lGMbRonylxoSva3D-6XbqEVh9L2Z5pJ9E2s_Dvn73qbEZLMbXhyfGw9B_B87tWPBKYmerGtqsCGaujB_fsHYm4kcJPWBo0z9xWopJzj6m8WSj0cfMw/s4032/6A7FD1DA-B714-44AA-9C08-627553749E1C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqPr-7-Nhei5XmF_0kRKVBhCP6s1OyREkCPo0UL6VFgTbP9PJ_RppmZoVQBGEC4a-LaF_lGMbRonylxoSva3D-6XbqEVh9L2Z5pJ9E2s_Dvn73qbEZLMbXhyfGw9B_B87tWPBKYmerGtqsCGaujB_fsHYm4kcJPWBo0z9xWopJzj6m8WSj0cfMw/w150-h200/6A7FD1DA-B714-44AA-9C08-627553749E1C.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GgWDVS4hd7p0xq2kniASXrTDI1xgHOzqyM5kUxSNT_jaJIEXwS82YIjxe-_cpIar1zoiotoprFpzir9S4I0b93Mlj0J7uBaIr47Ytys_-tC8P321Rl0tEysJNKpfSiUfMbBXBwSybHcQZdA7ML8K60AB-04RIozZ7iJveVDdgtq3wwakZrdiSg/s4032/7B24122C-6C9A-47C1-A3D5-D0C8274FADF7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GgWDVS4hd7p0xq2kniASXrTDI1xgHOzqyM5kUxSNT_jaJIEXwS82YIjxe-_cpIar1zoiotoprFpzir9S4I0b93Mlj0J7uBaIr47Ytys_-tC8P321Rl0tEysJNKpfSiUfMbBXBwSybHcQZdA7ML8K60AB-04RIozZ7iJveVDdgtq3wwakZrdiSg/w200-h150/7B24122C-6C9A-47C1-A3D5-D0C8274FADF7.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOz4vkM73rvi_FFCT1G04ekXsNoJMb7jQ41ljIIvHKFwSupbeh0WkWPz9IbWm9j-OAV56SHsqkcZjq8-YM-146mEcRn4MXE2Ipwh0RCH_uwo0pYt-T8XP3AMubeKaFyoICtruJMHRmzSpwYrzG4e9MILGLr-uZ3wlhYYda6ziZ7DFy3CRLDTrMQ/w200-h150/C03B3C4D-82B0-4963-AAEA-CBBCB063FE5E.jpeg" width="200" /></div><p style="text-align: left;">There was a canicross event at the same time which started just before the marathon, and had its own cute Dog Aid Station. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M-k5VUUSk94GzTXiDtsxMnWxT6U1A0rzs3XkN9fzOMAbq_yc7yV4WYtQX2IakoYRI131hpv6ynAjtU2hYZkT6u0NaIwgA2eGbqVLFS8_vj0T2tiWwsw9TDy0M5ncnvUpUw7_LiVXZw9J2XfutCbUIQLSo6Tnrp6Ng9dWKU_c96NRJSfl3mhcIA/s3024/IMG_2656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="3024" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M-k5VUUSk94GzTXiDtsxMnWxT6U1A0rzs3XkN9fzOMAbq_yc7yV4WYtQX2IakoYRI131hpv6ynAjtU2hYZkT6u0NaIwgA2eGbqVLFS8_vj0T2tiWwsw9TDy0M5ncnvUpUw7_LiVXZw9J2XfutCbUIQLSo6Tnrp6Ng9dWKU_c96NRJSfl3mhcIA/s320/IMG_2656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I had been worried I might not be able to finish in the time limit because of Covid and just generally feeling tired and not really hill trained, but I needn't have been too concerned. I finished in just under 5 and a half hours, which was absolutely fine (there was over 1000m ascent too, though it didn't feel like it) and collected my beer and flapjack and medal.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL-i0ZifXTb1B9SPNocZFCkZgloi8bMetadq8dzLKlX0t4t1X361WRjJn8nDo37bV30lcPu-9N1LNcT0G10o9m4lERd831EnA2BtW8IijoLFVfFZDE2h25HgHEMRVkujSlUbZDbm7SNaJtdGZMfk0Ygk1brYeFL7pEMlXsvPt3D9sZBjmlAEdzQ/s2436/E81C47E5-2F39-444B-8800-3423B91C926B.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL-i0ZifXTb1B9SPNocZFCkZgloi8bMetadq8dzLKlX0t4t1X361WRjJn8nDo37bV30lcPu-9N1LNcT0G10o9m4lERd831EnA2BtW8IijoLFVfFZDE2h25HgHEMRVkujSlUbZDbm7SNaJtdGZMfk0Ygk1brYeFL7pEMlXsvPt3D9sZBjmlAEdzQ/s320/E81C47E5-2F39-444B-8800-3423B91C926B.png" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p>Bumped into Tim again at the end and had another nice little chat - he hadn't realised I was behind him, so had sped up to try and catch me, and therefore the gap had widened further and he completed the second half 8 minutes before me. I also had a nice chat with the race director's mum, who remembered my counties challenge from last time and was encouraging me to do the Big Bear event in Bedfordshire. I already have a Bedfordshire marathon booked but theirs sounds so nice, I might just do it anyway!<br /></p><p>Then I went to the cafe for some actual food (I'd survived all morning on mountains of sugar) followed by driving to see my daughter who conveniently lives in Leicester. Overall a most enjoyable day out which turned out to be a lot better than expected.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_E6c-Ui4beYLOrY7ec7YCGQpSNyXWlJwMGdNJl8fC_Pwi4iNmJYgmlrK6YjFo2QNe65o9VR79u5ScZtwNv2N1sks3WkLGEZkISugpV2Cet-Az_-4qn70J4xHtfvjvulYMF0qactWB1a9WNiABWmbQBNFJkcvQwUzUw3cI3Hlt_XmSnxGCtyBNw/s320/5FC9AFF1-D5DA-4C45-A47C-D5973F2A99FC.jpeg" width="240" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough LE12 8TA, UK52.7287988 -1.229643724.418564963821154 -36.3858937 81.039032636178845 33.9266063tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-38703465492959391052022-02-01T09:00:00.564+00:002022-02-08T21:05:35.008+00:00Warwickshire: Panda Bear Challenge race recap<p>My last four marathons have all had significant downsides*, so I was looking forward to a lovely, easy, trail run in a forest. And Warwickshire delivered! Set at a country park outside of Coventry, there was even a bonus helping of sunshine. I had run a Big Bear Events race before (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/10/staffordshire-birch-challenge-marathon.html">Staffordshire</a>) which was similar and it had been great, so I had high hopes for this one. Much preferable to the (road) Shakespeare Marathon, which I had originally booked for Warwickshire before it got canned due to Covid. They made the decision six months in advance yet would only refund 50% of the entry fee and there was no option to postpone... not impressed! </p><p>* <span style="font-size: x-small;">Derbyshire: first 13 miles was uphill; Hertfordshire: 105 laps of a track; Tyne and Wear: running against a headwind in the middle of winter in Northern England; Wiltshire: 1500m ascent</span></p><p>Because this race was on a Tuesday, I had taken the day off work and drove up to my parents in Milton Keynes the night before. Lots of people are surprised when I tell them I did a marathon on a Tuesday, but Big Bear regularly run random weekday events which I love. You always get lots of <a href="https://www.100marathonclub.org.uk/" target="_blank">100 Marathon Club</a> members (the clue is in the name ... they've all run at least 100 official marathons), and they tend to be very friendly. Also there is nothing better than running a trail race when you'd normally be at work. Especially if it's sunny and there's no time pressure. I got up at the relatively civilised hour of 6:30am, had breakfast and drove to the race.<br /></p><p>Literally the first thing the race instructions said was: "<i>There is a carpark and you must pay. They only accept card payments. No coins or watches/phones</i>". I had read the instructions carefully. I had made sure I packed a bank card when I went to my parents. But on the morning of the race, I left my purse on the stairs as I didn't think I'd need it. This only occurred to me as I crossed the car park to use the payment machine... oh no. Oh dear. Oh bumholes. <br /></p><p>I prayed the race instructions were wrong and tried to use my phone anyway. It failed twice. There was a long queue of people waiting to use the machine and only 15 minutes before the race started. Sheepishly, I asked the woman behind me if she could pay for me and I'd give her the money. She agreed, and told me not to worry about the money, but I went and got it from the car and pressed it into her hand anyway. I don't know her name, but I saw her quite a few times during the race and tried to offer encouraging words by way of thanks. What a star! </p><p>By the time I'd been to the loo, collected my number and dumped my bag, the race briefing was starting. It included a description of the route, which I instantly forgot.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijzy9Ak87l_gEsm_vZgm3b-PUXI018FRzoHSY45h8ttXgNoXqwa-MsoUm2bHrTlndOScuAbPiV_KtnzG2ylIi8bbm3F5PxY_g_1zAwpu2XdbdUmTMQZMSY33DhIp4LK_dx-b7ivrzzbq5JPb62AiqUMyjUWimSGb-L5iBtmL9_iNUpj1nefboVSg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijzy9Ak87l_gEsm_vZgm3b-PUXI018FRzoHSY45h8ttXgNoXqwa-MsoUm2bHrTlndOScuAbPiV_KtnzG2ylIi8bbm3F5PxY_g_1zAwpu2XdbdUmTMQZMSY33DhIp4LK_dx-b7ivrzzbq5JPb62AiqUMyjUWimSGb-L5iBtmL9_iNUpj1nefboVSg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Here I am in my lovely Big Bear buff, which always makes me laugh. Clever, huh? Also useful for scaring small children in Tesco. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgujS7zQHG2xnn8WhwAB3hPq97SfVx7G3x_67ExpuYWwTjD5pwt9oWBKU978pQdDdfFw0iwqH8mzqlD8OCoCXhZDAgMK7BLaGbu4MEX9O15h8ZGc7wpdFFtHi5uK1Wc9ExLLcCU_onwhWkqUj-kYcdxYsuyXppOGGWHv8Dme8pgflYXAj0jS8xR_w=s320" width="240" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As usual, the start of the race was quite busy and it was quite a gentle start heading out towards the ponds. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPus27xWvNAz5j_RSoYQ_vGIzvUEiC3KSLD-qErbgqnuIZkjKALeZpRy66Hw08DX62cUrWBsVnLDfc4Cs3qNU-6aPhxCvQP3fp4PUUlyIyebll1ezlwG9-Dxy2uOSg-P1fbOUEfnbU-mJMUjR_P-kQ6VzYsAMxSBzYaNYagjml_B5S4g6JifkrYA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPus27xWvNAz5j_RSoYQ_vGIzvUEiC3KSLD-qErbgqnuIZkjKALeZpRy66Hw08DX62cUrWBsVnLDfc4Cs3qNU-6aPhxCvQP3fp4PUUlyIyebll1ezlwG9-Dxy2uOSg-P1fbOUEfnbU-mJMUjR_P-kQ6VzYsAMxSBzYaNYagjml_B5S4g6JifkrYA=s320" width="320" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As predicted there were quite a few people in 100 Marathon Club t-shirts. I used to find them quite intimidating but now I'm well on the way to joining them, I've realised it's just like collecting football cards or stamps or Pokemon. Gotta catch 'em all.... ?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB_k5yGm3YGQjaJvZhZfN4yq_vJ8OvZSIsGeQBARXltNZQHG1NP3Coejk7Z0W2NVVumVzheJFg2WUGftODMrLMzHHCqVgYdRVJaqfuAJS1QFfpzpY8-cw1hwCJbTmJ7Y3ucgEoMk0Ds6OYe6n_DvoakLZRA0cMLu6mrfKmlsYQFhParoDb2k6SKQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB_k5yGm3YGQjaJvZhZfN4yq_vJ8OvZSIsGeQBARXltNZQHG1NP3Coejk7Z0W2NVVumVzheJFg2WUGftODMrLMzHHCqVgYdRVJaqfuAJS1QFfpzpY8-cw1hwCJbTmJ7Y3ucgEoMk0Ds6OYe6n_DvoakLZRA0cMLu6mrfKmlsYQFhParoDb2k6SKQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The country park is called Ryton Pools and the route snaked around 2 sides of this large pool. A lot of it was hidden by trees - on one lap I caught sight of a man scrambled down the bank, trying to retrieve his dog's tennis ball from the pond with a stick. But mostly it was pretty quiet, with just a few dog walkers and later a few parents and children making the most of the play areas.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja2NwAZV74WmZOQbNNZp50iwR4-lof3dSXjIO0r94eISBOUCSZiapt4BApc7wkRzjdBJI5AttPfHWavGQr_uJFHbBV8is6x8V36wIfd_KT-mgY6qohMI-iJ4HdoniD3KXxBaKc3-ps0gfEFjTfbxLrTHn2mFHea1343Sim6MKAPXQYEy2yUXXw5Q=s320" width="320" /></div>At the beginning I had somehow failed to notice the rhino, but I soon spotted him on the first lap. I had seen quite a few of these when I ran the <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2017/04/city-of-london-london-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">London marathon</a> and had always wondered how they trained wearing the costume. Turns out they run round country parks in Warwickshire on a weekday! WHO KNEW?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJZ53v9aiLyGn1ldqnZ30SpqwAvKalMYhfe5xDxsf6RkmH6whZu-B7F_YRx4e0oAl0irxE18Kx6jyKfJLfwKMPKuC6NqozKwZ-ucNWdg3O5qC6f3U3hfXTQP5BQH6VpI0mkP8VZFASbgOyixiSaFM-XM3i7Y8g65Lb9QxLpeFryiLLl8b2oI58nQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJZ53v9aiLyGn1ldqnZ30SpqwAvKalMYhfe5xDxsf6RkmH6whZu-B7F_YRx4e0oAl0irxE18Kx6jyKfJLfwKMPKuC6NqozKwZ-ucNWdg3O5qC6f3U3hfXTQP5BQH6VpI0mkP8VZFASbgOyixiSaFM-XM3i7Y8g65Lb9QxLpeFryiLLl8b2oI58nQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div>The weather forecast had suggested an overcast day with heavy clouds, with any early sunshine soon disappearing. But the sun came out and stayed out for much of the day. I heard a plane overhead and stopped to take a photo of it, it looks almost like a bird here:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh92F_tnEdwUzLt7emsIpO4k9GC81V59RsWs1KGftwrGkMbTMj6tCrP-DqWp7_wDZlPoSXxbpSGDgbxUjkyCXYYggSJieCeDKFb8qLTJlTvZ2i3b2_kkTpbqj2JpGx5DCaoeUzNM6D3HdzpAt2ulu9qe9jvgXSZuy6-n9IUNFDGfX2m0pZbGFdG6Q=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh92F_tnEdwUzLt7emsIpO4k9GC81V59RsWs1KGftwrGkMbTMj6tCrP-DqWp7_wDZlPoSXxbpSGDgbxUjkyCXYYggSJieCeDKFb8qLTJlTvZ2i3b2_kkTpbqj2JpGx5DCaoeUzNM6D3HdzpAt2ulu9qe9jvgXSZuy6-n9IUNFDGfX2m0pZbGFdG6Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div>There was only one real hill on the course and as per usual, I walked up it even on the first lap. It was short and steep (ish). This photo makes it look more dramatic than it actually was.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKX3Dzhu_7-YpkbrcZMKPV02dxGwYAQb5kOZ69auoSiZN0s0_wIBSIClwULlVmInj7SQw6LGw3W4At_5pY_yBJiTK2A1PnuNHzlgDoeC2SW7-2D6yOpm8x9U61wlLGFBJ4z6mDobsNsdXoC9whJyG0jb8vRSpzjpzq7wFMHtN-oY2q1G5_cuxdw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKX3Dzhu_7-YpkbrcZMKPV02dxGwYAQb5kOZ69auoSiZN0s0_wIBSIClwULlVmInj7SQw6LGw3W4At_5pY_yBJiTK2A1PnuNHzlgDoeC2SW7-2D6yOpm8x9U61wlLGFBJ4z6mDobsNsdXoC9whJyG0jb8vRSpzjpzq7wFMHtN-oY2q1G5_cuxdw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p>It always takes me 5k to settle into a marathon and when it has laps, it usually takes two or three before I really get comfortable. On the second lap I spotted the miniature railway - how on earth did I miss that? <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWy709lvidQhGyht7p9LVEkTJFmMaQbvrEdUkkQua-ko35meWN1IrgU1OmJYvgQobyacL_ALODfKuMgVyJgsKimP2_YV37-Jz-JDn-Cdsz69cOZA7vWjVDKEzbeVFjZwDvzDrcQPfWRsKLdqRaBzl0pdaLM3jtc7DPYzUoeunYHDNT7fQSNNW4w=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWy709lvidQhGyht7p9LVEkTJFmMaQbvrEdUkkQua-ko35meWN1IrgU1OmJYvgQobyacL_ALODfKuMgVyJgsKimP2_YV37-Jz-JDn-Cdsz69cOZA7vWjVDKEzbeVFjZwDvzDrcQPfWRsKLdqRaBzl0pdaLM3jtc7DPYzUoeunYHDNT7fQSNNW4w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>As I proceeded round the second lap, I started thinking about work. The night before I had stupidly checked my work emails at quarter to eleven. Not the best time for bad news: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Unfortunately, I regret to advise you were not selected for a place [on a Starting Out In Research Course] on this occasion. The course was highly oversubscribed. Yours was a strong application but you have not been in post for very long and we felt you might benefit from a course which was more specifically related to getting your work published"</i></p><p>Due to Covid, and moving jobs, and a number of other things, my ability to get involved in research has been limited, despite having wanted to ever since finishing university. Myself and a colleague at my previous work had co-written an abstract which has now been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. We're hoping to convert this into a full paper and get it published in a proper journal - so when I saw this course I thought it would be ideal. I didn't realise it was competitive and was looking forward to it so felt pretty disappointed and disheartened not to have been chosen. Especially as I'd been in my previous role for 18 months so it wasn't as if I was new to working at this level. How am I meant to get started in research if I can't even get onto the 'getting started' course? </p><p>Running is the perfect activity for reflecting on things. It's helped me work through a variety of disappointments and defeats. I decided to just let myself feel disappointed for a while. I allowed every whiny, "BUT IT'S NOT FAAAAAAIIIIIRRRRR" thought to wash over me. I felt a bit tearful with twinges of imposter syndrome - "<i>why am I never good enough..</i>?". I felt annoyed at them for not picking me, which transitioned seamlessly into feeling annoyed at myself for having bashed out the application form in half an hour when I could've tried a bit harder. After a couple of miles, finally I got a glimmer of Acceptance. I started thinking about what to do next. I came up with a plan. It might not be perfect, it might not be what I wanted, but it's the next logical step I can take and at least I'm doing something. </p><p>As I reached the end of this process, I gradually caught up with the runner in front. She was playing tinny music from her phone. As I got closer, I realised it was "Come On Eileen". It finished and the next song was "When The Going Gets Tough". The horrific-ness of her playlist was enough to inspire me to pick up the pace and overtake her. Thankfully I never saw her again. Sorry lady! It's not you, it's your music taste :) <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUDRQKg7V2A2SkltyU89HRQf04vfJ1l2XmSCEYytLTN_mO6lHMndj508uhN0AlAh_qVrMsvV9HHWp86U_aBDORpXu7uyWn_4tUnrlSVEtlii0e92UastvH3sRUPawAXX4kAzLAwK6OvN6-GAEhaxQQKpWUQtrrQ_PKttWbFj02Dng3ouBJa-IRWQ=s320" width="240" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Another funny interaction I had was with this lady. Her top looked exactly like a Watford Joggers top and so as I overtook her, I asked, "Are you from Watford?" She replied, "No... I'm from Coventry!" sounding slightly surprised. We had a nice chat as apparently one of the local clubs round here uses the same red/white harlequin top - must be confusing at the London marathon. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir1Y8YG3_aa0-f0RbAaVBcNlXVCGNmfhMlpgrYZqzfDwxPUfZxj5hQYyf4yNpp8Ut8OMhmffB4LI63mEMcop9D_TVf89fObp7Ck726TbMcNL23XLxCaMOE1iMBAlMOmFCK3lsygeTjof2MTfh1XgxAG6cVfvy2lLMQAPmNfWNp5ZBasTgipLgVnA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir1Y8YG3_aa0-f0RbAaVBcNlXVCGNmfhMlpgrYZqzfDwxPUfZxj5hQYyf4yNpp8Ut8OMhmffB4LI63mEMcop9D_TVf89fObp7Ck726TbMcNL23XLxCaMOE1iMBAlMOmFCK3lsygeTjof2MTfh1XgxAG6cVfvy2lLMQAPmNfWNp5ZBasTgipLgVnA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>On the third lap, I suddenly spotted the 'pirate themed playground' that had been mentioned in the race briefing. It was actually pretty cool and literally right alongside the trail. Goodness only knows how I missed it the first two laps... The photo I took of the sail/skeleton looks really moody and atmospheric but was taken within seconds of the other three so it's just a trick of the light.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJxW92lcMcWxTGKryfLR6E4ZkkCp6YpdSKT_lTbK8WotaQQdrdWMMqJySgVLHCGeIuizRXBBTiQs5jayUVPeAS5F2d8s3202lhA4MTeM-quCgw8AE-PZaIBwCyycaHVgTAA-3X4GkfMVzq8sMdfm6dr_XEPynV0IVz3Kg-36D1yXMzejZ5lfisHg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJxW92lcMcWxTGKryfLR6E4ZkkCp6YpdSKT_lTbK8WotaQQdrdWMMqJySgVLHCGeIuizRXBBTiQs5jayUVPeAS5F2d8s3202lhA4MTeM-quCgw8AE-PZaIBwCyycaHVgTAA-3X4GkfMVzq8sMdfm6dr_XEPynV0IVz3Kg-36D1yXMzejZ5lfisHg=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBMq4sAdH5hm847CGfWYU_lDMfoWIkUtl7x1HaZfZ-4iWkmRVj55orvf64CxxEEcSheq-jwPi-j_knCHGwFN1GTpG13nN42-P_5ynzArUgKDTPZBcypUyrtsJgjAwHgiuJeA6nzaTr11g5cfTcmM-Hm7DYUg29VE_nbnnNcZFc48e4ZTDStZAAbw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBMq4sAdH5hm847CGfWYU_lDMfoWIkUtl7x1HaZfZ-4iWkmRVj55orvf64CxxEEcSheq-jwPi-j_knCHGwFN1GTpG13nN42-P_5ynzArUgKDTPZBcypUyrtsJgjAwHgiuJeA6nzaTr11g5cfTcmM-Hm7DYUg29VE_nbnnNcZFc48e4ZTDStZAAbw=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7qOcg81goqZqp9EPF6rgdNYHmg2kOkfYgG-1qdEfs9s-k4GK3sRS71MjDWk6E0KP57dJNIA8Qzm7dgy4_bDGhurBAgtWGexCMpp2-c8RHPiEmRXJQMDB0pgFmywSw8LGzqmLp40toIM3fYQAdxqkgJ0EtWdcERyzHwkGI16Fjf5LWKoH4MMQsuw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7qOcg81goqZqp9EPF6rgdNYHmg2kOkfYgG-1qdEfs9s-k4GK3sRS71MjDWk6E0KP57dJNIA8Qzm7dgy4_bDGhurBAgtWGexCMpp2-c8RHPiEmRXJQMDB0pgFmywSw8LGzqmLp40toIM3fYQAdxqkgJ0EtWdcERyzHwkGI16Fjf5LWKoH4MMQsuw=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtt1LEsxay-cONW1set45yBizuKZXBuNkSPfs94v1fKm0XJ1nWnXjtjZTY5q7BnULVMZ8kQcc2qZqDeihEp8mGBVGqB7rxjmH3dVmDDZkuy_FKYYpbtR_g-6a7OmevnHZT5sLucQ6SbCxX5Dkj4kFd9_ZBRW_WGZt86fRV6lPugyLbdg28QxP3eg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtt1LEsxay-cONW1set45yBizuKZXBuNkSPfs94v1fKm0XJ1nWnXjtjZTY5q7BnULVMZ8kQcc2qZqDeihEp8mGBVGqB7rxjmH3dVmDDZkuy_FKYYpbtR_g-6a7OmevnHZT5sLucQ6SbCxX5Dkj4kFd9_ZBRW_WGZt86fRV6lPugyLbdg28QxP3eg=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div></div><p>I don't remember much of the third or fourth loops. Other than it was warm and I shed my gilet after running the first loop in t-shirt, jacket and gilet. I tied the jacket round my waist the second loop, and left it behind at the aid station on the third loop. I ran the 4th loop in just a t-shirt, laughing to myself that I was running out of layers to take off (!) Luckily (for everyone) I needed to put my jacket back on on lap 5 as the weather cooled off a bit, haha.<br /></p><p>This is the view from the end of the loop before rejoining the out-and-back section.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZq-eTzhjrxWE4NDbmYfluKTb-xji1V1bteX3OE8HhmG-UbQHaALBlbsN8e_q9KZA5-r1uKaj8EOOkfxUKnCCp6hvfHUsvaajSrPMV5NfhToAnctkdK3RFyUFiQdiRmDN4hOfNplk9PVBWIvN-zoamiMBmDgplfYrnWopdQzhdA3yPpwS9ZxUsdg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZq-eTzhjrxWE4NDbmYfluKTb-xji1V1bteX3OE8HhmG-UbQHaALBlbsN8e_q9KZA5-r1uKaj8EOOkfxUKnCCp6hvfHUsvaajSrPMV5NfhToAnctkdK3RFyUFiQdiRmDN4hOfNplk9PVBWIvN-zoamiMBmDgplfYrnWopdQzhdA3yPpwS9ZxUsdg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I headed back I noticed the rhino had been accosted by small children and had knelt down on the floor to have his picture taken. I heard the child's mum saying, "He's a very friendly rhino, don't be scared! Why don't we put some money in his pot?" I imagine this happens a lot when you run marathons dressed as a large safari animal. I thought it was cute but not cute enough to inspire me to run a marathon wearing a heavy, awkward costume. I once did 10k dressed as a strawberry and that was quite enough!<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="2305" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8e16ZB6Z2nn4AJ2Uno6BWe8bUC5xdse9tkwffOEDnoIjFvFlqVjk-QZ5kRuOyJuF79O7-tk1uYoCKRn20Rru_qwlf2t6f3hvwo8jOhNqZMTAf7ZkjQqowDwjjHmZmJW4gLBStYo01n4hXryE2gInAEW8bn-Wn-casoxVrdsH5CZfVGUdj7X5IMw=s320" width="320" /><br /></p><p>At the start of lap 5, my joy at being out on the trail was starting to wear off. Realising you've got to do all of that again, plus starting to feel a bit tired, and feeling slightly uncomfortable due to gorging myself with aid station snacks, I just wasn't really feeling it. But then I bumped into Jon. Jon is a 100 Marathon Club veteran and, it transpires, is actually their Treasurer. I asked how many marathons he'd done, because let's face it, it's never a hundred, is it? Well no, it wasn't. Today was his 298th. Bloody hell. His wife also runs and she's not far off 200 I think he said...<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiMD5IbBuyXcXV0rYegHIp12piZADfPjCGqRY8rCwdLW0z6LkD0rW3dhdqbERfFuw5DWn5266SrfST1MgpS5h_uFFShus6v67SBaBBRFfJHPiX19xJ29DCvMsoJB3mA8JX2VXS043mUbWIv0B1XbuCdWD6Ot0OrxW9YxOpHdZGtjlLZnvmt6XKyw=s320" width="320" /></p><p>We proceeded to run together for the rest of the race. He was a very interesting man and we shared life stories, race stories and he told me about all the epic and insane runs he has completed. He was from Telford and knew Denzil, who was the race director of my <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/07/shropshire-piece-of-cake-marathon-race.html" target="_blank">Shropshire</a> race (which remains one of my favourite counties despite having completed it nearly 3 years ago now), who it transpires was also running at today's event and they'd come in the same car - small world! He also knew Lucas who I'd run <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/02/worcestershire-seven-deadly-sins.html" target="_blank">Worcestershire</a> with and saw briefly at <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/11/derbyshire-tissington-trail-marathon.html" target="_blank">Derbyshire</a>. So we had plenty to chat about. He was also pretty speedy and I kept trying to slow down but failing. <br /></p><p>On our last loop, we stopped to take a picture of these metal elephants which I'd noticed earlier but kept forgetting to take a picture of. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2rLQFWft6Ho_OuSSNDK11FrgXwWkusZspNJabH2KQCE6nL2VeB_MKQ6GkdNE-yrHj0KhFr6tKFCoS7fIEMVhoPNmd4Hok6_w0KDL49nxkFJYZYxlRSnXaxNhREkP6wL0j_db1IHp06jn5a9fidw96p8jxIRKZ68NQj8Ugv0hsADQ4OipLMI_a7A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2rLQFWft6Ho_OuSSNDK11FrgXwWkusZspNJabH2KQCE6nL2VeB_MKQ6GkdNE-yrHj0KhFr6tKFCoS7fIEMVhoPNmd4Hok6_w0KDL49nxkFJYZYxlRSnXaxNhREkP6wL0j_db1IHp06jn5a9fidw96p8jxIRKZ68NQj8Ugv0hsADQ4OipLMI_a7A=s320" width="320" /></a></div>And that was it. We put on a burst of speed at the end and managed to lap the rhino, which strangely pleased me despite not aiming to be fast at all. We finished in 4 hours 24 minutes, which Jon told me was his fastest marathon since 2018! I did a little bonus extra bit to make up the time on my Garmin to a marathon as I'd accidentally stopped it for 1/2 kilometre earlier in the race, then returned to the aid station to collect my medal, beer and flapjack. The aid station was wonderfully well supplied, with food cut up into suitable sized pieces and placed into little paper bags. They featured delights such as pizza, hot cross buns, falafel etc as well as bananas, jelly sweets, Tribe bars and all sorts of other goodies.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Ek5CIYp63vFhyxDcJTYSdXh_08WsCF1n_1mflbzrOMVklx7oAcl8ei8u40qWPWtgAeT1rCvIbEWcyvdbebT7vAyhPOq4H7Y7heUAmh2n80HJQyeQcYXKXo-R0DQ0by4PtHkIzJMJKzJKoILuvpXTK7CqPPFyhgEr1JJxkdVZH_p7O3sPbbR-7Q=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Ek5CIYp63vFhyxDcJTYSdXh_08WsCF1n_1mflbzrOMVklx7oAcl8ei8u40qWPWtgAeT1rCvIbEWcyvdbebT7vAyhPOq4H7Y7heUAmh2n80HJQyeQcYXKXo-R0DQ0by4PtHkIzJMJKzJKoILuvpXTK7CqPPFyhgEr1JJxkdVZH_p7O3sPbbR-7Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br />There was a poster showing the route, which I hadn't spotted until the end, but I didn't clock the inadvertent 'Strava art' until later, haha.<br /><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPVX2mCau1AZsgzC0qis5m-jMgBejZHBV6XttKASuY3n8Olvv2H7tjfohEqGd-qPxLG5v2uiJeAs1qe8LYCLgCwAH5NkXe6vSQJfmIqqTy_Nd3xYBjRnZGG4GrSdZOFPYnsBPsxAOKYUKryuRKfEY1qt-3qBqHUJdOFW-jwAJsH72LKxSeMCKe2Q=w150-h200" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNw8dOPLDoM8m_0Jtlrtn0ztVuXGefo3EGB3l0crNc3nvYg1GRcsobfGEu0zRuc8NUd3UTkeg3YwfrOJGpLgi-hcsFwUx1Gcn3r0I1lPy_RZSBOQAaKgHcPUyL-u65d2Cf2kK4wJXTUER0kA-j_HkpisrwRNso0X5K-QW4CV19NRoIjIRaW6Q6w=s1088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1088" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNw8dOPLDoM8m_0Jtlrtn0ztVuXGefo3EGB3l0crNc3nvYg1GRcsobfGEu0zRuc8NUd3UTkeg3YwfrOJGpLgi-hcsFwUx1Gcn3r0I1lPy_RZSBOQAaKgHcPUyL-u65d2Cf2kK4wJXTUER0kA-j_HkpisrwRNso0X5K-QW4CV19NRoIjIRaW6Q6w=w200-h149" width="200" /></a> </p><p>One of the friendly marshalls took a nice photo for me at the end:<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm8BiAAmjFwabF-lyyisxjTYebudwAXsEt0KerZ03bc2NpRs12bJgvdLmF7KlvZjUd-lVk0AlhQSNdgkBafKI2ncLSiFsJnopx6-MK7djFMGhQu5X29JQdxCsLhhxzIgP584kdHKco3HsGucQP9WOk3hyzv_eXtRCIylgHfB2sdJrSzFqwIs11kg=s320" width="320" /></p><p>Plus the obligatory selfie with my medal:<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7R3Ncvh33GnE8Pbj0jkSLNxnD3jfIQvB_TFmGSKVIMDtiiqmWNMu8386gpdLfDpjYw3Uh-zO1zfRQSLmcpj3bPC4sQib4Qgpv8kKjIIyA75p_RbXg-ILCdu1Uef5JCzXX_oLYoy7TATZ3ebYieeUbMc9ulgEu64mSbn34bzKjLdYK7b9v9CESCw=s320" width="240" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The race turned out to be less flat than I thought - eight laps with a few little hills each lap ended up with a pretty spiky elevation profile: 383m total which is not nothing!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE6qlNKIl3cWrMhI4naP4XqMvWcU41AXNDuGuF6jqMkLjW0t_0WIc-Gu-QRNsegu08ewiX8raXCCHAaTMC8UefzchF0AJBXDPLR6zyOiyH6HYvgrwoyXwce1VlcaoRJXzavHGaD1DosaKoPkCedJymemEfFHaZc_ymkgZVPdsbxEy0ADDOQxfsMg=s320" width="320" /> </p><p>I headed off to the car and although I was planning to save it, couldn't resist eating my super-tasty flapjack.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF6EALV3BAEFE-Lc0_bBrVI2fc-v0URdOLtKs2CL7rxrfLNpd54YwzH69gAFZnlluiK3oIE_h3is0tsdqft7ENrcYYb6SZE309W459zEHrrJeR-3r8ecNVM1JFfxv3yIWYtB87PLl4IbH2GouOuUCzf41JO72H929fu4j_Kw6tc0LUyIr8ETMbJg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF6EALV3BAEFE-Lc0_bBrVI2fc-v0URdOLtKs2CL7rxrfLNpd54YwzH69gAFZnlluiK3oIE_h3is0tsdqft7ENrcYYb6SZE309W459zEHrrJeR-3r8ecNVM1JFfxv3yIWYtB87PLl4IbH2GouOuUCzf41JO72H929fu4j_Kw6tc0LUyIr8ETMbJg=s320" width="240" /></a> <br /></p><p>On the way back I was driving along absentmindedly when a sign on my left caught my eye. It said 'Raining Cats and Dogs' which was the name of the kennels I passed when I was doing <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/06/west-midlands-escape-from-meriden-ultra.html" target="_blank">Escape from Meriden</a>.... which was in Coventry.... OMG.... the penny dropped, I was on the A45, the scene of my traumatic night run! It was broad daylight and as I drove along I could hardly believe that I had <b><i>run </i></b>this. In the middle of the night. On my own. What a badass!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Ryton Pools Country Park, Ryton Rd, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3BH, UK52.349175499999987 -1.45484924.038941663821142 -36.611099 80.65940933617884 33.701401tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-78992775508502006452022-01-22T08:00:00.632+00:002022-01-24T16:28:32.881+00:00Wiltshire: Beyond the Far Side 6 hour race recap<p>When I first started thinking about the end of this challenge, I had an idea that Wiltshire would be my last county. I had had my eye on a really spectacular 102 miler called the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2014/oct/07/running-blog-cotswold-century-cotswold-way-national-trail" target="_blank">Cotswold Way Century</a>. It had a medal, it would count for Wiltshire, it would be a suitably dramatic finish to my adventure.</p><p>But it clashed with a friend's wedding, and then it was cancelled because of Covid, and then it clashed with the same friend's wedding again, and then I decided life's too short to wait around for 100 milers and entered Autumn 100, which I duly completed in October last year. At the end of 24 hours and 17 minutes of running, I discovered I absolutely would not have wanted to celebrate the end of an epic 7 year challenge. I didn't want to be interviewed, I didn't want to eat cake and drink champagne, I didn't want to talk to people or write a Facebook post. All I wanted to do was drink cold milk, have a shower and go to bed.</p><p>I had a re-think. Finishing my challenge with a 100 miler was a terrible idea, the absolute worst. I'd abandoned the idea of the Cotswold Way Century before I'd even finished A100. Which left a Wiltshire-shaped hole in my race plans.<br /></p><p>I started looking at races. Many of them weren't long enough, weren't happening, clashed with other races, clashed with my long awaited skiing holiday, weren't at the right time of year etc etc. Much moaning and gnashing of teeth occurred before I came across this race: Beyond the Far Side. <a href="https://www.crookedtrackswiltshire.co.uk/events" target="_blank">The race website</a> was genuinely funny and I can often tell in advance when an event is going to be run by my kind of people, people who just really love running and putting on fun events and go the extra mile to make sure the participants have a really great time. Their races are often not the easy ones but they are always rewarding. <br /></p><p>My favourite race directors so far are <span>Richard Weremuik of Beyond Marathon (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/06/lincolnshire-convergence-race-74-mile_10.html" target="_blank">Lincolnshire</a>, <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/06/west-midlands-escape-from-meriden-ultra.html" target="_blank">West Midlands</a>), the It's Grim Up North crew (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/10/west-yorkshire-hubble-bubble-marathon.html" target="_blank">West Yorkshire</a>, <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/09/east-riding-of-yorkshire-hornsea-trail.html">East Riding of Yorkshire</a>), Denzil of How Hard Can It Be Events (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/07/shropshire-piece-of-cake-marathon-race.html" target="_blank">Shropshire</a>), the White Star Running team (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/09/dorset-crafty-fox-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Dorset</a>), Paul Albon of Big Bear Events (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/10/staffordshire-birch-challenge-marathon.html" target="_blank">Staffordshire</a> and Warwickshire/Leicestershire still to come) and Steven Mills of Zig Zag Running (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/12/cambridgeshire-bauble-bimble-marathon.html" target="_blank">Cambridgeshire</a> and <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/12/hertfordshire-band-of-runners-rocking.html" target="_blank">Hertfordshire</a>). Neil from Crooked Tracks Wiltshire looked certain to join this elite group of truly wonderful race directors who are a huge part of the reason I enjoy running races so much. </span></p><p><span>Having said that, this wasn't the perfect race for me. It was in January, for a start, and I don't like cold or rain. Secondly, it involved a lot of hills and I haven't really done any training on hills. It's pretty flat in London... Only two months ago I complained about the 300m of ascent in <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/11/derbyshire-tissington-trail-marathon.html" target="_blank">Derbyshire</a>. </span></p><p><span>The website says:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">"The route covers approximately 5.30 miles with an overall elevation of 850ft per circuit.</span></span></span></span><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"> <br />Each
circuit will consist of 3 descents from the Plain back down to
civilisation. "Not bad" I hear you say. Well............it kinda is
really, because after 2 of these descents<br /> you have to turn around and go
straight back up the hill that you have just ran down"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">Hmmm. That works out at 1400m for the marathon, which is just slightly over the height of Ben Nevis. Hmm.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">Also, it's a trail marathon, and that means mud. Lots of mud. Especially in January. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">I ummed and ahhed about it, but secretly I knew I was going to sign up for it. Eventually I bit the bullet on 7th January and went to sign up ... and entries had closed. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">I sent a begging email to the Race Director telling him my tale of woe. He wrote back the next day:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>It would be an absolute pleasure to have you join us at BTFS and help you with your challenge"</i></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">I love him already. I hurriedly threw money at him before he changed his mind.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span><span style="color: black;">Two weeks later, Ben and I drove down to Frome on a Friday night straight after work. He drove the car, I googled for somewhere to go for dinner and we ended up at a really lovely restaurant called Eight Stony Street. Definitely recommend it if you happen to be in Frome! I had an amazing squash and sage pizza and Ben was very impressed with their wine. While he was having a look in the wine cellar, I gazed out of the window at the large hill outside and sighed heavily. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgilmDGaa9dxHf_2Dga1YgcWmDSoWKR43OHu_UqJlmcFzOD2V-4xSnsmcnf1Z1BVRs25ReL4EDRocD1V5fcgRJ_H1_u6vwOO148guTDyPWYW6QBKHOImWWCs099qaQUSNNRXXJ691g4OX7DW9FZ5NV9DZLDBcCx3KbWr1wKuUwbHvZzNxzBaT7UIQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgilmDGaa9dxHf_2Dga1YgcWmDSoWKR43OHu_UqJlmcFzOD2V-4xSnsmcnf1Z1BVRs25ReL4EDRocD1V5fcgRJ_H1_u6vwOO148guTDyPWYW6QBKHOImWWCs099qaQUSNNRXXJ691g4OX7DW9FZ5NV9DZLDBcCx3KbWr1wKuUwbHvZzNxzBaT7UIQ=w150-h200" width="150" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS1A7OHkbU7YMpQdYbykChyZ_6oj36imWolIvynEqs73hr_s4-gn3KZpyvoTiWE8ZkWISka4xTxX_G86YZokbHB-I3WPIhigWq4zmmn6Mv9WwgrwmPTEU9QqbCQKegSdNj-KOJMqOl2mlPmyYwjSjgdHq4mMJqymkIhbkn2WkAsiaM8rrDZcKUOw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS1A7OHkbU7YMpQdYbykChyZ_6oj36imWolIvynEqs73hr_s4-gn3KZpyvoTiWE8ZkWISka4xTxX_G86YZokbHB-I3WPIhigWq4zmmn6Mv9WwgrwmPTEU9QqbCQKegSdNj-KOJMqOl2mlPmyYwjSjgdHq4mMJqymkIhbkn2WkAsiaM8rrDZcKUOw=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><p>I really didn't know if I was going to be able to do this. 1400m ascent is a lot, and 6 hours is not that long. I remembered <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/08/surrey-woldingham-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Surrey</a>
was a really hilly marathon so I went back to see how hilly: 1000m.
That race took me 5 hours 50 minutes (in 2019). In the race
instructions for tomorrow it said: <br /></p><p><i>"All laps must be completed within the time frame that you have signed up
for. Any lap that is outside of that time will not be counted towards
your overall total tally of laps completed"</i></p><p>Oh god. What if I
only manage 4 laps and it therefore only counts as 21.2miles? I'll
have to come back to Wiltshire and do another race. Arrggh. And I hate
hills, and cold, and mud. </p><p>I felt despondent. Why have I done this to myself? AGAIN?<br />I decided there was only one thing for it, and that was I was going to have to change my mindset. It is bloody impossible to run a good race if you spend the whole race thinking "I'm rubbish and I can't do this," (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/10/suffolk-endurancelife-coastal-trails.html" target="_blank">Suffolk</a> was a classic example). Therefore I needed a new, better plan. I needed to embrace the hills. I needed to actively start liking hills. No - more than that - I needed to LOVE hills. In fact, I needed to be the kind of person who entered this race precisely because I LOVE HILLS SO MUCH. </p><p>NOBODY LOVES HILLS MORE THAN I LOVE HILLS. HILLS ARE THE BEST. I decided if anyone asked me tomorrow why I was doing this race, I would tell them it was because I couldn't wait to run up all those hills. I mentally tried to do this with a straight face. It was tricky, but I thought I could pull it off.</p><p>This race report is already quite long, and I haven't actually got to race day yet. Sorry about that.</p><p>The next morning we woke up, I packed all my stuff, and Ben drove me to the race start in Westbury, passing a 'Welcome to Wiltshire' sign on the way. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK-4dmqMx21yKT4paDYS08WZ6_8IPcmVTDJxYzvYfF4iiLQ34QtFn43vNHWdH6S2Y8nDkYJwsa34U0b5Civ2y57IiXhKj-k5EZ9ZverCB1uhRQR9Hm5MuyVhbqoCbr0LXLPRSY5Oe3qpfia6k6LiH5_PFNIwvVrHrQd1g3vL77MvVgVkf4WAe5mw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK-4dmqMx21yKT4paDYS08WZ6_8IPcmVTDJxYzvYfF4iiLQ34QtFn43vNHWdH6S2Y8nDkYJwsa34U0b5Civ2y57IiXhKj-k5EZ9ZverCB1uhRQR9Hm5MuyVhbqoCbr0LXLPRSY5Oe3qpfia6k6LiH5_PFNIwvVrHrQd1g3vL77MvVgVkf4WAe5mw=s320" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p>We parked down the road and walked up to the leisure centre where the start was. I went to the loo and dumped my stuff and rushed outside for the race briefing. It was pretty minimalist and at the end the race director said "Any questions?" and someone said "Where's the mud?" </p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwLPi8BNPLhc_RneTQTji4-ON7u9S4KLX1LeuASn8reMZlmKKp00NrRgyphA7IVSTiEo5L_hhcZC9B5Ml3xxStX3EHsqDEx6twXFp4RI2y7U-Jwv33XAM6k18vEpJxXFnWuc7U1SGmPthcXtA2EZ6g3hzZP4T-4QyZ4YrnBSo7avTUZ-3_w0q9Bw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwLPi8BNPLhc_RneTQTji4-ON7u9S4KLX1LeuASn8reMZlmKKp00NrRgyphA7IVSTiEo5L_hhcZC9B5Ml3xxStX3EHsqDEx6twXFp4RI2y7U-Jwv33XAM6k18vEpJxXFnWuc7U1SGmPthcXtA2EZ6g3hzZP4T-4QyZ4YrnBSo7avTUZ-3_w0q9Bw=s320" width="320" /></a></p>In the run up to the race, the weather had been incredibly favourable. It hadn't rained for a week and the forecast was for light winds and mild clouds and a little sunshine. I didn't discover this post on Facebook until after the event:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkrJ9f-VH4o7435P2ZOAyGFiBTfclCRk0Vgr5ZicpoVU8FovdtVeE_801B6CW7lbkvah8NTAQ_pfSLQLS1ng9GFMrBt6A5vv_OSQ47o3hSfFLOG78lxBVklPjj5LKlnuFPDV5dIxd2VldO2JtwrtqZAo1dD12BjONRXrS5MF5F1p5qa39pzKSBCw=s1884" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="1112" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkrJ9f-VH4o7435P2ZOAyGFiBTfclCRk0Vgr5ZicpoVU8FovdtVeE_801B6CW7lbkvah8NTAQ_pfSLQLS1ng9GFMrBt6A5vv_OSQ47o3hSfFLOG78lxBVklPjj5LKlnuFPDV5dIxd2VldO2JtwrtqZAo1dD12BjONRXrS5MF5F1p5qa39pzKSBCw=w236-h400" width="236" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The race was made up of a 24 hour race (which had started at 8pm the night before), a 12 hour race and a 6 hour race (which both started at 8am). Therefore there were already some bedraggled looking people out on the course who had been running loops for 12 hours. At the start though we were all quite fresh and perky and we set off on the first section in a big group:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeDSG2HMGe-u7Q26bODB6BTK586o3apaRHyUpWDQvluYbkPqL3QMbKlJjaKVhxrACQrjZ67i0Zsuod3v8CLtr4Sfn34v2px_35WzRYLbkxaIuhsq-8XSYK4fgKi2OpNg3Q-Tdk6--3PgtElKXQtbLmI6OToZxjIa9L2vdga4jzlTCoqwJS3fqY0w=s320" width="320" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">As usual, I walked any section which I felt I would want to walk on lap 5 (because there's no point in burning energy racing up hills on lap 1 only to be crawling up them later - may as well walk them all). I had decided I would try to run all the flats and downhills and walk the uphills purposefully. As we got to the first hill, the group started to thin out a bit:<br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkViJ2AnjifvA8sg73AfsNqO4XffsMEWjug0PHwpNzO5VDGrOe8DA8FlI1t7kb1z_IYtK8-AawuLOQ1cMln2ELeyxzQyciNogLfgEHAGK7Hhh1CHSZucUzWE0obiKhLyls-EeHmM8ilwZAV6HiLZFyXSYEixhb0APfjtqtzMlpIbkFUIhRHFLl-w=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkViJ2AnjifvA8sg73AfsNqO4XffsMEWjug0PHwpNzO5VDGrOe8DA8FlI1t7kb1z_IYtK8-AawuLOQ1cMln2ELeyxzQyciNogLfgEHAGK7Hhh1CHSZucUzWE0obiKhLyls-EeHmM8ilwZAV6HiLZFyXSYEixhb0APfjtqtzMlpIbkFUIhRHFLl-w=s320" width="240" /></a></div>The first hill was pretty steep and got savagely steeper for the last 150m or so. A lot of people had poles, which seemed like a really good idea. I do not own any poles as I rarely run hills. For the first time ever, I wished I did. I picked up a large stick and tried using this instead. Surprisingly, it actually seemed to help although it did make me look like a ridiculous cross between Gandalf and a Cub Scout. I ditched it at the top of the hill and started running again down a lovely section next to some majestic trees.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDIQPNd0MmRO8EfFxIQxLO9cnan2aLAin9jeQg5WhZjccqikSe-gZb-KWgT_W2gtx2vI00GReYtXSt6yhIHCtosyFIgml77e13xI6W-mxpVExrj1fi8XAQBUNc5ikz-uXZarhxc0lJRc5x8BTO0JH7BMb_JIK5Jp_i9HlwavSYyAa067pSCAEpvg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDIQPNd0MmRO8EfFxIQxLO9cnan2aLAin9jeQg5WhZjccqikSe-gZb-KWgT_W2gtx2vI00GReYtXSt6yhIHCtosyFIgml77e13xI6W-mxpVExrj1fi8XAQBUNc5ikz-uXZarhxc0lJRc5x8BTO0JH7BMb_JIK5Jp_i9HlwavSYyAa067pSCAEpvg=s320" width="240" /></a> <br /></p><p>Shortly afterwards there was an open, mildly uphill section overlooking the quite beautiful countryside:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKGYZZuwSwV6Z-bmIaNni322xbvJ16iDrwdtH_1DGbOg80lV50LT8NqGQZiUYdjPjsFZIOt3oF0x_w2zXh5eV8KNZ0UbUIbnggJEhMoSd8LHT2gLtlgujMOPE2EwieHu-oZF6yx52hIPUVZ1XIvuS_V9v_LuT4pEO3K6OBelnsp8Iq2iITqJyXsg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKGYZZuwSwV6Z-bmIaNni322xbvJ16iDrwdtH_1DGbOg80lV50LT8NqGQZiUYdjPjsFZIOt3oF0x_w2zXh5eV8KNZ0UbUIbnggJEhMoSd8LHT2gLtlgujMOPE2EwieHu-oZF6yx52hIPUVZ1XIvuS_V9v_LuT4pEO3K6OBelnsp8Iq2iITqJyXsg=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6sdeGcFMGs6OtFbyyRuth2BDkmJ-zXMB6kGoWnwr_kWSiiwBsatErWJHNdizvNCEfUgUmqf_gciVo7vFKfLRxzlpC1TbwivJF1bTyexKITVU0xvz5OrXP0lmJCMwVvEIvGZs6n7dMhlyeIX8j9hD6yRT8ryJKsDlyrrojuMkdl3hvx8hnQn3I7Q=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6sdeGcFMGs6OtFbyyRuth2BDkmJ-zXMB6kGoWnwr_kWSiiwBsatErWJHNdizvNCEfUgUmqf_gciVo7vFKfLRxzlpC1TbwivJF1bTyexKITVU0xvz5OrXP0lmJCMwVvEIvGZs6n7dMhlyeIX8j9hD6yRT8ryJKsDlyrrojuMkdl3hvx8hnQn3I7Q=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div></div>Just at the end of this section you could see the second hill ahead. There was a marshall at the turning point - a very cheerful man in a brightly coloured skirt, who I later found out was called Phil - who cheerfully informed me that this was 'the Hill of Opportunity' as it provided the <i>opportunity</i> to run down it and then straight back up it. Lucky for me that I LOVE HILLS then! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5iUpxMDzHN7u9qIbEEeVqY0A0KCnxP-Q0L9OOz8aFKunEJOzqWFlOVQbxeYnRQ2qu8tpuc26ixqTKOL9NVFUlnKZaQcT9-s_FBG6ibMzWsQ1tCyNw3nnTlU3VX616FL-oeDXKlv-3laWEbwjI08IZEnN1m0YJTuaSVrWUqk4ASAJ6hcKR9vf0ZA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5iUpxMDzHN7u9qIbEEeVqY0A0KCnxP-Q0L9OOz8aFKunEJOzqWFlOVQbxeYnRQ2qu8tpuc26ixqTKOL9NVFUlnKZaQcT9-s_FBG6ibMzWsQ1tCyNw3nnTlU3VX616FL-oeDXKlv-3laWEbwjI08IZEnN1m0YJTuaSVrWUqk4ASAJ6hcKR9vf0ZA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>The track was quite rutted and my vision was being a bit hit and miss as I had my contact lenses in. Sadly my glasses that could correct the problem were in the car with Ben, rapidly heading in the opposite direction. Oh well... Hopefully it would be OK once it got a bit lighter (it was).<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCzKec7PZ99nbdReICPCeBmtTPBliggeoXWKgegJZkxtC910ElbJGi0_2gZvbpSYbZHLYzDZegmfnLI2yq2LB4OUZZg2TrgAUwbIBX1Ltw1maQj3CGYZX5svKXuk3ziTIi1K9Myexy7YDFhv4IpZDpMjdQ8Ge9MZakqkgWOVz4zeheM_u-6e6s-Q=s320" width="320" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">At the bottom of the hill there was a marshall telling us where to turn around (lucky as I may have just carried on otherwise!) and loop back up the hill. It was pretty chalky and I heard the lady in front of me talking to someone about how this bit could be treacherously slippery when wet. I was really glad it wasn't wet. It probably wouldn't be a bundle of fun in the heat of summer either, with chalk dust scattering up your legs and then down into your shoes every step. I silently thanked the weather gods again.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhndq7f2iR6dpV7SKg5rQ3nSp49ujf8IZkaVJSUYmdm1mBqi_jOPo8WwcVamETkdcjaJ8kIsvVUM0xgB1_u9PzRuuyhW9m9vUKzKn5-GajbUAUiX7Gw2rUH5Ag34qrZnW5v6tUyd0KHvfXS25U9AEIN0Vr4azRQLCXAlBEroC5OK2P2zed9VQa8JQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhndq7f2iR6dpV7SKg5rQ3nSp49ujf8IZkaVJSUYmdm1mBqi_jOPo8WwcVamETkdcjaJ8kIsvVUM0xgB1_u9PzRuuyhW9m9vUKzKn5-GajbUAUiX7Gw2rUH5Ag34qrZnW5v6tUyd0KHvfXS25U9AEIN0Vr4azRQLCXAlBEroC5OK2P2zed9VQa8JQ=s320" width="240" /></a><br /></p><p>Somewhere on this hill I caught up with the lady in front of me, Ruth, and we stayed together for the rest of the lap. She told me she was doing South Downs Way ultra in June and it would be her first (and only!) 100 miler. I'm going to be volunteering at that one, and I told her that I'd just done A100 - which is by the same company, Centurion Running - so of course we had plenty to talk about. She is currently doing the 600 miles in 100 days Slam and we talked a lot about how much mileage is the right amount and I managed to dissuade her from doing a 70 odd mile race 4 weeks before SDW. We talked about nutrition, checkpoints, poles, map-reading, having a coach and other races we've done and the time just flew by.</p><p>Before I knew it we'd done the third hill and were approaching the end of the first lap. I checked my watch and it said 1 hour 4 minutes - I had been hoping to do the first few laps in about an hour so that I could slow down near the end so that wasn't too bad. Ruth said a friend who'd done it before had told her sometimes the mud is knee deep at this race and to expect to only cover about 20 miles in 6 hours. This was obviously worrying (despite the lack of mud this year) and I resolved to keep cracking on.</p><p>At the aid station I needed to go to the loo to resolve my now-traditional GI problems (*SIGH*) so Ruth headed out on her second lap without me. </p><p>I don't remember much about the second lap. I caught up with Ruth and overtook her just after climbing the second hill. After that there was a long flat section along the side of Salisbury Plain - I'd been chatting on the first lap and hadn't paid much attention, but this time I realised it was a great place to make up some time so I upped the pace here.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkN8V2rOJTO4At_5hgA-su1Z5_dJ_1kIwMJPg3qi8eoACgIJ2BDQnem13rdEwYs3QhTmesz9Ex5nPhH49o-hPjzBM7K0aU8vrVc6bg-uqtan9Zhncosakusd2-OsvZuVQYpgnPWks0TjzEssv6LycU88iwqo5vzZPGRRYYNDJEVMqqq77r3tXmhw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkN8V2rOJTO4At_5hgA-su1Z5_dJ_1kIwMJPg3qi8eoACgIJ2BDQnem13rdEwYs3QhTmesz9Ex5nPhH49o-hPjzBM7K0aU8vrVc6bg-uqtan9Zhncosakusd2-OsvZuVQYpgnPWks0TjzEssv6LycU88iwqo5vzZPGRRYYNDJEVMqqq77r3tXmhw=s320" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p>There were lots of signs warning about the military using firearms which was definitely a good incentive not to get lost.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV7EY-9Zwm9UB29TL9v8PndYJd0aHpU4uGDfiAP-ueZ9_eLbS9fDXs5hpIrS06iTts2Oy2bZmOatR87XqavTLLNWt1lIOs81kXWrkkhYlGT65ZlRv07D7DsYkglqmT_SUgKzzd1wFQaBiyKUg5NiaThmTsSHC0CtsIZhH6lqyT-lZrqHwBbXxrIw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV7EY-9Zwm9UB29TL9v8PndYJd0aHpU4uGDfiAP-ueZ9_eLbS9fDXs5hpIrS06iTts2Oy2bZmOatR87XqavTLLNWt1lIOs81kXWrkkhYlGT65ZlRv07D7DsYkglqmT_SUgKzzd1wFQaBiyKUg5NiaThmTsSHC0CtsIZhH6lqyT-lZrqHwBbXxrIw=s320" width="320" /></a></div>I imagine it would've been pretty unpleasant along here in high winds but it was totally fine today and probably the easiest section of the course. From here there was about 4.5km back to the start and I was making good time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbc_mAJVXeztxUUzsF7CQ1etWdBlaV60HPi4LSU8ci4JDdW7Jm__5iu2xeofhJw5dXfgvO79TXVe7gfC6lmvsd9yscy-I-AT4yqpUpVB9Ru4K7t1taYfrCuQolfikhdeTJheq0fjOVKLtHr4dA9Sr8uAjBB308QXRRoYw71x80UYtkma4WoO34Uw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbc_mAJVXeztxUUzsF7CQ1etWdBlaV60HPi4LSU8ci4JDdW7Jm__5iu2xeofhJw5dXfgvO79TXVe7gfC6lmvsd9yscy-I-AT4yqpUpVB9Ru4K7t1taYfrCuQolfikhdeTJheq0fjOVKLtHr4dA9Sr8uAjBB308QXRRoYw71x80UYtkma4WoO34Uw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>This time I paid a bit more attention on the third hill. This was a longer, flatter hill than the first two and much more runnable. It went through the woods and down to a pair of concrete bollards, where there was helpfully a marshall pointing out where to turn around. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaGOFITHmedvVeu_KGBSxcH2CiOkJ3gDp2rRR8pbQvRyMulDrAd95JTR-UfOPf0ol8M6l1L6YzOjQoImQPHQqxESHifDhyh8dUPepF-HiJocuyxV6kWPywz2-7whGKAMY9saESI5cQiyZ_d-n6X4fAg0Wq9DjuImmwtblVvOu_sVAMcocEEokiVA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaGOFITHmedvVeu_KGBSxcH2CiOkJ3gDp2rRR8pbQvRyMulDrAd95JTR-UfOPf0ol8M6l1L6YzOjQoImQPHQqxESHifDhyh8dUPepF-HiJocuyxV6kWPywz2-7whGKAMY9saESI5cQiyZ_d-n6X4fAg0Wq9DjuImmwtblVvOu_sVAMcocEEokiVA=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaGOFITHmedvVeu_KGBSxcH2CiOkJ3gDp2rRR8pbQvRyMulDrAd95JTR-UfOPf0ol8M6l1L6YzOjQoImQPHQqxESHifDhyh8dUPepF-HiJocuyxV6kWPywz2-7whGKAMY9saESI5cQiyZ_d-n6X4fAg0Wq9DjuImmwtblVvOu_sVAMcocEEokiVA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRg0NTUhV4CacAZuWG3fFjIg3DX7NnWwhfIBdpP9nKvM1MeRSiadiAL3hUJtu49OGzZBSII4-oq8qhEc8QvMy3Z5_0ipPnz8DrfuVk9uI-wdNatZKBVxLf0zuGqckj-YpEuF35cr0NnavTNKhj0XrJDtb2l-Z7bmgk3XWuK2mAD1WPGI7PNRUZ2A=w200-h150" width="200" /> </a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">You can see the hill curving up to the left in this photo. This was probably the muddiest part of the course and all things considered it was really not that bad. Definitely nowhere near bad enough to require the multiple pairs of waterproof socks and changes of shoes I had brought!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgylB70yJteZxk-XZzKoVzs4hZks0JhVNOxvGzaUZLhD9LvdOnbsSdm5fgH64B0tY75Wq5RCIgIIj-aUCB67FWVpF_C-T1pWpKt0vVSA5rEXhIAuf8pZNfhtYpw9HsrqFYu_C9w0K67AQV1NNEYDLs2f9mSRvEBB7YT5dILbdn13F4Qg7445RHH3g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgylB70yJteZxk-XZzKoVzs4hZks0JhVNOxvGzaUZLhD9LvdOnbsSdm5fgH64B0tY75Wq5RCIgIIj-aUCB67FWVpF_C-T1pWpKt0vVSA5rEXhIAuf8pZNfhtYpw9HsrqFYu_C9w0K67AQV1NNEYDLs2f9mSRvEBB7YT5dILbdn13F4Qg7445RHH3g=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF_KXMJyiGfUcDSbNY60X1ljrIsldnHQ6mS-IYRyBN1qky_xWGhqULJf_ZOiUu_c0hZY-VP605y1P2EnqfuK42FgUpI2uAjwpcFFGNi1B-amcaaP1H8VKMDW8qYnBbt1MmbL_OgKjo7ZXnAsHWrWZjd_1BHLsjCa52u57d8uwlKMHfwUPJu3mCiw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF_KXMJyiGfUcDSbNY60X1ljrIsldnHQ6mS-IYRyBN1qky_xWGhqULJf_ZOiUu_c0hZY-VP605y1P2EnqfuK42FgUpI2uAjwpcFFGNi1B-amcaaP1H8VKMDW8qYnBbt1MmbL_OgKjo7ZXnAsHWrWZjd_1BHLsjCa52u57d8uwlKMHfwUPJu3mCiw=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><br /></div></div><p>I returned to the hall and had some Coke, a fig roll, a peanut butter & jam wrap and a jaffa cake from the aid station and set off for Lap 3. This time I remembered to check my Garmin and I was at 2 hours 13 minutes when I left, so that lap had been quite a bit quicker than the first.</p><p>Shortly after setting off, Mattgreen rang me for a chat. This was great timing and kept me entertained/distracted for the next hour. I told him about how much I LOVED HILLS and how I'd even convinced myself by this point as I was genuinely really having a good time. Yes, the hills were brutal. Yes, I still needed a rudimentary Gandalf/cub scout stick to get me up the first one huffing and puffing. But being out in Proper Countryside was fun and I was making good time. I felt a lot stronger and more positive than I have done on most of my recent runs, as anyone who reads my Strava will testify. I passed Ruth going down Hill 2 just as I came up it - I hadn't realised I'd got that far ahead of her. At the junction for Hill 3 I got a bit confused about which turning to take, and I said, "Oops - that could've been bad. Imagine if I got halfway down and realised it was the wrong hill!" and Mattgreen said, "that would just mean you got to do a bonus hill, which you would've LOVED because you love hills". I think that might've pushed even my new-found fondness for hills severely ... but luckily I took the right turning. Lap three sailed by comfortably.</p><p>I arrived back at the aid station and the volunteer asked what I wanted. I said, "Coke please". She said, "Flat or fizzy?" I said "Flat please". The race director, who was standing nearby, added deadpan, "One line or two?"</p><p>I paused for a second while I tried to make sense of this before the penny dropped and I burst out laughing. That'd get me going! I settled for jelly babies and a caffeine bullet and left the aid station on 3 hours 23 minutes. Is that good or bad? Two more laps to do and I wanted to have 2 hours - no 3 hours - to do them in, but I've got less than that, but how much less? I need to subtract 23 minutes from 3 hours, or is it 2 hours? I rang Ben. Lovely as ever, he patiently did the maths on my behalf and explained: "If you do the next two laps at the same pace as you have been running, you'll have 25 minutes to spare". <br /></p><p>This didn't sound like as much spare time as I was hoping, but hopefully it would still be possible. As I ran along thinking about it, I realised that because this is a six hour race, I would definitely get a medal regardless of whether I finished the 5th lap in time. Technically I will have completed a marathon in Wiltshire and got a medal for it so it would count towards my challenge. I considered this for quite a while. It seems a bit like cheating but it <i>is </i>within the rules, if not quite within the<i> spirit </i>of the rules. Would I let myself get away with that? I thought about epic women runners like Anna McNuff, who missed out a few marathons on her barefoot tour of Britain because she had a foot infection, and Elise Downing, who sometimes used bridges instead of running the entire perimeter when she ran the coast of Britain, and Laura Maisey, who had to skip out some of the Alps when she ran Home from Rome because they were covered in 6 feet of snow. One does not have to follow the rules to the letter. Especially when one has made up <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">the rules</a> oneself. Nevertheless my completer-finisher mentality would not be all that happy about it. Frankly it seemed easier to just get it done in 6 hours and negate the need for this conversation.</p><p>I sweated and grunted my way up Hill 1, with the help of my Gandalf stick that I'd handily carried down the hill at the end of lap 3 and slung in a bush so I could collect it on the next lap. I muttered, "I should've brought poles" through gritted teeth to runners coming down the other way using their lovely poles. At the top, someone took a photo of me. I haven't seen any of the race photos yet, but I'm willing to bet I look like a complete twat.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4NG4P6wfRbaLYelYC42XCAIXovQYmG27zctu2NcVU09Y1oAIlDqIAWMQ3lvAGgC35_6NFO4JcG0Mh_1S50CMMy8jMst9ar9Tk9Tt6eGoY0dvM036vfKGZuo6UOVCPmrdWLAijPzQvXqLYtPTDLNEM6yCapFksGPsJvEsRcrYZ2mtS__DRq50_dg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4NG4P6wfRbaLYelYC42XCAIXovQYmG27zctu2NcVU09Y1oAIlDqIAWMQ3lvAGgC35_6NFO4JcG0Mh_1S50CMMy8jMst9ar9Tk9Tt6eGoY0dvM036vfKGZuo6UOVCPmrdWLAijPzQvXqLYtPTDLNEM6yCapFksGPsJvEsRcrYZ2mtS__DRq50_dg=s320" width="240" /></a></div>At the top I turned my headphones on. I was planning on listening to a Spotify playlist but there was no reception so it wouldn't play. In these situations I always end up listening to my ancient London marathon playlist as it's downloaded onto my phone and works anywhere. It kicked off with <i>Lose Yourself </i>by Eminem which contains the immortal running line: "<span>Feet, fail me not, this may be the only opportunity that I got". Suddenly I got a massive rush of adrenaline/runner's high and shot off like a rocket along the flat bit of Salisbury Plain. I overtook half a dozen runners, at one point I looked down at my watch and I was doing 5:05 minute kilometres. Not bad going after 20 miles of hills.</span><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXa0Yte9Cw4ogIPtmLaeviOZaKQUAisxDK1M8Fb3gCe9xGOXwekMFdHTTIb-zZqwNti23hIDCyA7eAvHDC35V8pmu7n2T0d9JlFBVliHNtjvT2AFIi38advlKrNdBOXSIpRAbsdCVadP5FvjqVL6QMIanBjouEhG0i_Qtgs-axl4cZwwGWPCmWDw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXa0Yte9Cw4ogIPtmLaeviOZaKQUAisxDK1M8Fb3gCe9xGOXwekMFdHTTIb-zZqwNti23hIDCyA7eAvHDC35V8pmu7n2T0d9JlFBVliHNtjvT2AFIi38advlKrNdBOXSIpRAbsdCVadP5FvjqVL6QMIanBjouEhG0i_Qtgs-axl4cZwwGWPCmWDw=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>I bombed it down Hill 3. My headphones played <i>It's Raining Men</i> which I must've heard dozens of times but this was the first time I caught the line:</p><p><i><span>God bless Mother Nature, she's a single woman too/</span><span>She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do</span></i> <br /></p><p>LOL. I grinned at every person I passed, shouting "Well done!" and leaping over mud and holes in the path. People grinned back at me. I was on fire and I was LOVING those hills. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2QfffRxpnLu-2XWvHBxmosgkEbxDQtMYJMtuX-VzSVW3K-lLsHLoY9sjvyLp7Fexbplnz1jWyXxN5fWfDbQio-Y8QZuI6Z8j0YJjqDnQgJ5GfEhX--E1r80e3DSXMZbaHRaudNPbVGSrHIlSX5awNfFLWPhtJFm8WI-xuWNkz30vzn7oQmeP3Cg=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2QfffRxpnLu-2XWvHBxmosgkEbxDQtMYJMtuX-VzSVW3K-lLsHLoY9sjvyLp7Fexbplnz1jWyXxN5fWfDbQio-Y8QZuI6Z8j0YJjqDnQgJ5GfEhX--E1r80e3DSXMZbaHRaudNPbVGSrHIlSX5awNfFLWPhtJFm8WI-xuWNkz30vzn7oQmeP3Cg=s320" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">At one point I nearly tripped but managed to save myself before I face-planted. It crossed my mind that usually I attribute falls-avoidance to my superior core strength, but having done literally no core since before Christmas - shamefully I am yet to do a single burpee in 2022 - I can't really claim that anymore. Better lucky than good I guess!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Garmin reported that my 4th lap was my fastest yet in just 1 hour 6 minutes, and when I left the aid station I had a full 1 hour 30 minutes to finish the final lap. Surely I could manage that?</p>I turned the music back on and got on with it. I had expected to be in pain from all the hills but I didn't even need a paracetamol; I raced the flats again and on the final downhill, another runner shouted, "What lap are you on now if you don't mind me asking?" I shouted "Fifth" and he said "Blinking flip!" as I disappeared off down the hillside. The very last bit went through the woods and there were a few deep holes so I was careful to pick up my feet. I knew now I would definitely finish in time.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji6kPtNdf5VIWed2tJe_d8pXNW-snLucQZRJmitWR0Jmm6arfXWTKIfriP7fsC-JOosKCJk72tw3tjd6Sjj_lrbP1LIepXyfDxRVGHUfOlDKEYvq56xsqiXfb0uZEU9VtA9Xgg_8h3ynsvmWWIRvq416U1WueTSO7GBu287v5jxPRjE29m4_EXpg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji6kPtNdf5VIWed2tJe_d8pXNW-snLucQZRJmitWR0Jmm6arfXWTKIfriP7fsC-JOosKCJk72tw3tjd6Sjj_lrbP1LIepXyfDxRVGHUfOlDKEYvq56xsqiXfb0uZEU9VtA9Xgg_8h3ynsvmWWIRvq416U1WueTSO7GBu287v5jxPRjE29m4_EXpg=s320" width="240" /></a> <br /></p>I got back to the leisure centre and let the team know that I was calling it a day at 5 laps. I finished in 5 hours 37 minutes which was really quite respectable given the elevation. I had a lovely chat with the Race Director and the team, telling them I'd had a brilliant day and was really grateful they'd let me in at the last minute. I also mentioned I'd been chasing 6 hours all day and he let slip that he lets runners have it anyway if they're a little bit over the time limit - what a nice man. Still glad I wasn't chasing minutes though. He tells me there's going to be hot food soon and it'll be worth waiting for. I get my environmentally-friendly medal (my third wooden one) and head off for a shower.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUCMN13pIUmRSMimQQt0enU5j0JPFTfcxK6PSGKBgTtmr_nwPH8Lf2wkP8KD_hkiv_f7rGckMhxpSUtPqnkNFQB90k9APILDzgVZHmg1_uc02Qtqk2SIl4NO1HKtAgzjNWF1cBJkdBFRLZ5gKwF93u0dV8Fl383V4au-Qh2FXaTUiLgFero1KpSA=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUCMN13pIUmRSMimQQt0enU5j0JPFTfcxK6PSGKBgTtmr_nwPH8Lf2wkP8KD_hkiv_f7rGckMhxpSUtPqnkNFQB90k9APILDzgVZHmg1_uc02Qtqk2SIl4NO1HKtAgzjNWF1cBJkdBFRLZ5gKwF93u0dV8Fl383V4au-Qh2FXaTUiLgFero1KpSA=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Here's a picture of all those beautiful hills: 1400m / 4583 feet of elevation:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz2nnGvFSVOQHlS2AL4_QzJlUn5cWG3nfu8XpRRmrvss-mLRT1y6XjljWXmJMM7JFlygekMx6Be32NZ6O7Y3FGkvaenQVLos9uiihXAIplHDfFwgCMV-7TPxuM4d7DmBBrQ3DehXdOSdZDREFwClfCCx1Pi8FshNBN0H20RUICYxnhif8Iwco-lA=s2436" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz2nnGvFSVOQHlS2AL4_QzJlUn5cWG3nfu8XpRRmrvss-mLRT1y6XjljWXmJMM7JFlygekMx6Be32NZ6O7Y3FGkvaenQVLos9uiihXAIplHDfFwgCMV-7TPxuM4d7DmBBrQ3DehXdOSdZDREFwClfCCx1Pi8FshNBN0H20RUICYxnhif8Iwco-lA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The venue had showers so I went and got clean and changed and when I got back to the hall, the food had arrived. It turned out to be a bean hotpot with cheese and bread and butter - absolutely delicious and so welcome. I ate it so quickly I didn't have time to take a photo and had to take this one afterwards! I also had a cup of tea and finished off all the leftover snacks in my running vest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdmid4IWvVsNW7rkaEhtSggHWyaHsK4XoGJ2hFVfLk8pOJHmGtHXssFdvrUz5dHLaHpLH54YRoE0HfzslozmhPOFYWwfKlDZ9B0uXOcudsO-D5LqkSBd-9pVFU89l4tvIv0M1k2wnJ-wbi8YeDy57Yu72VXtsOcDMjPrpBsK6lE2AnYAoFZL_sbg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdmid4IWvVsNW7rkaEhtSggHWyaHsK4XoGJ2hFVfLk8pOJHmGtHXssFdvrUz5dHLaHpLH54YRoE0HfzslozmhPOFYWwfKlDZ9B0uXOcudsO-D5LqkSBd-9pVFU89l4tvIv0M1k2wnJ-wbi8YeDy57Yu72VXtsOcDMjPrpBsK6lE2AnYAoFZL_sbg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shortly before I left, I saw Ruth arrive. Realising I hadn't taken a picture earlier, I took one now and we had another chat about 100 milers along with her friend Simon. We are now friends on Facebook and I look forward to seeing her smashing her first 100 in June!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDdEobNARZAk7OEZfDquMOkpGS0jrSqbusvD36f5KlRsjh1tfpmWZIHOO_SwVQ2p3iVFEv-M10AMQa5pavHIhlZ6kCB-pnYVx7FfHrTsjIBbglsV6aTQZnBH8ma6PLZZ1a8A8sUbpeGcqq2wRadjAaidEaiMctAeNBTTUDwmde_fSXLtthBkLmCw=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDdEobNARZAk7OEZfDquMOkpGS0jrSqbusvD36f5KlRsjh1tfpmWZIHOO_SwVQ2p3iVFEv-M10AMQa5pavHIhlZ6kCB-pnYVx7FfHrTsjIBbglsV6aTQZnBH8ma6PLZZ1a8A8sUbpeGcqq2wRadjAaidEaiMctAeNBTTUDwmde_fSXLtthBkLmCw=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div><br />Shortly after this Ben appeared in the car and we went off to Gloucester for a lovely dinner with his daughters and then drove back to London afterwards, finally arriving home about 10:30pm. Quite a day!</div><div> </div><div>I'm writing this two days later and my hamstrings are still crying. Time for the foam roller - eek...</div><div> </div><div>P.S. I think maybe I secretly do love hills more than I'm letting on....<br /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Wellhead Ln, Westbury BA13 3PT, UK51.2523837 -2.184269424.500547169530265 -37.3405194 78.004220230469741 32.9719806tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-22382195701414893612021-12-28T09:30:00.296+00:002021-12-29T17:31:31.656+00:00Tyne and Wear: Newcastle Town Moor Winter Wonder race recap<p>Tyne & Wear - it's been a long time coming. The last of the really northern counties, this is my fourth attempt due to repeated Covid cancellations. I was booked to do a race here in November but (deeply annoyingly) received the following email a week before the race:</p><p><i>"Thanks for entering the Run Before Christmas. As well as having to postpone this event from 2020, we have also had to move the event to Durham as Sunderland Council are not permitting event organisers with no previous events in the region to hold an event in 2021. We did email everyone when we decided to change venues towards the end of October. However, there are always some email addresses where the emails can end up in junk or sometimes do not get through filters. If you are not aware of this change, please be aware we have had to move this event to Durham City..." </i><br /></p><p>Sadly too late for me to cancel our non-refundable hotel and I'd already done County Durham... Not sure I really believe the "it went into spam" excuse as I checked my spam and there was no sign of it - I'd also had plenty of other emails from them before. Hmm.</p><p>So I hunted for another and found this tiny low key race held by North East Marathon Club. £19 to enter - surely the cheapest marathon of all the counties? - and falling on a Bank Holiday so I didn't even have to use any annual leave. I duly shifted all my Christmas plans to facilitate it, the hotel let us rebook and Ben and I headed off straight from my parents' house post-Christmas excesses. <br /></p><p>We stopped for lunch at Willo and Gordy's in Leeds and had delicious tomato soup and cheese scones and then carried on for another hour and a half through the fog.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEginHj8gV30_agLM282iFBgGjSLqbuv4mbunMjLk6oWHWxcSbNUPW59oX6TeGn24o3atJIAPjZmDRrG7dVJ1X-d9PKvNC0GvfntImQKNgUxWJ_Qs8Jwk90QM5UDJwmFk5UUuPyAEqtwas2OorPcKu21mW5_KMEUmqkpD4sas78YUeITR0-579rhEQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEginHj8gV30_agLM282iFBgGjSLqbuv4mbunMjLk6oWHWxcSbNUPW59oX6TeGn24o3atJIAPjZmDRrG7dVJ1X-d9PKvNC0GvfntImQKNgUxWJ_Qs8Jwk90QM5UDJwmFk5UUuPyAEqtwas2OorPcKu21mW5_KMEUmqkpD4sas78YUeITR0-579rhEQ=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbgEy5VvFuXTiezEu_BLWQVwSR_ovzVK008U6Fo751RlnU34W-vb0LOmWnlh59GKf69RRoQ3Ab7jEXO3TMW9vN0za1zAQQFWRl3kt0BhjjJY9ufl6zKNLQAQK3x_FF5mUOQot3oVvtOC5SMKoHD9QnAplkVQGSEkzRZnetwy1R41tad-Xjh-0rjQ=w200-h150" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ben went to university in Newcastle and hasn't been back for a couple of decades so we were looking forward to exploring a bit of the city. On the way we stopped to see the Angel of the North:<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZZ6AdPCBo4EmLzdk9tvJB7bymZfvUzhLlkPqXpW5RpgUba2qKH17tlsq-IBwUnmSFO9eqi6-LV1JuL2K_kukAiLDi0AtGJOPycmCSTyl4NIVzSjLooAM2MqKP2U14mS8c4pjYPpm4FZjy8tE3YUqqtYz-L8XzMAEYs3huCTXLNjDoUhqhVMxV5Q=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZZ6AdPCBo4EmLzdk9tvJB7bymZfvUzhLlkPqXpW5RpgUba2qKH17tlsq-IBwUnmSFO9eqi6-LV1JuL2K_kukAiLDi0AtGJOPycmCSTyl4NIVzSjLooAM2MqKP2U14mS8c4pjYPpm4FZjy8tE3YUqqtYz-L8XzMAEYs3huCTXLNjDoUhqhVMxV5Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div>After checking in at our hotel, we went for a wander past the university, into town and along the river front. We had Thai for dinner as we both needed a rest from rich Christmas food and watched the footie fans making their way to the stadium for the Newcastle v Man United game.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnfA7mzomk3_JC-8x-J12fZCa8MnkZTdR3ITrADKXJzIBuvlsnfQ0B0g_E4sRbhAHq6R0kjKKDI893sfoCTMr_NjU7E8oeOQr563kzkNKr61jnBNEw3rrex3OZHKwgzOZhbEnOTXY0bL9CJCzSAh-HuZWSFsvO1L6yEyag9Ekhr11PcQnpjk96zw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnfA7mzomk3_JC-8x-J12fZCa8MnkZTdR3ITrADKXJzIBuvlsnfQ0B0g_E4sRbhAHq6R0kjKKDI893sfoCTMr_NjU7E8oeOQr563kzkNKr61jnBNEw3rrex3OZHKwgzOZhbEnOTXY0bL9CJCzSAh-HuZWSFsvO1L6yEyag9Ekhr11PcQnpjk96zw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>The next morning we arrived at the start with a whole 15 minutes to spare. Registration was outdoors (nicely Covid friendly) though it was drizzling with rain. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMIeByfBvujSVIJ-_SiDOgDrlAQ1jS8XzzoaQq6pXYyKX99YAzE65ccmdzhiGoInvJOEs1weKs62LVLUD7qF-xhH0KyZ3vx7PjC_N2Ln_OHr9BL-QE9WKLztS54wnPcxO4MaF4soqR0Nvnjbi2qGQeavdm9V7UORYMFyywEjDYh1WOPWa6veSmcQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMIeByfBvujSVIJ-_SiDOgDrlAQ1jS8XzzoaQq6pXYyKX99YAzE65ccmdzhiGoInvJOEs1weKs62LVLUD7qF-xhH0KyZ3vx7PjC_N2Ln_OHr9BL-QE9WKLztS54wnPcxO4MaF4soqR0Nvnjbi2qGQeavdm9V7UORYMFyywEjDYh1WOPWa6veSmcQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I collected my number and handed in some tins and stuff for the food bank collection. Ben and I got chatting to a nice guy called Matt who was planning on doing the full six hours as training for The Wall next year. Soon it was time for the race briefing and then we were off!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAxZGcR3ff7_rmYX-l3PkF3M7_E18HI78o0Z6I3LFNMdwmPIo6wNsKNSCNOcxFVlACRYBbYEEJw8vOU27-W1EqnvDkUjpsIOFFxXXEgvRVkIFaZehxzotu73KeYzFZdAbC8D5R4YysVAwN-dmcMw2NvBksu3ZLiB73QQmLFR72x2i7OD0FsmMVAw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAxZGcR3ff7_rmYX-l3PkF3M7_E18HI78o0Z6I3LFNMdwmPIo6wNsKNSCNOcxFVlACRYBbYEEJw8vOU27-W1EqnvDkUjpsIOFFxXXEgvRVkIFaZehxzotu73KeYzFZdAbC8D5R4YysVAwN-dmcMw2NvBksu3ZLiB73QQmLFR72x2i7OD0FsmMVAw=w200-h150" width="200" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpwerWLxl1GqtvmpnK9v-6KzvJ8OfRFjfid0tgQHPugby-1khi8XEwNI1-bP0ULKUx4yYof-TZZJi_Kilf22kQl-8-2YEJKyRiFozHYCgWNUty9-Tj6Wy3kTu0f3q1hoe3V5tOuPXQy_EEdCz7o5AcLS6wBeQ95r5oBClRcooaXk8LNKoULQH4pA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpwerWLxl1GqtvmpnK9v-6KzvJ8OfRFjfid0tgQHPugby-1khi8XEwNI1-bP0ULKUx4yYof-TZZJi_Kilf22kQl-8-2YEJKyRiFozHYCgWNUty9-Tj6Wy3kTu0f3q1hoe3V5tOuPXQy_EEdCz7o5AcLS6wBeQ95r5oBClRcooaXk8LNKoULQH4pA=w200-h150" width="200" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">It was a bit misty and drizzly and Ben took this atmospheric photo as I disappeared into the distance: </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb7EMq3nQPXRd1GT4OF20Hk1GYiEfV2wYIIJf647O27juKwcM01F2THYtxSWKhbpnWS8jfMSgJRjVh1VUJe18L-X9tr7HMZRlUzuen0HYDSyfLMR-1a3qGHgAEx3MBoUpmpDNfWeIBYTtTZfN_J4bqVKln6aPubvsJtvh3S9fpqVyCka3zelXoGg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb7EMq3nQPXRd1GT4OF20Hk1GYiEfV2wYIIJf647O27juKwcM01F2THYtxSWKhbpnWS8jfMSgJRjVh1VUJe18L-X9tr7HMZRlUzuen0HYDSyfLMR-1a3qGHgAEx3MBoUpmpDNfWeIBYTtTZfN_J4bqVKln6aPubvsJtvh3S9fpqVyCka3zelXoGg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once I'd settled into a comfortable pace I found myself next to Matt once again and we ran a good chunk of the first lap together. There was one point where lots of people ahead of us went straight on and lots of people behind us shouted "TURN LEFT"! It was a bit confusing as all the chalk markings had washed off but in the end we went with the "turn left" people, which was the correct thing to do. Shortly after this there was a right turn, just where the lamp post is in this photo, and suddenly there was a savage headwind. He explained that this was the case all year round because this bit of the Town Moor is very exposed, which makes sense. This only got worse as the marathon wore on...<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQD-nv9zIySJNbzRIEfSi7V4JTzdg8AACw0l_TOvLyWQIlZn7KwTiNxcx8SU5dN72h-CBAqFx3bkaLQM0762zBrErQjxq6824bLGBnBj2PAMgec81B3y0N05ZOLSnR1X8am6u4OL3xR80YOKAzaADRIyeLnDS3fLp_ArR53tcIfOqitY5WUvd6Xw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQD-nv9zIySJNbzRIEfSi7V4JTzdg8AACw0l_TOvLyWQIlZn7KwTiNxcx8SU5dN72h-CBAqFx3bkaLQM0762zBrErQjxq6824bLGBnBj2PAMgec81B3y0N05ZOLSnR1X8am6u4OL3xR80YOKAzaADRIyeLnDS3fLp_ArR53tcIfOqitY5WUvd6Xw=s320" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the second lap I'd lost Matt and was running behind a group of women who were happily chatting and maintaining a 6 min/km pace. I knew I shouldn't go faster that this so I just pottered along behind them.<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhffNrs7cHFdiBi-M58x7nvbsjhMSABkHWZ-ieCGmB1YU1SV5_3xRdiKbuh5YC3_kyS6WXX14djkSME6JO6tpKTPly1exp9-KUmIDErTX4gzBmk4NXn4WBd0VlHskeL8FZsg9ympdJVwHNwHPerQJg8YkhG-s5Wlzas-RaV1c6gut30g1ypcBVUog=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhffNrs7cHFdiBi-M58x7nvbsjhMSABkHWZ-ieCGmB1YU1SV5_3xRdiKbuh5YC3_kyS6WXX14djkSME6JO6tpKTPly1exp9-KUmIDErTX4gzBmk4NXn4WBd0VlHskeL8FZsg9ympdJVwHNwHPerQJg8YkhG-s5Wlzas-RaV1c6gut30g1ypcBVUog=s320" width="240" /></a></div>It was still pretty grey and overcast although not as cold as I thought it might be.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-GuF7tZhojouP3Re7PDhDEh3zRDZK6lhkYV9OSe3JK5XblRJbObX8_4Z_z5zAyWzreJKqbnEV0hA-xl-jq6HMPyQyt8rqpE5U3CIwbT9IZCY8MevvzXMy54w2SOez72JYSDYWIV7ZgWRuEOS6tx_v5RUloFjntGhMRRBpSPdwnoGZo2QIWWVSnw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-GuF7tZhojouP3Re7PDhDEh3zRDZK6lhkYV9OSe3JK5XblRJbObX8_4Z_z5zAyWzreJKqbnEV0hA-xl-jq6HMPyQyt8rqpE5U3CIwbT9IZCY8MevvzXMy54w2SOez72JYSDYWIV7ZgWRuEOS6tx_v5RUloFjntGhMRRBpSPdwnoGZo2QIWWVSnw=s320" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhKxZG4HpcBIYYSGoyJeALhozHSRrCWHQA2JE_urcu7mIsBGYpr_dxKl570IoCjzHjSydK8DzXjWCUJzMd0Si-w2y82DOqDO4eJDyrpT7ylCtWpypNivjS6tTsRXE94X6cCpSAVIbZWmANtCcED17WFFZ6pxU__e57Q3qSut6IedLUOGcHsJwrag=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhKxZG4HpcBIYYSGoyJeALhozHSRrCWHQA2JE_urcu7mIsBGYpr_dxKl570IoCjzHjSydK8DzXjWCUJzMd0Si-w2y82DOqDO4eJDyrpT7ylCtWpypNivjS6tTsRXE94X6cCpSAVIbZWmANtCcED17WFFZ6pxU__e57Q3qSut6IedLUOGcHsJwrag=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div>I had a little moment of joy on the second lap where everything was right with the world. It always feels like a treat to find a race this close to Christmas, and I was so pleased to finally be getting this one done. I felt good and I was enjoying myself.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyxuWrRYW5OizAwIGd-WOGJDuEBCgtqpTowd-6XSr2xEWBNZHaQhHg37rMZefBZDOf_jyPu0tbkLQKvLNtYWR0MP1sIDU0ouveleK1kA6qHjy2WPWP1-W2Y4NZjrXXCsLiL4fTDXvtc5P0rb8H8jYMemKodW803DVj61NG_OSnC8j16FHh8DfoOw=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyxuWrRYW5OizAwIGd-WOGJDuEBCgtqpTowd-6XSr2xEWBNZHaQhHg37rMZefBZDOf_jyPu0tbkLQKvLNtYWR0MP1sIDU0ouveleK1kA6qHjy2WPWP1-W2Y4NZjrXXCsLiL4fTDXvtc5P0rb8H8jYMemKodW803DVj61NG_OSnC8j16FHh8DfoOw=s320" width="320" /></a></div>At the start of the third loop I saw Ben and he took a couple of pictures of me as I ran round the little lake by the start/finish. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKSxbUFDDuvZvQH3JuY9P01HNWZ8n4RkBI0I2aY7khwMQiEGWJPyCKXTDOUbWFz-woyCOxSlJpJa8KNgxKvyxA-wp52iNTgWsSgf-Lgrz8Go-QeyUaEPt7yqoL1JrXsRS07xFc4vd9o7a-u6jWPwf_VS-4M7tXy9r9FmAZkBZN6l1Tu7kbczwI5g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKSxbUFDDuvZvQH3JuY9P01HNWZ8n4RkBI0I2aY7khwMQiEGWJPyCKXTDOUbWFz-woyCOxSlJpJa8KNgxKvyxA-wp52iNTgWsSgf-Lgrz8Go-QeyUaEPt7yqoL1JrXsRS07xFc4vd9o7a-u6jWPwf_VS-4M7tXy9r9FmAZkBZN6l1Tu7kbczwI5g=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnkuTfROFQbXdDUwwBMcvJXP_FLD8Zp7-TEauUqwqnLFXi9g46qhN9_J8OcIdaRd6Bmw9L_gg1iJnWpLTSr5KBr88OOR_w9-hukL9yiMswpPcAQsgPPku7FBvTLigtiCfHZ4SEXRepfhpdalCwoPBnF9r7iXdddkEKIrO-Ev8RWDKKBsTSURM8ZQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnkuTfROFQbXdDUwwBMcvJXP_FLD8Zp7-TEauUqwqnLFXi9g46qhN9_J8OcIdaRd6Bmw9L_gg1iJnWpLTSr5KBr88OOR_w9-hukL9yiMswpPcAQsgPPku7FBvTLigtiCfHZ4SEXRepfhpdalCwoPBnF9r7iXdddkEKIrO-Ev8RWDKKBsTSURM8ZQ=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Around here the group of women I'd been following decided to ease off the pace. Within a few minutes I was ahead of them. After a short while I asked the lady next to me if she was doing the marathon (I knew the turn off was at a blue gate, but as there were about five, I was hoping she might have some insider info). She was called Louise, and she was only planning on doing 10 miles. We watched a dog run in front of a bike while its owner struggled to get it to recall - then watched it stop for a poo in the middle of the pavement. We got chatting - she has a whippet called Eddie and we talked about dogs for a while, then work, then races and so on. She's building her mileage back up as she's doing London marathon this year - so we chatted about nutrition and pacing for a while. She decided to do another loop and carry on up to half marathon, which was great for me as I got another loop of her company!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAQ_nWNI6-iIbj_t2da5TcVR0cOeloQyFEWHMyled37ycv1vfEQI_g3jVZYB6IKm6xLuPlKQx6qjvUVQ6LfmQNGMCdFaiE45x669mlMU9QLr7KTVD-nKCMXNe5eHN1IetHH9Xc1aTr6boRmLbGmOPLnjg02EXyBjbduqjUS78ujgSpwVziZ5dOCg=s320" width="320" /></div><p>I couldn't find her instagram page (even though she told me what it was called - sigh) so if you see this Louise please leave me a comment so I can find you!</p><p>There were some Explorer Scouts helping with the marshalling and they were very enthusiastic. The girl in the pink coat was particularly enthusiastic and made me laugh a few times with her flamboyant pointing. I knew they were selling tea and cake at the end and I was already looking forward to it!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUyu_MTF8V7EznnkdB-PU4wYJEqsObyr6SkI3C3mU1FuVYA6SZaLC0Exf-S9FanEmT6b8U8C5naszSvZ1JJxSZRtp2mfIa-gHOLTLOkYdCzxqtdTxGwhmlNHnpqU34-1xODREFt7ouyX2iXAiGB95c97yIeprVfmD-TL6a-k5F-tqC5QLfnjUorw=s1825" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1604" data-original-width="1825" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUyu_MTF8V7EznnkdB-PU4wYJEqsObyr6SkI3C3mU1FuVYA6SZaLC0Exf-S9FanEmT6b8U8C5naszSvZ1JJxSZRtp2mfIa-gHOLTLOkYdCzxqtdTxGwhmlNHnpqU34-1xODREFt7ouyX2iXAiGB95c97yIeprVfmD-TL6a-k5F-tqC5QLfnjUorw=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The fifth lap was the most dull. I'd lost my running buddy and probably hadn't eaten enough so I forced down a mini mince pie stolen from the hotel buffet breakfast and put on my "London marathon 80's drivel" playlist. I consoled myself by singing '<i>Nothing's Going To Stop Us Now</i>' at the top of my voice into the wind. Once I passed the horrifically windy section, there was the nice sheltered bit with trees either side. This time I noticed a signpost to Freeman Hospital (famous to me because it does heart and lung transplants) which I'd not noticed on all the previous laps.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh90FCjS3gYu9YUJMOjWDE1bG4NfGDTIlYBuKcONvxxBI0ITv4bt4zHTYSKZHFh4yC5mc6yG4EMt03pVgR9y4zxjLw1E5mt6AW3GRBskSMrmFsgF3bSsvz2fHbiBd2wADcY3ZIDYQUCG4YCpGYsVB9B2Bh4n389sB6cFMeQk7leWeDqWmRcKzXMzg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh90FCjS3gYu9YUJMOjWDE1bG4NfGDTIlYBuKcONvxxBI0ITv4bt4zHTYSKZHFh4yC5mc6yG4EMt03pVgR9y4zxjLw1E5mt6AW3GRBskSMrmFsgF3bSsvz2fHbiBd2wADcY3ZIDYQUCG4YCpGYsVB9B2Bh4n389sB6cFMeQk7leWeDqWmRcKzXMzg=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyx8dVDigAxjZFwVyP8OKhw9UWs1ZOs0orPQhJJEbSqiamEZJol4Agi9tTPSRLPhOvxmAAzt9HpljZl2cNG9X3kp-rJOpTk8muYegzjy3y9dOwHCjjRUswP-NmnnpoU27gEUFMpA5ojEnkyQiT-46gj83d-HWmbTC97FhVN8sqHXuarRyzJTab7w=s2078" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="2078" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyx8dVDigAxjZFwVyP8OKhw9UWs1ZOs0orPQhJJEbSqiamEZJol4Agi9tTPSRLPhOvxmAAzt9HpljZl2cNG9X3kp-rJOpTk8muYegzjy3y9dOwHCjjRUswP-NmnnpoU27gEUFMpA5ojEnkyQiT-46gj83d-HWmbTC97FhVN8sqHXuarRyzJTab7w=w200-h139" width="200" /></a></div></div></div>At the top corner of the course there was a view back over Newcastle, now starting to get lost in the mist and drizzle again:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmR1T8orj7o7t7JAS5hlBp75s-emjCAeVvgrt8bClPLtBuzm6rMJm9QAltoJ1K90kWZTCopqcHH1gcg_jt-V88IIBh6vqKk57PmQb2gw2Fz_N5Io7AmdtK4q80higPPqqX8lr7i2E1saB2ANFXAHdPst34_iZAB4v75ghhCaykmlBHByWHevNfdA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmR1T8orj7o7t7JAS5hlBp75s-emjCAeVvgrt8bClPLtBuzm6rMJm9QAltoJ1K90kWZTCopqcHH1gcg_jt-V88IIBh6vqKk57PmQb2gw2Fz_N5Io7AmdtK4q80higPPqqX8lr7i2E1saB2ANFXAHdPst34_iZAB4v75ghhCaykmlBHByWHevNfdA=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Then a long section along a road. Here you can see a guy in a yellow vest who has just lapped me for the second time - there were some quick runners out today. Ben told me later the fastest man finished in 3 hours 4 minutes and he'd never run a marathon before! Definitely not ideal conditions today and not flat either.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiISrmnDlmUHlnjBu2pDNyBxjPMwOXE4ZwHCAYxoGcKbvr54UPWkL5UBxwykSMqZU23aYEpJjb_FOdjmzpYLFfpoSTtCq3gWiIr4w3PX0rMVBWhlmrbTigmTaBtGrgFoZTfmnBJwrYUIWFhiprh96N8EmKwLNS50hWCvwVdrxupLDqqho1feMVCUQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiISrmnDlmUHlnjBu2pDNyBxjPMwOXE4ZwHCAYxoGcKbvr54UPWkL5UBxwykSMqZU23aYEpJjb_FOdjmzpYLFfpoSTtCq3gWiIr4w3PX0rMVBWhlmrbTigmTaBtGrgFoZTfmnBJwrYUIWFhiprh96N8EmKwLNS50hWCvwVdrxupLDqqho1feMVCUQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of the fifth lap I planned to get Coke from the aid station but to my disappointment they'd run out. I was only at 25km and felt a bit gypped by all the half runners who'd drunk all the Coke and then finished, damn them! Anyway I rang Ben who very kindly agreed to get me some and meet me after the next lap. The next lap passed uneventfully and when I returned Ben was waiting as promised :)<br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1iTdVXiPVpOwz54u6r9r0WDwPch4-mKiVb-PfkCwHWFJ5aItuiIkafqXSEaea4mCx1hwc0thA5hp-938mFn01fcXBk5TE8l6PmU7RGDdg9reABSRcDqOuFENDWdTVRfZORA6puph51TzxmYPUbV6WUiMMDO64KQ-3w9uifk6XVz702B0HTJrXwg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1iTdVXiPVpOwz54u6r9r0WDwPch4-mKiVb-PfkCwHWFJ5aItuiIkafqXSEaea4mCx1hwc0thA5hp-938mFn01fcXBk5TE8l6PmU7RGDdg9reABSRcDqOuFENDWdTVRfZORA6puph51TzxmYPUbV6WUiMMDO64KQ-3w9uifk6XVz702B0HTJrXwg=s320" width="320" /> </a> </p><p>I had some Coke and then Ben ran with me round the little lake. As we came out by the brewery on the far side of the lake, we just caught a bride going in to her wedding! This is the 90th time I've run the marathon distance and the first time I've seen a mid-race wedding. Got to love that!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnwfeiTMPi3Djcrxiw_5EP1h9Syr5EtjxSBVTcnW8tI5f2khZ4wudwpA_M9IuPhNNUl2nROU0S2KtX-EtqyqIOwO4N3JWUK7ZPC75v0CEAbO4MM0SXk15-Cym1hxaTbt995J-XnQ1ok8cmOloRKTscQWl02PKyaH8p4g3O77VxTlKuvvCUnRajQ=s2248" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="2057" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnwfeiTMPi3Djcrxiw_5EP1h9Syr5EtjxSBVTcnW8tI5f2khZ4wudwpA_M9IuPhNNUl2nROU0S2KtX-EtqyqIOwO4N3JWUK7ZPC75v0CEAbO4MM0SXk15-Cym1hxaTbt995J-XnQ1ok8cmOloRKTscQWl02PKyaH8p4g3O77VxTlKuvvCUnRajQ=s320" width="293" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I carried on to lap 7 and Ben went off to get the car. About a third of the way along the lap, someone let me through a gate and we got talking. Her name was Sarah and she'd lived in Newcastle ever since finishing university. I told her about my challenge and how this race, despite being cheap to enter, had ended up being pretty expensive once you took into account accommodation, food, petrol etc. We had a really lovely chat and despite saying she was going to walk the uphill windy section, ran it with me. I asked her about where the blue gate was to turn around for the marathon was and after some patient explanation, finally understood what she meant. We ran the rest of the race together and finished virtually exactly on 42.2km - thanks Sarah!<br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiahvZgJrz7PNkYXZ4Cb3Q-9--G6rJb-GDqSau_tDKxERMeb1D8ZkCShO1Pxv7npC8cAXb5gMsJ1kOwwFelj6yNI1ZSna0mPELvx2WouS2We6MYg4uM1Odt8AYd00jstLfc5OziLj-p2N70rf6l_Rxs87FvIobQmhnih13MFDu1fhntSTwWOyMnDg=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiahvZgJrz7PNkYXZ4Cb3Q-9--G6rJb-GDqSau_tDKxERMeb1D8ZkCShO1Pxv7npC8cAXb5gMsJ1kOwwFelj6yNI1ZSna0mPELvx2WouS2We6MYg4uM1Odt8AYd00jstLfc5OziLj-p2N70rf6l_Rxs87FvIobQmhnih13MFDu1fhntSTwWOyMnDg=s320" width="320" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Melanie Horan</span><br /></div><p></p><p>I only realised after we finished that we had the same trainers!</p><p>At the end I got my medal, told them my finish time (they didn't want someone to have to stand around for six hours in the drizzly rain, which quite frankly I couldn't blame them for), then had two cups of tea and some Christmas cake from the Explorers. I drastically overpaid them because they were fundraising for the Jamboree which apparently costs £4200 per person - it's in South Korea next year.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXz6jsfHYZdQqbysyEyO-13nj5TjlHRyfblJ7PZfDX567rvKs-ZwVnH45ms9Vu1bhpIHdDZxz_U4_s2sz2QtjtzYRwr5fFQdVrL1YuvOIk4K5NTGQsaiwRlKE_ARAJNA92qpxAmtr1FwUh0lBZfTkJVxQuoHKil-hB1C9qxdPRiuHpzBeyL9kBrw=w200-h150" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM9tlle8A9w6i28s8jA9vzmmZAGnGBkamQCkDFKLuXUIaij4UAJY3zqsnztSXPwqmTNUGQvkSi_XOIXB3TATWYCZL46eNNJTV6gQwKKq_c_drDgOvRen7RrfBWEcrf-g6j8LYcJRaya2g17-ZFPKj2HbbMlm0t0kzbENdYuEW4qF526tVu3n8B8A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM9tlle8A9w6i28s8jA9vzmmZAGnGBkamQCkDFKLuXUIaij4UAJY3zqsnztSXPwqmTNUGQvkSi_XOIXB3TATWYCZL46eNNJTV6gQwKKq_c_drDgOvRen7RrfBWEcrf-g6j8LYcJRaya2g17-ZFPKj2HbbMlm0t0kzbENdYuEW4qF526tVu3n8B8A=w200-h150" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We walked back to the car and I did some stretches in an underpass to avoid the rain. I got changed in the most inelegant way possible inside the car (and I had to literally take off everything because I was soaked). Ben said nobody could see in...hmm. Most of the population of Newcastle has now seen my naked arse. The end.<br /></div></div></div><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PZ, UK54.9859316 -1.614861326.675697763821155 -36.7711113 83.296165436178853 33.5413887tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-39586380024201021082021-12-12T09:00:00.358+00:002021-12-27T09:11:00.435+00:00Hertfordshire: Band of Runners (Rocking Around The Christmas Track) race recap<p>I was meant to do Hertfordshire two weeks after A100, but for the first time ever withdrew due to injury. I had a bit of a snoop around first to make sure there was a suitable replacement race in Hertfordshire and came across this one. 105.5 loops of a track might not be everyone's cup of tea, but...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83ZxHCrYNQQnr8qeK9LaqdoiLx4uXHASnbKwkhlH9tH_U0XUGKDpJJI1oBKMfNVXp8gt864LsFIiD0MmGxERac9_BGecCufSwGkaEO2zmjQVKWWBCf1EBBKH_xbmeY3ZuYpsRanL7_g/s1019/IMG_1522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1019" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83ZxHCrYNQQnr8qeK9LaqdoiLx4uXHASnbKwkhlH9tH_U0XUGKDpJJI1oBKMfNVXp8gt864LsFIiD0MmGxERac9_BGecCufSwGkaEO2zmjQVKWWBCf1EBBKH_xbmeY3ZuYpsRanL7_g/s320/IMG_1522.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p>a) I'd never done a track race before - in fact I'm not sure I've ever been on a running track at all<br />b) It was conveniently in December, traditionally "off season" and gets Hertfordshire ticked off<br />c) It was run by ZigZag Running (I did their race in <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/12/cambridgeshire-bauble-bimble-marathon.html">Cambridgeshire</a> and it was great)<br />d) Every now and then I think about doing <a href="https://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/london-24" target="_blank">Transcendence</a> and this would be a good trial run </p><p>I spoke to a few runners about it beforehand and was surprised at the lack of enthusiasm, even from people who had done track races themselves. Hmm. All of them said that aiming for a PB was absolutely hideous but as a social event it was just about bearable. I was never planning to race it but even so... A couple of people said that the relentless same-ness of the surface was not great on your legs. Hmmm.</p><p>Ben had kindly offered to come with me so we dragged ourselves out of bed early and headed off to Ware. We arrived with only about 15 minutes to spare before the race started. I dumped my bag by the side of the track and was about to pick up my bib when I realised my Garmin had died - WTF? It was fully charged last night?! This also happened at my last marathon but I thought it was a one off and re-charged it on the way there in the car. This time there was no time for that. I swapped it for my Apple watch - notoriously unreliable and also not famed for their great battery life - and whined to Ben that if it died, I'd have to do Hertfordshire again. Sigh.</p><p>By this time I had to get a hustle on and ran over to listen to the race briefing which was pretty straightforward. As the race director said: "You can't get lost... can you?!"<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGxpRueu0x_wEDQ-wkiXrGgTjoqLrcimaX3yQh3GwB_SP88aTy86oNBh4RlpfGsl80Jofjb-RS9lq93YtH3GEOV8v9ZnpZ0a83kJbhGGWwW-oMjgGypWC-lYRcjl4YJnYl2spj7b51w/s3088/FECE8B38-D3D2-4FB4-A11F-A68A0FBAFE26.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGxpRueu0x_wEDQ-wkiXrGgTjoqLrcimaX3yQh3GwB_SP88aTy86oNBh4RlpfGsl80Jofjb-RS9lq93YtH3GEOV8v9ZnpZ0a83kJbhGGWwW-oMjgGypWC-lYRcjl4YJnYl2spj7b51w/s320/FECE8B38-D3D2-4FB4-A11F-A68A0FBAFE26.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>The marathon, half marathon and ultra/6 hour all started at different points around the track so that they all finished at the same place. It had been drizzling on the way there in the car but as the race started the sun came out and it was glorious.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEIB-_yo_1EVqoYCgoJOHJ4JlEkFXC8f0e8r9HsjQDlJ4rps3zU2rxv43meNYum5fmsliRcXQpVoowrDxHtx4wkIOVCA2F7yR8x3fv8Z7fY-pDC6cfYpEWuFC87HeiVfWPMEBGxY98A/s320/E0225BB0-2F15-4242-A0B4-494089198826.jpeg" width="320" /></p><p>I was the last to cross the start line as I was frantically fiddling about starting Strava on my Apple watch. Almost immediately I realised it had auto-pause switched on, which was going to mess up my results, but it was too late to do anything about it. I thought dark thoughts about Garmin (again) and focused on how the track felt under my feet. Not like tarmac, but definitely not like trail either. I was slightly unsettled. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Ben was watching and taking photos from the side of the track. I felt a bit sorry for him as this must be literally the most boring race to watch ever, but he seemed happy enough taking photos of me from every possible angle!<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5mcbx1AL0ImjCBjQ9ILMlzQCeZ7JYbfHS0D-GZ3HRlCMzgfhSTePmUXA6Qyi2XyTzhoa5virDg5W2jAKqOsfONwu9M-9vQ56_WhC-zRnxsxATIeNSz-Evu6TvkgtMMK_zeBsLoLrYg/s4032/28717BE4-9ACD-44F2-B66F-5356038F41F4.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5mcbx1AL0ImjCBjQ9ILMlzQCeZ7JYbfHS0D-GZ3HRlCMzgfhSTePmUXA6Qyi2XyTzhoa5virDg5W2jAKqOsfONwu9M-9vQ56_WhC-zRnxsxATIeNSz-Evu6TvkgtMMK_zeBsLoLrYg/w200-h150/28717BE4-9ACD-44F2-B66F-5356038F41F4.heic" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZWR1FC-VgU6boue5lREoNuUMgo4WDp0O4zkAOb7J4aZmqQM6EHRza_1gx31IOsAS_AP385BPIae1tg664JYQ-gAuWCpecxPZQIUfTkID7hSA0NFZ_J9Tes1yhUC1Lmgi63tXcQhZNw/s4032/4D657CD4-C93A-4B05-BE07-49F4B7DB0582.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZWR1FC-VgU6boue5lREoNuUMgo4WDp0O4zkAOb7J4aZmqQM6EHRza_1gx31IOsAS_AP385BPIae1tg664JYQ-gAuWCpecxPZQIUfTkID7hSA0NFZ_J9Tes1yhUC1Lmgi63tXcQhZNw/w200-h150/4D657CD4-C93A-4B05-BE07-49F4B7DB0582.heic" width="200" /></a></p><p></p>At one point he climbed up the referee's ladder and took some pictures from above. I love these, I look like a badass. And the red of the track makes my outfit look good, haha.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBgmtUnt8Fur9TbO3LE8e_qNg0nIoMlESjcLqLzhWD9tozhUUI9IuLqM0tHBIT8H4J9vWHJsWexT5fWbVamZhbNad9AVt7BYPgbGNys_EIddfIfUVtRwUtNw55Gn7yYyG-aXgDsoSDA/s4032/F057B891-62B4-4569-84A8-08308FAFE633.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBgmtUnt8Fur9TbO3LE8e_qNg0nIoMlESjcLqLzhWD9tozhUUI9IuLqM0tHBIT8H4J9vWHJsWexT5fWbVamZhbNad9AVt7BYPgbGNys_EIddfIfUVtRwUtNw55Gn7yYyG-aXgDsoSDA/w200-h150/F057B891-62B4-4569-84A8-08308FAFE633.heic" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQYyktbEjz_wIygMTjRoqhLtbvKIGg85n0XlgUCQzN8DPHaxdCWBsOYBAswi9PXx6okF3XpmPvBDxamFlO9gp5TdLqbNaRCdosVvCqLSprpuFt55CzfLauH3_-m-lDHgFg5aFDlVNfw/s4032/4CEE6DB6-D9DE-469D-8C8D-43910A578B3B.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQYyktbEjz_wIygMTjRoqhLtbvKIGg85n0XlgUCQzN8DPHaxdCWBsOYBAswi9PXx6okF3XpmPvBDxamFlO9gp5TdLqbNaRCdosVvCqLSprpuFt55CzfLauH3_-m-lDHgFg5aFDlVNfw/w200-h150/4CEE6DB6-D9DE-469D-8C8D-43910A578B3B.heic" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p>I ran alone for a long time, maybe 90 minutes. I stopped a lot: to eat snacks from the aid station (it's pretty awesome having an aid station every 400m, to say hello to Ben, to pop to the loo or to cast off an item of clothing into my bag at the side of the track. Eventually, I got chatting to a nice lady called Teresa. She had run some insane number of marathons... 200? 500? I don't recall but it was a lot. She knew everyone and told me about the speedy chap in the orange vest (Ray) who was aiming for a sub-3 hour marathon today, she told me a race director from another race company (Phoenix Running) was there and she pointed out her twin sister, Julie, who was also running. Every time Ray overtook us, she said a few words of encouragement and I joined in with the occasional "go on Ray!"</p><p>Eventually I lost Teresa because I had to stop for a snack (having been coached, I really can't help eating at every possible opportunity when I run now. I feel guilty if I hang on more than 45 minutes without a snack. Gone are the days where I could do 2 or 3 hours without so much as a jelly baby...) I look back on the nutrition disaster that was <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/04/greater-manchester-m2l-50-mile-ultra.html" target="_blank">M2L</a> and think 'never again'.<br /></p><p>I was running behind this lady when I overheard the bloke with her say that she was over halfway now. I couldn't believe it, surely not! The time had flown. I looked at my watch and realised not only was I more than halfway, I was going really quickly too. That's well below 4 hour marathon time. Eek! I decided I should maybe make a bit more effort and cracked up the pace.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRUnZvBafL9TDipQhphYjiPpoFl2YjuFD8nEN2FVbhE6XC9sVkQtfTcp7W8W6QzXOEO_rzSsPCQviiRtsjCg5ldqRMD4clQQT3N4UE-06QlsBVooJJMhpFH_jDO_BXdl-fVykVGEl6g/s320/345E66FA-F795-42DE-8937-9B95B3E54A50_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sadly it didn't last long. My calves and hips started to ache from the repetitive movements and it felt like my right shoelace had got really tight. I knew that couldn't be the case but I stopped to loosen it anyway. I think it was just because my right foot was on the inside, it started to take more of the impact. It felt like my inside leg was getting shorter. How do people DO this for 24 hours? I knew we were changing direction at 3 hours and I was counting down the minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ben had gone off to get a coffee by now and the weather was a bit cooler and cloudier. The race noodled on, endlessly the same. The same people overtook you; you overtook the same people; even the food at the aid station started to look a bit same-y. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWgRSnnfM-Y6AQ77JYbow6SBH4uwQZOx4drwJBZV68_fd6qkDzvoTp7oTZMOf56k5aP74U7SPoGbywuh6njfkfvgJtulPlyOfwwnmJjyyxwOhWo_nIitNXAiSfHOMSpg7sBwFpNyEYg/s4032/2747BD6C-17B1-40EB-B4EB-209EA7AC7C44_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWgRSnnfM-Y6AQ77JYbow6SBH4uwQZOx4drwJBZV68_fd6qkDzvoTp7oTZMOf56k5aP74U7SPoGbywuh6njfkfvgJtulPlyOfwwnmJjyyxwOhWo_nIitNXAiSfHOMSpg7sBwFpNyEYg/s320/2747BD6C-17B1-40EB-B4EB-209EA7AC7C44_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are only so many photos you can take on a track because essentially all the pictures are the same picture. At some point around now, I saw a girl on the sidelines doing a crossword. She shouted out to her boyfriend, "there are two American states that begin with the letter S, tell me what they are on the next loop". I thought about this for a lot of loops, but only ever came up with South Carolina*. I spent a happy few laps trying to remember the names of as many states as I could though.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwDPXObVhJDegDUWNW51oNP7nkplesoHh-adAofnKOqHLbNdEZhXzhDV8fDRx-nk0hKFw0L82qv3-qvSAIluQjzsVBvPCnF2OgpUWfatYpr5OfU2pznLqnrT00ehCZgPCncoToBnFlQ/s3088/88D5A941-283D-41BB-AD41-3F4F96E309CA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwDPXObVhJDegDUWNW51oNP7nkplesoHh-adAofnKOqHLbNdEZhXzhDV8fDRx-nk0hKFw0L82qv3-qvSAIluQjzsVBvPCnF2OgpUWfatYpr5OfU2pznLqnrT00ehCZgPCncoToBnFlQ/s320/88D5A941-283D-41BB-AD41-3F4F96E309CA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Finally the three hour point arrived and it was very exciting. For the first time this race, runners started coming towards me. As I approached the turnaround, the race director stood in the middle of the track and you had to physically run around him and then back the other way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-Fc2mSVxrOgm29CzppQQefF48xOXyhgFUzCwO6NYCDyzDSQA7OZCfRhYgDhyphenhyphen71J6AcjO9k_8FMgCKJjlXNRfKhE3tZIJ7IIZF2Y3_naXNE9yFw6I788XKfUx2PED8rjFsoqHMH5UKA/s4032/102F57E1-42B2-4A76-B43D-E2554456110F_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-Fc2mSVxrOgm29CzppQQefF48xOXyhgFUzCwO6NYCDyzDSQA7OZCfRhYgDhyphenhyphen71J6AcjO9k_8FMgCKJjlXNRfKhE3tZIJ7IIZF2Y3_naXNE9yFw6I788XKfUx2PED8rjFsoqHMH5UKA/w200-h150/102F57E1-42B2-4A76-B43D-E2554456110F_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8x7aa30otBZ4YQ1yn1nm6W4CQ0vyD9IJ0kHr_Ylkh_8vR4OP_Id-HMmEh-UpTeIYzlnOF9iPnoj1B_u4BmavmQi2-cOabZH7xK1LauwlxSXNQXXf70tcgmd_7HZcn1Nif96GoA0Gy7w/w200-h150/FC0BFA17-9422-4161-86E8-4407738F0179_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /> </p></div></div>After the turnaround it was even weirder to see people coming toward you. It felt like everything had inverted: I was so used to keeping to the inside that I had to stop myself veering into the path of oncoming runners, whilst also feeling like I was going the wrong way. Luckily it was quite short lived, because within 1/2 track length, everyone had turned, and the race continued exactly as before but in the opposite direction.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89Xteuw7mnO55cmPDCIUkBVOWye29IryZWkLChOJy7STZq_HiYPGtgI_sODuD_uj2Q9jiqP50TxZhH229AJnMOjVYpoHonFGdq_DV-fUmuYWrTuRHotDH27YuipFhsG5qWy8sPDrSCQ/s4032/ED5DA8EF-3A1D-4796-856A-AD06711D28A8_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89Xteuw7mnO55cmPDCIUkBVOWye29IryZWkLChOJy7STZq_HiYPGtgI_sODuD_uj2Q9jiqP50TxZhH229AJnMOjVYpoHonFGdq_DV-fUmuYWrTuRHotDH27YuipFhsG5qWy8sPDrSCQ/s320/ED5DA8EF-3A1D-4796-856A-AD06711D28A8_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My hips and calves were very grateful and I felt myself uncoiling as I continued. By this point, I had totally lost count of how many laps I'd done and spent a lot of time trying to figure out when was the optimal time to ask. They'd said at the beginning you could ask "any time" and I figured now was good. So I asked, and they said, you're just starting lap 79. Still 26 laps to go... which means there's no way I'm going to finish in under 4 hours. Checking my watch again, it was apparent it was not keeping accurate records. I wasn't surprised - Apple Watch isn't really up to the job, and repeating the same loop that many times would've been a hard ask even for my Garmin. I gave up on attempts to achieve anything impressive and just plodded on. </p><p>Ray finished - in 3 hours 8 minutes - not quite a PB for him but still a very impressive showing, especially as he had a nasty bout of cramp mid-race. I chatted to a few more nice people as time went on, discovering that almost everyone here had done an awful lot of track races/marathons/ultras. I heard rumours one guy was well into the thousands. One guy overtook me and said, "good running", I said "you look speedy" and he said "looks can be deceiving". I laughed. They were not deceiving. He put in a shift that day.<br /></p><p>Normally in these kinds of races, the fast runners disappear off into the distance in the first three minutes, never to be seen again (by me). What was amazing (and inspirational) was that I got to watch them consistently, lap after lap, mile after mile, just casually steaming past me every lap or two looking as comfortable as if they were doing a 5k. It was seriously impressive. </p><p>Not long after the turnaround, Ben reappeared and I saw him chatting with the race volunteers and clapping me every lap. Here I am stopping for a hug a few laps before the end.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="1841" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHI1GwoTHr47cqTkD7A9lfP0gr41Qw8cGw3pZBWWQvHdQxhLSbFW_5mB04yNyCM72IZdQgXGCGVl4e8ZRf7V4Rim0peaYpRPlO9bX8chqadIHXjGjTthX5Y9HB2vBYizzBmAUfIqR3YA/s320/0DED612C-766A-48F4-A900-DC7740A0C192_1_201_a.heic" width="195" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once I felt I only had a few laps left, I asked how many more I had to go and was told I was just starting lap 99. Sigh! I thought I was on lap 103 or so, but it's incredibly easy to lose count. On my last few laps, I ran with a guy who was so worried about this that he refused to ask. Despite being the same speed as me, he said he would stay with me until I finished and then ask, as he'd rather do too many than not enough. I was NOT interested in doing too many! A couple of laps later I finished.<br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KLpaPP068EDaWLmhn5ERSY-gRWXTlvrVa22LvbTbsh7jSPXJOXgyv_Gm0sdVoqGJXwhBr1veUmXelnTbZYGDAizSmYAohAGILM6HI9zPbRh0Qqaa-zlWJmxmBEzeD8KRxD6hpZZeTA/s4032/6584113F-6B79-438E-B659-FC8FA06D5B9C.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KLpaPP068EDaWLmhn5ERSY-gRWXTlvrVa22LvbTbsh7jSPXJOXgyv_Gm0sdVoqGJXwhBr1veUmXelnTbZYGDAizSmYAohAGILM6HI9zPbRh0Qqaa-zlWJmxmBEzeD8KRxD6hpZZeTA/s320/6584113F-6B79-438E-B659-FC8FA06D5B9C.heic" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ylDH7NoeDY1qj10f5Loi2rjLCMae2kgchiYuOXInml7wzub3nOIZinM8f_2zv02ryg93yUATTppRul7cVKyuycZzuFCUEQsS4n0ffJtjVbdYyvJ4gj36NLICCNtnpHauMewx59Tsqw/s4032/E581113E-6AA1-462F-94A1-E4CE96CDF383.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ylDH7NoeDY1qj10f5Loi2rjLCMae2kgchiYuOXInml7wzub3nOIZinM8f_2zv02ryg93yUATTppRul7cVKyuycZzuFCUEQsS4n0ffJtjVbdYyvJ4gj36NLICCNtnpHauMewx59Tsqw/s320/E581113E-6AA1-462F-94A1-E4CE96CDF383.heic" width="240" /> </a></div><p></p><p>I got a medal and a cup of coffee and a mince pie. I saw the first lady finish the 50k ultra - she looked strong the whole way. Then we drove back to London.</p><p>Later, when I went to put my time into my spreadsheet of marathons (I know, I know, what a saddo) I discovered I finished this race and my previous marathon (<a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/11/derbyshire-tissington-trail-marathon.html" target="_blank">Tissington Trail</a>) in the exact same number of hours, minutes and seconds. Cool huh? That's never happened before!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdtql84QgXbDrat-AzkvcMQ8gT7Q65oIV0TjGkZE7tTbG7ilHY-HSbSDOcizyjEI9tYXt7Z_JNXPrsZOfeBOL-IUUHwXVSWttLIR6g7a5yba7uj4hCnHfw8wIbhrrVjYFqGPf3GuY-3pjV-26bx0dWLaEMw2qXK0oRtkJBG8uaJvWzJpg4hvrpig=s968" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="63" data-original-width="968" height="26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdtql84QgXbDrat-AzkvcMQ8gT7Q65oIV0TjGkZE7tTbG7ilHY-HSbSDOcizyjEI9tYXt7Z_JNXPrsZOfeBOL-IUUHwXVSWttLIR6g7a5yba7uj4hCnHfw8wIbhrrVjYFqGPf3GuY-3pjV-26bx0dWLaEMw2qXK0oRtkJBG8uaJvWzJpg4hvrpig=w400-h26" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It also took my total kilometres for the year over the 3000 mark, meaning this year has been my highest mileage EVER and it's not even the end of the year yet...</p><p></p><p>Apple Watch managed not to die, but it did think I'd done 45 kilometers by the time I'd finished and screwed with all my records by saying it was my second fastest marathon when it really wasn't due to auto-pause and general inaccuracy. Sigh. This is all lies:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIF8n1X1ZwAw0-VP8AJC9UVqfRkTPfn7z1ftXJbrtbN5ipzwRhA5pHJ3gK0leuq3PK1IiY8KO0AbFKtVhMdEaVAyaveF-twXC5xiYFqhvzYMfbgaAO4hWY0bGmfBDvj-UqaWJ74DNOnAHVkHTdGMsWV9IdId52CnIaKhY-FxynWw7b2o6QfvOL1A=s1125" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="1125" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIF8n1X1ZwAw0-VP8AJC9UVqfRkTPfn7z1ftXJbrtbN5ipzwRhA5pHJ3gK0leuq3PK1IiY8KO0AbFKtVhMdEaVAyaveF-twXC5xiYFqhvzYMfbgaAO4hWY0bGmfBDvj-UqaWJ74DNOnAHVkHTdGMsWV9IdId52CnIaKhY-FxynWw7b2o6QfvOL1A=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></div><p>After the race, the race director sent out an email saying that loads of the course records had been smashed. The absolute machine in the Camino Ultra shirt turned out to be called Kallum Pritchard, I know this because HE followed ME on Strava afterwards. I'm still wondering why! He did 50 miles in 6 hours, 203 laps (!) pretty much two back-to-back sub-3 hour marathons. Un-fucking-believable.</p><p>Anyway it led me to looking up Camino Ultra (I thought it was a race, but it turned out to be a race company, and they run an <i>awesome-sounding </i>Convergence-esque race called Centre of the Universe which I can't stop thinking about and therefore am very likely to run in 2022.</p><p>Ben and I also spent a happy hour googling all the other people who finished near the top and found a surprising number of GB athletes/people who've done Spartathlon (brutal)/proper serious hardcore ultrarunners well out of my league. What a privilege for little me to get to run with the big boys. At first I was worried that I would hate it, but I came out of it feeling utterly inspired and I would (almost, maybe) do it again. But definitely NOT Transcendance! 24 hours is 20 too many! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* I googled it after the race as it had annoyed me for hours. The other is South Dakota. <br /></div><p></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Ware SG12 0UQ, UK51.8243496 -0.033624723.514115763821152 -35.1898747 80.134583436178843 35.1226253tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-20493621835055920792021-11-21T09:00:00.114+00:002021-12-07T19:09:27.898+00:00Derbyshire: Tissington Trail marathon race recap
<p class="MsoNormal">The latest in a long line of rescheduled marathons! This one
was originally in November 2020, was postponed to April 2021, then postponed
again to November 2021.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time I
booked it I lived in Liverpool so it would have been a quick zip down the
M6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly by the time it came around, I
had moved to London and it became an epic, multi-part journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been nursing a knee injury following my
first 100 miler in October (not detailed here as sadly it didn’t have a medal therefore didn’t count towards my challenge).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just to spice things up a bit, I also spent the night before at a party
drinking copious alcoholic drinks and eating vegan food – both often a
precursor of terrible GI problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yippee!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Imagine my joy at 5:30am when my alarm went off.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nevertheless, these marathons don’t run themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up, drove for two hours, wrangled with
the pay-by-mobile parking meter whilst only having 15 minutes to spare before
the race started (STRESSFUL!) then ran to the start, which was through a huge
dark tunnel with an epilepsy-inducing strobe light halfway along (just as well
I’m not epileptic).</p>
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</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whilst dealing with parking, I asked a passing runner if I
needed to wear trail shoes (what with the race being called Tissington TRAIL)
and they emphatically said no, so I attached the weird chip thing to my road
shoes and hoped for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to
the start with about a minute to spare.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Due to my knee issues, I planned to take this race easy, so
I set off at a comfortable pace and plodded along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite quickly a beautiful route, with
lovely rolling Derbyshire hills and dry stone walls on both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “trail” was largely tarmac and the other runner
had advised me well – trail shoes would have been Very Bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My knee felt fine, sadly my gut less so and
despite my enthusiastic pre-race consumption of Immodium,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>within the first couple of miles I had a
couple of unscheduled but necessary stops. TMI?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">I jogged on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
trail was ever-so-slightly uphill – this had been mentioned in the race notes
but I had figured it meant “undulating” as nothing is ever JUST uphill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful sunny day, but with a cold
northerly wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the trail had
trees on both sides, this was fine and lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the exposed bits, this was bloody cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw a runner in front of me put his hood up
and followed suit, even though it wasn’t raining, to try to take the windchill
off a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">It said in the race briefing notes that the race was “trying
to be more green. Please consider bringing your own reusable cup or water
bottle”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is pretty common these
days – many races don’t provide any receptacles at all and if you forget, you
have to buy a reusable cup at the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this is perfectly reasonable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously I have never forgotten – one good thing about always reading the race briefing! I'd brought a cup and 2 bottles and
was pretty self-sufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got
to the aid station, this is what I found:</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmmmmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Trying to be green”… not trying hard enough in my opinion!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I emailed them this photo after the race with my thoughts
and the organiser did reply and said, “we would love to scrap the use of these
plastic cups and this is what we are working towards”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fair play to them but they should just bite
the bullet and tell everyone: there aren’t any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bring your own or buy ours, your choice!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The race continued, still slightly uphill the whole
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I turned a corner and could see
ahead of me, I suddenly realised the route was actually climbing a pretty large
hill but just <i>really slowly</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Into
a headwind.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">This. Is. Not. My. Idea. Of. A. Good. Time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Halfway up the slow, dull, windy hill, I came across a dude
walking these gorgeous beasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thought they were Samoyeds so I stopped and asked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was right. They were super-cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He let me take a photo of them. <br /></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kum9l-HVZfhFelAQvOtkn5gVvWNoUMRCSeB3sAFAc5nbtSOzTJrHEC7h4RiyquNs9r1osOwxa8hvwnSNb_195_wArzSuxt0SY7ptCrXiYvizeI-Mg15K5a6YQPV0q53nTLMnrGlzMQ/s2048/3AC9247D-D766-4495-826E-BBE887058003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kum9l-HVZfhFelAQvOtkn5gVvWNoUMRCSeB3sAFAc5nbtSOzTJrHEC7h4RiyquNs9r1osOwxa8hvwnSNb_195_wArzSuxt0SY7ptCrXiYvizeI-Mg15K5a6YQPV0q53nTLMnrGlzMQ/s320/3AC9247D-D766-4495-826E-BBE887058003.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The other runners were quite spread out by this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed a guy with his hood up and we
exchanged a few friendly words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon
as I passed him, I thought “he looked like that guy I met in <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/02/worcestershire-seven-deadly-sins.html" target="_blank">Worcestershire</a> who owned a chip shop” but I couldn’t remember
his name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured Derbyshire isn’t too
far from Worcestershire and I remembered that he ran marathons every weekend –
surely he had to travel for that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept
going and chatted briefly to another lady, mostly about how the way back was
going to be <i>so much nicer. </i> I stopped to take this picture
because I thought the little lake was really pretty: </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_GuKaEyxj5wvtyvl-rDg1e0P1NxAM4LO3b9hEFPwGefA15ggubsoe4UY3cdCI2NuyIt_B8JN-40LRzmMuBhsGia5hKSgAMO3SbpJ81g9FDkMccpsL86yoRwb4-ziX94UIb3jsVuxOQ/s2048/8406CAFE-E73D-48FF-B844-EE11D3294F12_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_GuKaEyxj5wvtyvl-rDg1e0P1NxAM4LO3b9hEFPwGefA15ggubsoe4UY3cdCI2NuyIt_B8JN-40LRzmMuBhsGia5hKSgAMO3SbpJ81g9FDkMccpsL86yoRwb4-ziX94UIb3jsVuxOQ/s320/8406CAFE-E73D-48FF-B844-EE11D3294F12_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal">I passed a little roadside stall that sold cake and jam but
at that point all I could think about was getting to the turnaround point and
getting out of the damned wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eventually I got there and there were lots of spectators, who clapped
enthusiastically, despite me not having done anything impressive as yet, and a
marshall, who told me where to turn around.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0Qg95Mk1KXiIX8Q8MdmwMaa9AtohZ9nEa_op_ebGnOX1NAtIGzca7sfr09jpD8TxQzlSBNe4hcSORM2GNX0-DtxnI4FOAoRARJym3NO27izYA4nmUH2GgKuR7ecDCCf2OHadGsR5Xg/s2048/8170F875-C96E-46F7-A93E-B7A3CB743140_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0Qg95Mk1KXiIX8Q8MdmwMaa9AtohZ9nEa_op_ebGnOX1NAtIGzca7sfr09jpD8TxQzlSBNe4hcSORM2GNX0-DtxnI4FOAoRARJym3NO27izYA4nmUH2GgKuR7ecDCCf2OHadGsR5Xg/s320/8170F875-C96E-46F7-A93E-B7A3CB743140_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">As soon as I turned around, the whole race got a lot more
pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all slightly downhill,
the wind abated and my speed picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I passed a farm that supplied milk for Cropwell Bishop Stilton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bit further on, I passed a field with
loads of men with metal detectors combing the field systematically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave my romantic explanation to Ben afterwards that one of
them had lost their beloved wedding ring while tending the cows, and he’d recruited all
his friends to help him search for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ben had a rather more prosaic explanation that they were hunting for something valuable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br /><br /></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCysgkgQVVjuoQgYFND5IB3pobkq_nbBNjzocmYfrfZ9gkcNxWMuz8LaL1Hgi6_xB0xIyoZCnFFhpWATBMPYANrWyKli0b-FD-pYKR4uvt6B6eFWduOTees9IrBz_I6acHoLAaqvJD4w/s2048/1B732673-10FD-462F-B1D0-9F65D278E131.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCysgkgQVVjuoQgYFND5IB3pobkq_nbBNjzocmYfrfZ9gkcNxWMuz8LaL1Hgi6_xB0xIyoZCnFFhpWATBMPYANrWyKli0b-FD-pYKR4uvt6B6eFWduOTees9IrBz_I6acHoLAaqvJD4w/s320/1B732673-10FD-462F-B1D0-9F65D278E131.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after this, I saw the guy I’d spoken to earlier
coming the other way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I was
paying attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really did look a
lot like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he approached, I
shouted, “Do you own a fish and chip shop?!” and he shouted “I remember you!
You had the speaker!” and I stopped and said, “I remember you too!” and totally
instinctively hugged him, which was probably very Covid-inappropriate but he
didn’t seem to mind, and I said “I haven’t got it today,” and then we both ran
off in opposite directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
probably a couple of kilometres behind me or else I would’ve waited for
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took quite a while before I remembered his name was Lucas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
looked him up afterwards – he finished half an hour after me. I wonder how many marathons he's done now?!<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the way back I took a photo of this sign, which was also
present on the outward leg – it made me smile because I have run some races
which have literally the most horrific mud/scramble/hills/brambles which don’t
have signs like this, and this was literally nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no part that was worse that what’s
visible in this photo...</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI-U37kxb9HubHlH3KQlslumQK7IIB5h6LYvtDIhtTrgWOXKU51rwOWYxs3cODuHQS73d7LZI3BVBIj5KPpSvoIEVSk-lhO_GQKGCQ7_8_jNVJCYUKw70s1K4c1qmfWlVYgNjXtJr7g/s2048/7B357D7E-60D5-4BC5-AD9B-E26E0F71CB4C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI-U37kxb9HubHlH3KQlslumQK7IIB5h6LYvtDIhtTrgWOXKU51rwOWYxs3cODuHQS73d7LZI3BVBIj5KPpSvoIEVSk-lhO_GQKGCQ7_8_jNVJCYUKw70s1K4c1qmfWlVYgNjXtJr7g/s320/7B357D7E-60D5-4BC5-AD9B-E26E0F71CB4C.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">I kept going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
getting cooler as the course fell into the shade and I zipped up my
jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt great – no issues with my
knee and I was doing a pretty decent pace by now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I overtook quite a few runners including this guy wearing Zoom Vapor Fly shoes which made me feel like a bit of a badass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although that is probably a bit unfair - he was walking so
likely injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry dude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still beat you though :)</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-2EaPEUA0B5vhtwUnkAvOXGWqczfdMTMQoPMKXrM2Ccc6EcmQyWf9NpiGwCObsmiIqXMwELIUFJR3Tu_9UX4jyI7uHPw7zOxSy2eA3L_npF1kGo8Fa7vBbCLZpMZRRmQtPwTnQDG1g/s2048/FD3496FF-08F2-4704-B481-213A1B42402E_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-2EaPEUA0B5vhtwUnkAvOXGWqczfdMTMQoPMKXrM2Ccc6EcmQyWf9NpiGwCObsmiIqXMwELIUFJR3Tu_9UX4jyI7uHPw7zOxSy2eA3L_npF1kGo8Fa7vBbCLZpMZRRmQtPwTnQDG1g/w200-h150/FD3496FF-08F2-4704-B481-213A1B42402E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UsPaBaPPAGKwYkGLT1vk-7HMslMCNVf8S-23i1HUCAKKV7xmk7PBd5swfsXafwiqLSbKGf41Jrp56KIZnDNZ5MUjf0fK_q-6f4vTNw4L8p3rd41xNXf2_X66BgGKd23o_zLe_IwIEQ/s1932/IMG_1262.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="1335" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UsPaBaPPAGKwYkGLT1vk-7HMslMCNVf8S-23i1HUCAKKV7xmk7PBd5swfsXafwiqLSbKGf41Jrp56KIZnDNZ5MUjf0fK_q-6f4vTNw4L8p3rd41xNXf2_X66BgGKd23o_zLe_IwIEQ/w138-h200/IMG_1262.jpg" width="138" /></a></div></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">And that was it! I huffed and puffed the last couple of
kilometres because I could and I was enjoying going fast for the first time in
a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I finished with a
MASSIVE negative split although I can’t prove it as I didn’t record it properly
on Strava….</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Literally the only benefit of an uphill first 13 miles!</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">There was a t-shirt as well as a medal – haven’t had a new
t-shirt in a long time, so that was nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cute medal as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finished in 4:22
which is pretty respectable given injury and 300-ish metres of ascent.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And that was it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t eat enough on the run and got a bit light-headed on the way back and had
to stop for a very crap cheese pastie at a service station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpy0kDQhAcaDSexj4jhbj_9iFFcFjTCNfVAaxhPoGUgOZNDeFOiqlGHLW5j9S6rm_OUMX3RJJOehb1XoQDEOKdIM0YCBBd3WDvT1YJf4i5IlaRCQEpxUOuzTNBHbhBF6N4WeXqFRi-A/s2048/33872A3E-FB41-47CC-B5AE-F6B0B13E6841_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpy0kDQhAcaDSexj4jhbj_9iFFcFjTCNfVAaxhPoGUgOZNDeFOiqlGHLW5j9S6rm_OUMX3RJJOehb1XoQDEOKdIM0YCBBd3WDvT1YJf4i5IlaRCQEpxUOuzTNBHbhBF6N4WeXqFRi-A/s320/33872A3E-FB41-47CC-B5AE-F6B0B13E6841_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFZLyQHrvv23ymy-4AwPBBpdiRX1mPnhfPtnNVY8uUMQYU3Mt0D6FgJxG5a6gpJuxnRLIaJOJYDyUIUBNpRljuIOcRO7Bxa8wRrp81AZ-yijLbX10LbC0KQB2aa65Tno99eUymW2gdQ/s2048/9A938711-D413-4DBC-AAE7-ED9B30F55B2C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFZLyQHrvv23ymy-4AwPBBpdiRX1mPnhfPtnNVY8uUMQYU3Mt0D6FgJxG5a6gpJuxnRLIaJOJYDyUIUBNpRljuIOcRO7Bxa8wRrp81AZ-yijLbX10LbC0KQB2aa65Tno99eUymW2gdQ/s320/9A938711-D413-4DBC-AAE7-ED9B30F55B2C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Clifton Rd, Ashbourne DE6 1DR, UK53.0128795 -1.737585124.702645663821151 -36.8938351 81.323113336178835 33.4186649tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-25768801177078122992021-09-04T10:00:00.541+01:002021-09-12T18:58:42.471+01:00East Riding of Yorkshire: Hornsea Trail marathon race recap<p>This was the last of the four Yorkshire counties, having previously completed <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/10/west-yorkshire-hubble-bubble-marathon.html" target="_blank">West</a>, <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/03/south-yorkshire-yorkshire-chocathon.html" target="_blank">South</a> and <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/04/north-yorkshire-hardmoors-30-ultra-race.html" target="_blank">North</a> and this race was again a reschedule from October last year due to Covid. It was a pretty straightforward out-and-back from the seaside and I was feeling pretty fine about it. </p><p>That is until Thursday night, when I got hit by a car :(</p><p>I was on my way home from work on my beloved Brompton, as usual in high vis jacket and helmet. I was at a particularly horrible junction where I was going straight on (I had right of way) and a car turned right without looking and cut straight across my path. I swerved but couldn't avoid him and collided with the back of his car and was thrown from my bike onto the tarmac. Luckily I wasn't hurt and got up straight away, the driver stopped, there were lots of witnesses. Sadly my bike seemed to be very broken. If you're familiar with Bromptons you'll know they definitely shouldn't look like this:<br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZNsIWemvHaVoNRDJmomjD4VQZ4ePvHJb4XDL9XoFZVHeJVequewx0RPu7SLIVBI7BdyQbh9bVawvxsmXzo4kOrmxv0Pj_ne3mXYOZy52ksYpb8n9JArIunySLsgQKJCJSQRF4tL3lg/s2048/7FEA83CC-5FBC-4B58-96B6-0D3660D6BD60.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZNsIWemvHaVoNRDJmomjD4VQZ4ePvHJb4XDL9XoFZVHeJVequewx0RPu7SLIVBI7BdyQbh9bVawvxsmXzo4kOrmxv0Pj_ne3mXYOZy52ksYpb8n9JArIunySLsgQKJCJSQRF4tL3lg/w150-h200/7FEA83CC-5FBC-4B58-96B6-0D3660D6BD60.jpeg" width="150" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi70snTgDCisaI8vdr_Xk3q8cIQjqBQ5LXIH8LJq3aq7_ak1RLJ6EyVnBB21vMBdulgFFpLfFpwf2zJPtHyW8Q_sUyZY82SHDwMTya1GtphLHTxBUBNuU9vs2ZOwD18hd0sH7rhB5mA/w200-h150/0BE5106E-E841-4234-89DD-2D1D9C999F9C.jpeg" width="200" /></div><p> I got a lift home with a total stranger. I immediately went out for a run -- it was on my training plan and I needed to burn off some cortisol... Later that evening, my knee started to throb and I spent the evening with a bag of frozen peas on it, eating chocolate and feeling sorry for myself. </p><p>I considered asking my coaches what I should do about my marathon, but I figured if I asked, they would probably say, "don't do it" and as that wasn't the answer I wanted to hear, it was probably better not to ask! (I do not advocate this as a life strategy)<br /></p><p></p><p>The next day I pulled myself together, did Project Awesome (jumping was problematic), packed my marathon bag, took the bike in to be repaired and went to work. After work I drove directly to Hull, where I'd booked an incredibly cheap hotel room.</p><p>When I arrived at 8pm, I realised why it was so cheap. It was on an industrial estate, next to the prison. It smelled a bit funny and I could feel every spring in the mattress. All the furniture was laminated black ash. I sighed and checked the bed for bed bugs - thankfully all clear. I laid out all my marathon kit and had a Morrisons cheese sandwich for dinner. At 10:30pm, the fire alarm went off, earsplittingly loud, and myself and the other denizens all tramped outside to wait. After 25 minutes, the management finally managed to turn it off and I went to bed.</p><p>The next morning my knee seemed to be fine. I had a porridge pot and a banana and several cups of coffee (obviously I had brought my own Nespresso machine - I've learned the hard way that that's way more important than most of my running kit). Then I set off for Hornsea at a very civilised 8:45am. On the way I passed a few signs that said "Caution: Runners" as there were lots of road crossings on the route. I also drove past an absolutely gorgeous water tower - never seen one like that before.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm-v9LmqimRsHv6OxP2esuj7lkCUuNIUE91Ng6dF37YbdC8vI0cZS6tU9kmm9gNJKe-SMSJkkTMV9ToZMDqorMeN1-zsVMHjF3ofVUrOp7-4N4zD3wD2F7JmgV7YAUfsIOozB3Xs9nA/s640/The_water_tower_on_the_road_to_Hornsea_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1427056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm-v9LmqimRsHv6OxP2esuj7lkCUuNIUE91Ng6dF37YbdC8vI0cZS6tU9kmm9gNJKe-SMSJkkTMV9ToZMDqorMeN1-zsVMHjF3ofVUrOp7-4N4zD3wD2F7JmgV7YAUfsIOozB3Xs9nA/s320/The_water_tower_on_the_road_to_Hornsea_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1427056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I arrived with plenty of time and there was a car park literally right next to the Grim Up North Running tent. People were queuing up to register already. I went to get my number and asked the woman in front of me in the queue whether I could get away with road shoes and she said yes. I collected my number - for the first time I can ever remember I was number 1! Yikes! I laughed with the organiser that I hoped that wasn't some kind of expectation!<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OCRR7m3E-2HM__flmnVh4RAfVwSdHBS-A3xkvkL5clX-a6E-8LsRecTrBNz_al50a1qq5AUM8ERmyo99z4RacG59_kT49q35kLW3QgTrQEJWo6QGIk6ZPUmHqQvq57AJoqJyGbIQtA/s2048/0C8D13C2-FB89-4049-9F53-283711F41CD9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OCRR7m3E-2HM__flmnVh4RAfVwSdHBS-A3xkvkL5clX-a6E-8LsRecTrBNz_al50a1qq5AUM8ERmyo99z4RacG59_kT49q35kLW3QgTrQEJWo6QGIk6ZPUmHqQvq57AJoqJyGbIQtA/s320/0C8D13C2-FB89-4049-9F53-283711F41CD9.jpeg" width="240" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">I had brought some new drink to try called Maurten that contains 80g of carbohydrates per 500ml so I made that up (tipping white powder all over my car seat in the process, definitely felt like some kind of drug dealer) and went to the loo and put my race vest on. By then the race briefing was about to start. I listened to that and then we were off! Standing on the start line in a t-shirt and bare legs, it felt pretty chilly, but I soon warmed up. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Within the first few minutes we were already out of town and onto the Hornsea Trail, which looked like an old railway line route. I found myself running alongside the lady who'd said to wear road shoes (good call - I reckon I could've worn road shoes even in the middle of winter) and a couple of other ladies who were all doing the 20 mile race. Unfortunately I didn't ask any of their names! They were good company and we chatted and ran for the first 10k before I had to stop to go to the loo.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ6ezADR__N7FwvGJwm7SzLay7poA95cGOWzSWMhajlNoJJ9zVDRaQ33i-8tclEP1yumlHDyjEYGsmBerxuipc9JAvdC0gUvz027nIv-GUc0Tal1NMXDsouVtQMpFJlGwefXwV85GgQ/s2048/BA7F5B27-14B3-4033-804F-16588791432A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ6ezADR__N7FwvGJwm7SzLay7poA95cGOWzSWMhajlNoJJ9zVDRaQ33i-8tclEP1yumlHDyjEYGsmBerxuipc9JAvdC0gUvz027nIv-GUc0Tal1NMXDsouVtQMpFJlGwefXwV85GgQ/s320/BA7F5B27-14B3-4033-804F-16588791432A.jpeg" width="240" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Despite a few unfortunate GI issues I soon got going again, and upped the pace to see if I could catch them up before their turnaround point. It wasn't too long before I could see the two pink ladies in the distance and that was good incentive to keep up the pace. When I finally caught them up, the first of the 20 mile runners were just starting to come back in the opposite direction. I kept going at my new pace as I was feeling comfortable.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A3UbjGM6iL3PWqMia41kqY5Stp9JHB4L2MgFjfXOxEQdJPZskbYYNKBfKfN5uFlVfxQlH8iWQZ6WiR5B0UZNct2-K6LltQJHkCbuW-lJ9jGWht2qDrGyFwWo7joTj8C7xYtRqNp7VQ/s2048/98A902D6-F753-4C79-9CC7-EAA543114778_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A3UbjGM6iL3PWqMia41kqY5Stp9JHB4L2MgFjfXOxEQdJPZskbYYNKBfKfN5uFlVfxQlH8iWQZ6WiR5B0UZNct2-K6LltQJHkCbuW-lJ9jGWht2qDrGyFwWo7joTj8C7xYtRqNp7VQ/s320/98A902D6-F753-4C79-9CC7-EAA543114778_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The path varied from gravel to tarmac with fields on both sides. This one had loads of blue flowers in it. It was monotonous, but broken up with all the road crossings and impossible to get lost, which was lucky as this was one of the extremely rare events where I didn't have a GPX file to follow.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAIEid0wdvKLK5qqztfQS_V-2gqMo7jP8BTJo5nvUSeebRdm63i3_7_Dpoo_fP5yRqQwgt0nEU-TPDdLLVBgX63NhO18ETf135eUopdRRf2ShzTezARoJkMa1Dcrd5Zpx4SG9RSTTjg/s2048/F958156E-2D37-4C0F-B596-EDBF4B5BF248.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAIEid0wdvKLK5qqztfQS_V-2gqMo7jP8BTJo5nvUSeebRdm63i3_7_Dpoo_fP5yRqQwgt0nEU-TPDdLLVBgX63NhO18ETf135eUopdRRf2ShzTezARoJkMa1Dcrd5Zpx4SG9RSTTjg/w400-h300/F958156E-2D37-4C0F-B596-EDBF4B5BF248.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></div><p>At 16km, I reached the 20 mile turnaround point. Everyone I could see ahead of me was turning around here (there were more than twice as many people doing the 20 miler vs the marathon). In the distance I could just start to see Hull (the turnaround point for the marathon).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="2048" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCEpJ1FYxjMuW67lVYXRBHzHaSBD5SBp3Q4lopoG0x8pDUUO9dDVGIrb-SGu-Jldpsq25UXIv-GWUS1Ee-WjPKsdB7n6sUQTkSQaBxZI8rKgTduFjbGViY_8V3HY6HBw9y-iunTMbdw/s320/4A1F0979-2B6E-4354-BBA1-AD43974E28A9_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></div><p> As I passed the marshall I looked ahead at the long, empty path ahead and started singing the chorus of "<i>All By Myself"</i> which raised a smile. In some ways, this section was my favourite bit of the marathon. I was happily noodling along at an easy pace, just content to hang out with the thoughts inside my head, no other runners or pedestrians or cars to contend with. </p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiPl539vyz3eefLXuiLbH63CdhnqW7X2ianBKxoSWaj1obHhTgDlPnVnBYsjcpE6rmlggN5ZI1TdDOdVltVQN3d_1RwPdwpL81a3jcpbBI-V1KUb9i7eM7Qc7qNwuUc9Hc5NqbsHiug/s2048/C52ECD29-8EBD-493B-982B-9E59CB0BB7CB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiPl539vyz3eefLXuiLbH63CdhnqW7X2ianBKxoSWaj1obHhTgDlPnVnBYsjcpE6rmlggN5ZI1TdDOdVltVQN3d_1RwPdwpL81a3jcpbBI-V1KUb9i7eM7Qc7qNwuUc9Hc5NqbsHiug/s320/C52ECD29-8EBD-493B-982B-9E59CB0BB7CB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Somewhere along this stretch I saw an older lady coming towards me in a marathon bib and it was only as she passed me that I realised it was Hils, the amazing woman I'd met at the <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/08/lancashire-scorcher-marathon-day-9-race.html" target="_blank">Lancashire Scorcher</a> and a couple of previous Grim events. She often starts races early as it takes her a while to get round. If you re-read the Scorcher report, you'll see she was 78 in August 2019 and had run 73 marathons and was hoping to get to 100 before she turned 80. Well - she's 80 now - and I am absolutely delighted to report she was wearing a 100 Club vest when I saw her. I shouted, "I know you! I met you before!" over my shoulder as I disappeared off in the opposite direction. When the results came out I discovered she'd finished in 7 hours 36 minutes. What an absolute legend. Unfortunately she finished before me so I didn't get a chance to congratulate her, but I'm optimistic I'll bump into her again eventually.<br /></p><p></p>I carried on along the path, crossing a couple of busy roads before coming to an underpass that said "City Centre" - finally starting to approach Hull. By this point a few of the marathon runners had already passed me coming back the other way.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KLBVw3ccnovhCXW9rE-_EtSQnTE4MbEim980rvPwpvp2eYujFQT_kAkyDAZ8WMO5N22suJhNYwD0e4l9gdnEeX5qidJ564jiRTTgKN6nbNXi9SX2DTZd_CZDJifSipw_LRC_37Q8_g/s2048/336C55E9-C196-47C5-83ED-8B625E917B47.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KLBVw3ccnovhCXW9rE-_EtSQnTE4MbEim980rvPwpvp2eYujFQT_kAkyDAZ8WMO5N22suJhNYwD0e4l9gdnEeX5qidJ564jiRTTgKN6nbNXi9SX2DTZd_CZDJifSipw_LRC_37Q8_g/s320/336C55E9-C196-47C5-83ED-8B625E917B47.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <br /></p><p>I looked at my watch at around 20k and realised it had only been 2 hours - my easy pace is definitely getting faster! 10k in 60 minutes is pretty decent. At the halfway point, I saw a marshall, who instructed me to go round in a loop and go back past her for the return leg. Whilst running around the loop, it suddenly dawned on me that I'd not seen any female marathon runners go past me the other way. I do tend to notice them as I like to be extra-encouraging towards women racers... surely I wasn't leading? How could that be? I thought back to registration. There had been loads of trophies on the table with the cakes - I was certain there was one for female marathon winner. Wouldn't that be pretty amazing if I actually won it? Especially in bib <span>#1!</span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPPAPT9DpRgzsrk7OYF0txP2v2r2Wyht4oHW5YnlEiKgSrgqi7oysA4W5BtUmfVnn8X_UpdAOe-q2Zc9q9goaTDl9F4UGSdbjp6XLFEwZ-vMml9H-ZkTUa1VHe-EKMCrGKGmNkm7c2w/s320/5D1F489D-60DC-465D-8D8C-7B1BE51D94D3.jpeg" width="320" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I looped round the field and asked the marshall if any other ladies had gone past. She said she didn't think so. I figured that meant no women had gone round the loop since I did, so the longer it was before I next saw a woman runner, the more of a lead I had.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I didn't have to wait long. A woman passed me after 0.9km going the other way. My brain went into overdrive. That gives me approximately a five minute head start. Obviously she will also be aware of this, and five minutes is quite easy to make up in two hours. But then again, I have been going easy all the time and I can step it up a notch, so she'll need to step it up two notches. Maybe she's not going to try and race me for it. She didn't look like she was racing. A second woman passed me. Then a third in quick succession. I felt my pace increasing. </p><p>I did the next 10k in 56 minutes. I stopped taking pictures and focused on maintaining a pace that was not quite easy, but not unsustainable either. I passed various men, walking and a few who kept stopping and starting due to injury. I tried to get them to run with me - my plan was to catch up with a man who could then pace me the rest of the way, but no such luck. I put my headphones on and put on the playlist I made for the London marathon in 2017. It had <i>Memories </i>by David Guetta and <i>World Hold On</i> by Bob Sinclar and <i>Hello</i> by Martin Solveig which all reminded me of happy memories of dancing in Leeds. I ran and ran, feeling more and more confident as I put more distance behind me.</p><p>I even slowed down briefly to take a couple of photos:<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppcDsSWXjFKoBG3gsSGSFaaGdckq8dekwKNI5mysBZvP9Vex_24ljoNZY2cPupQBdp69pnHCFgJZJnodfny0DJUGpX-P6rKlclAGaU1viRk5jq9cl7cW8dN8KqY3BW3dIlJagyjk2xw/w200-h150/95F06000-4788-4CE4-B151-52BF5A1DB765_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobnQ2EmgbqQGxiCClSjRVPi43EkOWn4IyOHBKV2fbZ1G7B5tQx9bVXySiH72NVPt2RJl_bK2W23u5SnNrylhasKV1QpPcyIVUtByXiqdvUvNHnX7waB2CjqTI4xmMFaBHoVlrd0RExQ/w200-h150/6290E74A-5CC5-410F-B4F3-97B6652F9F62.jpeg" width="200" /> </p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I passed a marshall at some point along here and confirmed that I was definitely the female lead. I shouted over my shoulder, "I've never won a marathon before!" and they said something like, "And you're number 1!" referring to my bib. I grinned and continued. I was starting to feel really excited that I could actually do this. I was feeling strong and had picked up the pace a bit more - I definitely couldn't call this pace 'easy' any more. I knew I just needed to hold this pace until I got to 40k and the last couple of kilometres would look after themselves.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-on16SWUgYT91tvxLr8lFAqX_fAQK_ejpNLInQSnEI0XVCKqMWRRmWY8Fy9SYQxnLTOIQTkh5k1NNaQPwnRZbiC5Y48PRFh3iNU294yEnRD5Y1e_Nf3_JHfUJaEsSdYDaT3VDA9j6w/s320/20542D8C-3E97-4745-87A0-D4AE6BC49DCB.jpeg" width="240" /> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I overtook a couple more blokes, including one guy called Richard who'd done a 135 mile canal race last weekend. We chatted briefly - he is doing A100 as well which is my A race this year - and he told me it was a really good one, which is nice to hear! I apologised for zooming off but explained that I was 1st lady so I had to go. He understood. At one point there was a busy road to cross, with a marshall on the other side. I was hopping up and down, glaring at the traffic, muttering, "Come on, come on, COME ON! I haven't got TIME for this!"<br /></p><div>I passed the 40k mark, having completed that 10k in 57 minutes. Remarkable.</div><div>And now the fun really started. I've never really been a competitive runner, but my recent training has focused on doing more efforts and I knew I could push harder if I needed to. In my head, the next woman was hot on my heels and I needed to do everything I could to finish strongly. I could see a man in the far distance so my first goal was to catch up with him. I cracked the pace up a few notches.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdz5VyricTwufvzT8ieWbELqa508kq8EpqP7Esabc3kq4dcrb3t-YCEKxBeOa6eY_2O0RdAgSvetPojskcGaoElF-LpgPpM-dSIE5D0dKeLTzb-HWiWjDG2hP26EhMVMMMnypPJBB6Q/s2048/CB2D11A5-D17D-44EE-AA0D-1075258E4518_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdz5VyricTwufvzT8ieWbELqa508kq8EpqP7Esabc3kq4dcrb3t-YCEKxBeOa6eY_2O0RdAgSvetPojskcGaoElF-LpgPpM-dSIE5D0dKeLTzb-HWiWjDG2hP26EhMVMMMnypPJBB6Q/s320/CB2D11A5-D17D-44EE-AA0D-1075258E4518_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last couple of kilometres are a bit of a blur. I averaged 5 minutes per kilometre, which is approximately my 5k pace, but it's pretty hard to sustain 5k pace after you've just run 40k!! I overtook a guy near the end and absolutely left him for dust - not many people are all-out sprinting that close to the end. My breathing was laboured and I was definitely at the point where normal people would think, "what a nutter, why would you do that to yourself?" Picture from the official race photographer taken at that point:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg68J73Ngg5QsmFLA3cm2ao3av01oDG5seX2SJzjLMCN0J0twcEotK8oOQSfZ2sf9VDVNkGAzpdNs9AgXdBKenPBgc7csfFG4KpjX3pvWB0WbyfyYy9JS-zqTIX8wip8bsAsaGcmVPWA/s4176/DSC_3987-%2528ZF-9175-40737-1-001%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="2784" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg68J73Ngg5QsmFLA3cm2ao3av01oDG5seX2SJzjLMCN0J0twcEotK8oOQSfZ2sf9VDVNkGAzpdNs9AgXdBKenPBgc7csfFG4KpjX3pvWB0WbyfyYy9JS-zqTIX8wip8bsAsaGcmVPWA/s320/DSC_3987-%2528ZF-9175-40737-1-001%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The course finished with two loops round a weird roundabout thing and then I did a sprint finish up a little hill and that was it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stopped, got my breath back, and drank 4 cups of water. Then I went to check if I had won. It took a little while as they hadn't been keeping track of whether people were male or female (!) but after a few minutes it was confirmed and the lovely Race Director gave me the trophy.<br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4s09uYURpq0Cazi8U5RoTenJiUIs1TyZB5gX58Co8dybeIqwhqGI6pix8L-Huj4C6dtCmBJ2qe1e-HawvZRQBLiThefzOUoJbgu3eLNBGooq-m9pVEPtlV1iQCGjZ_QD0hGctz5N-w/w300-h400/8589265D-DD4C-4140-A3CD-FCC39B8555EC.jpeg" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was beyond delighted. There may have been some squealing. It felt totally different to <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/06/west-midlands-escape-from-meriden-ultra.html" target="_blank">Escape From Meriden</a>, which a) wasn't a marathon, b) winning criteria was based on distance not time, c) I didn't even know if there was a prize for solo female, d) I finished it on the side of an A road on my own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took photos. I grinned a lot. I wouldn't put the trophy down. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzrtjdHerYCaWSHLANeadc01I8M3MzeHOVAy0FF3jo0VrkG3VXKRHNqiVvqYaJEqzpW_4y2jNKFVVjMNYjVPHvNAL_-GxZQCQRLSdbW18_0vvBnMzIbQhY9ijMcW7vC6MMS9x31ONiQ/s320/498E1E89-1194-49C6-B22C-C6E045502CEA.jpeg" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> </div><div>A kind spectator offered to take some photos of me. More people commented that my bib said <span>#1 </span>on it. I suddenly remembered that I was considering not even doing this race at one point because of my bike crash - how bloody lucky that I did!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-HiDE9o7jgwIBjhLZSIMkwlsQv5GtxMTde9ytQUvw1li4ldh65-zmYCq1eSPfjeTySOertcCBMpGXPgJrEhplGlvvZJoLt5QHxJVyFNnzdgt0BStcG6lFdYJpi8KhzvWTs5TQ5UXSQ/s2048/031F4F56-19B9-4425-9798-3B6BB93FEA42.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-HiDE9o7jgwIBjhLZSIMkwlsQv5GtxMTde9ytQUvw1li4ldh65-zmYCq1eSPfjeTySOertcCBMpGXPgJrEhplGlvvZJoLt5QHxJVyFNnzdgt0BStcG6lFdYJpi8KhzvWTs5TQ5UXSQ/w150-h200/031F4F56-19B9-4425-9798-3B6BB93FEA42.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprI7nsqUXpzYGqOekQoz36rYsJxpLrx6bFCK_0JK7CBGzgxHH9ItkONivU5TN-ViLnlwX79c4gqUugPkszFX6-Vg9Xyhyphenhyphenorr4Xye6YHk5XVnzrUppDmZ_hA5wcU_v73RfzVw1u8huvw/s2048/8C805832-203B-475B-A969-11D247193A9C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprI7nsqUXpzYGqOekQoz36rYsJxpLrx6bFCK_0JK7CBGzgxHH9ItkONivU5TN-ViLnlwX79c4gqUugPkszFX6-Vg9Xyhyphenhyphenorr4Xye6YHk5XVnzrUppDmZ_hA5wcU_v73RfzVw1u8huvw/w150-h200/8C805832-203B-475B-A969-11D247193A9C.jpeg" width="150" /> </a></div>There was loads of homemade cake at the end - it was hard to choose but I went with coffee and walnut in the end. It was bloody great. <br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmL7_o9LnSGYQPvCLrmn_f1xd5yI0Nr-ujBQqssXYQO3hQ3jIUL_nQrE9SkPsTME1_3xE14irpc17e6eq1s8oHcChdyi7HE3h0UDJ0sTEUhKP_UDvf6cvJIM-d_EZSMmRqs1rZthwAQ/s2048/4D76DC28-0802-49CA-B3AA-005CD9249458.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmL7_o9LnSGYQPvCLrmn_f1xd5yI0Nr-ujBQqssXYQO3hQ3jIUL_nQrE9SkPsTME1_3xE14irpc17e6eq1s8oHcChdyi7HE3h0UDJ0sTEUhKP_UDvf6cvJIM-d_EZSMmRqs1rZthwAQ/s320/4D76DC28-0802-49CA-B3AA-005CD9249458.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>In all the excitement I nearly forgot to pick up my medal and goody bag, it was only when I saw another competitor get theirs that I remembered just as I was leaving. I didn't even put the medal on, I was just so made up with my trophy. I put the trophy on the car seat next to me and kept looking at it as I drove back to Liverpool.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3-9zB7IcREYu0I_x9gVETa0f6Vtv8gewGV1Z58DJbWq_THecww6AN-iVNuelhpavIZBrL31HDN5gi5czQKRkAEM6OEw9Z1nKYW8XQWUja7qPWYXCTVA-Nw4KYu1qkmuytIjXxgYTPw/s320/1DB25DFF-AC47-45D1-9E5D-A3FA1CDC1590_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">My official time was 4 hours, 6 minutes and 31 seconds. This is my second best marathon time ever - my PB was in 2016 when I was FIVE YEARS younger and I've run a <i>lot </i>of marathons since then - today was my 84th. I also ran negative splits for the first time in my running career (first half in 2:06:33, second half in 1:59:44). Obviously this was greatly aided by the fact I wasn't trying for a good time in the first half of the race, but nevertheless an achievement. I only stopped once for a toilet break - I skipped all the aid stations and carried all my own supplies. This definitely makes a big difference.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But most of all a huge thank you to my fabulous coaches, whose training programme has made an amazing difference to my fitness capabilities in a really short amount of time. Fingers crossed it'll also do the trick for A100! <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFW-nXSg-250V7v_edW-1OIAm1GL2jBfznObE8e_yvzwU9dFfXDAiUqODoTco7w73xiD4WBUi0u-9Al2bycZYip1y7XF-vQgSlIyAQnk2Cj4VAgNX0OXy3j5nAzdsqRUULL1SSdvGQQ/s2436/IMG_0685.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFW-nXSg-250V7v_edW-1OIAm1GL2jBfznObE8e_yvzwU9dFfXDAiUqODoTco7w73xiD4WBUi0u-9Al2bycZYip1y7XF-vQgSlIyAQnk2Cj4VAgNX0OXy3j5nAzdsqRUULL1SSdvGQQ/s320/IMG_0685.PNG" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmI_IL6tOI23aUc6Mb7pQnrOFNgVZDRdpCW_Uf3WWnEOjBV9AxSS3rQDkxwu75q2EY9FT-bwpLYga6DEHBQnS1p2cUpyQeHJmGTt55visHSO-nlTg_00AIM8o64ejO3E3UBkcx2kvnw/s2436/IMG_0687.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmI_IL6tOI23aUc6Mb7pQnrOFNgVZDRdpCW_Uf3WWnEOjBV9AxSS3rQDkxwu75q2EY9FT-bwpLYga6DEHBQnS1p2cUpyQeHJmGTt55visHSO-nlTg_00AIM8o64ejO3E3UBkcx2kvnw/s320/IMG_0687.PNG" width="148" /></a></div></div> </div><div>Addendum: When the results came out the next day, the second-placed female finished in 4 hours 29 minutes. Turns out, I needn't have rushed :) </div><div> </div><div>And in one final stroke of luck, the bike shop have said they can fix my Brompton and the driver has agreed to pay. Result!</div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /> <p></p></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Sands Ln, Hornsea HU18 1PZ, UK53.9113014 -0.161278253.910037468377382 -0.16342396721191407 53.912565331622616 -0.15913243278808595tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-45643518887078569452021-08-07T11:00:00.708+01:002021-08-24T18:21:46.425+01:00Somerset: Mendip Marauder 30 mile ultra race recap<p>I originally signed up for the Mendip Marauder on 21 September 2018. The race wasn't until 3 August 2019, but I'd seen the medal and I really, <b>really </b>wanted it.</p><p>Unfortunately the race was cancelled at the last minute (4 days before the event) due to a road closure which the organisers had only just found out about. Hmm... not great. You'd think race directors might keep an eye on this sort of thing... Apparently both a road and a path were closed and the only possible
diversion would add at least six miles to the route. This was deemed not viable so it was cancelled. I wrangled with my non-refundable accommodation, who reluctantly agreed not to charge me.</p><p>The rescheduled date was 8 August 2020 - which was towards the end of Covid second wave. Although a few races were running, the logistics of this race made it difficult (including one way coach travel due to the linear route) so fair enough, it was cancelled again.</p><p>The re-rescheduled date was 7 August 2021. Yay! Then on 31 July 2021, 8 days before the event, I received an email to say that the race had been substantially changed. Firstly, it no longer started or finished in the same place. I had already booked accommodation in Weston-super-Mare but luckily I could drive to the start, albeit somewhat inconvenient.<br /></p><p>Secondly it no longer followed the same route, and now didn't go on the East Mendip Way at all, significantly changing the race to something which no longer resembled the race any of us had signed up for. Luckily for me though, it WAS still in Somerset, so I wasn't particularly fussed.<br /></p><p>Thirdly, the new route added an additional 600m of ascent to an already substantial 1100m of ascent, when I am not remotely trained for ascent and my last two races and all my training have been on the flat. Bummer.</p><p>I was not particularly impressed with the race organisation by this point, I have to say, but they did seem nice and well-meaning so I just tried to go with the flow. They could definitely take some lessons from the <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2021/06/norfolk-sunset-half-ultra-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Norfolk race director</a> though. Pretty sure this would never have happened at one of his events!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1125" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8gnMohiRLcOsUCHjvKnm0uwEf_GVCAhZDt_sohnCZzogawyiI6U0XZJqbbd8ya88qKCMdwhK4felYuOw98-havPJ-NLwBdaApivVGsP8df3BKsjbVwXCKsDipxqnmBGQpNF6wcyNuw/s320/37E4DE82-E8B2-42F4-A1DC-73F03712FD38_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The day before the race, I drove down to Weston-super-mare. The journey was pretty hideous with driving rain and loads of traffic on the M6 and it took me 3 hours to drive 84 miles. I stopped off near Bristol to see an old friend, Phil, and we had dinner together in a pub off the motorway. I had this delicious and beautiful (but quite small) goats cheese and beetroot linguine:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwEtxXNYphSVZ3pF5pSC1fV-y9VjyxnvTRKj78aUiyOYhwiIJtff-Vcuepw-7cZaOhnw01VHwc41urLM2wc40bZj43VnYrgM3OKtIURdkoiiN0nFn8XB4yhNJcz-C-7aHChhyphenhyphenJ0yNuQ/s2048/415F92BD-C4CD-45CD-B92B-0DB0AAE2BD2A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwEtxXNYphSVZ3pF5pSC1fV-y9VjyxnvTRKj78aUiyOYhwiIJtff-Vcuepw-7cZaOhnw01VHwc41urLM2wc40bZj43VnYrgM3OKtIURdkoiiN0nFn8XB4yhNJcz-C-7aHChhyphenhyphenJ0yNuQ/w150-h200/415F92BD-C4CD-45CD-B92B-0DB0AAE2BD2A.jpeg" width="150" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Afterwards I continued on to Weston-super-Mare. I was staying in a B&B and when I arrived, was delighted to find there was a mini fridge in my room. I decided to go out for a wander, to buy race snacks and have a look round the town and maybe get some chips.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Weston turned out to be a pretty deprived area - at least the bits I saw. It had the air of (very) faded seaside town, with nothing to do and no money invested in it for decades. I saw paralytic teenage girls at 7.30pm, teetering in high heels; overweight parents shouting at their overweight children; a man lurking outside the bookies with the red, puffy look of a heavy drinker. Outside Tesco there was a gang of teenagers with bikes and hoodies with the hoods up. To my surprise, they politely moved out of the way as I approached.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmkqUG54L5WTEvlqMaW8MZwWnls8HWr2uIxH4rxe78DPeKLAeVThaGioATex-BLygnuE1J3vuKzgGIDVJedPzzFCOweIKOnHyq2ViYQBzYdpOad0-03CBTuPfZvrp9Czraj3e5BUGzw/s2048/9CBD82BB-F1FE-4D05-82B8-E52F9BA1E9FE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmkqUG54L5WTEvlqMaW8MZwWnls8HWr2uIxH4rxe78DPeKLAeVThaGioATex-BLygnuE1J3vuKzgGIDVJedPzzFCOweIKOnHyq2ViYQBzYdpOad0-03CBTuPfZvrp9Czraj3e5BUGzw/w150-h200/9CBD82BB-F1FE-4D05-82B8-E52F9BA1E9FE.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qIISbsu5fQ4gBPhh-Vd3eG3vyTAh66zsDcmjKbLJHlRCLOd1CEzuzyt8UAwv1k9oxqK-ueRGB6KG6zB_pFZ2sx1Ds5oXAXLqdNUigRdx5H06QAQXm3V-txE-mNOLJHg3xyhkY23pLw/s2048/D7631809-192E-4E6A-BEEA-6D55B8C56DBE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qIISbsu5fQ4gBPhh-Vd3eG3vyTAh66zsDcmjKbLJHlRCLOd1CEzuzyt8UAwv1k9oxqK-ueRGB6KG6zB_pFZ2sx1Ds5oXAXLqdNUigRdx5H06QAQXm3V-txE-mNOLJHg3xyhkY23pLw/w200-h150/D7631809-192E-4E6A-BEEA-6D55B8C56DBE.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-QYkymeyZLB6CKekObjtIh5_Tlkqdz51m78WTeC5MZz51GtJ6a5-ykMMG5kTWg3ghM70NYXTlzsT1Te6EuEWFwGhTuHD8boGk_VrbLU_d3c2h-ROBzQNww7sFjMR1U3xLUaIBh2q2Q/s2048/54DB295D-DB6F-4302-BADE-57F76BE48BAA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-QYkymeyZLB6CKekObjtIh5_Tlkqdz51m78WTeC5MZz51GtJ6a5-ykMMG5kTWg3ghM70NYXTlzsT1Te6EuEWFwGhTuHD8boGk_VrbLU_d3c2h-ROBzQNww7sFjMR1U3xLUaIBh2q2Q/w150-h200/54DB295D-DB6F-4302-BADE-57F76BE48BAA.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rvgMyKyPhJaqSENbTotWKheC7sOpUAPXoTZqvsIsAnyAyTt6p1c3-WRMgmtlEiCvfVNTCLJ-kCToevZryNPymzyRo7yiBcZe-QpnCkNh3SAFWlxEEyNzrJDcVr55TsG5-I-JvY7Deg/s2048/41AC88DA-E1F3-4111-8AFF-F2FC791BFB94.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rvgMyKyPhJaqSENbTotWKheC7sOpUAPXoTZqvsIsAnyAyTt6p1c3-WRMgmtlEiCvfVNTCLJ-kCToevZryNPymzyRo7yiBcZe-QpnCkNh3SAFWlxEEyNzrJDcVr55TsG5-I-JvY7Deg/w150-h200/41AC88DA-E1F3-4111-8AFF-F2FC791BFB94.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>I walked down to the pier, which was closed, and as I crossed towards
it, an older guy on rollerblades skated in front of me. His wheels caught in a patch of loose sand and he tripped. Meanwhile, a man sullenly swept the empty Pier from behind a locked gate. It was a pretty depressing and soulless place. I
tried to imagine growing up here, this being the only world you knew. I
thought grimly of Banksy's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/aug/20/banksy-dismaland-a-theme-park-unsuitable-for-children-in-pictures" target="_blank">Dismaland</a>. It made sense now why he put it here.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGMr-vW4mb21f8lZsa_9J57j_sews_h7NbA-bFSK5SfiE19GAxAKyFrZT2ThNiR9M7M7UULvzsEgGI_CNeHwO5kxB-bg6e_cVng082h35rtsrjgNwyNo5O28sNrOfxGSgEaaVocHhBw/s2048/807CE916-CCDB-429A-973B-29DF842D4EEC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGMr-vW4mb21f8lZsa_9J57j_sews_h7NbA-bFSK5SfiE19GAxAKyFrZT2ThNiR9M7M7UULvzsEgGI_CNeHwO5kxB-bg6e_cVng082h35rtsrjgNwyNo5O28sNrOfxGSgEaaVocHhBw/s320/807CE916-CCDB-429A-973B-29DF842D4EEC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I'd already walked past six fish and chip shops that were closed. Some looked closed permanently, others obviously felt it wasn't worth staying open this late on a Saturday evening. I finally spotted one that was open and crossed the road to get to it. I was behind a woman in her early 40s, her daughter and her two young-ish grandchildren. They ordered. The staff looked harangued. Various customers stood around waiting for their orders. The young man behind the counter was doing his best. He called, "sausage and chips?" and glanced at the assembled company. An angry woman came over and opened the container. "I said TWO sausages and ONE chips," she snarled and pushed it back at him. "You better give me a refund, you've overcharged me now," she added. His manager sorted the refund. The customer snatched her meal without saying thank you and said, "Aren't you going to give me anything to eat it with?" and then stormed out. The manager then announced to the rest of the queue, "We're closed. After her," and pointed at me. I silently checked my watch: 20:03. I ordered a small chips and a bread roll as politely as I could. The boy behind the till apologised they didn't have any bread rolls. "Will bread and butter do?" he asked. I said yes. When my order came, I thanked him and said he shouldn't have to be treated the way that other customer spoke to him. He laughed and said, "It's alright". I gave him a massive tip and took my chips and went over to the beach to eat them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwriHgT9Y7dCimx-vArq3Qx57Rafod3OoINoyoqqPL87ph2FM-_aFydM0U3bgik-ecedt3ep8JjcLc-fS85R5l0D8Lpgz5i0UQApGj5isMC7jwaAN_fLiccQ4kPjnPQE1N4KWLf9Lmw/s320/5B275C40-0FB5-46EA-949E-439F0AA5B009.jpeg" width="240" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It might be a white bread chip buttie but it tasted pretty good. Despite the small portion, I only managed half the chips. I walked back to the B&B, thinking about privilege. On the way back I saw the woman and her grandchildren, eating ice creams the size of my head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day I got up and got ready for the race and prepared all my race snacks - carefully calculated to contain as many carbohydrates as possible:<br /></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy1x0MVJl51qLtobSlKugac5m5gvtbyWUR1KazixHqrvJifRhXFxW1WieuwUMpBVa_9JnkidBCF1GzTINone7iIBYWU_J2QUw-RnIO5_hK9SkTQ9YF7rGBRCGO3GGhT-l22e3P6XIag/s2048/4AC47936-4A51-4947-A9BC-B245D6CF03CA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUy1x0MVJl51qLtobSlKugac5m5gvtbyWUR1KazixHqrvJifRhXFxW1WieuwUMpBVa_9JnkidBCF1GzTINone7iIBYWU_J2QUw-RnIO5_hK9SkTQ9YF7rGBRCGO3GGhT-l22e3P6XIag/s320/4AC47936-4A51-4947-A9BC-B245D6CF03CA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Then I drove to Wells, the new start of the race. As I arrived at 09:30, the 50 mile runners were just setting off. I stopped and clapped through the car window until they'd all passed and then made my way in to register. The weather forecast wasn't great but it wasn't raining (yet). I went to the loo and ate a banana and attached my race number.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbRJmno1a1ibrcBvGOdQ_6Eqqcr668LO1ICEiXvqb72S5_YSyHzGK6nCWUGHLtLy2_wxV-DDndpIq1K0pA2btRVAKYmEUfBpYBrn2s7-MIa_4hfrXRCUmegGhJRbhKeOE_6unHj5zfw/s320/DBD2DE71-B079-4BFA-ABDD-71045EB7EB9D.jpeg" width="240" /> <br /></p><p>There seemed to be a lot of Serious Athletes there. You can always tell because Serious Athletes fold their numbers up really small and put them on their legs rather than their t-shirts. And they have lots of expensive kit. And they are Local People who are obviously used to hills compared to my weak Liverpool legs. I felt unfit and unprepared. I was probably going to be last.<br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih62SXp9x3aNGyUR-Qa241a67n24Qx17fGYlS6VqwbKe0-LDXoNzo9O6L2jDQS8ghDIaEGx715flWVZ9awcnANpZDxOnnoQ0kTU2pCu_9hZ6uCi6CZDEt5QhDxxJQ6pdt3GKSv0hufFQ/s2048/F645A261-8339-45D2-A56D-C0B2C5F7378F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih62SXp9x3aNGyUR-Qa241a67n24Qx17fGYlS6VqwbKe0-LDXoNzo9O6L2jDQS8ghDIaEGx715flWVZ9awcnANpZDxOnnoQ0kTU2pCu_9hZ6uCi6CZDEt5QhDxxJQ6pdt3GKSv0hufFQ/w320-h240/F645A261-8339-45D2-A56D-C0B2C5F7378F.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The coaches arrived to take us to the start and we all got on. The journey took just over half an hour. The man behind me was talking with another competitor and it was all a bit willy-waving and I felt quite inadequate so I put my headphones in to drown them out and stared out the window. There were a LOT of hills. On the way there it started to rain. As the rain got heavier, everyone
got their rain jackets out of their packs and put them on. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K31749zV32u7HpLBlnUgbAj8ktG_2TPMn9BZd-W1qiO54FR5Vqkyry3bNZRqNmUcGSY7vmFrSzi8vlCbCk7SFD32e1ZXtvw5Horw55y-aDHPR3aWJdDd2ofdDAPGrdPNE7SgAB2htA/s2048/CA6B418C-D4A3-4B6C-BFB4-08A5873E065B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K31749zV32u7HpLBlnUgbAj8ktG_2TPMn9BZd-W1qiO54FR5Vqkyry3bNZRqNmUcGSY7vmFrSzi8vlCbCk7SFD32e1ZXtvw5Horw55y-aDHPR3aWJdDd2ofdDAPGrdPNE7SgAB2htA/w200-h150/CA6B418C-D4A3-4B6C-BFB4-08A5873E065B.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJJVb3wv_aEHLy8WJNfT72F5JrvYJyVjZ4tRBHq4YzYr-v9sbejGz3i_9AKqFKv11loEck-xEscdh_Sj5KCez7gx1jWOMzWr03sq786fjhIU-K9_Kao3UBrk_N2g7t4TjvUmEUuQhnA/s2048/8B760031-7ACD-4072-915D-EF1875FF9100.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJJVb3wv_aEHLy8WJNfT72F5JrvYJyVjZ4tRBHq4YzYr-v9sbejGz3i_9AKqFKv11loEck-xEscdh_Sj5KCez7gx1jWOMzWr03sq786fjhIU-K9_Kao3UBrk_N2g7t4TjvUmEUuQhnA/w150-h200/8B760031-7ACD-4072-915D-EF1875FF9100.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div>When we arrived at the start, there were quite a few people already there who had got a lift and didn't need the coach. I was in the first wave so I quickly went for a wee (behind a bush, obv) and took a selfie before getting into position. There was a brief and pointless race briefing: "<i>go up there and bear right and you'll soon know where you are, just follow the path around onto the tops</i>" and then we were off!<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgpiDORbtbSAPf9SqLM3q0NUYF7WtrOFMAkBxa1EE4_n3pEHak6IpfbDWitNAPBvngmk9G2cxpQvAggO89cy2XabP2uMhb1ef1P9v28OEqDrlJcLmxwz5pcLFlo31-EK4ZIFVERyh9A/s2048/9CF38F9E-8970-4155-B0E1-6226C02B32B0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgpiDORbtbSAPf9SqLM3q0NUYF7WtrOFMAkBxa1EE4_n3pEHak6IpfbDWitNAPBvngmk9G2cxpQvAggO89cy2XabP2uMhb1ef1P9v28OEqDrlJcLmxwz5pcLFlo31-EK4ZIFVERyh9A/w150-h200/9CF38F9E-8970-4155-B0E1-6226C02B32B0.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12NVlI1viu8XbyVNWyoKJmko2TLoJAQvQvUVaRChWCu6J1VSjmpBPAzXE-YiwLO6lFRtBoN2mDcoHIhy0ZPGaxIfRxRjvzNjhVxrrkj3yl8MrkHYFmIJN0CppSlGArxXKrkO2qtmRRw/s2048/F9940F83-0541-46F9-8703-34A4D3FE16DE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12NVlI1viu8XbyVNWyoKJmko2TLoJAQvQvUVaRChWCu6J1VSjmpBPAzXE-YiwLO6lFRtBoN2mDcoHIhy0ZPGaxIfRxRjvzNjhVxrrkj3yl8MrkHYFmIJN0CppSlGArxXKrkO2qtmRRw/w150-h200/F9940F83-0541-46F9-8703-34A4D3FE16DE.jpeg" width="150" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The race literally started with a savage uphill that got fiercer as it went on. Just about everyone overtook me immediately and I ended up right at the very back with a couple of girls from Weston who were also walking. I told them I wasn't keen on hills and they laughed. I'd always planned to walk the hills and this was definitely not a hill to kill yourself on. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheglETbyyK6i6w96dTCtPF9ghBWz95SGAQKbPdEhLSW-daJjlIucfhAGyGk9cZnvuS_6n9foFTDLHrZ_3bw9d_p40DHvsSGognKK7zU0VDbqwoSFdexqT2Yh76WguaUa3whxJr8W5qHw/s2048/3003A3C8-9000-4311-9908-EC8EA9E4AF7E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheglETbyyK6i6w96dTCtPF9ghBWz95SGAQKbPdEhLSW-daJjlIucfhAGyGk9cZnvuS_6n9foFTDLHrZ_3bw9d_p40DHvsSGognKK7zU0VDbqwoSFdexqT2Yh76WguaUa3whxJr8W5qHw/s320/3003A3C8-9000-4311-9908-EC8EA9E4AF7E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>After ten or so minutes, we reached the top and the views were pretty good. It was spitting with rain but not too bad and I lost the girls as soon as the path evened out as I was a bit faster on the flat. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIb-aqBsM52pVaC_kv8TrVQ29XwNtGdwsJn2aDlVOS_H3TeoTAXMFVb5dII-14ojZvFdmRtnmAB04vMCH1SvUo5hEhaTgh9g_t58A8e9fCS1OGqqZoNCSqpAiKttZQjPbna0y4j0BSQ/w200-h150/EE22AA4C-4E66-4B72-B114-B1EB3863BB9A.jpeg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVljnyiTO1s3gtoP6Z5dHCWUo86SClEavsTAaNSbS-i7DTroZhrxB4wS3UUDfkDFQDwt0QnbbfbGivVbvgnF7koZqhmrfAnU_-SENhSxoIBNU8qZjD9WGRQUivQOiYAO9xCm0pY7Dsw/s2048/0BA81C4C-A678-4ED2-AED2-EB87A058922F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVljnyiTO1s3gtoP6Z5dHCWUo86SClEavsTAaNSbS-i7DTroZhrxB4wS3UUDfkDFQDwt0QnbbfbGivVbvgnF7koZqhmrfAnU_-SENhSxoIBNU8qZjD9WGRQUivQOiYAO9xCm0pY7Dsw/w200-h150/0BA81C4C-A678-4ED2-AED2-EB87A058922F.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div>The route continued to be undulating, with the route bimbling through various fields, woodlands and farmland. I got chatting to a nice chap called Mark who had come up from Devon to run the race. He found out I was from Liverpool so I explained to him about my challenge and we chatted about other races to pass the time.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1HLXdUE4-0Y459AQp3rjcfqXcqMgclPlqoCe69eFRTaC4LhDLrfvgnusxnABaKFbp_WR0sy4Pf5A84srlRvDLWElc2QqHFiGQuBfEgL1hUFC0Kb1-KSTwpKgTjsXoDlhRsxyYlZGDA/s320/1DD6AC01-E1D6-4164-90DD-CBCD041FE87C.jpeg" width="240" /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I lost Mark after not too long as he was running up hills whereas I was walking. At one point I was attacked by a savage bramble:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzN6oM0oJczaBgkUcp8xEn9dFaYtd_BmswwW43bftakSCPF-IT6EK0E3dd3Gm-XZtH69EKvZuQjsJ1Fe8yfalJUQFNIL0hnUIXPAwExI3CSgmiNYCHH51ILY901Vdjp1uZtErTXjEJYg/s320/0AA9943B-1F41-4072-B155-D1C9D5FFB85B.jpeg" width="240" /></div><p>It was pretty painful as there were splinters in there, which I fished out, and actual blood and everything! It stung but wasn't serious so I just ignored it and kept going (after taking a photo, obviously). I didn't know this then, but it wouldn't be long before I got so soaking wet that there'd be no blood left to see....</p><p>Shortly after this, a fast runner came past me in the opposite direction. I was confused - was he lost? He didn't look lost? I tried not to worry about it. Then a few minutes later, another passed me. Then another. I suddenly recalled my friend Emma, who was going to run this race with me last year but had deferred, saying it had changed to an out-and-back course. I'd only looked at the OS map where it wouldn't be obvious. Der! After that, loads of runners came past.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLQag_J7ezdnTv2E3qGlpprnZs8Tlg3SelhURpI5GJGpDWQGOz86rGn24yjc74ODc_VkAaGzB6iJZHN0a5A8vvrfdVEW2I6Jm54R2wcxmrsu5gMrpPPoibAgISbcXgjT-_D3sbNPFgQ/s320/93E7F147-C80A-491C-8E19-A2AC4961CE4E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Eventually I got to the turning point, which was virtually completely unmarked but there happened to be a couple of spectators shouting 'turn around!' - hmm! - and I headed back the other way. I passed two or three people behind me and then nothing. Five minutes later, still nothing. I realised I must be right at the back of the race. Virtually last! How had I been overtaken by *everyone* already? </p><p style="text-align: left;">Ten minutes passed. Suddenly runners appeared in the opposite direction. Then more, then even more. There were probably at least 30 people behind me. Later, I started to see the 50 mile runners passing as well. Phew.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I passed the first checkpoint, picking up some Coke and snacks but not stopping for long. I bumped into Mark again - he had taken a wrong turning and done some bonus miles since I last saw him. We carried on together for a while. In places it was pretty muddy: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp0vgbJ3WWmzXrD6uzUx7mKObjxOLsFrt9fU05MVuDf3hBYmX9CtAdM35MkcSRz9fowCNZC4ML8OTLPP66fmpo8XEodLONUogAsltN43D2rQYUmQq4bjBXNSi1hQKCJLFU687USLHsg/s2048/447B1948-376E-45BA-BE2B-F472F4CB56F1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp0vgbJ3WWmzXrD6uzUx7mKObjxOLsFrt9fU05MVuDf3hBYmX9CtAdM35MkcSRz9fowCNZC4ML8OTLPP66fmpo8XEodLONUogAsltN43D2rQYUmQq4bjBXNSi1hQKCJLFU687USLHsg/w240-h320/447B1948-376E-45BA-BE2B-F472F4CB56F1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Eventually we got back up the top of the hill that was at the start of the race. Mark wanted to take a picture of the trig point so I did too. Then I zipped off down the hill. I'm a speed demon downhill and can outrace most people because I have no fear (thanks to the teachings of my old coach <a href="https://www.runningadventures.uk/about.html" target="_blank">Matt Buck</a> - I think of him every time I overtake people on downhills)! </p><p>I had to pay for it later with my quads, but there were some REALLY fun downhills in this race. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4DBH4_hVVJ00-MoGi2chAYr55_Qp7qd5nzZ-5wYnlBo-gCuwl8XhtdASrWJJrW92jXfmUuy0d7yI5Eg2W2CXH0voVLMkUHP7lqFNmg0_Y6g2mhSXLWus8TnCoLxzLWXv8CeahaSDng/s2048/BBD72739-7DCD-4B5D-8E6D-B7B635B1B2DE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4DBH4_hVVJ00-MoGi2chAYr55_Qp7qd5nzZ-5wYnlBo-gCuwl8XhtdASrWJJrW92jXfmUuy0d7yI5Eg2W2CXH0voVLMkUHP7lqFNmg0_Y6g2mhSXLWus8TnCoLxzLWXv8CeahaSDng/s320/BBD72739-7DCD-4B5D-8E6D-B7B635B1B2DE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p> I ran back past the place where the coach dropped us off and carried on. It was getting rainier now. I don't remember much about this part of the race.<br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjdfE0MRDSIO3HpP-RS-MQzVthd5UQPWgCE5rdGUwupmOIOSjgnBinLOCfB33fLA05EN3tGHhnNbX27BTX8vqONMi2YkJy9bxypMwL3iqNojE4eoL-YXXaLX_VIbSZzZwoD5B4XrM1Q/w150-h200/AC462351-BDD9-41FC-B07A-537FC7C1DDFD.jpeg" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zYqNKNGzwvKoXbMrjOtO2qqAYmlqsS41e30Ntm1Km6_3D26Y5aCnVMzVSaFusySHRyKIaRN205OXpstjWBSENn9-gUswl7-cDq0nfkHEM3GD3XXMNQ106Q3w3PjgyhBmetG4qSwMOQ/s2048/43DE608B-F377-44C6-80DD-95302F43769B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zYqNKNGzwvKoXbMrjOtO2qqAYmlqsS41e30Ntm1Km6_3D26Y5aCnVMzVSaFusySHRyKIaRN205OXpstjWBSENn9-gUswl7-cDq0nfkHEM3GD3XXMNQ106Q3w3PjgyhBmetG4qSwMOQ/w150-h200/43DE608B-F377-44C6-80DD-95302F43769B.jpeg" width="150" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: center;">The rain was making the paths muddy and there was mud all up my calves:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2tJW6H0bIJRH74x06Ll0CDzTB9jIF7OU2luh2FwEhPC8SxoJn_p_zaeJdQtqYTWMXz2ak5seEU4_uRMFF-prB_75M79xRdlIu44fQ3kQZWGiXcgpeirL3Y_jZ9SDNKmtrAFD4Se2ow/s2048/0D434A93-42A7-44A6-842F-FDD2519A67D9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2tJW6H0bIJRH74x06Ll0CDzTB9jIF7OU2luh2FwEhPC8SxoJn_p_zaeJdQtqYTWMXz2ak5seEU4_uRMFF-prB_75M79xRdlIu44fQ3kQZWGiXcgpeirL3Y_jZ9SDNKmtrAFD4Se2ow/s320/0D434A93-42A7-44A6-842F-FDD2519A67D9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>By the time I got to the second checkpoint, the rain was torrential. There were a couple (also from Devon) who I kept leap-frogging who arrived around the same time as me. The checkpoint staff were trying to put a gazebo up in absolutely horrific conditions, all the food was getting wet, we were all soaked to the skin despite being fully dressed in waterproofs. I didn't hang around for long. This picture does not in any way depict how bad it was:<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v7fu7X4wBQNWbigg0I5oBMHY4oY6J8K8vKb6fzhYSVWG1dESKN_VaQd-oqESEPiw0GWSPkmyd4ILX12idUkN-foh5jye_eqqXZD3tJnkXSWhsFaxnnlSNEPiqBEfmi-APUMVkkqrEA/s2048/D3D6FE32-A4FC-4C44-BD70-499A068E4313_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1718" data-original-width="2048" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v7fu7X4wBQNWbigg0I5oBMHY4oY6J8K8vKb6fzhYSVWG1dESKN_VaQd-oqESEPiw0GWSPkmyd4ILX12idUkN-foh5jye_eqqXZD3tJnkXSWhsFaxnnlSNEPiqBEfmi-APUMVkkqrEA/w400-h335/D3D6FE32-A4FC-4C44-BD70-499A068E4313_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><p>Just after this, as I tramped along a rainy road, I saw a big Landrover type car coming towards me. It stopped and I tried to hurry up so they didn't have to wait too long for me to pass. As I approached, I recognised it as one of the aid station volunteers/race staff. He wound down the window. There were three young children in the back. They chorused, "Well done, you're doing great," as I passed which definitely gave me a boost. </p><p>A bit further along - I was running along a gorge in heavy rain and realised I'd gone slightly off course. I retraced my steps and bumped into the couple who had also gone the wrong way. Together we picked a route through the woods using my watch and OS maps until we managed to rejoin the path we were meant to be on. I'm pretty sure lots of people got lost there!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPHRCWTaLYxOgN2xCJUTuWhqrUspjSezs-OHOXF22d5hsCiaprY8Qq92GnQzZ8xFovSBs7NE81JFmHhnfqdeskb2nRqEMDJYfQBuWGQimncYZLSsEpI5ZvgVFTwGMjXr6VgB8aoqmtQ/s2048/7DB104A8-17EE-428C-9C0D-012844E1B2CF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPHRCWTaLYxOgN2xCJUTuWhqrUspjSezs-OHOXF22d5hsCiaprY8Qq92GnQzZ8xFovSBs7NE81JFmHhnfqdeskb2nRqEMDJYfQBuWGQimncYZLSsEpI5ZvgVFTwGMjXr6VgB8aoqmtQ/s320/7DB104A8-17EE-428C-9C0D-012844E1B2CF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Some point around here, I was running along a farm track in absolutely pouring rain. All my clothes were soaked as if I'd got in the shower. I ran past a walker, dressed in waterproofs and wellies, head down battling against the rain. I turned towards her and shouted, "This is my hobby!" She laughed. "I do this for fun!" I shouted over my shoulder before running off down the trail. It amused me, but it was also true. At times, running is bloody awful, but I try to remember that it really is always a choice. <br /></p><p>I came across a field of cows. They were blocking the gate I needed to get through. It was annoying because I was wet, getting cold, and didn't have time for this shit. I normally am a bit scared of cows, but I rose up to my full height, held out my arms and shouted, "I am the Cow Commander and I demand that you MOOOOOOOOOVE!" </p><p>They did. I plodded onwards. Still it rained.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb64UV3tJwKKxUalH90h3S88CnzyLGA10Q6Wd5PouxYpgjNMTjW6y5SCM42PIQagefmFheUPttceNIW0la88R_H_kbhyphenhyphen-M6HAOE2XaFaK_57H0dPEgab4Dd6tvgkFdmVe9K8ndyVXW7Q/s2048/CFE49748-9C8B-4B8C-AA50-E8FA9931B478.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb64UV3tJwKKxUalH90h3S88CnzyLGA10Q6Wd5PouxYpgjNMTjW6y5SCM42PIQagefmFheUPttceNIW0la88R_H_kbhyphenhyphen-M6HAOE2XaFaK_57H0dPEgab4Dd6tvgkFdmVe9K8ndyVXW7Q/s320/CFE49748-9C8B-4B8C-AA50-E8FA9931B478.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">The path opened out here and became a lot more grassy. I took the photo to show how wet it was, but as usual it's hard to tell. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO5FuKSVo78eEYMnsV3Y-KiP-0CrhmsSy46qfboTKlhmayoC_W6m7CRWJEmXuN-xsR486vSHEC0C1DrQDITNM3oNxNUPWE_8Rw2yzlrfOxDiQQDGYNK_hOOUAKuM_efrURwszHfHYDQ/w150-h200/BBFC417D-FF04-4ABB-B247-926D0B4014ED.jpeg" width="150" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7bRT7hF7-47MDgOBSOD7D1u2oZL6zauL7-bCfGafYi3XfxVR0Gl2_Hw-EXwGBgN_mMLpiUlW0MxrczXenM3iYiS_g_hJk4yjQbCo4WKSC3OhQ4k4PKQ5MZwwJItEp5AqptBR-hlc-A/w200-h150/A1E404AF-DCBB-42F6-A7A3-481C97B40E97.jpeg" width="200" /></p><p></p><p>I got chatting to a couple of lads at one point - one of them had done it
before, in 2018 and was hoping to beat his record but was having issues
- cramp, possibly. The other was a cheerful chappy, happily telling
me about his other mates in the race, quite upbeat despite the weather, clearly having a good time. He told me there was going to be a steep uphill on our left in a minute and low and behold, there it was:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiofr4mnRJM9csKzar5F2ZSQewlwamT_1KmHtfQagIp9ujjqdnojKzRcNu8dz2paOWJHMPaAsr4WBr0KL6YRLYZThmILtsi4d6OjNtZe0EWZTpk4cZ2-vSFPqKFTqooRRGb1ULjSI2dQ/s2048/26B8E842-BD23-4113-85F6-8D1906AFD525.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiofr4mnRJM9csKzar5F2ZSQewlwamT_1KmHtfQagIp9ujjqdnojKzRcNu8dz2paOWJHMPaAsr4WBr0KL6YRLYZThmILtsi4d6OjNtZe0EWZTpk4cZ2-vSFPqKFTqooRRGb1ULjSI2dQ/s320/26B8E842-BD23-4113-85F6-8D1906AFD525.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The pair of them trailed me across open fields. There were millions of half-stile, half-gates to climb over. I needed a wee but there was nowhere to go that wasn't <i>extremely</i> public. Eventually I was far enough ahead that I could stop just after one of the walls, turn to face the direction they were coming from and then very quickly have a pee. I stopped, turned and pulled my knickers down. Just as I was about to go, I heard a weird sound. I looked over my shoulder and AN ENTIRE HERD OF COWS was rapidly moving towards my bare arse. I have never abandoned a wee so quickly in my life. I hoiked my leggings up and skidded off to the side to try and get away from them, now only a meter or so away from me. I was no longer the Cow Commander, I was the hunted! Arrrggh!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTyhQzT1kZs5Zzh0xBu6tbr9xUtbAwRGNbVLxaGZc5wJ_BSHUe-T1pZzPiyrvAevJtay3iI6DVkePqLwSXpTLnAImb9yjRTCphLRVfYZhY65t7ZYhV1EhP4Y8oyqs5jNVxyXHOd3PZA/s2048/32219016-E733-45EF-A251-C7AB4AFB6671.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTyhQzT1kZs5Zzh0xBu6tbr9xUtbAwRGNbVLxaGZc5wJ_BSHUe-T1pZzPiyrvAevJtay3iI6DVkePqLwSXpTLnAImb9yjRTCphLRVfYZhY65t7ZYhV1EhP4Y8oyqs5jNVxyXHOd3PZA/w200-h150/32219016-E733-45EF-A251-C7AB4AFB6671.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERvYS5OlU9gqOCZSQs6Vm2AdljEd6viBg04vc_2otp4Lk3tkqenhJcoTkyq8Qq90_qCBU73SYnyUCblEoeBGJeKFR0Fg95d3ZjpNWylvp6Q51bQNWuHMlMOOImRH0PKITAK15ciyy5w/s2048/D3E8D119-CC0D-464C-B5CC-3CEC5E290396.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERvYS5OlU9gqOCZSQs6Vm2AdljEd6viBg04vc_2otp4Lk3tkqenhJcoTkyq8Qq90_qCBU73SYnyUCblEoeBGJeKFR0Fg95d3ZjpNWylvp6Q51bQNWuHMlMOOImRH0PKITAK15ciyy5w/w150-h200/D3E8D119-CC0D-464C-B5CC-3CEC5E290396.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div><p><br />Just after this incident, still needing a wee, I followed the GPX route on my map slightly off the path and across the field. To my surprise, something shot off out of the grass in front of me and I realised immediately it was a hare. I don't remember the last time I saw one - they are pretty rare compared to the ubiquitous bunnies - and it was a real treat.</p><p></p><p>I continued onwards. This was the last photo I took during the race. It was pretty near the end, I think I had done a marathon by now. The weather had finally dried out and it was actually quite pleasant. Needless to say, I did not get to see the village, the caves, or the inside of the farm shop. Sad face.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ju5ifPta9KIhr5nelRrgAl6yTWgteN4asVbv5Q-YuLZ7HULYo0jNGEOmWKJnEOR7Rks5knvQtQykJ4dres_MOibKN8Roe1BRMbn8RJQI5e6Mvrg8gjKApFZ8TVd3baujhiN6QGdJwg/s2048/DD69587F-093F-4F49-8E06-02E38F1173B0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ju5ifPta9KIhr5nelRrgAl6yTWgteN4asVbv5Q-YuLZ7HULYo0jNGEOmWKJnEOR7Rks5knvQtQykJ4dres_MOibKN8Roe1BRMbn8RJQI5e6Mvrg8gjKApFZ8TVd3baujhiN6QGdJwg/s320/DD69587F-093F-4F49-8E06-02E38F1173B0.jpeg" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd been using OS maps on my phone fairly heavily to get me round and near the end, I stopped to try to figure out a tricky junction. There was a gate but also a road. I went up the road, but it looked like I was going the wrong way on my watch so I retraced my steps. As I did so, one of the 50 mile runners started coming towards me. I asked him if I was going the right way, he said yes - then realised his mistake and we both returned to the gate. We went through the gate and up a hill into a wooded section. As usual, I couldn't see any markers and I couldn't see a path. I lost the other runner (he was way faster than me!) and I ended up crashing through undergrowth looking for the path. I eventually found something that would do and followed it until my watch said I was back on course. The next time I took my phone out to take a photo - it had died. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew I was near the end now so no problem. It was only a couple of kilometers and mostly downhill so I breezed it. I crossed the finish line and everyone there clapped, which was lovely. The young 50 mile runner who'd been just ahead of me was there - he had run an extra 20 miles and only had a 1 hour headstart on me - pretty impressive! We had a little chat - he seemed like a genuinely lovely guy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went over to my car and got my phone charger, but couldn't get my phone to stay on long enough to take any photos - it just kept dying. So I hung around for a while, clapping as people finished and eating snacks. I saw the guy who'd done in in 2018 - he beat his previous time by 5 minutes. Aww. Eventually my phone decided to play ball - here's a photo showing all the mud:<br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat44-79FFrYdISHhJegdagjnhfo3A-u13YW2ZWq0GsYmJpg64zJgZfkO_4ZR9xLGdnWhQVEXjj5SsLJs3TASngXYpquaj72mPIGLDaP_25W26qS44oHXTvFXXNjoVIzmHWDL5qS2v7w/s2048/73B6212F-56C5-41C5-964A-8B3593AA02D1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat44-79FFrYdISHhJegdagjnhfo3A-u13YW2ZWq0GsYmJpg64zJgZfkO_4ZR9xLGdnWhQVEXjj5SsLJs3TASngXYpquaj72mPIGLDaP_25W26qS44oHXTvFXXNjoVIzmHWDL5qS2v7w/w150-h200/73B6212F-56C5-41C5-964A-8B3593AA02D1.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolspyI8dlutVQuQ8f0-wvHQKvC8jdjEfD1d4x3Hp3kFqdx5rqKB218kVN47UjDlpNwsfGjPuU4XKHrcHh-RZxlI9N3x3l96uw-9TW_SArqDGka84A9DiXrHbszdJ_bSSSbVWhDQP1Ug/s2048/08D64851-7DDA-457F-AABD-C50F8F92A4B1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolspyI8dlutVQuQ8f0-wvHQKvC8jdjEfD1d4x3Hp3kFqdx5rqKB218kVN47UjDlpNwsfGjPuU4XKHrcHh-RZxlI9N3x3l96uw-9TW_SArqDGka84A9DiXrHbszdJ_bSSSbVWhDQP1Ug/w150-h200/08D64851-7DDA-457F-AABD-C50F8F92A4B1.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>And here I am at the finish with my long awaited medal:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p9F_Vn4MY8Ozbh8g38vlZlfLvpHeNH-z5UVA03huyZYAqtTbeXvA-rZKAZ-4ftcCI0e_MqqxPAXOnvQ8vjwBWdXfL4ppvdMXHCRqTF9p7YQP5Qw0cDl3Z74PGWsUbeApSEVyy9P6GA/s2048/192C24F6-456A-4358-AF6C-D5FBBE003134.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p9F_Vn4MY8Ozbh8g38vlZlfLvpHeNH-z5UVA03huyZYAqtTbeXvA-rZKAZ-4ftcCI0e_MqqxPAXOnvQ8vjwBWdXfL4ppvdMXHCRqTF9p7YQP5Qw0cDl3Z74PGWsUbeApSEVyy9P6GA/s320/192C24F6-456A-4358-AF6C-D5FBBE003134.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Someone else kindly took a photo of me with the finish line sign too:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUb0jxZxiVOZsWBLbbXGdRVw249-nyYwZn9APTyV579SrZfbjHfYjBmKW-fr6aPfCwgOU5I7Y6QFofx9FnSUEXR1emlZnpOJic3nDDl1buykMp8svF1vAoxH1B6TEnti4vH7p9sLGNA/s2048/CC4CFB18-E52F-433F-937F-7858E0245146.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUb0jxZxiVOZsWBLbbXGdRVw249-nyYwZn9APTyV579SrZfbjHfYjBmKW-fr6aPfCwgOU5I7Y6QFofx9FnSUEXR1emlZnpOJic3nDDl1buykMp8svF1vAoxH1B6TEnti4vH7p9sLGNA/s320/CC4CFB18-E52F-433F-937F-7858E0245146.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>I went back to the car. I had decided to book a second night of accommodation as was worried about completing a 5 hour drive after such a long, hilly race - this turned out to be a good idea. My accommodation was in Worcester (nearest place I could find a cheap room) which was still a couple of hours away so I attempted to clean myself with "<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Individually-Unscented-Hypoallergenic-Travel-Sized-Individual/dp/B01N4KHX26" target="_blank">Dude Shower</a>", which was like a giant wet wipe. I'd been given it in the goody bag after Chicago marathon and decided now was the time to use it! It was actually pretty cool although somewhat Americanised: "<i>Directions: Grab one, scrub down your face, body, pits and DUDE regions - we suggest in that order</i>". Sorry dudes, but the whole wipe only just about managed to cleanse my calves... need a bigger wipe.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkBWfmVqIROK_5pnkoFAmEtdbNPemh_mZE3oOETmTwqmxijwbNfTP6KEasCKnaw7j7iVpLFRGTmIbaAFOWWqlppeN84ZSCDAr5I2lSQNRE0-gTU73ExU9Lbei6Iu2ndL5fMBGszJIsw/s2048/1E64F4FA-E35C-4603-8D77-8FE499BA1C3C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkBWfmVqIROK_5pnkoFAmEtdbNPemh_mZE3oOETmTwqmxijwbNfTP6KEasCKnaw7j7iVpLFRGTmIbaAFOWWqlppeN84ZSCDAr5I2lSQNRE0-gTU73ExU9Lbei6Iu2ndL5fMBGszJIsw/w150-h200/1E64F4FA-E35C-4603-8D77-8FE499BA1C3C.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxSqAk7y3lFD31ukqgvb9NfQVChXtDs8KhfFB9LEGWAuWiTUXIMSvkrhFCJOqLX2FSjhPYtHc1YSXqrTq0q3eggDs9pt3TF1312P0zjfD318OYqLQnLPKCiamfdPfqymvtzxWYoyZcg/s2048/0C43229A-C57F-40CD-A70C-5EFFB271A685.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxSqAk7y3lFD31ukqgvb9NfQVChXtDs8KhfFB9LEGWAuWiTUXIMSvkrhFCJOqLX2FSjhPYtHc1YSXqrTq0q3eggDs9pt3TF1312P0zjfD318OYqLQnLPKCiamfdPfqymvtzxWYoyZcg/w150-h200/0C43229A-C57F-40CD-A70C-5EFFB271A685.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>Here is the lovely medal - not as huge as I had imagined but still well worth the wait. I was 31st out of 79 runners in the 30 mile race. Marginally better than my usual middle-of-the-pack position! I finished before Mark, before the couple, and before the lads I was with near the end. Not a bad showing considering my lack of hill training...<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9RrmW8EgH9yxM6AejS8FbhIjBaFK7fFt_IiRnc0E6zJWgXP1yajN0WxqpmG5eGdhyphenhyphen0sOp0doKUKy2VpL-OccFM0l4S0-xT_D8tuHlEbw3_nd5EtWdwRsMewvDSGScKy3kOztQqYAig/s2048/2CED7A5E-2B30-4E23-B021-3C87CBED06C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9RrmW8EgH9yxM6AejS8FbhIjBaFK7fFt_IiRnc0E6zJWgXP1yajN0WxqpmG5eGdhyphenhyphen0sOp0doKUKy2VpL-OccFM0l4S0-xT_D8tuHlEbw3_nd5EtWdwRsMewvDSGScKy3kOztQqYAig/s320/2CED7A5E-2B30-4E23-B021-3C87CBED06C4.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Kennion Rd, Wells BA5 2NR, UK51.2127747 -2.654335122.902540863821152 -37.8105851 79.52300853617885 32.5019149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-10328270759675241202021-07-31T09:30:00.225+01:002021-08-06T11:56:12.553+01:00Essex: Life's A Beach marathon race recap<p>Another day, another Covid-delayed marathon. This one was originally going to be in Rayne in April but that was cancelled so I switched onto this one for a day out by the seaside. It would've been a pretty horrific drive from Liverpool to Clacton-on-Sea (536 mile round trip) but I came up with an alternative plan which involved staying at my parents' house and meeting Ben just off the M25 at 7:45am. </p><p>Hate to spoiler you but here I am at the end :)<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HgjJnn2EdwZO9GRxiFbGgR5jPFG03bf5LNJ7YpFWpcjj2YOPkDP7QybInB915IyW38CgguQjZKZDJqyf9xOYYgiIMIU9NXWH6s6YFYsszrffx9jCfiDHzAGwhVWBJwdsW7KMSmsROg/s320/8C516B13-B558-4BE9-A2D6-F3449D90EE03.heic" width="320" /> </p><p>The drive down was uneventful and we arrived with 20 minutes to spare. I had time to collect my race number, go to the loo, check out the aid station and listen to the race briefing. Here I am, listening:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xAt-G4cPcQOE03QFgpJDUqFX0jAOQIdc84_qcxLTfb93-WDCICLeh3xaKTDHy1OH3BcyzIfwSMyATmH6C9K1QwgRmgIMTyTNpEyP0As-hj0wrlbhGzrogwxZgMTPc_JJIdCGpe48iA/s2048/A2F4E067-02EE-4481-A995-576B90B07D66.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xAt-G4cPcQOE03QFgpJDUqFX0jAOQIdc84_qcxLTfb93-WDCICLeh3xaKTDHy1OH3BcyzIfwSMyATmH6C9K1QwgRmgIMTyTNpEyP0As-hj0wrlbhGzrogwxZgMTPc_JJIdCGpe48iA/s320/A2F4E067-02EE-4481-A995-576B90B07D66.heic" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently the course had been changed/shortened as part of the prom was
closed, but having not looked at the original route this made no
difference to me. It was now a 5.3km loop, passing the single aid
station each time. I would need 8 loops to complete the marathon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The race started and we all set off. The front runner, who was dressed in shorts and a vest a la 118 118, accidentally took a wrong turning early on and disappeared, never to be seen again (by me) - oops. I stayed resolutely mid-pack which meant the turning was spectacularly obvious. On the way back along the prom there were multiple brightly coloured beach huts, and by 9:45 the first of their owners were already setting up camp for the day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoDE1ycHCI7o37g0I6J6-M5Z3ZlAikAu-F-5kaqIVa4uvnuyhMjHcSJE2jvG_8Hdai047MEVndhLo27FBBvWTrpp0FQiUFuL9DtOmf4cZ4ArlN89dxeeoeZDHbO0YdBA3ovSRgBcWfw/s2048/A2364DBD-B096-45E4-8212-4AFD6B93965B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoDE1ycHCI7o37g0I6J6-M5Z3ZlAikAu-F-5kaqIVa4uvnuyhMjHcSJE2jvG_8Hdai047MEVndhLo27FBBvWTrpp0FQiUFuL9DtOmf4cZ4ArlN89dxeeoeZDHbO0YdBA3ovSRgBcWfw/s320/A2364DBD-B096-45E4-8212-4AFD6B93965B.jpeg" width="240" /> </a></div><p>I was amazed at how quiet and pretty the beaches were. There were several, separated by sea defences and rocks, all sandy and shallow and lovely. The forecast was for it to be overcast with moderate winds until 2pm when it was going to chuck it down with rain. I hoped to be finished by then.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO7MAD3FqkBCBtlWCWe36sR_5HY7gwi5PGtsNoWT_uJc1X3P9TdN39d1jCGamtJ6T05XHxQtsKMv2EoNdA1Nam3tNDyJWyaoxwYfAl6BinnoXEfKq082Z73c-EVOQHuwk0PSIEyowfg/s2048/2047A586-5870-443D-971C-BB47752A1403_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO7MAD3FqkBCBtlWCWe36sR_5HY7gwi5PGtsNoWT_uJc1X3P9TdN39d1jCGamtJ6T05XHxQtsKMv2EoNdA1Nam3tNDyJWyaoxwYfAl6BinnoXEfKq082Z73c-EVOQHuwk0PSIEyowfg/s320/2047A586-5870-443D-971C-BB47752A1403_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I didn't think I'd ever been to Essex before (although subsequent googling has identified that Stanstead Airport is in Essex). I certainly hadn't been to Clacton-on-Sea before. I got chatting on the first loop to a guy called Julian who was doing his second marathon (technically third, but he didn't include the one he'd done 15 years ago). After a while, he let me go as I was going a bit faster than his target pace. I was meant to be doing an easy run but felt quite comfortable so I kept going. I saw Ben once or twice on each loop as he could hop between the lower beachside path and the higher cliffside path quite easily. He was going to join me for a couple of loops later on.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HgHjQ8lFTzX06ZiQPGS24946EvyuMMRwPh-0nl4biZQGLxq6soUxmr0bnHCFpq3p5DSHJhVPkZPJKMY-jWELvpJA27XRdw8MulwpkoM8jOY_rp1oU5MDRqWUzfZUm7JOtSpsgV2Lmg/s2048/684F91ED-8BE8-4643-86BC-F164F2983251_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HgHjQ8lFTzX06ZiQPGS24946EvyuMMRwPh-0nl4biZQGLxq6soUxmr0bnHCFpq3p5DSHJhVPkZPJKMY-jWELvpJA27XRdw8MulwpkoM8jOY_rp1oU5MDRqWUzfZUm7JOtSpsgV2Lmg/s320/684F91ED-8BE8-4643-86BC-F164F2983251_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the second loop, I got talking to a woman who had had Covid in February and was just building up her distance again. She'd previously been a marathon runner, chasing PBs, but Covid had hit her hard and she was just doing two loops today. It really made me appreciate how lucky I've been to avoid catching Covid all this time - as I would find it soooooo frustrating not to be able to run. She was very patient and stoic about it, making the most of what she could do - I'm not sure I would have managed it with such magnanimity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the turnaround point, which featured a short, steepish hill. I've always said that if you'd walk up a hill on the last lap, you should walk it on the first lap too. I duly walked up this hill on every circuit, using it as a snack break each time.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok14jCFOTecI1BW9HShRZJ0CHptlCDBPHH977OUMZ40cLk3O8Sg0Yo6erxZRqOeXrOKmq7f2MM-xzIRw4VYta8HQWWm9-9ocApaPpciiftq2TRtE3Lcy2w_7ryT9q4RaAW2PDEG3Lmw/s2048/366326FB-7461-49D6-86D9-C685458361F9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok14jCFOTecI1BW9HShRZJ0CHptlCDBPHH977OUMZ40cLk3O8Sg0Yo6erxZRqOeXrOKmq7f2MM-xzIRw4VYta8HQWWm9-9ocApaPpciiftq2TRtE3Lcy2w_7ryT9q4RaAW2PDEG3Lmw/w200-h150/366326FB-7461-49D6-86D9-C685458361F9.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6dcD-disD0R_U8Y2Fmcj9-mP4TAHXYGQA7WGkDDYlKEuhNFSpenCJsGM9nUq-DI8Xn7FtY7bkFJllsfaC01Kvh9b3j-6K4rHJ-MmaTfMPZx3VM4X9PogHN1NBH4_1gMFsNFOdL3t0A/s2048/B287AF10-0BDD-45B7-A3FC-1578032633DF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6dcD-disD0R_U8Y2Fmcj9-mP4TAHXYGQA7WGkDDYlKEuhNFSpenCJsGM9nUq-DI8Xn7FtY7bkFJllsfaC01Kvh9b3j-6K4rHJ-MmaTfMPZx3VM4X9PogHN1NBH4_1gMFsNFOdL3t0A/w150-h200/B287AF10-0BDD-45B7-A3FC-1578032633DF.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>By the third lap it was already significantly warmer and sunnier than advertised. I rolled up my leggings and when I saw Ben at the aid station, he was brandishing a bottle of sun cream. I protested, "what about my sun tan?" but he insisted on slathering my arms and neck. When he threatened to put it on my legs too, I skipped away from him, squealing and laughing. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMO7hFfPKPceMH_MDmdpLNDTCiVmxETHmZqLo_zUj_Atokeop4W5aojKpbZ-dxEGidxKIUSO10awnllt845DVYJnqRHzDsNE-oQHpVwcdjZBnA-EyNlWrlFHkyBAgzSeLzrkRPWnK8uw/s2048/2A12A95B-3434-4082-855D-4CAD10AC92F8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMO7hFfPKPceMH_MDmdpLNDTCiVmxETHmZqLo_zUj_Atokeop4W5aojKpbZ-dxEGidxKIUSO10awnllt845DVYJnqRHzDsNE-oQHpVwcdjZBnA-EyNlWrlFHkyBAgzSeLzrkRPWnK8uw/s320/2A12A95B-3434-4082-855D-4CAD10AC92F8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the fourth loop I got chatting to a guy who was from Braintree. He asked if I'd done a Hare & Tortoise event before and when I said I hadn't, he told me that he used to do other little road races locally but now he only does their events because they're so great. Always lovely to hear people sing the praises of their local races and Hare & Tortoise did seem really good. They seemed like the kind of people that would have awesome homemade cake at their aid stations in non-Covid times, and that's definitely the kind of race I like. The guy was having a few hamstring issues so decided to call it a day at 16 miles. Unfortunately I didn't ask him his name.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUE0gcZf4MzNPCdYlBplhF41eKSnYrrXB4GThoMLOVw49MCGLSEOZ1lbsKjDxv4bW1R9wGuaBsKfXMc1JIXs0zxrxSM0kdxs-iXYn8ZWNuO-Ti7yJTBMKJcJ0KgQoAEHU8I7_-8M8YA/s320/E440097B-6845-4D80-B7F5-7C7734ADCA94.jpeg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the fifth loop, Ben joined me and I got to show him the rest of the route which he hadn't yet seen. This was the other turnaround point (beyond the puddle there's another slope and you double back on yourself and run along the top). There was a noticeable headwind as soon as you turned the corner but it was quite refreshing as the other direction was becoming increasingly warm. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenQWM3e56QZH0_Xel0XWmMv2h3pOEhNWQz_qzcDaac4d8JhmUAFnv9HE2lBcmrtaKiwr2AdbXmFwurCMSKzE2j1zvsuNXdxoCp_XK-cyEM7n_R1awb_XXUdrOtjls2a6lvx8MIk4ToA/s2048/75A7F5AF-C84C-4AA2-AACD-3209EA518DEC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenQWM3e56QZH0_Xel0XWmMv2h3pOEhNWQz_qzcDaac4d8JhmUAFnv9HE2lBcmrtaKiwr2AdbXmFwurCMSKzE2j1zvsuNXdxoCp_XK-cyEM7n_R1awb_XXUdrOtjls2a6lvx8MIk4ToA/s320/75A7F5AF-C84C-4AA2-AACD-3209EA518DEC.jpeg" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The beach was starting to look a bit like Barbados and although the section by the beach huts was definitely busier, it was still REALLY quiet considering it was a sunny weekend and everyone's meant to be having a staycation this year. So if you want a nice beach holiday - try Clacton!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PaGcLUTiJmgD4B1wtDWYw5mzFSMLOHbfR09skO0L9khIz3e2mddUKYSFgTiqgPlo954drVPIWvqYQpXqQSfIxPvEAzFvAWOeBhuyjX2xHkztzmYvJ_X-51yo1_fq3HZLy5mKExVeFA/s2048/0D40A447-1C8A-419D-ABAC-DF1183D0DDE1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PaGcLUTiJmgD4B1wtDWYw5mzFSMLOHbfR09skO0L9khIz3e2mddUKYSFgTiqgPlo954drVPIWvqYQpXqQSfIxPvEAzFvAWOeBhuyjX2xHkztzmYvJ_X-51yo1_fq3HZLy5mKExVeFA/s320/0D40A447-1C8A-419D-ABAC-DF1183D0DDE1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben took this pic of me as I came into the aid station. It had all the things I like - Coke, mini cheddars, pieces of banana and watermelon, sugary treats. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FvOoLn9cPAwa158rTGtrxlyOZ5y4E6w8FXyfif0lbQGjoAQBr7GYgUe_Z5hkg4YvWBquRqH6sVMke9n3eHxV2L1Dh3hMIBsnxWS46kC0SWa6X7PAgHfyop4tbhuRdU06T5pkZMvzAA/s2048/0F7EE5CF-359C-403D-A711-0DFEEF3ACBB2.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FvOoLn9cPAwa158rTGtrxlyOZ5y4E6w8FXyfif0lbQGjoAQBr7GYgUe_Z5hkg4YvWBquRqH6sVMke9n3eHxV2L1Dh3hMIBsnxWS46kC0SWa6X7PAgHfyop4tbhuRdU06T5pkZMvzAA/s320/0F7EE5CF-359C-403D-A711-0DFEEF3ACBB2.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ben continued round another two laps with me, chatting and keeping me company. As we started his third lap, he commented that if he got to 16k that would be his longest ever run! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the final lap I put my headphones on for the first time this race as I was getting very fed up with the headwind (it wasn't the worst I've ever experienced - if you've been to Liverpool/Crosby you'll know what I mean - but it was probably the worst I've had in a race situation). Especially on a loop where you know even when you get away, it's coming back... I put on a Spotify playlist and it randomly selected "Seaside" by The Kooks which seemed very appropriate!<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1akpN4Zwb0KetVXCMKhuQU4TdSNZq9rI2iq3DpZ0X-63TznP3T_tyuj0s30A3o0o8EW6tALfQsmgJpWsiRthAPIVe7J1RgBvA0Em2a-XM2R5sfR9NBltLDNQg5h6koURmTO2r0D9StQ/s320/BCAEC0A6-547D-4C11-8D58-8997FEBCF9F3.jpeg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the final loop I saw this tent which had appeared on the beach. On the way down, Ben had informed me that Clacton has the dubious honour of being the only English constituency to have returned a UKIP MP. The tent was blowing around like a Weeble due to the aforementioned headwind.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ffdR2cuZj21rNg37x7-kgTNOYlEYZBeDGw8rsO7PSkLWv6ppqLojwO5uBrOQZPvduLCsDAxTSnIaKo7XxfgLAUCn0_XDK1GL1xf6WOj1F6vdeh20U3-a7Q_ZoIS3B8-T9Vds0lMq4A/s1251/ukip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1251" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ffdR2cuZj21rNg37x7-kgTNOYlEYZBeDGw8rsO7PSkLWv6ppqLojwO5uBrOQZPvduLCsDAxTSnIaKo7XxfgLAUCn0_XDK1GL1xf6WOj1F6vdeh20U3-a7Q_ZoIS3B8-T9Vds0lMq4A/s320/ukip.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The final lap was gloriously sunny. I was starting to feel quite tired but after I turned the final corner I could see I was likely to finish in under 4:30. This is pretty respectable (especially as I'd been taking it easy).<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymSS-QSsoFwhKUIEvtnGGv2m7mQDfbT3TCOrAz00N59Jjp_GS61sTeMqfIdX8ql9xalW1PdkG-5k3pe6QZmlVKeZOYli0HMhK37R4UnHGWqngf6UoxPZZFlQVGloqff_wju8BJGgkGQ/s2048/922FE9BA-F7CB-4CB3-BD03-412DA6A247B0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymSS-QSsoFwhKUIEvtnGGv2m7mQDfbT3TCOrAz00N59Jjp_GS61sTeMqfIdX8ql9xalW1PdkG-5k3pe6QZmlVKeZOYli0HMhK37R4UnHGWqngf6UoxPZZFlQVGloqff_wju8BJGgkGQ/s320/922FE9BA-F7CB-4CB3-BD03-412DA6A247B0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately, I realised as the end got closer that actually I might not quite make it. I realised at 4 hours 28 minutes that I was going to have to get a move on and upped my pace substantially. By the time I crossed the finish line I was full blown sprinting. I got across the line and stopped my watch.</p><p>4 hours 30 minutes 21 seconds. Damn.</p><p>The next couple of minutes mostly involved trying to get my breath back interspersed with one word answers to Ben and the friendly race director and crew. I drank some squash and Ben took some pictures and I chatted to them a bit about my challenge.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAK54Y2vfsxMz71dhUoynIT8noIt0mw2bANPp0bm9Kza8QxAcOTTWp3VJ47tBhE-S9JA-VJSGZdO7w3PqEiQrhwIhM3Uwfr39M1xZAofv5rhwQzVRrP5uqsLLRBWnoY-2Cu67K39Fng/s2048/A0F9BD34-A70E-415B-A1D5-A1021ACCD6AC.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAK54Y2vfsxMz71dhUoynIT8noIt0mw2bANPp0bm9Kza8QxAcOTTWp3VJ47tBhE-S9JA-VJSGZdO7w3PqEiQrhwIhM3Uwfr39M1xZAofv5rhwQzVRrP5uqsLLRBWnoY-2Cu67K39Fng/s320/A0F9BD34-A70E-415B-A1D5-A1021ACCD6AC.heic" width="240" /></a></div>They gave me a goody bag which contained ACTUAL goodies - an easy way to make me happy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWKLCtMGZcUCeLKlesTLutRz7qvIWJSmt7ajdnWFYUp9346VcprtDnlD9nVTVX6s6lgOC3b7WbNe1vonyQNS0oOnq3kO7gifPYmDkkXQOKKoFdc_bMJvDH7MKDoxohngxAr-bE9jolA/s2048/E9E7F32C-F6AE-41C4-BD8D-28CEA4FEFCED_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWKLCtMGZcUCeLKlesTLutRz7qvIWJSmt7ajdnWFYUp9346VcprtDnlD9nVTVX6s6lgOC3b7WbNe1vonyQNS0oOnq3kO7gifPYmDkkXQOKKoFdc_bMJvDH7MKDoxohngxAr-bE9jolA/s320/E9E7F32C-F6AE-41C4-BD8D-28CEA4FEFCED_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The medal was lovely - the girl who gave it me explained the yellow ribbon was meant to represent the sand. There were a further 3 races in the series of varying lengths and each had a different coloured beach hut medal. Cute.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBwjLb809fggYyrpyVzKY3C16OY_BJ9tTTskw73YjF9sbl8sh2EyXbBvYVuFeRV9tSG739UJyLqMiMbiAccM6DV2XOibUgLZvQsg4eQQZGP1AWJ2Fxkjei7bMlJYo05sHI4UfACKiyg/s2048/F9288CB5-8BAB-4B39-A321-DC882B98D5BB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBwjLb809fggYyrpyVzKY3C16OY_BJ9tTTskw73YjF9sbl8sh2EyXbBvYVuFeRV9tSG739UJyLqMiMbiAccM6DV2XOibUgLZvQsg4eQQZGP1AWJ2Fxkjei7bMlJYo05sHI4UfACKiyg/s320/F9288CB5-8BAB-4B39-A321-DC882B98D5BB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Essex was the last race I had to complete in East Anglia so that's a huge chunk of eastern England finished now. So nice to be making progress again at last!<br /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Clacton-on-Sea CO15 5TZ, UK51.809735 1.214493923.499501163821158 -33.9417561 80.119968836178856 36.3707439tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-15217673011943319552021-06-26T00:00:00.891+01:002021-07-29T09:39:42.972+01:00West Midlands: Escape From Meriden ultra race recap<div><p>In 2018 and 2020, I completed the other two versions of this race (Convergence and Day Release). I absolutely love the format but given I only do races once, I'd been saving this for a special occasion. West Midlands has been proving a tricky county to complete - there are very few races and the ones I had found didn't have medals. When I saw that Escape From Meriden was running a solstice edition - normally this race is in November - I didn't need asking twice.</p><p>For anyone who is new here: <a href="https://escapefrommeriden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Escape From Meriden</a> involves plotting your own route and running as far as you can from a set start point (Meriden, obviously). You have 24 hours and the distance is counted 'as the crow flies'. There is a "prisoners escaping" theme so everyone is issued with an orange boiler suit at the start. Previous experience with this format has been useful and I have learned that success requires a lot of planning. I bloody love planning. I spent virtually the whole weekend before the race plotting and re-plotting a route, writing lists of kit, food and what-to-do-when-it-all-turns-to-shit lists. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoIISEKrjpih69db5tuv4aPtw5uBgepIWcWmV3JwAOmotZOsQWsLlEiQbm948XXqgCypUYEQJi7mL6jzdYevbaOd2BSH8v_N7I24hmAXrdbgDk-heyA8fl1jHfNXzYAimVsoNMkIx0g/s2048/D14B8EE9-4651-44C6-AE1F-D14BB8C14AB8.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoIISEKrjpih69db5tuv4aPtw5uBgepIWcWmV3JwAOmotZOsQWsLlEiQbm948XXqgCypUYEQJi7mL6jzdYevbaOd2BSH8v_N7I24hmAXrdbgDk-heyA8fl1jHfNXzYAimVsoNMkIx0g/s320/D14B8EE9-4651-44C6-AE1F-D14BB8C14AB8.heic" width="320" /></a></div>Between signing up and the planning weekend, I discovered there actually is a suitable marathon in the West Midlands which I may well do next year. However, with careful route planning, I could definitely reach Bedfordshire on Escape, and possibly also Hertfordshire - neither of which I've done yet. I can only count each race for one county, but as the number I have left diminishes, flexibility might come in handy.<p></p><p></p><p>I plotted a route that went from Meriden, through the south part of Coventry, Daventry, Towcester, Milton Keynes and Dunstable (Bedfordshire). This got me to 60 miles as the crow flies, but as I'd done that twice before, I wondered how much further I'd have to go to get the 90 mile medal. I plotted a bit more... the answer was Highbury and Islington. Hmmm. Hmm. Was this really achievable? I didn't know, but plotted it anyway. Then I went through the entire route on Google Streetview, making copious notes on any tricky parts, making changes, then re-plotting in OS maps. I also worked out where to meet my gorgeous support crew (Ben) and when I might need to eat/change clothing/charge my watch/etc and tried to estimate rough timings.</p><p>On Thursday night I drove down to my parents house in Milton Keynes after work. On Friday I tried to sleep in (not very successfully) and ate a lot of pasta (successfully) - here I am looking relatively glamorous considering what I'm about to attempt:<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXTpg4hMDJRi8gBRmb5GN2ragznqzsIQXenzTqbR8l7vndnNGgT4hn7yNR8Qqp2Z7Y1MnX3kRlvTOYiSjSGye4ZteO3gTH37hOSgoVWu4kboPqjulmu2Z3cpj8dvvm7c8Wr2WKJB-wg/s2048/512F89E1-FB30-4928-AFF2-49FC9058C596.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXTpg4hMDJRi8gBRmb5GN2ragznqzsIQXenzTqbR8l7vndnNGgT4hn7yNR8Qqp2Z7Y1MnX3kRlvTOYiSjSGye4ZteO3gTH37hOSgoVWu4kboPqjulmu2Z3cpj8dvvm7c8Wr2WKJB-wg/w300-h400/512F89E1-FB30-4928-AFF2-49FC9058C596.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </p><p></p><p>I went to pick Ben up from the station at 3pm and we drove to Coventry where Ben had booked a hotel. On arrival, I laid out all my stuff and then had a nap before dinner. After dinner I put all my kit on and we drove to Meriden for the start. It was absolutely pissing it down with rain and I made the executive decision that I was going to start in full waterproofs despite the forecast being relatively favourable later.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDuJZWn0c0_gaI_gXItzNZZLFknp_Zyh73wdU2PcJ0vbXNjdYki0KYlvfzJpQt8iADNz9enudhGSNsyfS3llpexe072S1QPGk5fP7nN5JgvRPxDumaWOjJK7la5vLSA5hejt3ove86g/s320/43A196DC-C6C9-4BFB-B003-AD9D2D0A55AE.jpeg" /></p><p>On arrival at The Green in Meriden, I went and collected my boiler suit and tracker from the gazebo and then retreated to the car to put it on. I was now wearing three layers and it was quite warm, but needs must given the rain had been absolutely torrential. Still glad it wasn't November! Just before the race briefing, the rain suddenly eased off and orange-suited participants mingled on the Green. The atmosphere was buzzing - especially as I'd started Convergence and Day Release on my own. Despite going for a wee before leaving the hotel, I needed a wee - I managed to find a fairly quiet spot, but quickly realised the boiler suit was going to be a MASSIVE PAIN every time I needed to go to the loo. Which is often. Oh well. I could always ditch it after a few kilometres?<br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfiXNHA78tm08_AlQPlmP4Si8nnt5coC_WeSpyhZSWLRnWuGvl68_gG5xY1SnqUIEaqPx0_W1xCwYfS3iWc_Zkkr4WswGytZYHJqKtFR_-jGOw24OmaGbDXcb1CoExXMMfVKVXXm5hQ/s2048/5096E43C-3C35-4545-B77C-7CCC83F4E4E4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfiXNHA78tm08_AlQPlmP4Si8nnt5coC_WeSpyhZSWLRnWuGvl68_gG5xY1SnqUIEaqPx0_W1xCwYfS3iWc_Zkkr4WswGytZYHJqKtFR_-jGOw24OmaGbDXcb1CoExXMMfVKVXXm5hQ/s320/5096E43C-3C35-4545-B77C-7CCC83F4E4E4.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got back just in time for the race briefing - Ben took this fabulous pic which sums up exactly what it was like. The Race Director explained what to do if you wanted to withdraw, how to turn the tracker off etc and then at 11:59, counted us down. Everyone scattered in different directions - at an amusingly slow "ultra shuffle" pace - this was the total opposite to a normal marathon start!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_D_-hhPX-5SAqORlEZuXKzyQ2QK75T11HfHaJor9zmMmqeXkmWG4hs0M0VdkmxSIOFnn9JZhXG1PoXUFuz326Jc3VwYoWTaMICa5JbA_vWdUNt85zXewQ2edSfJTfsVH5u-dMJhGVA/s2048/756F3F6B-D350-499C-8DE9-21386807D5CF.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_D_-hhPX-5SAqORlEZuXKzyQ2QK75T11HfHaJor9zmMmqeXkmWG4hs0M0VdkmxSIOFnn9JZhXG1PoXUFuz326Jc3VwYoWTaMICa5JbA_vWdUNt85zXewQ2edSfJTfsVH5u-dMJhGVA/s320/756F3F6B-D350-499C-8DE9-21386807D5CF.heic" width="320" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was pleased to note that quite a few people were going the same way as me. I knew I had some fairly horrible bits of night running ahead of me and secretly hoped someone would have planned a similar route so I could run with them.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfC3VX4-Dwuy0Os84MXJi1HnRZPbTPxmaxJhDZjhXEinqSoUlxcrJnrJo7qZUQ8XP-7guqmyF6XZKxxlF0fCrf4jdzlQzhzTxlZERWMBM88XIsjn7bDJQX-nSn-M7EArRKPjdSMhNQQ/s320/5E17AE0E-5299-466B-AD87-ADAB5C61D890.heic" width="320" /></div>Sadly this was not the case, and after about 15 minutes, I could no longer see anyone ahead of me. I occasionally saw a light behind me, but even that was lost by the time I got to Coventry, so I was really on my own now. I have run alone at night a few times, but never without someone on the other end of the phone. I was meeting Ben for breakfast just outside Towcester at 7am - he was already on his way back to the hotel to get a few hours sleep - so this was the first proper night run I've ever done solo. I felt badass and wasn't scared at all - despite there being no pavement, this was a quiet country road in the middle of the night. There was nobody around and it was eerily beautiful. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E6CCgeMfzarPrFWfKGSWlLXEof78GC0rQch_fRjNcsdoW72TgJTuwag2upA4BPLED2iI_ACleJFo0yB40Lpac4_1XRawBSfWrWsQcUJrRRGTOOvU1U4d4WxavLJZuTaluVrIgn5vvg/s2048/6A636FBA-DD7F-41B7-9914-E548FAF8BF90.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E6CCgeMfzarPrFWfKGSWlLXEof78GC0rQch_fRjNcsdoW72TgJTuwag2upA4BPLED2iI_ACleJFo0yB40Lpac4_1XRawBSfWrWsQcUJrRRGTOOvU1U4d4WxavLJZuTaluVrIgn5vvg/s320/6A636FBA-DD7F-41B7-9914-E548FAF8BF90.jpeg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew that was going to be short-lived and it was. It wasn't long before I reached the outskirts of Coventry. Again though, it felt very safe. These were quiet residential areas, everyone was asleep in bed. There were a handful of taxis about but no pedestrians.<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT5fqHwrRkBbx2svpe-AH1FBCfKBG3Mm9n1eRfa-M0Hdlz7mKV11IT_1o81AoA9PN4mU5NhnUaftRBWrQv-iTF4vHWznXGql-r95PYMuMHYE_uMIs-FpaR0oAU-QTWOhxtJ4EficOIg/s2048/C33A651A-7805-4512-8921-DB99C643D04C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT5fqHwrRkBbx2svpe-AH1FBCfKBG3Mm9n1eRfa-M0Hdlz7mKV11IT_1o81AoA9PN4mU5NhnUaftRBWrQv-iTF4vHWznXGql-r95PYMuMHYE_uMIs-FpaR0oAU-QTWOhxtJ4EficOIg/s320/C33A651A-7805-4512-8921-DB99C643D04C.jpeg" /></a></p><p>I'd run 9km before I saw another person. I stopped a couple of times to go for a wee (boiler suit still a pain in the arse) and remove various items of clothing because I was too hot. At one point I hid just inside a little park and took off my waterproof trousers and jacket and stuffed them into my vest. I decided to keep the boiler suit on - partly for visibility and partly because I thought it was funny. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-j2xdXDvrimkV5GOdOALkgn13TI9DfKJsOF4RLIKSOrwSLtjMM2gSVqtu30lZTjDyGR2cEwvXuAZfQGxXKgrUzM7_rETr4eaUPPBexeMQb6XcnwSp-fU6OR-bOaD9vbTlmgNsfyMXw/s2048/E9673040-4A7E-4371-A97E-903E9BBE11B9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-j2xdXDvrimkV5GOdOALkgn13TI9DfKJsOF4RLIKSOrwSLtjMM2gSVqtu30lZTjDyGR2cEwvXuAZfQGxXKgrUzM7_rETr4eaUPPBexeMQb6XcnwSp-fU6OR-bOaD9vbTlmgNsfyMXw/s320/E9673040-4A7E-4371-A97E-903E9BBE11B9.jpeg" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">As a woman running alone at night in an unfamiliar area, I guess it's natural to worry about interactions with random people. Fairly early on, in Coventry, I saw a white Mercedes with blacked out windows ominously pull up ahead of me. The passenger window wound down as I approached and I prepared myself for a possible confrontation. As I approached, a guy in his mid-twenties leaned over and shouted, "Hey, what's with all the torches?" I said, "I'm running a race," he replied, "Where are you going?" At this point I decided he wasn't too much of a threat so I stopped and said, "I started in Meriden and I'm headed for London". He said, "You're a f***king legend". I laughed and started jogging again, shouting "thanks" over my shoulder. He drove past 30 seconds later, shouting, "YOU GO GIRL," over the noise of the engine roaring. It's not often women in their mid-40s get that kind of admiration! The feeling of being absolutely badass lasted for miles!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I got through the rest of Coventry without incident. Just as I joined the A45, I saw a van stopped. Its occupant was having a wee on the hard shoulder, directly in my path. I didn't really want to stop, so I held my hand in front of my face and cheerily shouted, "I'm not looking!" as I approached so as not to startle him. I heard someone inside the van say something unintelligible, then the bloke looked up and shouted, "You can look if you want love". Hmm, no thanks! I upped the pace and sped off round the corner. The feminist in me needs to say - FFS men, please don't do this. It was 01:30 on the side of a dual carriageway and I was clearly busy. Why would you do that? There is literally zero positive impact that can come from this. All it did was make me feel uncomfortable. </p><p style="text-align: left;">But frankly, uncomfortable is better than scary, and the next bit was likely to be the worst bit of the whole race. In my pre-race notes, I had written:</p><p style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria", serif;">From
‘Raining Cats And Dogs’ to (closed) McDonalds Dunchurch (approx. 2.5 miles)
there is either no path or minimal on the A45.<span>
</span>Be very careful! </span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>The first bit of the A45 wasn't great. The path was intermittent, there were no lights, and lorries came roaring along it at great speed. I put on my high vis jacket and had a really bright forward facing light and two rear facing lights (and was wearing an orange boiler suit) but I still felt quite nervous. I told myself it was only a short section and I just needed to hold my nerve for a couple of miles.<style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlmrh5UpInZ6p5PIPy9qjHk0SZ6bSagaCx_rhnVyg9bW1noeF14tWNkZudxLmRRV2_CnLH70rCz7MmoUx4OLB4YNQefM369xAROuSEONCqKfCOWBeplVAo1xanw3mqj0lt1TUa1Hs1w/s2048/6BD490BC-7D13-4DDC-A9F1-3AF9BFE3E366.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlmrh5UpInZ6p5PIPy9qjHk0SZ6bSagaCx_rhnVyg9bW1noeF14tWNkZudxLmRRV2_CnLH70rCz7MmoUx4OLB4YNQefM369xAROuSEONCqKfCOWBeplVAo1xanw3mqj0lt1TUa1Hs1w/s320/6BD490BC-7D13-4DDC-A9F1-3AF9BFE3E366.jpeg" /></a></p><p>The path was quite overgrown and there were were some pretty savage nettles - I actually didn't take a photo of the worst of it - but this was still a much better prospect than running in the road. I discovered boiler suits are not a very effective protection against nettles. Although probably better than nothing!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMncAZX3aWujfaYnbFb98n8Iv5433rqtTm42ga73Njb25CgTduUnS5tJsh81hpIZ8wmd5V6d1FIGNcOmND7D6dT1w3Gs9F9EPj5FOdpxHM7Yt1HLSgr7uZzIb6k2k_1g5OlxzIrAHi4g/s2048/67AA793B-531E-4863-A613-6F11ECAC8674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7giv76-CS9_CjiGfL82krpOBOTBeJg81uvVS43QdzaNyy7e-DbU_QPc99PT2VpWK9dnswTkMY_czUXcUZKg8JtfVJbMFUNTaHfCq0Pf6pAmmQM00fztO6GhS5MFLDQDRW0LByNZq5Q/s2048/72284069-EF56-40E2-8A28-489FFC08DA3D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7giv76-CS9_CjiGfL82krpOBOTBeJg81uvVS43QdzaNyy7e-DbU_QPc99PT2VpWK9dnswTkMY_czUXcUZKg8JtfVJbMFUNTaHfCq0Pf6pAmmQM00fztO6GhS5MFLDQDRW0LByNZq5Q/s320/72284069-EF56-40E2-8A28-489FFC08DA3D.jpeg" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">This was the scene when I arrived at 'Raining Cats and Dogs'. It was very, very dark. There were no lights. The speed limit increased to 60 miles an hour, which is VERY VERY fast when you are a pedestrian on a dual carriageway. And then the path ran out....<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMncAZX3aWujfaYnbFb98n8Iv5433rqtTm42ga73Njb25CgTduUnS5tJsh81hpIZ8wmd5V6d1FIGNcOmND7D6dT1w3Gs9F9EPj5FOdpxHM7Yt1HLSgr7uZzIb6k2k_1g5OlxzIrAHi4g/w480-h640/67AA793B-531E-4863-A613-6F11ECAC8674.jpeg" width="480" /></p>Women often say to me that they think I'm brave and that I do things running that they wouldn't consider doing. I usually say, "nahh, you could do it if you wanted, you just have to want it enough," but I think I crossed a line today. Very few people would do this. This was insane.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">To be fair to the Race Director, he explicitly says to avoid roads without pavement. However this was the most direct route and I couldn't find an alternative, and it was literally 4 kilometres. I could just walk it. I promised myself a cup of tea from the 24 hour Esso garage in Dunchurch if I survived it. Dig deep, Alice!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I crossed the central reservation so I could face oncoming traffic, through head height weeds. The ground underneath my feet was squishy and unstable. I tried not to think about what would happen if I were sucked into a bog. Walking was not an option as it was too slow and I was in a hurry to get the hell off this road. I settled for running whenever I could, then stopping and stepping into the weeds whenever a car/lorry approached, then running again. It felt endless, my heart was in my mouth, but I was making progress. Eventually I spotted some roadworks on the opposite carriageway, so crossed the central reservation again and was able to run on a coned-off lane past some bemused transport workers. Finally, the path reappeared. I've never been so happy to see stinging nettles!<br /></p>I turned off to Dunchurch. Obviously you can guess what happened next:<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1_9ryNqv_y4xjDgUPs42i_63R2mzq7F7fWZbDRO8wvVjSrhGlhCwtdW5T0O-iUtHcxWiajETWNQqTrcDlnK2gANuNHv6EcetmRZOg0JtrOCxAYkR8ANvke2_0ylbONx-fpolDp0ylw/s2048/F65008D3-3D72-4A18-8BA5-B54360A01AE3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1_9ryNqv_y4xjDgUPs42i_63R2mzq7F7fWZbDRO8wvVjSrhGlhCwtdW5T0O-iUtHcxWiajETWNQqTrcDlnK2gANuNHv6EcetmRZOg0JtrOCxAYkR8ANvke2_0ylbONx-fpolDp0ylw/s320/F65008D3-3D72-4A18-8BA5-B54360A01AE3.jpeg" /></a></div><p>Bloody Google was lying about the 24 hours. Dammit. I settled for a squashed cheese sandwich. I had barely eaten anything so far due to vast amounts of cortisol streaming through my veins. There was a proper path, and the village was really quiet, so I tried to be grateful for that.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8myWbIKv1S4-3C6ne13Uoz6pkKbYAYQ5rhwolzUQXPcNypJPrto4PKvp2SvXuwIHH07zGjgDYmvCp-lVrFUpulImL4sA1_iz1qAcGKVrZp3dVmVmZC1SvKyW0tDDTlhzOAv0DTtKhQ/s2048/FA90495E-E032-40B5-8BFE-7E64C6B5D055.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8myWbIKv1S4-3C6ne13Uoz6pkKbYAYQ5rhwolzUQXPcNypJPrto4PKvp2SvXuwIHH07zGjgDYmvCp-lVrFUpulImL4sA1_iz1qAcGKVrZp3dVmVmZC1SvKyW0tDDTlhzOAv0DTtKhQ/s320/FA90495E-E032-40B5-8BFE-7E64C6B5D055.jpeg" /></a></div>At 38k, I remember thinking that my legs and feet felt like they normally do after I've run a marathon, but my brain felt wide awake like I'd hardly even started. The next section was back into the countryside, through Willoughby and Braunston. It was just starting to get light and I saw some lights off to my left that looked weirdly like a seaside town to me. I took these photos - I can't really see it now - but I remember thinking that the hill on the right hand side looked like a cliff overlooking the sea. It was Northamptonshire so obviously not. I think it might have been a motorway (!) I've heard you get hallucinations in 24 hour races but this was too early for that so I think it was just my brain entertaining itself. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvPCRX7aqs-V2V5U6V17gSgaThMA6rmFDZMp8aijlek6A4iIj4fOvbRbDranbRlmthK8EzC70UBQ8JltNI7OiaxcSX0rbwrlNUQIyHIF4hP0tA131iZjcvsU9FavmnUtF49jP0dN1Kw/s2048/A9FD7536-38B0-4FA5-91F5-99A83DDA7F24.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvPCRX7aqs-V2V5U6V17gSgaThMA6rmFDZMp8aijlek6A4iIj4fOvbRbDranbRlmthK8EzC70UBQ8JltNI7OiaxcSX0rbwrlNUQIyHIF4hP0tA131iZjcvsU9FavmnUtF49jP0dN1Kw/w200-h150/A9FD7536-38B0-4FA5-91F5-99A83DDA7F24.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNA6wjM46hOvA_SXVslcUbXOQLPAYR9QWcAV90gp30Gkw9gyfGKMF8KCqlHnPYeEF_XzDAhJx6P-UwFmV1udbvSxahTTtgvi1eWT5BXuPAKhHT0UHuK5tjKg81NlrIcw6QTM83Cc4Og/s2048/BFFFE83E-6BFB-4205-87F5-F8181C4558DA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNA6wjM46hOvA_SXVslcUbXOQLPAYR9QWcAV90gp30Gkw9gyfGKMF8KCqlHnPYeEF_XzDAhJx6P-UwFmV1udbvSxahTTtgvi1eWT5BXuPAKhHT0UHuK5tjKg81NlrIcw6QTM83Cc4Og/w200-h150/BFFFE83E-6BFB-4205-87F5-F8181C4558DA.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div>Also around this time I finally had the idea of looking at the tracker on the website to see if anyone else was nearby. I realised I was being trailed by Prisoner 657:
Terence O Mahony-Doran. He was so close behind me I immediately turned around to look for him but couldn't see him. I figured we would cross paths soon enough and cracked on. It was getting lighter still now. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_F9oD0ehkaKpgyMuXau6_ZtYWL5kCd2hJZ8Txo6vYlb4tu6xEp1D2pTuxfxlzdJ2Myal2J8xYaRfqnd3xOkkPxvxsC64mIlhmvNATsDYCrH9CNvfom1F59-mvia_ivswwO4BqfrD4w/s2048/20867D17-42C0-4229-B5EF-E5E425E9A091.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_F9oD0ehkaKpgyMuXau6_ZtYWL5kCd2hJZ8Txo6vYlb4tu6xEp1D2pTuxfxlzdJ2Myal2J8xYaRfqnd3xOkkPxvxsC64mIlhmvNATsDYCrH9CNvfom1F59-mvia_ivswwO4BqfrD4w/w150-h200/20867D17-42C0-4229-B5EF-E5E425E9A091.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_pq1RCqB2FUV55t8NRpGNXAXOMGRkcozm7kIsw6spFIAz8Gv5AkRgocrXyuqPEDgeHPjfY5_5Pc6V27JRsxtWzjHVtPg-b-pGP1jkVnsahL3QKMAXdPjllfYKGG1COyvA0RAEivdsA/s2048/85307915-1A89-456C-AC3C-1C85935EC9BE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_pq1RCqB2FUV55t8NRpGNXAXOMGRkcozm7kIsw6spFIAz8Gv5AkRgocrXyuqPEDgeHPjfY5_5Pc6V27JRsxtWzjHVtPg-b-pGP1jkVnsahL3QKMAXdPjllfYKGG1COyvA0RAEivdsA/w200-h150/85307915-1A89-456C-AC3C-1C85935EC9BE.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>As I approached Daventry I watched closely for my turning into an industrial estate. It was probably about 5am by now and it was quite surreal passing workers on their way into work. I saw one guy drinking a can of Red Bull and thought, "urggh how could you?" He probably thought the same about me going for a run for 'fun' as he trekked into work.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43avdtKgg2zZ6GHOMa43FBTcQa39lFjcIIZDyaIJ8GIaWB0qXhocYSQrHF78qW_Gt9b5q-PDvXXuR9KFxxW1D-ukx2TlJyJ1aZBIN-_Ybwg09m-oiSdd-FBmYEeaxuXfhGUmSho9xAQ/s2048/67218239-741A-4507-BA81-34CF437A6429.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43avdtKgg2zZ6GHOMa43FBTcQa39lFjcIIZDyaIJ8GIaWB0qXhocYSQrHF78qW_Gt9b5q-PDvXXuR9KFxxW1D-ukx2TlJyJ1aZBIN-_Ybwg09m-oiSdd-FBmYEeaxuXfhGUmSho9xAQ/s320/67218239-741A-4507-BA81-34CF437A6429.jpeg" /></a></div>Once through the industrial estate, I passed through a more residential area and hit the first marathon mark after 5 hours 15 minutes. Time for a selfie! I posted this onto my Facebook page and over the course of the day saw many lovely, inspirational comments from people which really helped - thank you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFYkSAlSaou7y207kVy3QzWuDcSxmGAEcFy8kbAQmW8RDsXJkrJlhT8AdWWRF6TdRPx_S24UQuNEXEOUsB7W7iU8c0jVM9bPBfiUc1SZclJMYuboDL0DYTOcNZx3fu9xXdYsyjrWE3w/s320/DEE1CE54-CED4-4943-AE48-D2A8DFE4AC85.jpeg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shortly after this I came across a garage. It looked open so I ran over optimistically. It was 05:29 and it had literally just opened. I really wanted a cup of tea but they didn't have any so I settled for a mocha. Just as I left the garage I bumped into Prisoner 657 - Terence, but he preferred to be called OD. I was walking as I was drinking and he slowed to walk with me for a bit. Apparently he had gone a slightly different route and thereby avoided the A45 (GOOD PLAN) but our routes had converged ages ago and he'd been chasing me ever since. He told me he had ditched his boiler suit back in Braunston. He was aiming for Dunstable too so we were bound to see each other again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Outside Daventry it was back into countryside and shortly afterwards the start of the A5 which I was to follow for many, many miles. <br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AIyYsd13B44XMSqaKPDSDugo7H-dmgbC_bilTSyzCUPxA984tSueekv_zPvDgtUGK0dvUXI4RyqiTjN4AdNd72mltVYPTU0uqi2aCQPdkKUOOTEygUe86RbTo7VCGQOk011UfITJxg/s2048/B22E20F7-0194-4B71-A1C3-29F269AD73BE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AIyYsd13B44XMSqaKPDSDugo7H-dmgbC_bilTSyzCUPxA984tSueekv_zPvDgtUGK0dvUXI4RyqiTjN4AdNd72mltVYPTU0uqi2aCQPdkKUOOTEygUe86RbTo7VCGQOk011UfITJxg/s320/B22E20F7-0194-4B71-A1C3-29F269AD73BE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I had prioritised safety over boredom for most of my route and I knew
there was an awful lot of 'footpath next to long straight road' in my
future. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8yoxkRGjxXbcPEvoK37WW3T8skpa6w7J2kAX2ax-lu-DofnNeDHpJnSqJKMzqrb6XzMupFZ4qm6b5DEHF_mtEJMxZWXFxbE9L9e-QjCiDG8eLOP6EIQeWuBCI0-QFHaY5vFIGExFxw/s2048/71E6CDA4-24D9-4010-B1BC-1467B7271ADE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8yoxkRGjxXbcPEvoK37WW3T8skpa6w7J2kAX2ax-lu-DofnNeDHpJnSqJKMzqrb6XzMupFZ4qm6b5DEHF_mtEJMxZWXFxbE9L9e-QjCiDG8eLOP6EIQeWuBCI0-QFHaY5vFIGExFxw/s320/71E6CDA4-24D9-4010-B1BC-1467B7271ADE.jpeg" /></a> </div><div>Somewhere along here, I ran into OD again. He told me he was meeting his crew shortly and stopping for breakfast. He kindly offered me water which I accepted before carrying on. My plan had been to meet Ben outside of Towcester but I'd already fallen behind schedule. I was feeling tired and hungry and there was still another 10k to go. I rang him to see if he could meet me earlier but there was no answer, I figured he would call back shortly. Unbeknownst to me, he was in the garage getting petrol and didn't see my missed call because the sat nav was on. I was starting to feel a bit rubbish and knew I needed food. I ate some crisps and some sweets to try to perk myself up. I rang again half an hour later and this time he answered straight away. He came and found me and parked in a layby which weirdly smelled a lot like goats. I didn't have the energy to care and sat in the car and ate my porridge and a banana. I took out my waterproofs and high vis and extra layer which made my vest a lot lighter, refilled my bottles and gathered a new selection of snacks ready for the next section. <br /><p></p><p>We'd planned for Ben to run with me a couple of times and the first one was just before Milton Keynes. By this point this was not that far away and having eaten, I suddenly felt much better. I set off feeling invigorated and soon passed through Towcester and continued along the A5, which looked almost identical to earlier:<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHfeD3Iq8gDOLIn1sDvuOsAF7-0vjMy62diX71ayCEJ2IOuK53wqEOCUQW8D4-tLnlrzEXMgg5UKmNEmjJLvErzxf1uBWBpjqh3ja2VXwEtY-4AybZcLUCst_CEQKQDJ7sgEwnQ9oBw/s2048/1B45C857-0D06-42BF-BE52-E87734F96DBC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHfeD3Iq8gDOLIn1sDvuOsAF7-0vjMy62diX71ayCEJ2IOuK53wqEOCUQW8D4-tLnlrzEXMgg5UKmNEmjJLvErzxf1uBWBpjqh3ja2VXwEtY-4AybZcLUCst_CEQKQDJ7sgEwnQ9oBw/s320/1B45C857-0D06-42BF-BE52-E87734F96DBC.jpeg" /></a></p>I knew from the tracker that OD was ahead of me now - he'd overtaken while I'd stopped. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOh7pPQTCYial387xTf147fFmPMOYmPKqvU8PFkN_xucuplsKnRyJyjDf3xKC_q-F8N8CZoSrmsCfFO6qUsMAeP2RP2YkjUX1KWI8CMEUCRp5cArn-0m6iG499y8w8FOA8GKialNl8jQ/s2436/6F9B4710-A44C-4AEF-8567-2B1E83698057.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOh7pPQTCYial387xTf147fFmPMOYmPKqvU8PFkN_xucuplsKnRyJyjDf3xKC_q-F8N8CZoSrmsCfFO6qUsMAeP2RP2YkjUX1KWI8CMEUCRp5cArn-0m6iG499y8w8FOA8GKialNl8jQ/s320/6F9B4710-A44C-4AEF-8567-2B1E83698057.png" /></a></div></div><div></div><div></div><div>It wasn't long before I came across Ben waiting for me. It was SO lovely to have some company at this point and as we ran, I filled him in on the exciting events of the night. I stopped to tie my shoelace and a car went past honking its horn, I didn't think anything of it until it came back the other way honking its horn again and I spotted my best friend Lee-Anne frantically waving! She was meant to be meeting me in Stony Stratford so it was a lovely surprise to see her there. Around this time I got a text from my mum:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQ77Ka0kWsWW50KRBWqfZq_bRC8JWeq0JnSDT6OOjhGTOfyYkl27uLS88ttqLIAsUFSLTwwY1u7nRosqjhUYxiR_G3FL_agw_7OIolYWeQIEbZrtJcqaDfgmamQec2TJ0NbTHwzMdWg/s1125/IMG_9900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQ77Ka0kWsWW50KRBWqfZq_bRC8JWeq0JnSDT6OOjhGTOfyYkl27uLS88ttqLIAsUFSLTwwY1u7nRosqjhUYxiR_G3FL_agw_7OIolYWeQIEbZrtJcqaDfgmamQec2TJ0NbTHwzMdWg/s320/IMG_9900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Poor OD. Being stalked by my mother!<br /><br /></div><div>By this point we were so close to Stony Stratford that we decided Ben would run all the way in with me. When we arrived, there was Lee-Anne, jumping up and down with excitement. She had just seen OD and realised he was also in the race and told me all about it (apologies if I didn't seem wildly interested!) as we walked through the town. She gave me a mini Snickers-type bar, which I ate immediately, and a croissant for later.<br /><p>Lee-Anne's fascinating fact* of the day: Ancient Romans who were down on their luck would scoop out clay from roads to make into
pots, and this was the origin of the word 'pothole'. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*not sure this is actually true</span><br /></p><p>After a short while we continued up the hill until we saw my parents, carrying the banner they made in 2016 for my first marathon (awww!) and also jumping up and down with excitement. They hugged me, they hugged Ben, and right at that moment, OD ran past. He held out his arms as if to join in with hugging, saying "what about me?" or words to that effect, which made me laugh. Then my mum said, "Is that Terence? I've been watching you!" or similar stalker-esque words. It was quite funny.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_pyRAHUcztdO_RaYntasxC0y0DGUbvc7IUyVin4QdozzACzOH0P1jIMtylUTWqIgGA-85SPmdAtuaPeqs4K7IDMrjpPXve-oCOD-5_quKgZVfZepVcWqP4f33wrmckeUmK1E79IExg/s1613/389E17C2-3F6E-4B02-8E49-173DF0528C20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1210" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_pyRAHUcztdO_RaYntasxC0y0DGUbvc7IUyVin4QdozzACzOH0P1jIMtylUTWqIgGA-85SPmdAtuaPeqs4K7IDMrjpPXve-oCOD-5_quKgZVfZepVcWqP4f33wrmckeUmK1E79IExg/s320/389E17C2-3F6E-4B02-8E49-173DF0528C20.jpeg" /></a></p><p>My mum and dad had brought me Coke as requested, and as usual had brought more than needed so Ben had some too. Photos were taken, Coke was drunk, and soon it was time for me to crack on along the redways of Milton Keynes. Ben turned round here and headed back to the car, before driving to our next meeting point in Furzton.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6kqOi9yJky6att4bD68lzITA4WkJOJE83Nmb7Cy5ZYBf8rg158NFLeauWEDaEx3oxWx7JWApOVMIvAbRjqoOj8glNjaZAFiw2dcnoyXrPL7XogzSctruNueyWAY5MlfjTgcOy3MP2Q/s1613/A90EF85B-5D87-4F70-864D-54688F6BD154.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1210" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6kqOi9yJky6att4bD68lzITA4WkJOJE83Nmb7Cy5ZYBf8rg158NFLeauWEDaEx3oxWx7JWApOVMIvAbRjqoOj8glNjaZAFiw2dcnoyXrPL7XogzSctruNueyWAY5MlfjTgcOy3MP2Q/s320/A90EF85B-5D87-4F70-864D-54688F6BD154.jpeg" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I've run the Milton Keynes redways many times, they're flat, straight and have no traffic, so I sailed along fairly comfortably.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vc0pfEFYRqM2tknENORVv9qQq0ewZDAT6FE-CiCQH-6ogvVvuT4hMmFmX60jPxPcmUiS2S_vNLvsPWr62ep8J2dH34SD6K9a9urSK3VqDSmF16lOakUFd1H5QNV_m-MHsMAnJm4wXA/s2048/592A4DB7-B1AF-4FCD-A348-80231C8531BA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vc0pfEFYRqM2tknENORVv9qQq0ewZDAT6FE-CiCQH-6ogvVvuT4hMmFmX60jPxPcmUiS2S_vNLvsPWr62ep8J2dH34SD6K9a9urSK3VqDSmF16lOakUFd1H5QNV_m-MHsMAnJm4wXA/s320/592A4DB7-B1AF-4FCD-A348-80231C8531BA.jpeg" /></a> <br /></p><p>It wasn't long before I completed marathon number 2 of the day! This one took 5 hours 45 minutes, which was only 30 minutes longer than the first, and I'd had a couple of long-ish stops. I was feeling pretty good at this point:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXh3DdRsFMGHDPileoUYZR2ndrpOaHNmhcrHVzXNrV2YrHnUPkbur3JDxDBqfKjlfsqfySYuYsDN_sGmo-JovwIAdgzda-Im0a3VEd5Tw1xi8dczo2lCbTxRaD1Y1mCKn3W2GRInmcA/s2048/43292E35-C0B3-4847-BA21-F2111B312681.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXh3DdRsFMGHDPileoUYZR2ndrpOaHNmhcrHVzXNrV2YrHnUPkbur3JDxDBqfKjlfsqfySYuYsDN_sGmo-JovwIAdgzda-Im0a3VEd5Tw1xi8dczo2lCbTxRaD1Y1mCKn3W2GRInmcA/s320/43292E35-C0B3-4847-BA21-F2111B312681.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Not long after this I reached the meeting point at Furzton Lake. Ben called me just as I arrived, telling me he was nearly there. It was really warm by then and I planned to get changed here, so I took a photo of me in my Penny Lane top before I changed it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUVEgPkV8vSmKAf036UJprK0IeAeyKKJBmioWXg1rzP5Wr7lZOPgANO7Nd-O5YgylKbQtJSFbbO7TIg3ZQEuXyA3qO56EnQaQmgOssbijIplPS2onKBsmJ3tBCjjUvq0PpQjL3tM9Kw/s2048/B1D24150-7F2A-449E-B922-AA33C8B90AEF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUVEgPkV8vSmKAf036UJprK0IeAeyKKJBmioWXg1rzP5Wr7lZOPgANO7Nd-O5YgylKbQtJSFbbO7TIg3ZQEuXyA3qO56EnQaQmgOssbijIplPS2onKBsmJ3tBCjjUvq0PpQjL3tM9Kw/s320/B1D24150-7F2A-449E-B922-AA33C8B90AEF.jpeg" /></a></div>Ben arrived and as usual I was delighted to see him. I got changed in a very public place and didn't care; Ben had brought hot water and made me a Pot Noodle which I sat in the car and ate. I look slightly crazed here (and a bit like a Grand Prix driver in the hat and boiler suit!) but I was feeling pretty good. I'd asked Ben to bring me some 'surprise' snacks as I knew I'd get bored of all the things I'd brought. At this point he produced a cinnamon roll and a cardamom roll he'd brought from a Turkish cafe in Stoke Newington. I wish I'd taken a photo but I didn't have the presence of mind. I managed a few bites of each and they were delicious.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMSctsVtYyp_VZDt9ewWPxVCGT_YRgTpBrbD4aUF5_7MnhcA5UV6lkLT5glpv641Y6_-nWlZNP2ye0TiKPoT-ycxG2eLQyINPKSa7JoKk5IriiLIxRPZz5NdYHPbSbX-NAmfcf-K7dA/s2048/6B4FBEAB-50B3-45D5-970D-BD70D46E92E9.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMSctsVtYyp_VZDt9ewWPxVCGT_YRgTpBrbD4aUF5_7MnhcA5UV6lkLT5glpv641Y6_-nWlZNP2ye0TiKPoT-ycxG2eLQyINPKSa7JoKk5IriiLIxRPZz5NdYHPbSbX-NAmfcf-K7dA/s320/6B4FBEAB-50B3-45D5-970D-BD70D46E92E9.heic" /></a><br /></div><div><br />From here, it wasn't far to Bletchley. I spotted a few runners with medals who were limping along having just finished the Milton Keynes marathon, I wondered what they thought of me plodding along in my boiler suit. Just as I arrived in Bletchley, I spotted OD. He was looking a bit tired and we walked together for a while. He told me he was planning to stop when he got to 100km as that would be the furthest he'd ever run. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtlCVBHAFLxzlWPe-mGwrid-WBWIgL1QziuTyK92-RnOpZJSDmEvB5JZ0RLzwTJLYuTdj3phaDnvoKEULWS5TNtel6MiXU87wjMFU-OCFZ7ouTWWESee2YRN5UdtHTbUm4HlV4ufVDQ/w150-h200/BE7407E4-0D66-49BA-8EF1-5373D3BC3CC5.jpeg" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBHdIxglhvhJZPbKPPbVFQ5J0Aku95EzQ6ACTqkLTi5u-6OxEb6NNU2yyeWqXoQ98nbWVP5EOigdf-mvDUwb29XETxd57ZLkEId-KuWsEofX094dHHcEFvqc25QkYp070ni8SHdnyLA/s2048/424F10A1-43D7-4EC3-BDA7-330E16CBA3B8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBHdIxglhvhJZPbKPPbVFQ5J0Aku95EzQ6ACTqkLTi5u-6OxEb6NNU2yyeWqXoQ98nbWVP5EOigdf-mvDUwb29XETxd57ZLkEId-KuWsEofX094dHHcEFvqc25QkYp070ni8SHdnyLA/w200-h150/424F10A1-43D7-4EC3-BDA7-330E16CBA3B8.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We chatted for a while - he was in the army, but about to start training
as a paramedic and had done most of his long distance running in the form of Ironmans. (In my opinion, Ironman would be much improved by making the bike ride half the distance of the run and the swim as short as possible - I kept this thought to myself!) We ran
through Fenny Stratford and back onto the A5 near Little Brickhill. I
was feeling good here and left OD behind, unbeknownst to me for the last time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnzxVPh9R_5eY0tuJKCTZacmaFnpQYj1CiYkbTYOoEZc8e5xiV_4JA1tSh4g5TAT-X-eYMpCvtaDgwu46B8Ob_hxV31NoHpFxX5OORezWoe6NzOqTVETONz8hGnjaIa6cC-pvbM9Y2w/s2048/3AAEB715-D000-4BBB-B772-398D8FC23CC6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnzxVPh9R_5eY0tuJKCTZacmaFnpQYj1CiYkbTYOoEZc8e5xiV_4JA1tSh4g5TAT-X-eYMpCvtaDgwu46B8Ob_hxV31NoHpFxX5OORezWoe6NzOqTVETONz8hGnjaIa6cC-pvbM9Y2w/w200-h150/3AAEB715-D000-4BBB-B772-398D8FC23CC6.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYlS7P8L1DBVF9uqENtech1Zjyu6rPm7Pl5WN6smZ_kh9OKwFC5gW-vk1HVsMNB39Ru4L5GufwYW8S7VDiZaIRxw4H-7U-pIra8qM77oxKeuRs4W4BWtX71Mba2VQeXT2JQzp0r_ttA/s2048/CB4F1DB5-22E1-4818-8D9C-25F8FAD77F04.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYlS7P8L1DBVF9uqENtech1Zjyu6rPm7Pl5WN6smZ_kh9OKwFC5gW-vk1HVsMNB39Ru4L5GufwYW8S7VDiZaIRxw4H-7U-pIra8qM77oxKeuRs4W4BWtX71Mba2VQeXT2JQzp0r_ttA/w150-h200/CB4F1DB5-22E1-4818-8D9C-25F8FAD77F04.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was meeting Ben at The Flying Fox pub which was in Arse-End-Of-Nowheresville somewhere along the A5. As I approached I had a look at the tracker. OD was hot on my heels.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKp9R91kcgkEEOlvyPYg84VZz6BsZF11M4cwDShRht_AZOfNUl54Ap31kEBhHj_j-xZn2DPxBxgHXaUVSyBYh5dXpUT21VDpLkJ6uB7Jay5ip9o-T6FBJhrSJHUfg1BiFsuxCnYB7sQ/s2436/487F6589-59A6-44FE-868C-60CDDE96C2C5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKp9R91kcgkEEOlvyPYg84VZz6BsZF11M4cwDShRht_AZOfNUl54Ap31kEBhHj_j-xZn2DPxBxgHXaUVSyBYh5dXpUT21VDpLkJ6uB7Jay5ip9o-T6FBJhrSJHUfg1BiFsuxCnYB7sQ/w296-h640/487F6589-59A6-44FE-868C-60CDDE96C2C5.png" width="296" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I met Ben and we started running, I remember being mildy annoyed I had to wait for him to cross the road - a sure sign that I was getting tired as this literally took 1 minute. The path was flat and straight and boring and my legs hurt. I started talking to Ben about whether it was still possible for me to make it all the way to Highbury considering I already felt knackered and it was still a LONG way to go. I didn't think I could do it but I didn't want to give up either. I set an interim target of completing three marathons (79 miles) and reviewing again then. We saw a man coming towards us and at first it looked like he was mimicking my shuffling gait. Ben said, "Look at him, is he taking the mickey?" I looked, then I looked again.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkZW-mG_rT9aUQqc1Qh2ZUfAS4wfhkvxBdCOQJ1DZEasPNi-B_lVR3vRhthzoIR2iq6X4VZsTpuX2AopQ1egsLeIE8dpzbKMS6mnwgActpmSGcCbBMcrQvQnsUSpZfEUvX3F_emzQgw/s2048/EFDC6F2D-10D3-47F8-89E1-E8D1EEA600AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkZW-mG_rT9aUQqc1Qh2ZUfAS4wfhkvxBdCOQJ1DZEasPNi-B_lVR3vRhthzoIR2iq6X4VZsTpuX2AopQ1egsLeIE8dpzbKMS6mnwgActpmSGcCbBMcrQvQnsUSpZfEUvX3F_emzQgw/s320/EFDC6F2D-10D3-47F8-89E1-E8D1EEA600AA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>It was my dad!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My parents had decided to surprise me by turning up randomly when I wasn't expecting them (aww!) and bizarrely it happened to again be at the exact moment when I was running with Ben. My mum also appeared and we all had a quick chat and a photo and went on our way. Ben carried on for another few kilometres and then headed back when we reached Hockcliffe. I had been dreaming of Calippos for a few miles as it was very warm so imagine my delight when I passed a shop that sold knock-off ones. This was definitely a high point! <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bqoBJZ0J1CRXUCizmNcDChYzyP-YL1G9UeQrdqblfEoyD0Ab6HOnIDInV-eflwGjFnOsiCYPuPt2kPf6eD6xX_hq2oWTwAQYk2p-vuc4UJNeiMpTN9Tdk5SrbYFbKs6o_VaaNY2G0A/s2048/11447617-EF9F-4A96-A53B-92AE6911DDA3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bqoBJZ0J1CRXUCizmNcDChYzyP-YL1G9UeQrdqblfEoyD0Ab6HOnIDInV-eflwGjFnOsiCYPuPt2kPf6eD6xX_hq2oWTwAQYk2p-vuc4UJNeiMpTN9Tdk5SrbYFbKs6o_VaaNY2G0A/s320/11447617-EF9F-4A96-A53B-92AE6911DDA3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The road towards Dunstable continued - straight, rural, next to a road. There's something bizarre about running so far in one direction - you almost don't have to think at all about where you're going because it's always the same way. I remember thinking about <a href="https://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/london-24" target="_blank">Sri Chinmoy Transcendence</a>, a 24 hour race around a running track in Tooting. I've always thought it sounded hideous but I started to wonder about the meditative nature of repeated steps on endless, identical paths. And running tracks are kinder on the legs than tarmac. It was starting to sound kind of appealing.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5JN2A1T9QM0vKGBceT4qJHP4FijFCyYFKUH9PMdU0xLWzNFyB02fRHWK1JVESmNOpmU6cbQC9dV_Ms5yEweQcWDfoBsrtL8YOmE173ppd_D4LGGK_FPhVt7il4Bm5rOYt-XIqejUZg/s2048/1ADC05A9-11CA-4772-96BE-747363F95416.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5JN2A1T9QM0vKGBceT4qJHP4FijFCyYFKUH9PMdU0xLWzNFyB02fRHWK1JVESmNOpmU6cbQC9dV_Ms5yEweQcWDfoBsrtL8YOmE173ppd_D4LGGK_FPhVt7il4Bm5rOYt-XIqejUZg/s320/1ADC05A9-11CA-4772-96BE-747363F95416.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I approached Dunstable, I had another look at where I was on the tracker. To my surprise, I was in second place now. The gap between myself and OD was also widening and I knew he would retire in Dunstable so perhaps I could hold onto my position...?<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0V9oDh98yluvLu-xxiz2Li8xaCToC_fc25H7c7hQrgtvR5vSsQMG2f63uOVgW2Ajrne2Oe0o9Pd1R_XnY28izSHgiWMgMdOqf9U3bdgVMxQNA1jZq-Z1jeKPBUpPkAokGo7fvDp_QA/s320/15E84719-50AC-465B-ABA7-6258C26564A3.png" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally I arrived in Dunstable. I plodded my way through the city centre, which was full of roadworks and traffic jams until I made it to the garage where I was meeting Ben. He brought me an espresso, which was gratefully received, and listened to me moan about how tired I was but how I was going to have to force myself to continue until three marathons were done. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaz2aV_be42Waeg0Lcyg9WvrwJtm5BqHI69kDn-coZ-3X4N80iMVhjYRIPiwGHvFQRDJ59TUgkqh_WmftfE2bsftMsr9HU4UIECe9HUhN7DLTAeyXx5cqa9S3u6zD0id0jCyUhyYHxQ/w150-h200/2CBF0163-C9EE-4E33-9ABB-D818869F88FB.jpeg" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun8cdAPNXo_aTnAbsZc3SG03s3YZ_s9QQeQ44znYtdWEUV5TlAOlqIJBksdpcS1OdqtZiplL9FpPErLOAA5Z1GKeTh9dN7XUeNfLteo5i8Sm5MZgZpLgcUz9StMAkSBYxIecbhRA1pQ/s2048/1DEBF459-BB2B-49C6-9F22-073FC98C9321.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun8cdAPNXo_aTnAbsZc3SG03s3YZ_s9QQeQ44znYtdWEUV5TlAOlqIJBksdpcS1OdqtZiplL9FpPErLOAA5Z1GKeTh9dN7XUeNfLteo5i8Sm5MZgZpLgcUz9StMAkSBYxIecbhRA1pQ/w200-h150/1DEBF459-BB2B-49C6-9F22-073FC98C9321.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I dragged myself onwards. Went through a village called Markyate where Ben met me again and I moaned relentlessly. I felt sick and was trying to force myself to eat despite everything making me feel nauseous. I remember watching normal people amble down the village high street and feeling bitter that THEY weren't having to run three marathons today. At times like that, normally I remind myself that <i>running is my hobby and I do it for fun</i> - but not today. There was definitely some sulking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I kept going. Soon I came to this sign, which marked my sixth county today: West Midlands, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire. This was a small boost.<br /><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkt0v3K_QfdqiqlwfPpVEH9IDK5vqzAQ49KfgVupWlt8hht-kWqApBvG49gVi80WEaa2SJy1nk0030UWffB_r8VezQmgokU_OssF6FUIfowSvU8l-PmZovOwo8oVzga7ZCdIdyaxIvwQ/s2048/DB814C88-2C9F-4F30-BF45-86C201400710.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkt0v3K_QfdqiqlwfPpVEH9IDK5vqzAQ49KfgVupWlt8hht-kWqApBvG49gVi80WEaa2SJy1nk0030UWffB_r8VezQmgokU_OssF6FUIfowSvU8l-PmZovOwo8oVzga7ZCdIdyaxIvwQ/s320/DB814C88-2C9F-4F30-BF45-86C201400710.jpeg" /></a> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shortly afterwards, there was a small turn off the main road (which I nearly missed!) allowing me a breather from the A5 at last. I went through a couple of small villages. This one had a particularly lovely view from where I stopped for a wee:<b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKRzC_XlaFx9y4FBgktAsspkfOjbn0VHPXWA_yhdpN4for1d3wLfU3fv0dsuYD865jTBYhz9awAdSG37xO8vkIhdigECd1D6Cy5pxQw7Lu3tpYPMruLWtdRYFXrJndVZh3Hl1BDXfEA/s2048/B74704ED-08BB-4EC6-802C-405574D7B4F7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKRzC_XlaFx9y4FBgktAsspkfOjbn0VHPXWA_yhdpN4for1d3wLfU3fv0dsuYD865jTBYhz9awAdSG37xO8vkIhdigECd1D6Cy5pxQw7Lu3tpYPMruLWtdRYFXrJndVZh3Hl1BDXfEA/s320/B74704ED-08BB-4EC6-802C-405574D7B4F7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was so nice to be in the countryside on roads which actually had bends and hills! Also I knew I was getting very near the end now. This was about kilometre 125 of 127. Just one more little village and it would all be over...<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nt_j-dxpj4PbE_xsvcwEi4kLxeG0TkOkW8fDIWUOsy5e51oKooc_2E-ry2ALtmaubhvsL57Z3A7z0LPwNEBA91UOjVLoWzfu6y5veg1By8k1gr7Zk61egU-D-BdlUOXQIuxrY7qKnQ/s2048/E4BFA100-42FF-4C15-94E0-95CAD06459BB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nt_j-dxpj4PbE_xsvcwEi4kLxeG0TkOkW8fDIWUOsy5e51oKooc_2E-ry2ALtmaubhvsL57Z3A7z0LPwNEBA91UOjVLoWzfu6y5veg1By8k1gr7Zk61egU-D-BdlUOXQIuxrY7qKnQ/s320/E4BFA100-42FF-4C15-94E0-95CAD06459BB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I saw Ben in a layby about 1 km before the end. He said encouraging words, I remember feeling very grateful I would soon be able to stop. I was just so tired and I felt so sick. At the next roundabout I saw a sign for St Albans, which I knew was just beyond where I planned to finish. So close now!<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-gFf4h0aw9r3yoAqPM311TuObomQhh4LWUIIApB3HVESep__YmaaSCDDVh4BdQA1ZVH8kee3q1PEpFX3DQ4r0REEZ6bsYlMt7kzqaL6oK8MBjeGz_-Fp-cGCmQUJrDENSz6DgUjXJQ/s2048/F897012E-F118-42B3-B3A9-33C1A66252A5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-gFf4h0aw9r3yoAqPM311TuObomQhh4LWUIIApB3HVESep__YmaaSCDDVh4BdQA1ZVH8kee3q1PEpFX3DQ4r0REEZ6bsYlMt7kzqaL6oK8MBjeGz_-Fp-cGCmQUJrDENSz6DgUjXJQ/s320/F897012E-F118-42B3-B3A9-33C1A66252A5.jpeg" /></a></div>My watch ticked over to 127km halfway along a busy road. There was nowhere for Ben to stop so he'd carried on a bit further. I stopped to take this picture - you can see I'm really struggling to look happy! - the third marathon had taken me 7 hours. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6iAgIQNsH6kW-rqqyTVrCycv-AWdThkI46Ocp84s1_S4T0Fd9dlkLjDyPLz_oDvlpxeis1oXGejfWXN57S4xTdsqIxvOH9s2ikcFQHbxJYl4MqMvniAetOpJDM-gBWAjuTXBZfhrGQ/s2048/B842D435-6D5B-4BFF-8C0D-D4DC201A6D6C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6iAgIQNsH6kW-rqqyTVrCycv-AWdThkI46Ocp84s1_S4T0Fd9dlkLjDyPLz_oDvlpxeis1oXGejfWXN57S4xTdsqIxvOH9s2ikcFQHbxJYl4MqMvniAetOpJDM-gBWAjuTXBZfhrGQ/s320/B842D435-6D5B-4BFF-8C0D-D4DC201A6D6C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Then I shuffled the final bonus 400m to where Ben was parked before stopping my watch. Obligatory final few metres picture:<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyyBZ2BICfoDz1CLyeXVIIcMYTFIkilUTUIPKvrUn9T-YkNXDLeFAdO66Xzzm9LhuSlkBV7rHmdpeNQxyl0Yx5cCA5Rb-q0wyc_EQV4rGBpd8kkOAzf9fyi8OhNFJWpgR5NmDAi6X2w/s320/84F239F2-4675-4392-8014-3E0A83865116.heic" /></p>And here I am posing at the end. I was pleased with myself for sticking with the boiler suit all the way to the end like a proper convict! Although I decided it was more of a 'watermelon' than 'Guantananamo Bay' kind of hue... </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtg8bGMgngeTviFoeQJUR_2Lvfoo6yC5mJu3NFtN5dWvV46l3CLV7QMfC90LmN33tS2xSnd8eRLmutuZV-wN0fSS-yz8KNtPeBJAW9xFFnOmSTto6VYy_x0dbZ42qpnA9qSHLLYMK-8w/s4032/A69A0F11-5554-47F5-A375-E5119D0F9CA6_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtg8bGMgngeTviFoeQJUR_2Lvfoo6yC5mJu3NFtN5dWvV46l3CLV7QMfC90LmN33tS2xSnd8eRLmutuZV-wN0fSS-yz8KNtPeBJAW9xFFnOmSTto6VYy_x0dbZ42qpnA9qSHLLYMK-8w/s320/A69A0F11-5554-47F5-A375-E5119D0F9CA6_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a> </div><div>It's not often I get a new "longest run" on Garmin - the last time was Convergence in 2018 so I'm extremely happy with that. It's also going to improve <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/p/map.html" target="_blank">my map</a> as long straight runs look awesome!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UyS6aejr2SPN5i4axNZnvoPGfsFlfyBkqAir-Q_zBGyyW4QaEy2cM2xPooCGkeGk5pOkTPI4BQs65i-x03L-xcooeP9JwLeQIX7-6ogzNjlALEZa6q88ujPr_75_lJUGaZo0UIvYUw/s2048/3B171495-DED1-4D2D-999F-4C9254D7F010.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UyS6aejr2SPN5i4axNZnvoPGfsFlfyBkqAir-Q_zBGyyW4QaEy2cM2xPooCGkeGk5pOkTPI4BQs65i-x03L-xcooeP9JwLeQIX7-6ogzNjlALEZa6q88ujPr_75_lJUGaZo0UIvYUw/s320/3B171495-DED1-4D2D-999F-4C9254D7F010.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I peeled off the boiler suit, ate a delicious spinach and cheese flatbread thing which Ben had brought and turned off my tracker. I texted the Race Director to say I'd retired and had a look at my Strava trace. Then Ben drove me back to my parents house whereupon I was so tired I refused champagne (SHOCK HORROR) and crashed out at 8pm.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiPdexKovnmznSsvFA6snkpIsRI5VCl82VCpy3ebYBdzvNjWXmbhfiCB9yan_LnVCfbIBl2JJLuE-fGe3-_D8HdI0B5fxqchAv9XEKZ6SgvFRdOaGrrxxTjWvvtw6xOgX1nKKUcMKbw/s1437/6804DE6B-D379-4334-A766-31959F7F5864_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1077" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiPdexKovnmznSsvFA6snkpIsRI5VCl82VCpy3ebYBdzvNjWXmbhfiCB9yan_LnVCfbIBl2JJLuE-fGe3-_D8HdI0B5fxqchAv9XEKZ6SgvFRdOaGrrxxTjWvvtw6xOgX1nKKUcMKbw/s320/6804DE6B-D379-4334-A766-31959F7F5864_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure the penny really dropped until the next day that I had actually won Solo Female. I knew there was a prize for Solo but for some reason I didn't think it was segregated by gender, so I assumed James would win it as he finished miles ahead of me. I saw this Facebook post the next day:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB4qB71Zg3jjv7i3qFmsMSPZZKE9e3rCuw8f9JZZ_okL_Gy6Q_UOMzcvVO72ordPawDfU8qhaN_00fsju3GGisLVofcsBCtt9A6OtbJyOZUI835Hri0og2oE3gdsNFOse2fyI5McsTA/s1028/Screenshot+2021-06-28+at+16.26.53.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="1028" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB4qB71Zg3jjv7i3qFmsMSPZZKE9e3rCuw8f9JZZ_okL_Gy6Q_UOMzcvVO72ordPawDfU8qhaN_00fsju3GGisLVofcsBCtt9A6OtbJyOZUI835Hri0og2oE3gdsNFOse2fyI5McsTA/s320/Screenshot+2021-06-28+at+16.26.53.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few days later, it was confirmed:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaNvzTIxb-S1uAyQuZA4YZxbFlqNzwrE1YG84cmmXTYJgB5UVC2AyZsICbgqNAI1IGlEXa84eeLnA9EM9AGPr0Ij9zRJAAi6MjoE7qogMyQnTUFE3Idfd0SgejZVGaZB31rnVHo7ZKQ/s2453/Screenshot+2021-07-08+at+19.10.25.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="2453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaNvzTIxb-S1uAyQuZA4YZxbFlqNzwrE1YG84cmmXTYJgB5UVC2AyZsICbgqNAI1IGlEXa84eeLnA9EM9AGPr0Ij9zRJAAi6MjoE7qogMyQnTUFE3Idfd0SgejZVGaZB31rnVHo7ZKQ/s320/Screenshot+2021-07-08+at+19.10.25.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I still don't know what this actually means. It always takes a few weeks for the medals to be sent out and I don't know if there's some kind of <span><span data-dobid="hdw">commemorative</span></span> plaque/trophy/memento. I've never come anywhere close to winning anything before and it wasn't my goal today. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I do feel the need to point out: </div><div style="text-align: left;">- there were a lower number of entries than usual in this race (due to Covid restrictions?) (56 vs 143)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- at Day Release there were several female finishers who completed longer distances than me</div><div style="text-align: left;">- when Helen Pike (who beat me at <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/06/lincolnshire-convergence-race-74-mile_10.html" target="_blank">Convergence</a>) won this race in 2019 she did 82 miles</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">.... so I feel like a bit of a fraud for achieving this with a meagre 70 miles as the crow flies. Like it doesn't really count, or I don't really deserve it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On top of that, in the days following the race, and still now two weeks later, I feel a nagging sense of disappointment at myself for quitting at 127km. I didn't even look at my what-to-do-when-it-all-turns-to-shit-list of things to do when the going got tough (have a sleep in the car, use my foam roller, blast out 80's tunes, try Tailwind for the nausea etc etc). I didn't do <i>any </i>of those things. I just stopped and gave up and turned my tracker off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I reckon if I'd slept for 30 minutes, I might have managed the last 35km I needed to do to make 90 miles as the crow flies. I had SIX HOURS left that I didn't use. I've got my first hundred mile race coming up in October and the fact that I felt I couldn't go on after 79 miles makes me nervous. I should have at least tried. It's not like me to give up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know it's still a great achievement. I ran three back-to-back marathons, I ran the furthest I've ever run, I even won, for goodness sake. You don't get to complain when you've won. But I just don't think I did everything I was capable of and that's a bitter pill to swallow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To end on a happier note, I've been fundraising to raise money for my local hospital as part of Jog On June all this month and I absolutely thrashed everyone else, ha ha. If you want to donate, you still can here : <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alice-runs-the-country">https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alice-runs-the-country</a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7N_-oWKN0nLXSG-iV4a34VP1Eam3czhqCS1LeuxDqFlvOa3ORq0AjNmJ1GZuKMxF9XwDRx0xCU16ExWXzupHkqYdSu6q7mooxh_fZZTtBDZ92oa4MDPaboUtEJakvCekbJc5teA-wQ/s2436/7C975B31-8FFA-4310-899D-9B2D6138A8C8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7N_-oWKN0nLXSG-iV4a34VP1Eam3czhqCS1LeuxDqFlvOa3ORq0AjNmJ1GZuKMxF9XwDRx0xCU16ExWXzupHkqYdSu6q7mooxh_fZZTtBDZ92oa4MDPaboUtEJakvCekbJc5teA-wQ/s320/7C975B31-8FFA-4310-899D-9B2D6138A8C8.png" /></a> <br /></div><br />I managed to log 210 miles in June, which is 8 sets of the 30 miles required to complete it and my highest mileage in a month maybe ever?! </div><div> </div><div>Thank you very much to the Race Director and well done to OD and all the other runners. It was a bloody brilliant day. I actually think I might have to break my "never run the same race twice" rule for this one because it feels like unfinished business. Another Solstice Edition please!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry this is the longest race report ever written and congratulations on reaching the end at last :) </div><div><br /></div><div><u><b>Addendum written 29/7/21</b></u></div><div>Look what has just arrived in the post!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbosVx7u0KZvD9aYTnQMV4IMOeFJdb8X3zNbYbnBMrhCSino9IXxe9VGcSCQc29aBuGwA2SW5I8wk0gpg5F1qVmFzd885aVssjNe0k7T8K-wXtzYSPUEkULnFQe9o885siD2J9Q6vTdA/s2048/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbosVx7u0KZvD9aYTnQMV4IMOeFJdb8X3zNbYbnBMrhCSino9IXxe9VGcSCQc29aBuGwA2SW5I8wk0gpg5F1qVmFzd885aVssjNe0k7T8K-wXtzYSPUEkULnFQe9o885siD2J9Q6vTdA/w150-h200/IMG_0187.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHvy7Zf1nhzUsAy4IZIYDsw61eDqKgdnOYQo1h1_cEwvPhtkjFNheWA3P_sV-oTBSA7hYdTlu3SfzVndJllDSPOy8_-3ELqVnpEqNlhXn-OUV-Q4KzX7Rle_zUydneYNCLYAmqsZ-GA/s2048/IMG_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHvy7Zf1nhzUsAy4IZIYDsw61eDqKgdnOYQo1h1_cEwvPhtkjFNheWA3P_sV-oTBSA7hYdTlu3SfzVndJllDSPOy8_-3ELqVnpEqNlhXn-OUV-Q4KzX7Rle_zUydneYNCLYAmqsZ-GA/w200-h150/IMG_0186.JPG" width="200" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP5s1zI3RQNzytDD_sOUqRaXQ_UH6XEl5msbOd_AuKR2DAxRHZPRn7nhjVRfhb3t88uGMPywtH-z7QzDROLD-xkb08ToCWG2CbiqduIgfBKsMNJySIuz4zZQ0pUMCTBVktd7d8CAEeg/s2048/IMG_0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP5s1zI3RQNzytDD_sOUqRaXQ_UH6XEl5msbOd_AuKR2DAxRHZPRn7nhjVRfhb3t88uGMPywtH-z7QzDROLD-xkb08ToCWG2CbiqduIgfBKsMNJySIuz4zZQ0pUMCTBVktd7d8CAEeg/w400-h272/IMG_0185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><br />Despite all the things I said up there ^^^ I am utterly delighted to have my first ever 'proper' trophy. And it's so beautiful! It's already in pride of place on my mantelpiece (less than an hour after it was delivered!) and I'm absolutely made up. What an epic race to achieve it in as well. Thank you so much!<br /><div><br /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Meriden Green, The Green, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7LN, UK52.4379249 -1.649615243.531551468996568 -19.2277402 61.344298331003429 15.9285098tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-74355555997084176272021-06-12T13:30:00.578+01:002021-06-23T21:07:46.397+01:00Norfolk: Sunset Half Ultra race recap<p>I signed up for this race back in the heady optimistic days of October 2020, when races had started up again and we all hoped we'd seen the last of Covid. Sadly it was not to be, and a slew of cancellations followed, but this race hung in there. The organisers clearly put a lot of effort into making it Covid-safe, including a set of competitor notes that ran to FORTY EIGHT PAGES. I've more patience than most people when it comes to this stuff and even <i>I</i> thought it was excessive... I reckon Giles must be an air traffic controller, or a bomb disposal expert, or a member of MI5 in his day job. Such was his attention to detail!</p><p>I'd originally signed up for the marathon, but decided as the race approached that the ultra would be <i>more fun</i>, so I changed my entry to the 35 miler.</p><p></p><p>Ben and I decided to make a weekend of it, as a weekend by the seaside in Norfolk is a holiday (for most people). We drove up on Friday and mooched around farm shops and had a lovely dinner. The race didn't start until 1:30pm on Saturday because the idea is to race the sunset. In fact, it had a rolling start, but I figured the earlier I started, the earlier I'd finish, so we got there in plenty of time. It was a gorgeous sunny day and we stopped for fish and chips in Wells on the way - always a good start!</p><p>Here I am at the start line in Blakeney:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIMBxbbJwjVxzrjY0IFOSKcFIYD-k7lUhkvXA1CPcNBjpb_hvUeFMeMcSjWmgaOF3CeVTDQvUtVtmPJlnbR_n18dc-aIqTBEfJ-uUEev7bCseRS4feJ6RDYp3uc4JbY1FMKl1dytKbw/s320/IMG_9591.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A tracker was attached to my vest and runners were set off at 1 minute intervals. There was no particular order, you just milled around looking keen until it was your turn. As I waited to cross the line, I chatted with the organisers. I expressed a fervent hope that there would not be any sand. One of them said to me, "just try not to think about it", which weren't quite the words of reassurance I was looking for!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiAbK1dLpeSG9e_Mb6y4oQUSyrQ4gO02Ba51ctGkKwrAen2_ntWWePdo8kryc3XvbRXwMwhRtUfNlhU2w_cpAHIz8OZgnHA-2pBTP3hu2qrZvSWitMNzz1YtL7YBTrQH8V893S9A3aw/s4032/IMG_2609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiAbK1dLpeSG9e_Mb6y4oQUSyrQ4gO02Ba51ctGkKwrAen2_ntWWePdo8kryc3XvbRXwMwhRtUfNlhU2w_cpAHIz8OZgnHA-2pBTP3hu2qrZvSWitMNzz1YtL7YBTrQH8V893S9A3aw/s320/IMG_2609.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The race is meant to be coastal, but because of the tides, there was not much visible sea for huge chunks of the race. It starts out very flat and winds through grassy marshland. In places, the nettles and thistles were up to my thighs - initially I tried to avoid them but soon realised it was impossible. It was much too warm to switch into leggings but my bare legs were getting a nasty rash. I decided to deal with this by <i>not looking at them</i> for the remainder of the race.<br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY2Cl6HWB8cPQkQex3wB8zK3lbgqRel-XDgsndQrVYRjRYEyGJjZwMxxzHnxZa82erdNNOJY1RrzYAK2mICMRYZicK6_fW76mEEkeD7Sg69nXDPEyAnBvbBpEb47N3VOazT8MPCbujQ/s2048/IMG_9593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY2Cl6HWB8cPQkQex3wB8zK3lbgqRel-XDgsndQrVYRjRYEyGJjZwMxxzHnxZa82erdNNOJY1RrzYAK2mICMRYZicK6_fW76mEEkeD7Sg69nXDPEyAnBvbBpEb47N3VOazT8MPCbujQ/w200-h150/IMG_9593.JPG" width="200" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe0bXjfOiA63AYanNgBoDBNivpag3KYo5MQ3UNB2QnBSNhrBkyTsrK2cwWpnpwZZcZ8GPvnVzNreRi_z-umcjkRKe01UmDAvsBt4IZWUZ25m9tc-ysTUe-RqKrYjyi6u-lj411f4aSA/s2048/IMG_9594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe0bXjfOiA63AYanNgBoDBNivpag3KYo5MQ3UNB2QnBSNhrBkyTsrK2cwWpnpwZZcZ8GPvnVzNreRi_z-umcjkRKe01UmDAvsBt4IZWUZ25m9tc-ysTUe-RqKrYjyi6u-lj411f4aSA/w150-h200/IMG_9594.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a kilometre or two, I caught up with the runner ahead of me. His name was Martin and he knew the area, having done the half in the opposite direction before, and we chatted for a while. I lost him a few times but always met up again after I'd accidentally gone the wrong way a few times and added on extra distance. At Stiffkey, I ran past a car park where I'd arranged to meet Ben but there was no sign of him. Hmm. Oh well! I figured he would find me eventually via the tracker.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After not too long I arrived at Wells-next-the-Sea There were suddenly a lot of people compared to being by myself in the countryside and I dodged through them. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYO2-fFby1YJd54RX5r-6Ur4-4uqrTMAxpDwEp6YlP994r9ijkdS_i0oKjCh6HbtaCkuObrprn6_F9HQur3vOV_dwseqnrAaPr13rDwwNdLp_5fnBv0iJBX1UL1AvGVNww9kfMhVapA/s2048/IMG_9597.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYO2-fFby1YJd54RX5r-6Ur4-4uqrTMAxpDwEp6YlP994r9ijkdS_i0oKjCh6HbtaCkuObrprn6_F9HQur3vOV_dwseqnrAaPr13rDwwNdLp_5fnBv0iJBX1UL1AvGVNww9kfMhVapA/s320/IMG_9597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just after the town was the checkpoint, which also doubled as the marathon start, so there were loads of people milling around and marshals shouting instructions. It was a bit chaotic and Martin wasn't hanging around so I didn't either. We headed off into the trees which provided the first bit of shade of the whole race and a bit of a change of scenery:<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAdNQPfPwQiU4zDqiBrrqJs1hcikC8VLb1w-gqXLyFp0SPKQCDQ2CO64rmN3Zx_QbK30c7MVGslYk0VOKZr0ByD1ktrd__zAIZq7A4-EaBiHCWjIBjBGbz2_uQsF0Sr74bVw1NF85GA/s2048/IMG_9599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAdNQPfPwQiU4zDqiBrrqJs1hcikC8VLb1w-gqXLyFp0SPKQCDQ2CO64rmN3Zx_QbK30c7MVGslYk0VOKZr0ByD1ktrd__zAIZq7A4-EaBiHCWjIBjBGbz2_uQsF0Sr74bVw1NF85GA/s320/IMG_9599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shortly afterwards, it all started to get a bit sand dune-y. Martin told me he was going to walk, and I said I would too (it's always wise in longer races to conserve energy for later when you might really need it). Energy-sapping sand is never fun to run on so I was very happy to walk.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyeLQtTyR-rp9FnA6Ndc1V_q1ALcQOdqLlGdCMVhyphenhyphenrPkrOGbvrOWIRz1_xFGnlpLaBSHipsiWFfOuGYgjf-D33veGVphhWUIlUWZeQzup5ypDBClR4qogArrR498RZ6i58z-QPdIjA/s2048/IMG_9601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyeLQtTyR-rp9FnA6Ndc1V_q1ALcQOdqLlGdCMVhyphenhyphenrPkrOGbvrOWIRz1_xFGnlpLaBSHipsiWFfOuGYgjf-D33veGVphhWUIlUWZeQzup5ypDBClR4qogArrR498RZ6i58z-QPdIjA/w200-h150/IMG_9601.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEp_2JsJ8YIw5AcqrPC8hIHSOQTyBzzFozUuZpQTMN4Ajl-axKX35RmgOFIrvPdlQUnRO4FfhiFSgJyBSBKkCMk_wUdUtI4ededKEgk8WyNGEwAPmwPQ8Gc7JskGbkudk35yCJidiboQ/s2048/IMG_9602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEp_2JsJ8YIw5AcqrPC8hIHSOQTyBzzFozUuZpQTMN4Ajl-axKX35RmgOFIrvPdlQUnRO4FfhiFSgJyBSBKkCMk_wUdUtI4ededKEgk8WyNGEwAPmwPQ8Gc7JskGbkudk35yCJidiboQ/w200-h150/IMG_9602.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Almost as soon as we started walking, Ben appeared out of nowhere. He'd only just made it in time to catch me! He'd brought me a can of Coke which was amazing. We walked together for a while over the dunes and he told me about his adventures. He'd got chatting to the boyfriend of the girl who'd set off before me, and they'd gone to get a coffee and talk about cycling, as you do, and he thought he had loads of time but then realised too late that he didn't. I was doing fine though - I think I'd done about a half marathon by this point and I felt good except I wasn't eating enough. It's always tricky when it's very warm - I just don't feel like eating, but I know I have to.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After Ben left and I caught up with Martin again, I promised myself I'd stop for an ice cream if I saw one because I could actually face that, and lo and behold at the next town there was one! A man in the queue kindly let me go in front of him (he asked me loads of questions about the race - I don't think he could quite get his head around why anyone would do that)! In any case, I got my ice cream and it was great:</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfDAxIFlDrUSvAJqLog8QMmpUptRFOIJ-bLqeu1xKHPuCIHTdxwJ-6dQC2bO6WiDiZ1I85t4k4A4O4Cu-aI8iyzGeiA6yIe6_0iFIi8nElTK85Dip5sgFKfCIgptHpwoqXiybG3NOTA/s320/IMG_9604.JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After that, there was a path through a cornfield that reminds me of the money shot from <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/07/oxfordshire-race-to-stones-100km-ultra.html" target="_blank">Race To The Stones</a> - although actually I think this was nicer (!) <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAiX_ulCSN4NVVqKoAEfV2GNXB03THM_nYQaLcdFAkw-O3AMdX_tXDyyCQgmsfbhefRYEv6fhnD-MOvPcarQF84gJOTu6na-_8LUfb59x3kuD8WqEutSD7BfaNy8vePz2TuOdyIPIsA/s320/IMG_9607.JPG" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf4ilwzUWez2QolrxjtyRJTRPiNdiGRR6iqKUNERAra7OMgTmQqjrsAujXXq6VJQ5nQmsVcPZB_xbWGyzG_m0pBVp163XS74ZYrEW5PjSVElO_OFztB9dUfLRH5_B7W_LqxPtnqek7w/s2048/IMG_9610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf4ilwzUWez2QolrxjtyRJTRPiNdiGRR6iqKUNERAra7OMgTmQqjrsAujXXq6VJQ5nQmsVcPZB_xbWGyzG_m0pBVp163XS74ZYrEW5PjSVElO_OFztB9dUfLRH5_B7W_LqxPtnqek7w/s320/IMG_9610.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There followed a very long, very flat, very boring section through longish grass with the sun beating down on me which I thought was never going to end. I caught up with the guy in front and chatted to him for a while (about
how our adult daughters reluctantly had to accept that their parents
were pretty cool for running ultras), but I couldn't keep up with him
for long and had to let him go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtds8OotyVHbaUo1U4XYoZeNAjzU-rPQ-hIFEx_5Fsmr3UJknFC01NigCiuYJUJUmanzd4mbZWgQAsf65o3qX5lAMENqvZbZQwFMkmolmUBBz7uJdHXX1qQ01l6Md9J5o7AA7ExHciqg/s2048/IMG_9612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtds8OotyVHbaUo1U4XYoZeNAjzU-rPQ-hIFEx_5Fsmr3UJknFC01NigCiuYJUJUmanzd4mbZWgQAsf65o3qX5lAMENqvZbZQwFMkmolmUBBz7uJdHXX1qQ01l6Md9J5o7AA7ExHciqg/s320/IMG_9612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Around here was the second checkpoint, I stopped for a short break and to refill my bottles and eat a satsuma. At the end of this bit was Brancaster Sailing Club, where I was meeting Ben again. This time he was going to run with me for a bit, which I'd been looking forward to. I'd planned it to be this section because I always start getting a bit fed up around the 28km mark - I'm starting to get tired but it still feels like a long way to go - and today was no exception. Almost immediately after we started running there was a kilometer or so of boardwalk. Somewhere along here, I slowed down to overtake an older couple. I apologised and said, "I'm afraid there's quite a few more runners coming," as I passed them. The lady turned to her husband and said, "How very inconvenient". Haha! Excuse us for wanting to use the trails too!<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJbTZTu3Xou6oELE312kcjkfDzjjcCPF-JRvcoj74T74OWTO7w-QNogd7_k1dbbK8-GpTvTlbr2fI6CxV0pkwk5J0iw4w9bQCgXvKCm269G2ShV8ASMeaSh7V-TZc5n8E56MwpbKGCw/s2048/IMG_9613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJbTZTu3Xou6oELE312kcjkfDzjjcCPF-JRvcoj74T74OWTO7w-QNogd7_k1dbbK8-GpTvTlbr2fI6CxV0pkwk5J0iw4w9bQCgXvKCm269G2ShV8ASMeaSh7V-TZc5n8E56MwpbKGCw/s320/IMG_9613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The boardwalk opened out into a farmyard where we met these wonderful ladies. I had been moaning to Ben about how I wanted a banana and then these two angels magically appeared with a box of bananas and a box of wondefully cooling melon - literally the best thing ever. They also had a water bottle spray to help cool me down. I stopped to thank them properly and it transpired the woman in the foreground was meant to be running today but had a stress fracture and had to withdraw.. How utterly lovely of them both to come and support the race anyway. Ben said that by the time he went past there on his way back, they had already disappeared. Like a dream...<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TDVMWFUQ8GPG3tAkiYogCZysaWdr_9PaJ5qtYg4UuVOtfyplgOu0K0OeAJBIIyeTGguYs5VTeT085dboqqHwIUgBGwFmatPUpYmuYko3fdmxRRvggH6lNQ9PxGuissjs7rpdQHjJYw/s2048/IMG_9615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TDVMWFUQ8GPG3tAkiYogCZysaWdr_9PaJ5qtYg4UuVOtfyplgOu0K0OeAJBIIyeTGguYs5VTeT085dboqqHwIUgBGwFmatPUpYmuYko3fdmxRRvggH6lNQ9PxGuissjs7rpdQHjJYw/s320/IMG_9615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just after this, the path turned off down what seemed a very unlikely path through deep undergrowth. Luckily there was someone there pointing us in the right direction or I definitely<i> </i>would've missed the turning. If I hadn't got stung earlier, I was definitely going to get stung now! Nevertheless we pushed through until we came out onto a quiet road that meandered gently uphill - the only summit of the entire race. Ben stayed with me until we reached the top, before turning back and retracing his steps back to the car. I checked out his Strava later and he was<i> significantly</i> faster on the way back!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbfxP4xpviz2AaJQegnrS2CU4iCvYsbDB5qpsDetH7Fdl_hOgfpyoQVJgTZKp5MyTKcNI6NV8JP7PIpECF17fhRrbit4hT5STQWqjGucF-7YZAn4-kxIR7roUsUI8r-XQnERJxh4XYg/w300-h400/IMG_9618.JPG" width="300" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhDqKjBOcxvZVTCN7pbjLop4xue6Qf3AYWRD_-tyDPN_GXt3wfnf-PO8U37UfvrW8UbvFXo2llm1_Su_t93vdQvez7FXbsAXdl8yv_pgL4brVLIRfdOjw1VYVUQKizo5pjTfNSNa1Cw/s2048/IMG_9623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhDqKjBOcxvZVTCN7pbjLop4xue6Qf3AYWRD_-tyDPN_GXt3wfnf-PO8U37UfvrW8UbvFXo2llm1_Su_t93vdQvez7FXbsAXdl8yv_pgL4brVLIRfdOjw1VYVUQKizo5pjTfNSNa1Cw/w320-h240/IMG_9623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">After Ben had turned back, the trail was suddenly quite spectacular. Still not much in the way of sea, but plenty of marshland and ? seawater rivers. It was still really hot so I was very glad I'd put on plenty of suncream. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn2sACwrehKFyghsG65iM3lD1DW0qpfvtmXzEl7tejPBXWEqfLJE4ht-SGhW6ZIXSdxaEqNiNdICKlCFGTIzOVdLGwXKDoTSsO-9Htb6wTuYPTWvaDjndqBlJIbFcmxjcbfwpsWbQrQ/s2048/IMG_9626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn2sACwrehKFyghsG65iM3lD1DW0qpfvtmXzEl7tejPBXWEqfLJE4ht-SGhW6ZIXSdxaEqNiNdICKlCFGTIzOVdLGwXKDoTSsO-9Htb6wTuYPTWvaDjndqBlJIbFcmxjcbfwpsWbQrQ/w200-h150/IMG_9626.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rsvJMyB0rZR8aOBE-772g41T2AAM4PXwAPLaAT3Z1yzSDgKtKSpxwAhrVkAIATvoOxhOxOIxhbv6LfpjBC7ggfEd0pEw3pPHLeVTwcRBq9-yHjwT6RabhuDyR7RvzOAp8Y9FD9Fzew/s2048/IMG_9627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rsvJMyB0rZR8aOBE-772g41T2AAM4PXwAPLaAT3Z1yzSDgKtKSpxwAhrVkAIATvoOxhOxOIxhbv6LfpjBC7ggfEd0pEw3pPHLeVTwcRBq9-yHjwT6RabhuDyR7RvzOAp8Y9FD9Fzew/w200-h150/IMG_9627.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This section was pretty quiet in terms of other path users - I guess it was quite far from any car parks? so I put my headphones on for the first time in the race. I had an urge to listen to Paperback Writer which I did, singing along, and that led on to my Summer Road Trip playlist. Singing and dancing ensued as I skipped along the trails, feeling that everything was right with the world.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcCHleo_Tddj0I7q1OaZRMeIwjaakTq7kGBp_qKi7R504nOyIm3OQoqSe4Uj_85k7y6YVDU2Qf3E31YJ40nO6uezv2zlc9_rcuVR4vFa0AnYGRE3Gn_1vvEAvChb_wUTI3kNIkoqT0w/s2048/IMG_9628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcCHleo_Tddj0I7q1OaZRMeIwjaakTq7kGBp_qKi7R504nOyIm3OQoqSe4Uj_85k7y6YVDU2Qf3E31YJ40nO6uezv2zlc9_rcuVR4vFa0AnYGRE3Gn_1vvEAvChb_wUTI3kNIkoqT0w/s320/IMG_9628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Around here a walker called out to me: "what are you doing?" I stopped and explained it was a race, when I said where it started and finished she was incredulous. She said, "Some of the people running along here have looked bloody awful but you look fine," in a slightly accusatory fashion, which amused me. I explained I do this a lot, for fun. She looked at me like I was batshit insane. It was funny!<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ran round a corner and came across this glorious beach, so gorgeous and empty that I had to stop and take a proper photo. It looked like Barbados (almost)...<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUiLxstnPI_hlrup57HDb6tnIlWR54KymMS4WG8s6cZsEh1JKXRldlti1meFmryHGJ1yl_5OJSxy4f50xJDfEfFfOOPwLv9rsyvMWTyCCMuw18RSs30nzTqJy0-lgdsfltD1BAnkRUg/s2048/IMG_9630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUiLxstnPI_hlrup57HDb6tnIlWR54KymMS4WG8s6cZsEh1JKXRldlti1meFmryHGJ1yl_5OJSxy4f50xJDfEfFfOOPwLv9rsyvMWTyCCMuw18RSs30nzTqJy0-lgdsfltD1BAnkRUg/s320/IMG_9630.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">A rare view of the sea - this lasted for about 1 minute before disappearing behind a sand dune...<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAeNviR1yN0eeMRq9TlNTKrX5szUpllZKhwn-shQdYBpyJ3k01_wRtwywwelplaPEzYFs5K5NfjezzIF1Nw6mI_4grI4qZ19zrm0L46c6WfIMQurgVm64wZO9FnfnhU_crLs6x5vcSw/s2048/IMG_9631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAeNviR1yN0eeMRq9TlNTKrX5szUpllZKhwn-shQdYBpyJ3k01_wRtwywwelplaPEzYFs5K5NfjezzIF1Nw6mI_4grI4qZ19zrm0L46c6WfIMQurgVm64wZO9FnfnhU_crLs6x5vcSw/s320/IMG_9631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The loud engine noise above alerted me to the presence of these paragliders - looks awesome fun, I'd love to learn how to do it. Especially on the Norfolk coast on a day like today. Must have been absolutely epic<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q_CJ39AzCX_0PT5v0vYcQ-M2WnulckUGw8b2hnSbJ2QbIbnLxnWeTP8MRBPvEspKLBwdZXdi4xm3tO06rUodAHdQLoZKYMUA-2ix73N4gSJovI3DrdsJC0nG27UIPC82EK6-PV2C7g/s2048/IMG_9632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q_CJ39AzCX_0PT5v0vYcQ-M2WnulckUGw8b2hnSbJ2QbIbnLxnWeTP8MRBPvEspKLBwdZXdi4xm3tO06rUodAHdQLoZKYMUA-2ix73N4gSJovI3DrdsJC0nG27UIPC82EK6-PV2C7g/s320/IMG_9632.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">After this, the path gave way to loose, dry sand, reminiscent of the dreaded <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/10/suffolk-endurancelife-coastal-trails.html" target="_blank">Suffolk</a>. After my conversation at the start, I was sort of expecting this. It wasn't fun. I was forced to walk and my trainers slowly filled with dry, gritty particles. There was a long sandy section between beach huts where the path wasn't very clear which was particularly grim.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I caught up with a guy who was really struggling, he'd run out of water
and couldn't eat because his mouth was too dry. Both my bottles were
half full and I knew I was only about 5k from the checkpoint so I let
him drink one of them and gave him some jelly tots. He perked up a bit
before I skipped off towards the sunset. I'm pretty sure he finished.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69-CFMct_LBBFFc9qmJIydemsSjuiPxpb9qyDHr-PRWxUqSs2cz9TiAdbrW1W2Qmit7X0JLqxXYXImJo6ISNyjM-ZIMX_7HP-Hc96XefjOR4y1Pjj1zKBZJe0WkAz0kFuxzB-6sHPWQ/s2048/IMG_9636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69-CFMct_LBBFFc9qmJIydemsSjuiPxpb9qyDHr-PRWxUqSs2cz9TiAdbrW1W2Qmit7X0JLqxXYXImJo6ISNyjM-ZIMX_7HP-Hc96XefjOR4y1Pjj1zKBZJe0WkAz0kFuxzB-6sHPWQ/s320/IMG_9636.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvewUcZ5p_953mWGAVGyFV7Z0qksJ5H4WrWcnHUlTY66FPlvyP0X1hd7U3yky7GbWqkfzLcPNkQkRFk1sgISO6x2VoRi38vRepGFPfnXTlr_E0Zdba3d6AzQ2WpFgdMTGnMF1LL8xig/s2048/IMG_9637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvewUcZ5p_953mWGAVGyFV7Z0qksJ5H4WrWcnHUlTY66FPlvyP0X1hd7U3yky7GbWqkfzLcPNkQkRFk1sgISO6x2VoRi38vRepGFPfnXTlr_E0Zdba3d6AzQ2WpFgdMTGnMF1LL8xig/s320/IMG_9637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eventually I arrived at Hunstanton, and like Wells before it, was slightly taken aback to suddenly be surrounded by tourists. The prom was busy, with a funfair. Ben rang and was nearby so we hastily arranged to meet and he took this pic of me looking pretty badass. I was beyond marathon distance by this point, feeling fine and easily on track to beat the sunset.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iForqdEqTwC3Acy0RrmfS8h4tHjosMZlx_L_ht9p1uv4v5O_7MulIZq6q_aiVxy70WE0kBQufx2c5pSEHKSAZ82I48FO1fvrXKoE3L0JvrbGqFjU2DWi2cdla48ztu1Jg8nHndvFMw/s4032/IMG_2617.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iForqdEqTwC3Acy0RrmfS8h4tHjosMZlx_L_ht9p1uv4v5O_7MulIZq6q_aiVxy70WE0kBQufx2c5pSEHKSAZ82I48FO1fvrXKoE3L0JvrbGqFjU2DWi2cdla48ztu1Jg8nHndvFMw/s320/IMG_2617.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ben and I had visited Heacham Beach yesterday so by the time I got there, I knew I didn't have far to go to the end. It was pretty quiet around here. In the distance I could see another ultra runner so I tried to catch him up.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-qXOFXn1lxJ_Lj_K4xmdt-1bPmRbvzTpLRnpRbMaMbm8qJL1mvYVsGeRTRrvFZ06RBSD-I-UPsH6bfVfelQr_um1ysH-_h5z4xoMxHtzeDipAYIq8MKMS0gud9Ax3zuqIImm6rhNKQ/s2048/IMG_9638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-qXOFXn1lxJ_Lj_K4xmdt-1bPmRbvzTpLRnpRbMaMbm8qJL1mvYVsGeRTRrvFZ06RBSD-I-UPsH6bfVfelQr_um1ysH-_h5z4xoMxHtzeDipAYIq8MKMS0gud9Ax3zuqIImm6rhNKQ/s320/IMG_9638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a while I caught up with him, his name was Nicola and he was having a hell of a day. He explained that he had got very very lost and ended up on the mud flats, knee deep in water and having to scramble out - I would have been terrifed. Look at all the mud on him! He'd got lost a few times and done a lot of extra miles, he said he was ruined. He didn't have a map. I explained I'd been using my watch to find the way and he said he'd stick with me so he didn't get lost again. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcpESZQPI3j4JU3muy2P6bLXI7OQk_YSAMrE7ImDEeb7ruHSfZsdkb3gGY6Vwo8ufyhc3_qXXKSwL2cuzyXB2yds3Aj2daKMTUcbUoZmvbduXPg78wjfm18gNctW4vK4fHMi4yGe2aw/s2048/IMG_9639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcpESZQPI3j4JU3muy2P6bLXI7OQk_YSAMrE7ImDEeb7ruHSfZsdkb3gGY6Vwo8ufyhc3_qXXKSwL2cuzyXB2yds3Aj2daKMTUcbUoZmvbduXPg78wjfm18gNctW4vK4fHMi4yGe2aw/s320/IMG_9639.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was good company and we chatted about races as we headed inland once more before the finish. This last bit was really beautiful - the sun was just starting to go down and there were hundreds and hundreds of birds. I kept stopping to take pictures because it was stunning. There was one tricky turning near the end where Nicola would probably have got lost again because it wasn't at all obvious - though in fairness, the race organisers did make it very clear that this was a self-navigating race and provided a good GPX file.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkeSxDLaWEEPsLGOwapkjgmnnLiBUxzcFVox8B7GuQa7x1uveB6MsaRUsnx-2IP-DM-1gpkh_xUqkQBGLFLDnJtmMVro0HcqS71G6qGfAI3BGdhEdYS-E9fXeFFQfmwNE-4oawf3Slw/s2048/IMG_9641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkeSxDLaWEEPsLGOwapkjgmnnLiBUxzcFVox8B7GuQa7x1uveB6MsaRUsnx-2IP-DM-1gpkh_xUqkQBGLFLDnJtmMVro0HcqS71G6qGfAI3BGdhEdYS-E9fXeFFQfmwNE-4oawf3Slw/w200-h150/IMG_9641.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ivWwEXtN0CVS9hxswp-FB6ZrdZmKqrxJrKtlAyW84lpvQ5GcKKqcH_A3wUCvcN85cLoJ7oNaz-oEx4SACMqGZmk24EyQ2_0FYDN4W0Gffnu8vl2txcGdatkTB1-r8VaP_Nan0WZL0g/w200-h150/IMG_9642.JPG" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1YMnAJZG0PJPLPbi6xo54FltkSr4VhDyZJ4oZzAQVvmCeJ6_cTN2mwRr6eTEKxMqHtAhxz0ynRQV2RwaiWGL15ZvAj52lOzo64q6nHfHsM5aTnW2qn_paIcEldOhX-1FZP_5gPcJcg/s2048/IMG_9645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1YMnAJZG0PJPLPbi6xo54FltkSr4VhDyZJ4oZzAQVvmCeJ6_cTN2mwRr6eTEKxMqHtAhxz0ynRQV2RwaiWGL15ZvAj52lOzo64q6nHfHsM5aTnW2qn_paIcEldOhX-1FZP_5gPcJcg/w200-h150/IMG_9645.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjiy3G7wp12_BoSOcpOrhMrQM6M9Su17dT1-Do4pYC62YSixCg951sdHURYZUR4VcIE5-9C9VfgEHRRt4IbJK_L-FC3AVYQ0HTfWdGBuG8q-KyYWRE66eWLryRPIPKge16Uwkqkk0sg/s2048/IMG_9646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjiy3G7wp12_BoSOcpOrhMrQM6M9Su17dT1-Do4pYC62YSixCg951sdHURYZUR4VcIE5-9C9VfgEHRRt4IbJK_L-FC3AVYQ0HTfWdGBuG8q-KyYWRE66eWLryRPIPKge16Uwkqkk0sg/w200-h150/IMG_9646.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally we could see the sea again. It was 8:45pm by this time and the sunset was at 9:22pm and we were only about a kilometre away. Nicola offered to let me run ahead and finish on my own but I said no - I've missed the social side of races and it's always nicer to share that moment of glory. I've finished races with others many times - <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2017/04/east-sussex-brighton-marathon-recap.html" target="_blank">East Sussex,</a> <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/02/worcestershire-seven-deadly-sins.html" target="_blank">Worcestershire</a>, <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/06/northamptonshire-shires-and-spires-35.html" target="_blank">Northamptonshire</a>, <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/07/shropshire-piece-of-cake-marathon-race.html" target="_blank">Shropshire</a>, <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/09/rutland-rutland-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Rutland</a>. It's part of the joy if you ask me.<br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihVMA72wJhxSulG2iA8IDQrAo-Oj_bj0zezzm1KIDdEkdDZWjCmpiNfgidqLxXAfN9YIQdC7feZw6zfgxQuBw7A78T3RQTBvefIrzXqITe_FUM6JzFfQiukjm4Hd4AhxGuFEMGXsC6Q/s2048/IMG_9647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihVMA72wJhxSulG2iA8IDQrAo-Oj_bj0zezzm1KIDdEkdDZWjCmpiNfgidqLxXAfN9YIQdC7feZw6zfgxQuBw7A78T3RQTBvefIrzXqITe_FUM6JzFfQiukjm4Hd4AhxGuFEMGXsC6Q/s320/IMG_9647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the official pics from the race photographer as we approached the finish line:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2oL-VqAw5nBJPid4H6Ho0myMd3nuf2X-pH8A3WclkLI47hHrJ5NKuYttE2Ca2OOGH7embI0g6Geosib7BJBC88M3B6w3QI0ssEpMKbfh9ngVVpKHeVLtlKvm_vM5wEKVRCz-2epv_g/s1024/IMG_9678.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2oL-VqAw5nBJPid4H6Ho0myMd3nuf2X-pH8A3WclkLI47hHrJ5NKuYttE2Ca2OOGH7embI0g6Geosib7BJBC88M3B6w3QI0ssEpMKbfh9ngVVpKHeVLtlKvm_vM5wEKVRCz-2epv_g/s320/IMG_9678.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the poster picture I reckon!<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgtAI5kDeUxNCqRthsgx8LbDgATsbps4PYglLwdAGys4x7oRKkYsDSrEyRTSkIxMe0UTc6_cVslD-hR9kmFhG6_YXJ2YC6tj-K4OPDV8UHtE0hv7jv_lnumLzoXIO9HElIsPcnfdTXg/s1024/IMG_9676.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="1024" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgtAI5kDeUxNCqRthsgx8LbDgATsbps4PYglLwdAGys4x7oRKkYsDSrEyRTSkIxMe0UTc6_cVslD-hR9kmFhG6_YXJ2YC6tj-K4OPDV8UHtE0hv7jv_lnumLzoXIO9HElIsPcnfdTXg/w400-h176/IMG_9676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely love this one too. The light, the way everyone is clapping, I can just see Ben in this picture, and even though I can't see it, I know he was smiling at me as I crossed the finish line. It was a good moment.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5At9o5GUHjD4T92enZ_OQW-YNB74enjDSpAf1pcZeCcU3MHExZPg27d5AB7pR3eXstu2LRtCB-NryF8fhcTP6YuvpYAdQXDpigTWiOTXTb0JpIzBVNL_La4MtWRMRWjuOf3fp47nFhw/s1024/IMG_9679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5At9o5GUHjD4T92enZ_OQW-YNB74enjDSpAf1pcZeCcU3MHExZPg27d5AB7pR3eXstu2LRtCB-NryF8fhcTP6YuvpYAdQXDpigTWiOTXTb0JpIzBVNL_La4MtWRMRWjuOf3fp47nFhw/s320/IMG_9679.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the race, I collected my cutesy wooden medal and buff and a much-needed bowl of soup and bread which they kindly provided to competitors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-y89X6V3i-T4u_6mCcLJl7XLPdLrFFsv2yKUa4r-_VRWtCbT6pg5wZcHprfy06kXlahtPLdU76TC_GN8QNMpl6O2zaWsj_pHkbjLmsg4GWy-6KS_Am8D_GqHNm-FmZSUX33zDF-GNw/s2048/IMG_9663.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-y89X6V3i-T4u_6mCcLJl7XLPdLrFFsv2yKUa4r-_VRWtCbT6pg5wZcHprfy06kXlahtPLdU76TC_GN8QNMpl6O2zaWsj_pHkbjLmsg4GWy-6KS_Am8D_GqHNm-FmZSUX33zDF-GNw/w150-h200/IMG_9663.JPG" width="150" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bar was open so Ben got me a pint and had also brought me an ice lolly which I absolutely devoured. We sat with Nicola, who I later realised was wearing a Hardmoors 110 finisher t-shirt and therefore is a much better runner than me, despite his efforts to hide it today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I inspected the state of my legs - I couldn't be bothered to move to take a better pic than this - but you can definitely see the after effects of running through long grass and stinging nettles!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWLNFidGDZl4OWLkz1jGHAZa8cUQ8Smst8Rd8tDLimRHD3ArrL6P4LsNIv3sVSzR5Yz_BM17DOjj_DvbuM8JzPAv8kGe2eU5zLndBoQcI4bDijffRnCN-iuiyK5FpDVuQZonDEff9yg/s2048/IMG_9649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWLNFidGDZl4OWLkz1jGHAZa8cUQ8Smst8Rd8tDLimRHD3ArrL6P4LsNIv3sVSzR5Yz_BM17DOjj_DvbuM8JzPAv8kGe2eU5zLndBoQcI4bDijffRnCN-iuiyK5FpDVuQZonDEff9yg/w640-h480/IMG_9649.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we sat there, the sun did actually set, and suddenly I got very cold and shivery. I had a jumper but was only wearing shorts. Somebody reported I was shivering and the organisers whisked me indoors and got me a blanket - it was very sweet of them. Ten minutes later I was feeling better and we headed off home.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRCTWqBndsZmlAu61bLJ9d_4DHpoiwOa-pEcYGe3QELpQ-OQjWihK-YYHDPI-wvWO3RHl7b9JsPl2gm-c_cYanjLrdGF5lX1mIjmis4TUu-o39fCu5r5x9NVGXeEAE5fwvb4Y21-MuQ/s4032/IMG_2621.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRCTWqBndsZmlAu61bLJ9d_4DHpoiwOa-pEcYGe3QELpQ-OQjWihK-YYHDPI-wvWO3RHl7b9JsPl2gm-c_cYanjLrdGF5lX1mIjmis4TUu-o39fCu5r5x9NVGXeEAE5fwvb4Y21-MuQ/w200-h150/IMG_2621.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUwxVHgtmB6sORF138nwvMCYdkny4omnkqDuEVjVAI4NEYaq2I41E4GSmUjOXzbckmzJC2CoZ-4JZvc9raBWfMK2P8ns6TrTQzlIuzBcF3nNP6uf3QFIBTC_4MWu3-fyjwJW8x0nacg/s2048/IMG_9648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUwxVHgtmB6sORF138nwvMCYdkny4omnkqDuEVjVAI4NEYaq2I41E4GSmUjOXzbckmzJC2CoZ-4JZvc9raBWfMK2P8ns6TrTQzlIuzBcF3nNP6uf3QFIBTC_4MWu3-fyjwJW8x0nacg/w200-h150/IMG_9648.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hBQHRIM-nQX84eoRfU_ECgMuLQoBxpjrttljPExqgDzPK9HoLkKfgIpyjQ2IqNElK3vDBzcMJZPhyphenhyphenktzpJRxcPMX2U4u2zmPrrMQjKr4dA1uZJbeLojR791G4CiQ3a06EJZAiMwXQw/s4032/IMG_2620.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgp4s7nOHS8BA9oaa-k3oRGiz6sNL2I2lZ9qU6J6T9ptTMdw7R5drNbEe9kgVfkg7HJciiKfn6l28sfBZRJ-4X3vk3JPsqWatqtYqtg4F4dDFZNZk21yAXk4g9AqXHUOib74j-ywdKA/s4032/IMG_2622.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgp4s7nOHS8BA9oaa-k3oRGiz6sNL2I2lZ9qU6J6T9ptTMdw7R5drNbEe9kgVfkg7HJciiKfn6l28sfBZRJ-4X3vk3JPsqWatqtYqtg4F4dDFZNZk21yAXk4g9AqXHUOib74j-ywdKA/s320/IMG_2622.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally a request - if you are reading this and enjoy my reports, I am currently fundraising as part of Jog On June for Liverpool University Hospital Charity. The link is on my Donate page <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alice-runs-the-country" target="_blank">(here)</a> and I only need to raise another £40 to hit my target. Any donations, however small, would be very much appreciated. Thank you very much indeed to everyone who already has x<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Addendum: a few days later when the results came out, it turns out I was 3rd female in a time of 7 hours, 17 minutes. Not bad!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /></div><p></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0The Quay, Blakeney, Holt NR25, UK52.9554982 1.015941924.645264363821155 -34.1403081 81.265732036178846 36.1721919tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-45288532298917614342021-04-24T08:30:00.438+01:002021-05-04T07:11:51.597+01:00North Yorkshire: Hardmoors 30 ultra race recap<p>Ahhh, North Yorkshire. It's been a long time coming.</p><p>I originally planned to do Hardmoors 55 as my North Yorkshire race, which I signed up for back in late 2019. Sadly, after training all winter, the race was my first to be thwarted by Covid-19 in March 2020. <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/03/a-runners-thoughts-on-corona-virus.html" target="_blank">Here's what I wrote about that at the time</a>. Undeterred, I booked onto Hardmoors 30 on New Year's Day, deftly negotiating the NHS Christmas leave rota, only for it to be cancelled by Covid-19 as well.</p><p>As it turned out, the rescheduled 30 was my first race of 2021 that <i>hasn't </i>been cancelled. However, it wasn't yet possible to stay in a hotel due to Covid-19 regulations, and self-catering accommodation in Whitby was well over £200 a night. I turned to the Hardmoors community, asking for somewhere to stay the night before and was showered with offers, eventually going with the lovely Dave in Pickering who very kindly put me up in Covid-secure accommodation. If you're thinking of a holiday in North Yorkshire - and you should, it's stunning - I can highly recommend his place (see <a href="https://lowcostamill.co.uk/" target="_blank">Low Costa Mill</a> website). Massive thank you to Dave and his family, without whom I would've been sleeping in my car in Whitby Abbey car park and would have had a very different race experience. Instead, I awoke in Pickering after 10 hours sleep, had breakfast and coffee and set off for Whitby at 7:30am. The only stressful part was realising that despite downloading the GPX file, I had failed to put it onto my watch, so I was going to have to navigate manually. Luckily I did have the course on my phone OS map app and a paper map as part of the mandatory kit.<br /></p><p>I arrived with only 20 minutes to pay for parking, hand in my drop bag and go to the loo before my allotted start time of 8:36am. Groups of six were called every 2 minutes and (wearing masks and sanitising hands) received their race number and pins before being set off. The organisation was spot on - every detail had been carefully considered.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUPIwkPHEL7Ekx3GlVKJKfJONrEmFsonbAFMwQbgXlOqzRuK3RSVR6UzKNcVhjW-dAKxCAHADpbKv_XVyB-J5eBukpJKcln8cof5FTDjKySUGccR3hGv3OSo3sDKUOdPx5-0T2Q8ZZA/s2048/D8ABFC64-98EC-480A-B89B-7F64A9770F35.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUPIwkPHEL7Ekx3GlVKJKfJONrEmFsonbAFMwQbgXlOqzRuK3RSVR6UzKNcVhjW-dAKxCAHADpbKv_XVyB-J5eBukpJKcln8cof5FTDjKySUGccR3hGv3OSo3sDKUOdPx5-0T2Q8ZZA/w200-h150/D8ABFC64-98EC-480A-B89B-7F64A9770F35.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO-1BbsgAZj3-vfegERCkIqX0z-NlwTbQVxQgNYRwhrg60K5Lr9aYoPqdvIMQcVcBL_tQuZaWJVcDDZpDb3Mk6blE1AvSCjwGmxS8Xk-kmOLhQ4p_Dm-hjFNMvCLO6eoLEH6y17irJg/w200-h150/E0B0F94B-6B23-4988-8166-4573CF173266.jpeg" width="200" /> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The race started more or less in the car park and then quickly looped around to the coast. I knew the race largely followed the coastline and the weather was perfect for running. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNozSMEPpUKBVNNaStKJMq8AhyGfid7kYJniD9D4kHRf1tVff7ZjGoAu_i1gcpPly9XbF8YWeuhMqs3WuBE_5K1AVqNQYeUtLOzYlu95zW2mEYpKWQNHqzzf_BvDJl-lalxMdkt5Tpw/s2048/B9BDA53E-5D00-40C2-B7A8-21D4223AEEB8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNozSMEPpUKBVNNaStKJMq8AhyGfid7kYJniD9D4kHRf1tVff7ZjGoAu_i1gcpPly9XbF8YWeuhMqs3WuBE_5K1AVqNQYeUtLOzYlu95zW2mEYpKWQNHqzzf_BvDJl-lalxMdkt5Tpw/s320/B9BDA53E-5D00-40C2-B7A8-21D4223AEEB8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>So far, so good as far as the route was concerned. It wasn't really marked, but it was totally obvious as there was only one path (the Cleveland Way) and for the first 11k or so I could always see people ahead of me due to the open vistas. Great for navigation, great for views - not so great when you need a wee. I eventually found a partially secluded spot but managed to scrape my legs and ankles on the very scratchy gorse!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dI8pHvvnqfaP-R5sRJQ21svPVTBj3LEQ6nXvi_vxiTYxlaWYDO5e26WY7EMBJBJp8K0R1FgvHv8gAZk4cYi-MiGjfQTp9ve0hFKcbZVebAY5tTbLRdsG2FXQp2x1lwCcvrenh-urw/s2048/6964983D-8AF5-4A78-8675-36D000B32653.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dI8pHvvnqfaP-R5sRJQ21svPVTBj3LEQ6nXvi_vxiTYxlaWYDO5e26WY7EMBJBJp8K0R1FgvHv8gAZk4cYi-MiGjfQTp9ve0hFKcbZVebAY5tTbLRdsG2FXQp2x1lwCcvrenh-urw/s320/6964983D-8AF5-4A78-8675-36D000B32653.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The pre-race email (actually there were a LOT of pre-race emails - if you enter a Hardmoors race be prepared to do a lot of careful reading!) suggested that road shoes would be better than trail as it had been dry for quite a while and the trails were all bone dry. I don't think I would've considered running in road shoes otherwise and am very glad I did. I barely saw a streak of mud the whole day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVUSpXMoMr5P888qCBABmeOLhMly3ypgncw8yW81b5x56y594Pi4VhG6ZqkJA7ob_4TrmtclVuXgvab-WqnFLM2mZ2_4P_EvChxwxS-qkBXp8kX3WhqsZZiOaGfIsu3WKSxfkRTzjNQ/s320/A1D7F8AA-47D6-4A89-89DB-018A5B18A06C.jpeg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had decided beforehand to walk all the hills as it's been difficult to do much hill training due to Covid. I came to a little hill with a sign saying "Camera ahead!" - why do photographers always sit on top of hills? - but insisted on walking it anyway to conserve energy. I haven't run further than a marathon since Day Release last November... better safe than sorry.<br /><br />As I got further up the hill, a lovely view of Robin Hood's Bay opened up so I took a photo. Just as I did so, the photographer shouted, "Get running lass! Never mind taking photos!" which made me laugh. Obligingly I ran towards him. The photos were, as usual, hideous, so you can have the one I took of the bay instead:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25y2mBCr5jbnyc2m2dmJr5HzoLkFdOr9d59sizkV2tBAaYuTUMiKE_usGTGRA-QzeRUgqmMfSqg9hOW5VjdseY518ksbw0TpLZkLIDov5yj7ev9TQrivmT1g0fDO7FwYuzFNHxcggqA/w400-h300/00BDC12D-A0E4-4303-85BF-D1DAD84A67A6.jpeg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shortly after this, the race turns inland and onto a path called the Cinder Track, which was accurately named as it was dark and dusty. I had to scrub it off my ankles later in the shower.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-8jQVVuoFWRh7HZIJ28i2q0O9MRzMmhmu9tHxLWrFNtj3q_1uPXCXitn4FJWiyes8viSSq1uUIvK0jAIxvEZWLKGsnrkdBFiubtlz0O3daCMzSbLs51pDCT5FDKBKw0T2ax5lXphEQ/s2048/CDD6BB21-50B7-4CED-8FC0-E4903C9625ED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-8jQVVuoFWRh7HZIJ28i2q0O9MRzMmhmu9tHxLWrFNtj3q_1uPXCXitn4FJWiyes8viSSq1uUIvK0jAIxvEZWLKGsnrkdBFiubtlz0O3daCMzSbLs51pDCT5FDKBKw0T2ax5lXphEQ/s320/CDD6BB21-50B7-4CED-8FC0-E4903C9625ED.jpeg" /></a></div>Around
this time I phoned Ben, my lovely new boyfriend. It was his birthday
today, but it wasn't practical for him to come to North Yorkshire and I couldn't miss out on my first proper race in six months so we made do with chatting on the phone for
an hour or so whilst I ran. Time passed quickly and I passed a couple of checkpoints - the marshalls were very friendly and the Chia Charge bars were much appreciated. I joked that they were flapjacks for people with dental problems.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even the inland sections of this race often had views stretching out towards the sea. It was really pretty and starting to warm up a little now.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEL3wV8W5VVMfcPRcHBUOnShj4fU5_2UJYy-zSvxTAZ7W8t6D7hcHEoW7z9k__LlEaVpZZfCwwF8SBQ9CBfA4ZkZBlnZPCIU71-rxN-bLKEbJHYgWpoziGulDsLjuIlCEvo0rvadwmg/s2048/FE42615E-09E6-48CB-A0D5-EF4282777D05.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEL3wV8W5VVMfcPRcHBUOnShj4fU5_2UJYy-zSvxTAZ7W8t6D7hcHEoW7z9k__LlEaVpZZfCwwF8SBQ9CBfA4ZkZBlnZPCIU71-rxN-bLKEbJHYgWpoziGulDsLjuIlCEvo0rvadwmg/w200-h150/FE42615E-09E6-48CB-A0D5-EF4282777D05.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5LHHKeFwVpQn7HZitxy6ZGt0tESSZpAjWLCIeDG_ZLBt6vcS_SdCVP8Dj3ZY88nIfke7Z74_fS_B17ge0AO698bN6fyo0C2jHAukZEgh_B0F2MnOuQA3LNnVxCry88mp-sBLEvVmFQ/s2048/4BA7DCFF-07C7-42C7-85DF-CD19014622BC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5LHHKeFwVpQn7HZitxy6ZGt0tESSZpAjWLCIeDG_ZLBt6vcS_SdCVP8Dj3ZY88nIfke7Z74_fS_B17ge0AO698bN6fyo0C2jHAukZEgh_B0F2MnOuQA3LNnVxCry88mp-sBLEvVmFQ/w150-h200/4BA7DCFF-07C7-42C7-85DF-CD19014622BC.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div>Hardmoors are famous for a few things : being very friendly (the marshalls were without fail absolutely charming), the races always being longer than the advertised distance ("bonus miles") and the motivational signs along the way. There were probably about a dozen of these, I only took photos of two. The hill I'd just walked up was absolutely massive, haha.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircpIwinKui5T-CXQFSILNQhyphenhyphenA2a9GoOq3ciRiIrV2y7V7SGkyFvLNiWSaH_JcTlLKAguyvkPL95aRDzEcaxej1hGQ3NiVBoeDt7EFcvdMHizM1bLr3nZl54Qym9biAC3ghBw-BhC0Dw/s2048/IMG_8850.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircpIwinKui5T-CXQFSILNQhyphenhyphenA2a9GoOq3ciRiIrV2y7V7SGkyFvLNiWSaH_JcTlLKAguyvkPL95aRDzEcaxej1hGQ3NiVBoeDt7EFcvdMHizM1bLr3nZl54Qym9biAC3ghBw-BhC0Dw/w150-h200/IMG_8850.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBLGvL0gFcFvIGQRpSdFxR0PLp_zMSiWZiBOq4NcACah1Ei4vSpNUgAnfGbT-ZZXQkn0Btewbwi3FkOxjcv9dRwUsFOEN3TMIrOsFP8Y3ZGYP5XogRf6YPQvSJKjEu5sQE74btA5ctQ/s2048/IMG_8851.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBLGvL0gFcFvIGQRpSdFxR0PLp_zMSiWZiBOq4NcACah1Ei4vSpNUgAnfGbT-ZZXQkn0Btewbwi3FkOxjcv9dRwUsFOEN3TMIrOsFP8Y3ZGYP5XogRf6YPQvSJKjEu5sQE74btA5ctQ/w150-h200/IMG_8851.JPG" width="150" /></a></div></div>The race wound onwards. There weren't so many people around by now and I had to check the route a couple of times on my phone. I felt fine though - this was my 7th marathon this year as I've been running them on my own to keep my mileage up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX23leo1cxDHFEveBGORpuZ-OiNCBOBRs6waPvLxJjau_1OEw5Eyq_SGcEAF7fcE4Es1_r99aL2JzOSAWLec8ul6A4xV_gpbcUhhrTwQDBMccVaEDTec1zVmcLnkJMKs1CldMXDQoU7Q/s2048/IMG_8854.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu1vNCow7TSGLgk62kJ1BVEG9DsnLfzqiXJLAmHj2saCq4kSvz-jlXu69fxAm-DLyEwJSLRiwZzL_V1-TZoTdnJdoRoTEzaWvoelOIVoWg9Iw8QBurYEAyf1wpCfLBY28BtEClwO-fw/s2048/IMG_8852.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu1vNCow7TSGLgk62kJ1BVEG9DsnLfzqiXJLAmHj2saCq4kSvz-jlXu69fxAm-DLyEwJSLRiwZzL_V1-TZoTdnJdoRoTEzaWvoelOIVoWg9Iw8QBurYEAyf1wpCfLBY28BtEClwO-fw/w200-h150/IMG_8852.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX23leo1cxDHFEveBGORpuZ-OiNCBOBRs6waPvLxJjau_1OEw5Eyq_SGcEAF7fcE4Es1_r99aL2JzOSAWLec8ul6A4xV_gpbcUhhrTwQDBMccVaEDTec1zVmcLnkJMKs1CldMXDQoU7Q/w200-h150/IMG_8854.JPG" width="200" /></div></div><p>The route turned back towards the sea at this point and I realised we must be coming up to the 17 mile checkpoint. I knew this was called Cloughton Wyke (although I still don't have a clue how to pronounce it!) as this was where the drop bags were. </p><p>This race doesn't usually have drop bags but because the race organisers were unable to stock the checkpoints with as much food as usual, they decided to allow them. I haven't done many races with drop bags but I knew it was good to have some food in there that was different to everything else you were carrying so I'd added chocolate marzipan balls and Kendal mint cake. I'd also put in a clean pair of socks as that can really help, however by the time I got there I couldn't be bothered to change them as I was keen to just crack on. In truth, I needn't have bothered with a drop bag at all. Anything left behind would be thrown away so I stuffed the contents into my already very full race vest. Hardmoors races have an extensive mandatory kit list - I have no issue with this - and there was a spot check here. One of the marshalls also complimented me on my rainbow shoelaces!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7abMBdIvDYfca0gry__qYsd62XQF0rs74W0jUhtMC3Fouo13rG9lS7Ru5IMq1DLDy1fyhhW3rfmPuE_PxjbcxxJMXhbEaBdsz4dMicwNZmk-1m3P769rKnDziR-gvmu094QA-rbSmQ/s2048/IMG_8855.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7abMBdIvDYfca0gry__qYsd62XQF0rs74W0jUhtMC3Fouo13rG9lS7Ru5IMq1DLDy1fyhhW3rfmPuE_PxjbcxxJMXhbEaBdsz4dMicwNZmk-1m3P769rKnDziR-gvmu094QA-rbSmQ/s320/IMG_8855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here I am walking up a hill eating marzipan balls. Note to self: chocolate-covered treats are best when not kept in direct sunlight for several hours. Still nice though!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwOA_19FqxwbUFX63wKVMX9W8odCms4sqZnFNxj-q6O6jxolwiS3dHdfHO0p6w-kl39TmcGCfwrAWiebsCU0KKYz5AM4XLbO-eFEnQBSifHMdSl2x6ihVUV7W0I2GBOafY3blfX6X1w/s2048/IMG_8856.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwOA_19FqxwbUFX63wKVMX9W8odCms4sqZnFNxj-q6O6jxolwiS3dHdfHO0p6w-kl39TmcGCfwrAWiebsCU0KKYz5AM4XLbO-eFEnQBSifHMdSl2x6ihVUV7W0I2GBOafY3blfX6X1w/s320/IMG_8856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The rest of the race follows the coastline back to Whitby, so my worries about navigation were largely over. Phew! The coastline continued to look beautiful and was very very quiet - when I came to North Yorkshire before to recce for the Hardmoors 55 I was amazed at how much space there is and how few tourists there are - compared to the Lakes which are absolutely rammed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaRUgqGEB5pxdkZ9MJeqrDxBxgvzQ8mBsGgykEGPeMQ0Yuw_jqznOZof_SjbXgaMm31jiHnVvvcuOelnEdOqZBZr648t9_8IYddLZK9e_znsRo_CH4HATiN0kf1VBbCqmaXOjPkuNgA/s2048/IMG_8857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaRUgqGEB5pxdkZ9MJeqrDxBxgvzQ8mBsGgykEGPeMQ0Yuw_jqznOZof_SjbXgaMm31jiHnVvvcuOelnEdOqZBZr648t9_8IYddLZK9e_znsRo_CH4HATiN0kf1VBbCqmaXOjPkuNgA/s320/IMG_8857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was still pretty undulating though. I could see runners ahead of me again at this point - I would slowly gain on them on the flats and downhills and overtake, then they would pull ahead on the uphill, then repeat. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26qAmqhuygL0Vo0LHglLxtcep1qs96d2s1RtCBY-cmKGaFR5d95lV5OV4xJ3fH_tD41Y1C7nfvBIECqJ7vFIJ-iYwG1SeqjzxgIOQsA3XUPN92pu3faTv_wDbBY6rPQBcHEKiQTWhQA/s2048/IMG_8859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26qAmqhuygL0Vo0LHglLxtcep1qs96d2s1RtCBY-cmKGaFR5d95lV5OV4xJ3fH_tD41Y1C7nfvBIECqJ7vFIJ-iYwG1SeqjzxgIOQsA3XUPN92pu3faTv_wDbBY6rPQBcHEKiQTWhQA/w150-h200/IMG_8859.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YXc1Gt7jD3mHpc30Pk3gadrfGfw00hbLYG3lprGvu3xyaIiT9KlUFSTzV5kfyI_VJLR2Am2PrpTwc3nS5dG4H7700H9dZuMxpeYLyVq_qSyR2kZxUib3j9fUy08z9ZWE-SjMLGI_vA/s2048/IMG_8861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YXc1Gt7jD3mHpc30Pk3gadrfGfw00hbLYG3lprGvu3xyaIiT9KlUFSTzV5kfyI_VJLR2Am2PrpTwc3nS5dG4H7700H9dZuMxpeYLyVq_qSyR2kZxUib3j9fUy08z9ZWE-SjMLGI_vA/w150-h200/IMG_8861.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Somewhere around this point, one of the people I'd been leapfrogging had stopped to check the route. I got OS maps out to check and we got chatting. Her name was Suzy and the reason she was so great on the hills was that she came from Durham - no shortage of hills near there! Suzy was in with a chance of getting a prize as she was in the next age category up from me. We soon established that she had started 8 minutes after me but we were running at a pretty similar pace and ended up running together for the next 10 miles. Before the race I'd aimed to finish in 6 hours 30 minutes, so we pushed each other to try and manage that.<br /></div></div><br />At some points the race came right down to sea level and then back up roughly hewn steps to the cliff. Suzy was much better at this than me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu8-3mwJQGXHr9d1JS7jlveh-1s6OAbcNaUn9XxJz3CVbkHgfWqau9t-V0ZEKF_T17PGKx5pE8qsRrOiyNZm1YE7twTGoIBw5rlPiZndbtyojd08eIWHasYVYwGTs2gVrSM6Bc8hPyA/s2048/IMG_8862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu8-3mwJQGXHr9d1JS7jlveh-1s6OAbcNaUn9XxJz3CVbkHgfWqau9t-V0ZEKF_T17PGKx5pE8qsRrOiyNZm1YE7twTGoIBw5rlPiZndbtyojd08eIWHasYVYwGTs2gVrSM6Bc8hPyA/s320/IMG_8862.JPG" /></a></div>The time passed quickly. We talked about where we worked (Suzy is a physio so a fellow allied health professional!), how we met our partners (I always enjoy finding out other peoples stories and Suzy's one was just lovely), other races we have run/have planned, our children, etc etc. At one point we were interrupted by the screaming of birds and suddenly saw a whole wall of kittiwakes:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3shQFOPkMkF7HSR-TEbovtbx7bdnOAsBtkTnTPu82srrPiLWAlDlxpLQ3tOVDDJPY8WAlke1Q2bFKSkpg8XX-yT6n9Xkk7OkdTuH3lXimeYwPjMz296fIhLQ49TjTGBjor-cnzAD5g/s2048/IMG_8863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3shQFOPkMkF7HSR-TEbovtbx7bdnOAsBtkTnTPu82srrPiLWAlDlxpLQ3tOVDDJPY8WAlke1Q2bFKSkpg8XX-yT6n9Xkk7OkdTuH3lXimeYwPjMz296fIhLQ49TjTGBjor-cnzAD5g/s320/IMG_8863.JPG" /></a></div>Zoomed in version - it was a pretty awesome sight and sound:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yP7NpieUtE2WA7v1hyphenhyphenbTdhkEc8KJZ68abPaw3Ahvnuh0dvyp2fYAbit_el5RgFVTXWiAHr3T915SEJr889-bl4kxFGg-5gKq0rFmrZoilznBk32hTBZ7Ku6Tq1cAAAQP6lRlPdCVQA/s2048/IMG_8864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yP7NpieUtE2WA7v1hyphenhyphenbTdhkEc8KJZ68abPaw3Ahvnuh0dvyp2fYAbit_el5RgFVTXWiAHr3T915SEJr889-bl4kxFGg-5gKq0rFmrZoilznBk32hTBZ7Ku6Tq1cAAAQP6lRlPdCVQA/w480-h640/IMG_8864.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Suzy had only run a 30 miler once before but has a 60 miler coming up in the summer so we talked about strategies to manage it. I pointed out that the end of a 30 feels totally different to the mid-point of a 60. You never think at the end of a 30, "oh I could easily do that again" because you're <i>expecting it to end</i>. So much of long-distance racing is about monitoring your mindset and not allowing yourself the luxury of expecting it to end until it <i>is</i> the end.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2Khv92SB3nU5LA9Vp1j7Qd5uRKTHwotlW30pucHCo3sik4nIpuSsbzt0Kpw23AJupcQmCy_mlBWVzWjSA1TJvcSCrCLh-YJmN-P_9WNmf73a3Ie4Qivbui4U27walXqJimm7usYaLQ/s2048/IMG_8866.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2Khv92SB3nU5LA9Vp1j7Qd5uRKTHwotlW30pucHCo3sik4nIpuSsbzt0Kpw23AJupcQmCy_mlBWVzWjSA1TJvcSCrCLh-YJmN-P_9WNmf73a3Ie4Qivbui4U27walXqJimm7usYaLQ/s320/IMG_8866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The GPX sent out by the race directors was 52km which is just over 32 miles, but the actual distance we ran was 54km, so just over 33 miles. We kept going right to the very end - without Suzy I definitely would have started to
slow down over the last couple of km as I was expecting it to have ended! Due to the staggered start there was no way of knowing how well you'd done, as the people around you may have started before or after you did, but my watch said I'd finished in 6 hours 22 minutes which I was pretty pleased with. Suzy finished in just slightly over 6 1/2 hours. It was a week before the final results came out, in which Suzy missed out on a prize by 11 flipping seconds! Ahhhh!! She was much more magnanimous about it than I would've been though! We got our medals and swapped numbers. Here's my finish line pic with the Abbey in the background:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXQBoYxiy6fpins6VMueQyTWNYfNNFdbzxyuO3o-4ue3wxC6rS-mCQRDMZVY4Op7LEMncQNtbvrWyDYkvDcO_pxNXZOsBn8T5L28-RWq4Jt-4j33T1y_QIHqroT9PSo9_mMqu0VKT2A/s2048/IMG_8868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXQBoYxiy6fpins6VMueQyTWNYfNNFdbzxyuO3o-4ue3wxC6rS-mCQRDMZVY4Op7LEMncQNtbvrWyDYkvDcO_pxNXZOsBn8T5L28-RWq4Jt-4j33T1y_QIHqroT9PSo9_mMqu0VKT2A/s320/IMG_8868.JPG" /></a></div>Here's the remains of the cinder track on my ankles and the graze from the gorse (which still hasn't fully healed a week later! - that stuff is vicious). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J7DEZuSz5g_-bMGLGZIdrEAHeF88mhMMLOkqPNWx6zvYzYBamqOfLmFN6fdmWJwM05zLeNb3t1Amy3L86RbZEjIABE_CENz1ju7gAsQX8q-WPjJ9fZioB0BZTkDwIuehyAyG7wyQRw/s2048/IMG_8870.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J7DEZuSz5g_-bMGLGZIdrEAHeF88mhMMLOkqPNWx6zvYzYBamqOfLmFN6fdmWJwM05zLeNb3t1Amy3L86RbZEjIABE_CENz1ju7gAsQX8q-WPjJ9fZioB0BZTkDwIuehyAyG7wyQRw/s320/IMG_8870.JPG" /></a></div><p>And here's Garmin's summary. Plenty of ascent, plenty of calories burned (and plenty of marzipan eaten), all in all a pretty good day out. Nice to be out on the trails, particularly lovely to have crossed off North Yorkshire after all this time, and just great to be racing again. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ6N0eHQbknejulonhlIP0leCmBeNOMVzfwSeRNCw6kjrIxZjRPRb8DXvycluXEwt8qgoHDQHoOdatynKbQWdccDtcPX_OlcKLT0jnDWTcWO3zDSRCVb8z8ck_PT_dFjIECihDJ5N5w/s2436/1885E23A-62DA-4833-9A22-6EF82729C287.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ6N0eHQbknejulonhlIP0leCmBeNOMVzfwSeRNCw6kjrIxZjRPRb8DXvycluXEwt8qgoHDQHoOdatynKbQWdccDtcPX_OlcKLT0jnDWTcWO3zDSRCVb8z8ck_PT_dFjIECihDJ5N5w/s320/1885E23A-62DA-4833-9A22-6EF82729C287.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Abbey Ln, Whitby YO22 4JT, UK54.4883316 -0.607883626.178097763821157 -35.7641336 82.798565436178848 34.5483664tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-53863893154887494792020-12-12T09:00:00.194+00:002020-12-12T18:16:30.890+00:00Cambridgeshire: Bauble Bimble marathon race recap<p>Today was the last marathon of 2020. I've managed 23 this year, which isn't bad. 10 of them were actual real races - but this one definitely wins the Best Medal award. I've never done a Christmas-themed race before so it's nice to get one of those in too. This was rescheduled from November which is the quickest reschedule ever, but this company (Zig Running) run dozens of races a year.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98uFU_xbcBGbPnclPT5j8jiswwnf5u-wS2-B6Nmm8WpCYux8zhmkPNI80GghohHJRGgwjKb4CqqXZpaJ61yUDv5ecuR1eAvedF6nEdyDR3FOoDpJMmk0zvivX6AQJKRGQR3yRIk073w/s2048/IMG_7110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98uFU_xbcBGbPnclPT5j8jiswwnf5u-wS2-B6Nmm8WpCYux8zhmkPNI80GghohHJRGgwjKb4CqqXZpaJ61yUDv5ecuR1eAvedF6nEdyDR3FOoDpJMmk0zvivX6AQJKRGQR3yRIk073w/s320/IMG_7110.JPG" /></a></div>Here I am at the start. Note the pink and blue toilets in the background (!) The race was held at a horse racing track and it was pretty chilly at the beginning but luckily I arrived with only a few minutes to spare so there wasn't too much hanging around.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH80mg7_KwmP3PMHB8coeqqJ5MXSbebUoWKEK1nz2DylxzyousCvfFAg1PhsbHzO_9AMn6GG12b9P9kD6PwPuwSL_eCuuzjmpdHhvt02K4O-YFlYtsFRneHPqTBf0NhKAqzFPFIr3wg/s320/IMG_7036.jpeg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">The race director was a pretty friendly guy - I'd already had a laugh with him about his blue Everton Christmas hat (he reassured me it was actually a <i>Spurs</i> Christmas hat - okay) and the race briefing was a pretty funny affair. He told us to make sure we exposed ourselves to Graham every lap (Graham was keeping track of how many laps everyone had done as there was no chip timing). He also highlighted all the people doing the double marathon (there's another tomorrow), pointed out the lady doing her 300th marathon (!) and the people with a film crew as they were training for Marathon des Sables.<br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB7lCVL9S4Q2ZEljN_pkGRpXvd4tKh1MjB_y53mIOfFMErJcvK6yh27mo0k8efd-3e6GKqYsdbWaXp55KQnatM907oek1viZQb163rJ8_klTkb_5hxrmisqNE9oTx6neV-ErAkQ1kTA/s2048/IMG_7044.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB7lCVL9S4Q2ZEljN_pkGRpXvd4tKh1MjB_y53mIOfFMErJcvK6yh27mo0k8efd-3e6GKqYsdbWaXp55KQnatM907oek1viZQb163rJ8_klTkb_5hxrmisqNE9oTx6neV-ErAkQ1kTA/s320/IMG_7044.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Without further ado we set off on the 8 lap course. It was a pretty cloudy day, drizzling mildly. Cambridgeshire is generally pretty flat but this course wasn't - there was a walkable hill each lap plus quite a few gentle slopes both up and down. The views were all much like this:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtGHOAL1IA5MZoXDKhmTpUpJLbMD2EgK3uIC6POKKuFftJ_qL5VX_C9S3suYUSP-l8qxqdi5q-Po8yIE-8bTUfMqc8X8dtJIjkms4XHa9f7QIGOx1lc2cCQQ2MsW-Xxa9aBJ9ZdJcBw/s2048/IMG_7053.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHimERz3JaZxQD5OlEBJjL_iIF9L-2DUilGDkf7uzV-hBuhvA9fQg-JdgYUnH4fUkbVf_Ew-PZLeHdx9qnF9t4hMDVmBf-vJlk1jzJBPhIx9Ahn-jZKr81V-dgzDP6P6SU53dOP0tZw/s2048/IMG_7047.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHimERz3JaZxQD5OlEBJjL_iIF9L-2DUilGDkf7uzV-hBuhvA9fQg-JdgYUnH4fUkbVf_Ew-PZLeHdx9qnF9t4hMDVmBf-vJlk1jzJBPhIx9Ahn-jZKr81V-dgzDP6P6SU53dOP0tZw/w200-h150/IMG_7047.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtGHOAL1IA5MZoXDKhmTpUpJLbMD2EgK3uIC6POKKuFftJ_qL5VX_C9S3suYUSP-l8qxqdi5q-Po8yIE-8bTUfMqc8X8dtJIjkms4XHa9f7QIGOx1lc2cCQQ2MsW-Xxa9aBJ9ZdJcBw/w200-h150/IMG_7053.jpeg" width="200" /></div></div><p></p>There was something growing in the fields by the side of the path. Not sure what... possibly cabbage?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7YZYOcsYoCqTREBP522k0YEo22yCxYIOQxr-SuRxId8NDXwRrz4tBOOe8GVcmBslXxJ_dCrYBwuocHWzAIRi0Odyulzb04R3PpcJS862i1CBFphhJQfCL0jj68poXVk8fUUWyv2eAw/s320/IMG_7051.jpeg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the second loop it was already raining quite heavily. I got chatting to a nice lady called Jackie from Norfolk, she was an ultra runner and told me a bit about the race I'm doing in Norfolk in May. I'm signed up for the standard marathon but there's also a 32 mile and a 86 mile - all along the coastal path - apparently it's very beautiful so I'm considering upgrading! She also told me about another company (Ultra Challenge) who do 60ish km ultras so I'll have a look at that too. You get the best recommendations from other runners!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, it was still raining...<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx6H6L8rqXRds3uOd_7sgEgT10xg_ezGyTr-rgzXeZTXN4xdQaMvIIL8tCwt2aronLVx6OIzw16QQfto4FokqOD8WE2YC6oF8XfTxhXAMe0wTsGVBZQZ0-2gdhRAUrpXCHp4FcWDA4Q/s2048/IMG_7055.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx6H6L8rqXRds3uOd_7sgEgT10xg_ezGyTr-rgzXeZTXN4xdQaMvIIL8tCwt2aronLVx6OIzw16QQfto4FokqOD8WE2YC6oF8XfTxhXAMe0wTsGVBZQZ0-2gdhRAUrpXCHp4FcWDA4Q/s320/IMG_7055.jpeg" /> </a></div><p>Towards the end of the fourth loop, I got chatting to these two. Kerry is running 100 marathons before she's 50 (it was going to be 50 by 50 but she's already smashed that)! I told them about my challenge and we ran together for a bit. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDcNATPi9nw-4u5axVPkL8CCoWtBJLS3582cugnvx3TM64PgdyQuy-WZZ72Woi18yY2w_J4jkhzeomW9RtJGJEbT13qreKJ_Nv1wMiW0ZM-x2oELhd3-0zvFTPJ34wBX5TlybNCjv0w/s2048/IMG_7058.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDcNATPi9nw-4u5axVPkL8CCoWtBJLS3582cugnvx3TM64PgdyQuy-WZZ72Woi18yY2w_J4jkhzeomW9RtJGJEbT13qreKJ_Nv1wMiW0ZM-x2oELhd3-0zvFTPJ34wBX5TlybNCjv0w/s320/IMG_7058.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I lost them after a while, but they later overtook me again, then I overtook them again. We must've been quite a similar pace and I got to see them again at the end when we'd all finished. I told them about my blog and I've looked Kerry's page up on Facebook so if you're reading: hi!</p><p style="text-align: left;">This pile of hay bales was near the beginning of the course, which by now was getting a lot muddier.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXblBOzH004uEAFc0PvxnD86HLTm6tdMv8yVEY_ENkVabb93oQN9JtljbbFF0vg8mHBZGDKhISEDjMIWArEMb_eKpcQv1Yn0MjdgB1cVek5spSaua-IefJueedxgRTDOvqwNGCiDkTQ/s2048/IMG_7061.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXblBOzH004uEAFc0PvxnD86HLTm6tdMv8yVEY_ENkVabb93oQN9JtljbbFF0vg8mHBZGDKhISEDjMIWArEMb_eKpcQv1Yn0MjdgB1cVek5spSaua-IefJueedxgRTDOvqwNGCiDkTQ/s320/IMG_7061.jpeg" /></a></div>But the really muddy section was about a third of the way round. There had been a post on Facebook saying that the course was muddy and to wear trail shoes - GOOD ADVICE. I brought these and my white (!) Asics gel nimbus, which would definitely never have been the same again had I worn them today! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD76xlu2tKTCIm_V1fGlrjgE2Y6CkViYDvkybGr7uukrJTi9M-Ylzh_-B1v1YPW45ZQZ0y9SSH4OQ8u6LVCFi6w1AlDr2XeCjCXWYL8iYwtvCIg8ESippFl0GIZjfICYcfirbSHWY5mA/s2048/IMG_7062.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD76xlu2tKTCIm_V1fGlrjgE2Y6CkViYDvkybGr7uukrJTi9M-Ylzh_-B1v1YPW45ZQZ0y9SSH4OQ8u6LVCFi6w1AlDr2XeCjCXWYL8iYwtvCIg8ESippFl0GIZjfICYcfirbSHWY5mA/w150-h200/IMG_7062.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHWKuiBzxnGPq5MLfJI2mYU1LoZuyDi98xbUOYf5RRxDh6thvvGxlhtJt_rSZ1m9qn_7ICqYbn_p2GIBgh3ERyR1ls1h0zR3uiwtesdlU3VMCz8GcZUoYvZhd4w43zKxpnJLYxQzbKg/s2048/IMG_7065.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHWKuiBzxnGPq5MLfJI2mYU1LoZuyDi98xbUOYf5RRxDh6thvvGxlhtJt_rSZ1m9qn_7ICqYbn_p2GIBgh3ERyR1ls1h0zR3uiwtesdlU3VMCz8GcZUoYvZhd4w43zKxpnJLYxQzbKg/w150-h200/IMG_7065.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div><p>I just jogged through this but I saw plenty of other runners skidding and sliding. The Marathon des Sable lads did in in road shoes... lol. You may be hardcore but my advice is the classic Scouting "Be prepared" :) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzcqQRFcw9mFttJHRc7ne2xxNqnjaQeWNp_1A0E3KBekxbWCgJyGwucDchRAlGDbH_9AhOYtUs-JxL3RXSHZg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>By lap five I'd given up on the Santa hat as the bobble was dragging
me down and was quite grumpy about the weather. It hadn't been
forecast to rain but it was absolutely relentless and all my clothes,
trainers and gloves were soaked. I couldn't stop because it was too
cold and there was still more than 15km to go. It's fair to say I
wasn't feeling the love at this point.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiUmvMF7jEug2CSyrMbVFoWXp3-dwR5sdS4_pId-o86YGghYQyxL0veheLCYd_cP65CuvHxOCdMOfV82strZ53tJp9tft1vHDKje3WxZNT7t0shqJlbXGomYGw1Vc4bGAJSJ5BLmYOw/s2048/IMG_7068.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiUmvMF7jEug2CSyrMbVFoWXp3-dwR5sdS4_pId-o86YGghYQyxL0veheLCYd_cP65CuvHxOCdMOfV82strZ53tJp9tft1vHDKje3WxZNT7t0shqJlbXGomYGw1Vc4bGAJSJ5BLmYOw/s320/IMG_7068.jpeg" /></a></div>Luckily if you just keep going eventually something changes. By lap 7-ish, the rain had stopped (mostly) and I was feeling much more positive. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_j47BHjY_x9Nvx6LcCtIqCKpZsbHk_2MBWCX7HbqnTeS4stoAp49ujJboRXATyCB6CuAWw_yJkkqQlq5qC9-8sBT4i_dA23RMY7sMgPEKUD_BD9s8cxmEzaMUqayLoAj1zbF7ha-XQ/s2048/IMG_7070.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_j47BHjY_x9Nvx6LcCtIqCKpZsbHk_2MBWCX7HbqnTeS4stoAp49ujJboRXATyCB6CuAWw_yJkkqQlq5qC9-8sBT4i_dA23RMY7sMgPEKUD_BD9s8cxmEzaMUqayLoAj1zbF7ha-XQ/w200-h150/IMG_7070.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmeZiwX38lRMD9UI68oJB0HUMJ8WRQ-o-53v4F-J9fBVHmhbQwLYOx94uUkOFLZp95sO_ajTwCZYd0saY4oqz0_hqqYjpchXIbsFngY-Tm5faTvQHViN5viLfiDlmK6mNNkVdubFD5g/s2048/IMG_7072.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmeZiwX38lRMD9UI68oJB0HUMJ8WRQ-o-53v4F-J9fBVHmhbQwLYOx94uUkOFLZp95sO_ajTwCZYd0saY4oqz0_hqqYjpchXIbsFngY-Tm5faTvQHViN5viLfiDlmK6mNNkVdubFD5g/w200-h150/IMG_7072.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div>On the final lap I stopped to take some pictures of these crab apples - the stream wasn't here earlier which shows how much rain had fallen during the race!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwlb8LYbxA7lh-y329bRY070f1yKLdLUa6wQhuxZU-5YQ8CYGXHacLHv22ncd3CEOrInRAZK-wampCW4We1dT72tzphsOjVyhIs13IWp5KKQsDgDxIjpEKowORV56neYsY8q6T301-w/s2048/IMG_7075.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwlb8LYbxA7lh-y329bRY070f1yKLdLUa6wQhuxZU-5YQ8CYGXHacLHv22ncd3CEOrInRAZK-wampCW4We1dT72tzphsOjVyhIs13IWp5KKQsDgDxIjpEKowORV56neYsY8q6T301-w/s320/IMG_7075.jpeg" /></a></div></div>Here I am coming into the finish line:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLNflflNlIKjWZCQDaj-5Z9Hc6I-BvZhpC3mNKAe8qRBBUiYFRAaoM0cQr2VqCR2y24VdjNPdV_PdDwiJ_6EL6WPQOtcyN_Ni8tCDOMTYXDjI_-kCxiyYKgMDsXga1kyOh80S1hnD-w/s2048/IMG_6079.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLNflflNlIKjWZCQDaj-5Z9Hc6I-BvZhpC3mNKAe8qRBBUiYFRAaoM0cQr2VqCR2y24VdjNPdV_PdDwiJ_6EL6WPQOtcyN_Ni8tCDOMTYXDjI_-kCxiyYKgMDsXga1kyOh80S1hnD-w/s320/IMG_6079.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b52izbA2SbMNt-Es18AgAy-eGtGT2eMW1DfNn7f2Gx1irb7PBFu0L2JgcXO0fkBT7Oars6RO14894GtgXS4z0k4pez6_YwIFlfTAkpHNQf062JoNlGat9UGRh0DC966kAtIURu47Kg/s2048/IMG_6085.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b52izbA2SbMNt-Es18AgAy-eGtGT2eMW1DfNn7f2Gx1irb7PBFu0L2JgcXO0fkBT7Oars6RO14894GtgXS4z0k4pez6_YwIFlfTAkpHNQf062JoNlGat9UGRh0DC966kAtIURu47Kg/s320/IMG_6085.jpeg" /></a></div></div>And here I am with my medal. They provided real coffee from a proper machine at the finish line (the first decent cup of coffee I've had since arriving in Cambridgeshire!) and a mince pie. I had a bit of a sit down and took some photos:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN7_d7eYM07sRCYFkW9I2IGt21ABOF2jRIw24xGUJULpHw1xoRS3n4QW48X1rNR1pFcrC5vhwSC5an240mRX4VP31zXhIIfUKdZaziHg-8f0IGTFs4q0ZveG9_LwcK9lPWh5Vi3KvNg/s2048/IMG_6093.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN7_d7eYM07sRCYFkW9I2IGt21ABOF2jRIw24xGUJULpHw1xoRS3n4QW48X1rNR1pFcrC5vhwSC5an240mRX4VP31zXhIIfUKdZaziHg-8f0IGTFs4q0ZveG9_LwcK9lPWh5Vi3KvNg/s320/IMG_6093.jpeg" /></a></div>This was the state of my (black!) leggings and trainers at the end. I was sitting in the barn at this point but as soon as I left to walk to the car I started shivering really badly. It's a short route to hypothermia being out in December in soaking wet clothes...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI3i64Dqdk8QGX__MWs542BOcTpaAt6eTjX-5hiK90-Fo0WbgQ0zuXQfO-yHrFX86QyaE46gqU0gnpD0qx3KqoQhnB217RmMJwFNhy7ZrtTyqYRZvzGUA_mTZXkXMee_nsLL62eCjYA/s2048/IMG_7077.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI3i64Dqdk8QGX__MWs542BOcTpaAt6eTjX-5hiK90-Fo0WbgQ0zuXQfO-yHrFX86QyaE46gqU0gnpD0qx3KqoQhnB217RmMJwFNhy7ZrtTyqYRZvzGUA_mTZXkXMee_nsLL62eCjYA/s320/IMG_7077.jpeg" /></a></div>One last pic of the lovely medal with the Santa hat on. I was really happy here! So glad this race went ahead especially as it looks like my next one is going to be cancelled because of Covid... AGAIN. Ahhh!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwONNVQRS-xugN4UAKIoUcQwAedIn3MVGSK-lrkxWb4SqHwajLTBn3FLU-JhbMatZsaZOa3XazY3vfQSql-EgO-vsOvWrQWm-7B_4jZloE-X9_mwcYEzUWkNoBQU8UD6pZa_CeG0jqdA/s2048/IMG_7106.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwONNVQRS-xugN4UAKIoUcQwAedIn3MVGSK-lrkxWb4SqHwajLTBn3FLU-JhbMatZsaZOa3XazY3vfQSql-EgO-vsOvWrQWm-7B_4jZloE-X9_mwcYEzUWkNoBQU8UD6pZa_CeG0jqdA/s320/IMG_7106.jpeg" /></a></div>Finished in sub-5 hours which isn't bad considering the hills (446 metres! Gah! Definitely not flat!) and the rain and the mud. Well organised and a fun day out. Driving home tomorrow in torrential rain is probably going to be less fun but hey ho. It was worth it! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1910" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jZnkMYEFTyH5uhFa-5amOKLNM6nCzKufuGkp21tuM8pBCuW35VufTClqA478kH2TywJZ-e_8N8YnJVwEwPR8WsWSvAcJvWCjBOMsCUKdgk0WrXwM-kgMFN9wwk5SlXWZQaimVe9uwg/s320/IMG_7111.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also a new record writing my race report on the day of the race (!)<br /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com1Horseheath, Cambridge CB21 4QP, UK52.0979263 0.3274940000000001223.787692463821152 -34.828756 80.40816013617885 35.483744tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-48530367485656943102020-10-22T09:00:00.398+01:002020-10-25T11:50:06.821+00:00Staffordshire: The Birch Challenge marathon race recap<p>I had a very good feeling about today's race from the outset. The style and tone of the emails. The online race briefing. The description of the aid station. The fact that it was the winner of “Best Rated Off-Road event 2019” from RaceCheck. The fact that I didn't have to wear my vest or worry about GPX because it was loops of a 5k course and the race director was happy for you to just go to your car between laps. So obviously I set up a little aid station in my boot:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRcpPpodKppP1GcbCRpSfVA6zsdmO3qj4M6OhOWX6r-_OYdMVLFOdBu7eb1Yt5TtDXeWnvl6_QDG43-No5hF3yEIDGFi-rw5xJVevYyJmVyfLmqb0jeuzZ9LKWCuqyoMgWOXJI89seA/s2048/8E18AF3E-6F6E-4660-9426-94BCCEA803F6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRcpPpodKppP1GcbCRpSfVA6zsdmO3qj4M6OhOWX6r-_OYdMVLFOdBu7eb1Yt5TtDXeWnvl6_QDG43-No5hF3yEIDGFi-rw5xJVevYyJmVyfLmqb0jeuzZ9LKWCuqyoMgWOXJI89seA/s320/8E18AF3E-6F6E-4660-9426-94BCCEA803F6.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Featuring: water, electrolytes, Coke, tea, coffee, cheese sandwiches, pretzels, melon, banana, flapjack, jelly sweets, Dolly mixtures, Mars bar, caffeine bullets (no I did not eat all of that)!</span></div><p>Then on top the weather forecast the night before was A-MA-ZING! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP9OlpljDhmQnWE0MBz3DymNTUlUgOteNN3XyKiv7HiVGT2tbQWHhdHn7Osv67pf0GU-esIP-xWPoyoKWtQeyoKlFrNhOoxMKyysmuOtGdQD8kGhY77UjkatbhsmMOn0Y6wNWcX9TEQ/s320/weather+22.10.png" width="320" /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It doesn't get better than that. And I think I deserve it after my last two races! I was due to start at 8:45 so I got up at 05:30 and drove the 90ish minutes down there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now technically the government Covid advice is to "avoid travel outside Tier 3" however that's advisory rather than legally binding. Personally I consider being inside my car (on my own) and running in a forest (at least 2m away from
others) extremely low risk activities. I am far more at
risk going to work <i>in a hospital </i>than I am doing this. Plus with the Covid second wave I need to safeguard my mental health, and running races is what I do to keep myself sane. I know I haven't got Covid because I'm on the Oxford vaccine trial and do a swab test every week, so I felt confident I wasn't putting others at risk.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Covid measures at the race were very strict which is a good thing and meant everyone felt safe. I told a few people I was from Liverpool and nobody thought I was a reckless Covid-spreader. Phew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here I am before the race started. The last bit of the drive to Cannock
Chase just as dawn broke was exceptionally beautiful and I was so so
happy to be there. <br /><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRgKFxhP11Ri41dSPSTu581VHvEqVHA_mR9iTCrcXnQArnEY7yUap6U8ItIpf5y58sdAUY8Zk7DBSPjEd6JhdHE-oxpusXfkoN1YYmcxMb11coqsenCC-ACImOAJUc4gcizSjGQCr8Q/s320/4DDA4486-4D69-4EF5-992C-6FB3F45C0718.jpeg" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a picture of the start line about 5 minutes before the start. The race is on Forestry Commission land so had to be limited to 30 people under their rules.<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDnkZAzjAvp1aAf9SC-eFBtVenKYRA1Xj5bxNpLr4TG3D6R27K1uiCeNwB-sJpsOwqUcHYzaXn1zeQiexycLdUHjMmXBeN1OuymgqWLLizGX5mCul_I3AhyphenhyphenrYnHSspbwoVuCLLZqz-w/s2048/28656F05-C6A3-44B0-BD68-70827F68E352.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDnkZAzjAvp1aAf9SC-eFBtVenKYRA1Xj5bxNpLr4TG3D6R27K1uiCeNwB-sJpsOwqUcHYzaXn1zeQiexycLdUHjMmXBeN1OuymgqWLLizGX5mCul_I3AhyphenhyphenrYnHSspbwoVuCLLZqz-w/s320/28656F05-C6A3-44B0-BD68-70827F68E352.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p>As soon as we set off, it was clear it was going to be a beautiful day. The official photographer took this one of me just as I started - this was one of those lovely races where all the pics were free - image credit to Nick <span style="color: #55575d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">@nicksphotogallery</span></p><p><span style="color: #55575d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oc276or6VKJR5QDRXNlHFe_zrkPe6yAcQmbvq264RY8yEs5p0vNKHtYwH8JNqSrkViMeji1DOeSA7QF9I7GQcxoi0_qhVF3qUhY-i2o_vSZsXbRNONvzRfylf8I9JaMi3LgIIkqSpw/s800/50517095728_8a67ef0a01_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oc276or6VKJR5QDRXNlHFe_zrkPe6yAcQmbvq264RY8yEs5p0vNKHtYwH8JNqSrkViMeji1DOeSA7QF9I7GQcxoi0_qhVF3qUhY-i2o_vSZsXbRNONvzRfylf8I9JaMi3LgIIkqSpw/s320/50517095728_8a67ef0a01_c.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the beginning I thought seeing other runners was going to be short-lived as we'd soon be spread out over the course. In fact, because the route looped back on itself, by lap 7 I recognised pretty much every other competitor and there was much waving and friendly 'well done's. The route was really beautiful. The autumnal colours combined with
lakes around every corner, little streams and blue skies meant for a
stunning setting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYOMd3Rj70DsUnYTxyzOGC8hXw-jC7kHlTQ1aUixiejdPAXeMsP69IrhItHGPpPeZkD-Dr2rxBa99BQLBhVSPozdQmgjxMmf4efakj5gbBrUh9asS-T7gsRzzra1dafPyF-IWKvGrZw/s2048/E8947751-EDF5-4848-A46A-497265172070_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDBRJ399Qw6pgFbroFXfxb_i9SBtyuVKB7FUs0Xy-_11-5TQHUTUk1DBm_SzmCTMfpQWjSpcdiPhjM_cXU6cvOc5OTeo8woVA9-o3AFuH1R3y6B1mWnKpnF0-lInlDpCqoxQzN6UxUQ/s2048/6876490B-0AD8-4838-8DA3-A1A5BEF4727E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDBRJ399Qw6pgFbroFXfxb_i9SBtyuVKB7FUs0Xy-_11-5TQHUTUk1DBm_SzmCTMfpQWjSpcdiPhjM_cXU6cvOc5OTeo8woVA9-o3AFuH1R3y6B1mWnKpnF0-lInlDpCqoxQzN6UxUQ/w200-h150/6876490B-0AD8-4838-8DA3-A1A5BEF4727E.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYOMd3Rj70DsUnYTxyzOGC8hXw-jC7kHlTQ1aUixiejdPAXeMsP69IrhItHGPpPeZkD-Dr2rxBa99BQLBhVSPozdQmgjxMmf4efakj5gbBrUh9asS-T7gsRzzra1dafPyF-IWKvGrZw/w200-h150/E8947751-EDF5-4848-A46A-497265172070_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /></div></div>Every corner I went round had another beautiful view. This was just after a U turn which I managed to miss on lap 5 because I was talking ... luckily I realised quite quickly as the signage was great.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uukU95EDc4vy8VLUod4vDeSm9XTiqwbRcGGNW6U5M9yYrBHO2E6u8gBb5zT8ZcUPzf2H_bm_Gg97u_jVk4sFKtY9WxmsshPh5FJdKWWX_xjlCRXnnv_YtP-WtJB9bggJS7rX6591gg/s2048/93EE6007-0C43-4995-BE92-BA94BFFA328E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uukU95EDc4vy8VLUod4vDeSm9XTiqwbRcGGNW6U5M9yYrBHO2E6u8gBb5zT8ZcUPzf2H_bm_Gg97u_jVk4sFKtY9WxmsshPh5FJdKWWX_xjlCRXnnv_YtP-WtJB9bggJS7rX6591gg/s320/93EE6007-0C43-4995-BE92-BA94BFFA328E.jpeg" /></a></div>As I came down the hill towards this lake I was reminded of <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/09/rutland-rutland-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Rutland </a>Water and some of the lovely lakes there, although the weather today was somewhat nicer than that day - which was only about a year ago... crazy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFf_0Ej7rdYgG9NfxayZ6oVTJpS8GD53G3AD_VJk_02QcHr4Kz6B1LbTT6X1XFinXkbtqzDb6Q6wP4C9f9U4mHqVuPZYQWRu_5KVk77XdFZ04uI9Bchyphenhyphen1sWHVXFpD8DFsbKrZOueFdw/s2048/6C25B8C9-05C2-4348-BE0B-AB9064161C64.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFf_0Ej7rdYgG9NfxayZ6oVTJpS8GD53G3AD_VJk_02QcHr4Kz6B1LbTT6X1XFinXkbtqzDb6Q6wP4C9f9U4mHqVuPZYQWRu_5KVk77XdFZ04uI9Bchyphenhyphen1sWHVXFpD8DFsbKrZOueFdw/s320/6C25B8C9-05C2-4348-BE0B-AB9064161C64.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The loop was just under 6k, and at around 5k there was a river crossing. I don't think I've ever done a race before where you had to run over stepping stones?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN29nMitKFZPy9ISmjjxay7ZR1D8xeBMsn0b0cv-nGq7SoeNpO09Q_eWdPryrCXef0GlYUB10anPaezfeCnAGcyelKlzFZxkMZPhgCq_kJUyBT7RM96zijw1rEYaQgzmtYeVdtW1GYLg/s2048/A0122A7D-BAD5-4F7A-91EE-74260232D302_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN29nMitKFZPy9ISmjjxay7ZR1D8xeBMsn0b0cv-nGq7SoeNpO09Q_eWdPryrCXef0GlYUB10anPaezfeCnAGcyelKlzFZxkMZPhgCq_kJUyBT7RM96zijw1rEYaQgzmtYeVdtW1GYLg/s320/A0122A7D-BAD5-4F7A-91EE-74260232D302_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></div><p>At the end of the first lap I went to the car and ditched my jacket and gloves and had some water, then headed out for round 2. Quite quickly I got chatting to Dan and Rob, who are both regular marathon runners. It transpired they had done the same race yesterday as well. Both are chasing numbers - Rob told me this was his 72nd marathon and Dan was already well into the hundreds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOVYlyn2v3glulD94iNHElu6IqctgXZh4KkSHgXZmTzdQJvwKDcLAzbRs0NaoxxauVp6ta62kYlDXZJ-1AI5t6UnBFBnQNGOg7v_FBgyoJX_IfI1ZBePlfIH2aRMZYblWZhxY6yu8WQ/s800/50517778931_20d3966d47_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOVYlyn2v3glulD94iNHElu6IqctgXZh4KkSHgXZmTzdQJvwKDcLAzbRs0NaoxxauVp6ta62kYlDXZJ-1AI5t6UnBFBnQNGOg7v_FBgyoJX_IfI1ZBePlfIH2aRMZYblWZhxY6yu8WQ/s320/50517778931_20d3966d47_c.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BcK-1qZ9Sukd5YGnA-H4Bpq5GCT78LA3o6y5umsSNnp8oYgGfl18y3aiPggz6AwFAnlcm3LAxRDoGucB7vUM5SE8y10UD3gTAQWrkVqFir5bxZZ8DiIvXVfnoZ7RZRUUOW-boj90lw/s800/50517945702_42f7e9e9fe_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BcK-1qZ9Sukd5YGnA-H4Bpq5GCT78LA3o6y5umsSNnp8oYgGfl18y3aiPggz6AwFAnlcm3LAxRDoGucB7vUM5SE8y10UD3gTAQWrkVqFir5bxZZ8DiIvXVfnoZ7RZRUUOW-boj90lw/s320/50517945702_42f7e9e9fe_c.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>As usual, we compared races. It turned out they knew lots of the characters from my other race reports - Lucas the chip shop dude from <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/02/worcestershire-seven-deadly-sins.html" target="_blank">Seven Deadly Sins</a>, Tim the jogler from <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/09/rutland-rutland-marathon-race-recap.html">Rutland marathon</a>. Dan had run Escape from Meriden (chained edition!) and told me some hilarious stories including being stopped by the police. I told him the dreaded <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2018/06/lincolnshire-convergence-race-74-mile_10.html" target="_blank">swamp story</a> from Convergence. A lap passed without me noticing. We saw another runner in a <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/09/hampshire-new-forest-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">New Forest marathon</a> t-shirt and told them about the signs and the Garmin stand and the parking. I wondered if the other dude had hated it as much as me but reflected that if I said anything, he'd probably say, "Oh that's my favourite race and I've run it 10 times". Dan said, "Or he might says, "I'm the race director"..." which made me laugh. The furnace of faux pas beckons...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho25FS-gmPbonwtdCAk4H1brVmi-rqpaATLZxUUaICOuM2j0G1K6qOeHob7ZGeR30i7eq-VyZd4b8tlLR-RNW4rv6Xi_d9odLLG1m4VjfaYw-mjCd3KOZ3ZXSx_VQnbrEX_-mb_liMEg/s2048/25947B3C-C67B-4866-A6E9-2DFACCA02FAC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho25FS-gmPbonwtdCAk4H1brVmi-rqpaATLZxUUaICOuM2j0G1K6qOeHob7ZGeR30i7eq-VyZd4b8tlLR-RNW4rv6Xi_d9odLLG1m4VjfaYw-mjCd3KOZ3ZXSx_VQnbrEX_-mb_liMEg/s320/25947B3C-C67B-4866-A6E9-2DFACCA02FAC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We talked about Covid. Rob said he thought it was better now because people could be quite disgusting what with all the snot rockets and spitting. Dan said, mock-horrified, "You didn't have to tell everyone though"! I laughed. We walked up the hills. We talked about other races I could potentially do in the Midlands. and
Rob mentioned <a href="https://bigbearevents.net/" target="_blank">Big Bear Events </a>do races in Leicestershire and
Warwickshire also. Another 5k went by. The official photographer took this - check out that great social distancing ;-)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7w3IZueTUDzyxApJvoeySFWbv53xT_MBx5lwoa5QvI-IBE-7lkEpLvo1s8iQE0SR2kg1Ke8IDfcBBWwX2heD7yytlmmN2rRK7nIpz1ub9JXNUQXGMHF2rNth-5tPOHJ5RamWmLjp_Pg/s800/50517737341_5fbda11e4c_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7w3IZueTUDzyxApJvoeySFWbv53xT_MBx5lwoa5QvI-IBE-7lkEpLvo1s8iQE0SR2kg1Ke8IDfcBBWwX2heD7yytlmmN2rRK7nIpz1ub9JXNUQXGMHF2rNth-5tPOHJ5RamWmLjp_Pg/s320/50517737341_5fbda11e4c_c.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the aid station I had my first mince pie of the year. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6HWSYoCrmsSyXUNu97CyVuwlGgz8Lep9-mqRHj6ndH_vBzglNDAtx5kZsiw5OZbNDJrZEcY6AwJhJ8dsIXaX7uKSvwttJCzF6-V5UC9NeJmOKU4Ckn5Oq2Fy_5n7aZGoz56dCrPe5A/s2048/FA48E929-C145-48ED-B60E-2067CCA9CA26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6HWSYoCrmsSyXUNu97CyVuwlGgz8Lep9-mqRHj6ndH_vBzglNDAtx5kZsiw5OZbNDJrZEcY6AwJhJ8dsIXaX7uKSvwttJCzF6-V5UC9NeJmOKU4Ckn5Oq2Fy_5n7aZGoz56dCrPe5A/s320/FA48E929-C145-48ED-B60E-2067CCA9CA26.jpeg" /></a></div>Somewhere on the next lap I lost Rob and Dan. I put my headphones on and just trundled round, chatting to people occasionally and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. As usual I had made little to no effort to find out anything about the course so the several hills had come as a surprise. Pictured here they don't look too bad but there was 800m ascent overall!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjif4N_9ExbicvmkEZnJa8jjtlh8qpBTYE1wtF3HGJHmzw1hTW1LtQevTcrgNVyb3dRl7gNLDK3M5R7d98XoD8GnqiwJCzUz-4IxezJMC7MW0fSI455d3K9NQWfiacJBVMB6wwZyXlKyQ/s2048/E77621EE-4884-4F38-B34C-6E62CBF35006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjif4N_9ExbicvmkEZnJa8jjtlh8qpBTYE1wtF3HGJHmzw1hTW1LtQevTcrgNVyb3dRl7gNLDK3M5R7d98XoD8GnqiwJCzUz-4IxezJMC7MW0fSI455d3K9NQWfiacJBVMB6wwZyXlKyQ/s320/E77621EE-4884-4F38-B34C-6E62CBF35006.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7QaigTAGzF6LNrE3-K-yx1QlZ4ObHP8Xz5du2b0O-rvKux1-oMMFsd3ZVyyNv2oDzuTudXAQ4FlrUqv4xABKheiaeMEZenAgMYPq7_0NtJzh9RHnSloql3MovUZ497V0zbOEgeSfqA/s2048/C120C4FC-7C27-479C-86E3-F5C73F381E03.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7QaigTAGzF6LNrE3-K-yx1QlZ4ObHP8Xz5du2b0O-rvKux1-oMMFsd3ZVyyNv2oDzuTudXAQ4FlrUqv4xABKheiaeMEZenAgMYPq7_0NtJzh9RHnSloql3MovUZ497V0zbOEgeSfqA/s320/C120C4FC-7C27-479C-86E3-F5C73F381E03.jpeg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_lFuqtmBaIDggwoVZZPFwmbm3MijuCCwYZDbyC58mQs_LuLDdCmLv1BwBs86hjSEQwGNbrWPhdeg-NOb9ED-iJ74Q7Rw-fUBDmDBmoVliQxW6UWclYVe7oF2iuEzVfR-B0y_xVECEw/s2436/IMG_6453.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_lFuqtmBaIDggwoVZZPFwmbm3MijuCCwYZDbyC58mQs_LuLDdCmLv1BwBs86hjSEQwGNbrWPhdeg-NOb9ED-iJ74Q7Rw-fUBDmDBmoVliQxW6UWclYVe7oF2iuEzVfR-B0y_xVECEw/s320/IMG_6453.PNG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of lap 5 there was a minor medical emergency - a guy came into the
aid station bleeding. The race director got him a bandage but didn't have anything to clean the wound so I went and found him some wipes and Savlon from
my first aid kit in the car. He was fine, just a bit shaken up. I
think he must've had a fall on the muddy bit near the end. Most of the
course was alright but there were just a few bits where it'd got wet and
churned up by bikes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuEaAjL4DnT6fvegaVtW5nMgTItRB3t9VadpEVvBDEqmYoEEc5qUCbGstFnBBFP4efcATBm1X2Wi-iY4yXCD6JZHQBfG6nutt-gUKSYBY_LfA3Qx7u0w4i9qXbBCqzYjTpWukoT7pOg/s2048/A841DE2A-CA3A-47EB-88FF-971870670484.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuEaAjL4DnT6fvegaVtW5nMgTItRB3t9VadpEVvBDEqmYoEEc5qUCbGstFnBBFP4efcATBm1X2Wi-iY4yXCD6JZHQBfG6nutt-gUKSYBY_LfA3Qx7u0w4i9qXbBCqzYjTpWukoT7pOg/s320/A841DE2A-CA3A-47EB-88FF-971870670484.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On the sixth lap I veered off course to try to find somewhere to go to the loo. As I stepped into the more densely wooded forest, I was surprised to see a lone female walker coming the other way. I said, "Oh, hello... just looking for the Ladies," and she said, "that's where I've just been!" We both laughed and once she'd headed out of the woods I used the really quite lavish loo:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fJ3a_A6tG8V44E13EcMnpRtld1Y5jloDmwzqF38ZHeOf4CpTicn8Y1B8yUoW-7h5eQ-xFS709zBti00iQNiBY11v37A-cLuFRQYZg5batcbEESLKMj9B5oLaqWXkLFaFlcTjZljWnw/s2048/6A910560-700B-4BA8-B842-FDD8FAD476A2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fJ3a_A6tG8V44E13EcMnpRtld1Y5jloDmwzqF38ZHeOf4CpTicn8Y1B8yUoW-7h5eQ-xFS709zBti00iQNiBY11v37A-cLuFRQYZg5batcbEESLKMj9B5oLaqWXkLFaFlcTjZljWnw/s320/6A910560-700B-4BA8-B842-FDD8FAD476A2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Afterwards I ran down the hill and passed her. She turned and smiled, and maybe I imagined it but we had a bit of a shared "girl power" moment, both of us being single women doing our fitness thing, and she called out, "Have a nice day!" and I said, "You too!" and we both smiled. It put me in a good mood for the rest of the lap. <br /></p>A few more photos from later in the day when the sun came out again:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zr4be5elmXXVQcwm_6bmfVtDjDAe3vRrwtEg3imaztUVOue8hUsVa20uesqz7c4ckWdVt9yriqKR5ufmxD1ce75g5zhu9RrK-kZV60XNvBQ7gM93rxQxQVIlUnb0Umrsd8qgcz5QJA/s2048/D2F31EA0-487A-4C26-BF3C-325C9B50FFCA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zr4be5elmXXVQcwm_6bmfVtDjDAe3vRrwtEg3imaztUVOue8hUsVa20uesqz7c4ckWdVt9yriqKR5ufmxD1ce75g5zhu9RrK-kZV60XNvBQ7gM93rxQxQVIlUnb0Umrsd8qgcz5QJA/w150-h200/D2F31EA0-487A-4C26-BF3C-325C9B50FFCA.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH9NVkPPos0MISj98xDb7v1QtzQ3br3GE4uq7sp5NMZhaDnL9ro6LHUnRhJipDUb1xKP_VYd3C2WINZciz_rFmSqyaqfudIBBHOeKKXX59uR6LEIVhDqIG1JnhrBm4sBM1o9iO1qTNA/s2048/5FD7EE82-B1B4-441D-898F-99997A1779DA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH9NVkPPos0MISj98xDb7v1QtzQ3br3GE4uq7sp5NMZhaDnL9ro6LHUnRhJipDUb1xKP_VYd3C2WINZciz_rFmSqyaqfudIBBHOeKKXX59uR6LEIVhDqIG1JnhrBm4sBM1o9iO1qTNA/w200-h150/5FD7EE82-B1B4-441D-898F-99997A1779DA.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuW0lMeNYnSOiVgLB1JbtAA4DLUYbtDH_KSv2yIKArzqT5L__4w8T47OZaHyAYIcBreSkBBK2wuFf-KKACZQfn-0XaWTYfOSDSiSY5gxjCn_1Hc5SmJj-GLwUMs_nmk6tnLIboRAqBKw/s2048/1EF8AC0C-E0F2-4B58-8019-7B50922BCD48.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuW0lMeNYnSOiVgLB1JbtAA4DLUYbtDH_KSv2yIKArzqT5L__4w8T47OZaHyAYIcBreSkBBK2wuFf-KKACZQfn-0XaWTYfOSDSiSY5gxjCn_1Hc5SmJj-GLwUMs_nmk6tnLIboRAqBKw/w200-h150/1EF8AC0C-E0F2-4B58-8019-7B50922BCD48.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br />Having a super-happy moment in the sunshine on lap 6! Earlier at the aid station I'd overheard a girl say, "I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be than here, doing this, today" and that totally sums up the feeling. I'd got a 'free' day off work (made up of all the unplanned overtime I've done lately), I was out in beautiful woods, doing a marathon that counts towards my challenge, feeling great and the sun was shining. Epic.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rDYLG9B5eXaDrKhwHfmzcRVFoVudUa_xosythiD4wKEhrx6GWrjk3VNM76tufi4g2g5QUD_A6lllXFAlLgaeSqwuEtSKxa69kksYV8sn9xOv3tAdpKc71AJb_VFFztLI_vABT6EEJQ/s2048/59C4BA3F-741F-4325-9F62-7C5F85085E45.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rDYLG9B5eXaDrKhwHfmzcRVFoVudUa_xosythiD4wKEhrx6GWrjk3VNM76tufi4g2g5QUD_A6lllXFAlLgaeSqwuEtSKxa69kksYV8sn9xOv3tAdpKc71AJb_VFFztLI_vABT6EEJQ/s320/59C4BA3F-741F-4325-9F62-7C5F85085E45.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The lake view was even more stunning than earlier so I took another picture and then spotted this gorgeous tree at the far end so took a pic of that too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADx0rKXtcppzujKG_f8NHl26bwB5dt08s-QU0iGqd0c2iysvsjtaJ5JR8CAfZEssC-Y0NN7yTIC0kPzpsCOgHXwCewAiREAf7taiHzD-6_GTSYzNA9gUjt6w7DX7wDdZTh6sUIgUVuw/s2048/2F190B11-EFCC-4D77-BF65-060FB8C864D9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADx0rKXtcppzujKG_f8NHl26bwB5dt08s-QU0iGqd0c2iysvsjtaJ5JR8CAfZEssC-Y0NN7yTIC0kPzpsCOgHXwCewAiREAf7taiHzD-6_GTSYzNA9gUjt6w7DX7wDdZTh6sUIgUVuw/w200-h150/2F190B11-EFCC-4D77-BF65-060FB8C864D9.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKzLXIE45l-_7lfDdKycwDIHb5g3m0znbBMGLYnS69LmjFkDiu_mGJTX1pOd90LI185lQhYfFKyQmEPsJgYRryqNawP19l_wtSndAW-0UulyW5tgnaQbSKJ6NS1jm-jQUMhBrQz5fRw/s2048/BE1F2171-3AD3-48B4-A05C-5ED62B58718D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKzLXIE45l-_7lfDdKycwDIHb5g3m0znbBMGLYnS69LmjFkDiu_mGJTX1pOd90LI185lQhYfFKyQmEPsJgYRryqNawP19l_wtSndAW-0UulyW5tgnaQbSKJ6NS1jm-jQUMhBrQz5fRw/w150-h200/BE1F2171-3AD3-48B4-A05C-5ED62B58718D.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div></div>I got to the end and picked up my medal, beer and flapjack. I've stopped drinking again so I daresay Mattgreen will get to drink this beer at Christmas. I'd forgotten, but when I signed up you could opt out of a medal and goody bag in exchange for planting a tree. I obviously couldn't do that (I need the medal to make it count for the challenge and who turns down flapjack?). But there was a sign on the table saying I'd paid extra to plant a tree as well. I had totally forgotten this but it was a nice bonus at the end.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs3W7uwUj9W9RqzQpsGSqJ38Ays-P9jg1pGEZV-BLty1pMpHIl0hii_o-axYv83C2REGADyF0goz0wTxtnxzGGfQgr1wUNDaAFSyjbFJYVvj7sosn_trziCI8dGMosUM965ygKCsdbA/s2048/D9E66F71-7DCE-42D6-B867-0DD5DA6FAA39.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs3W7uwUj9W9RqzQpsGSqJ38Ays-P9jg1pGEZV-BLty1pMpHIl0hii_o-axYv83C2REGADyF0goz0wTxtnxzGGfQgr1wUNDaAFSyjbFJYVvj7sosn_trziCI8dGMosUM965ygKCsdbA/s320/D9E66F71-7DCE-42D6-B867-0DD5DA6FAA39.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A day later I got an email from Trees Not Tees regarding my tree (!) which is now planted somewhere near Glasgow. I generally am strongly in favour of trees instead of t-shirts and also instead of medals in any race shorter than a marathon. I definitely think being given the option is a good idea. I hope more races start doing this in future, especially large races where there's a lot of waste.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX6wSkWipoZup1DkECI1SqqRGhE5QtV1Nwo0R7axsYAkl8cxjO9C8EGYIyfDzC9Y3CslNOs68w5rrYNddFQbVE9wfz-8UMzV7Mo-5cNmOqEZRZIE445wVQVAMFItLCI4z0XgjtXpO3g/s2436/IMG_6517.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX6wSkWipoZup1DkECI1SqqRGhE5QtV1Nwo0R7axsYAkl8cxjO9C8EGYIyfDzC9Y3CslNOs68w5rrYNddFQbVE9wfz-8UMzV7Mo-5cNmOqEZRZIE445wVQVAMFItLCI4z0XgjtXpO3g/s320/IMG_6517.PNG" /></a></div> <br />I wanted a finish line photo but couldn't get the angle right for a selfie so the kind man at the aid station put gloves on so he could take this for me with my phone. I bought a reusable race cup as they had some nice ones and waited to watch Dan and Rob finish. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lOyJYQgmLTq3GFDJAx4XKadcPQQeFaWrDe1GV76te-4RPZOn3hB-fEOUinZEjm0CRExc2oIrQKzJVC1NgCST0qWQXYvjjJQ5FNTnakDu8Ta0lDdif9plye10EKSllH28Es1qXWLPFg/s2048/65BB5E8B-53AC-4AD5-A1CE-6F5FA68C95D3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lOyJYQgmLTq3GFDJAx4XKadcPQQeFaWrDe1GV76te-4RPZOn3hB-fEOUinZEjm0CRExc2oIrQKzJVC1NgCST0qWQXYvjjJQ5FNTnakDu8Ta0lDdif9plye10EKSllH28Es1qXWLPFg/s320/65BB5E8B-53AC-4AD5-A1CE-6F5FA68C95D3.jpeg" /></a></div><br />Sadly just before I left I checked my email and got a notification that my next marathon (meant to be on Sunday) had just been cancelled due to Covid. Arrrggghh! <br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Birches Valley, Rugeley WS15 2UQ, UK52.7492815 -1.973773124.439047663821157 -37.1300231 81.059515336178848 33.1824769tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-46232285916094577022020-10-04T11:00:00.358+01:002020-10-10T22:24:42.503+01:00Isle of Wight: Isle of Wight marathon race recap<p>After <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/10/buckinghamshire-chiltern-ridge-ultra.html" target="_blank">yesterday's 50k trail race</a>, I allowed myself a bit of a lie-in before today's marathon. The race was fortunately not due to start until 11.30am - I think this is because Mainlanders need time to catch the ferry over, if they didn't come the night before. Incidentally you get a 50% discount off the ferry if you enter the race, which was actually very generous as the ferry was quite expensive - so thank you WightLink!<br /></p><p>I'd made arrangements to start at 11am, as there was a slightly earlier start for people who thought they would take longer than 5 hours 15 minutes, but no longer than 6 hours, which was the cutoff. Normally I can run a road marathon like this a lot faster than that, but after yesterday, I didn't want to take any chances. </p><p>My legs were stiff but not <i>too </i>bad so after some breakfast we headed off to the race start. The race had lots of very strict rules including that spectators weren't permitted at the start or finish so I had to ditch Ian outside the venue. Ian was not impressed... his assessment of the IoW is that they are all, "Brexit-loving Tory-voting miserable boring bastards"... No comment!<br /></p><p>I left it until the last possible minute to go in and after about 2 minutes of huddling under an awning we were called to the start line by the race director shouting "will the slow group please follow me" - charming. I overheard a girl say "Will the substandard runners please follow me" in quite a sarcastic voice.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHl54H0JhQDHX7Dqs3HbjgaRbP_w5tRb38kev5Rb7XsZNp6aZqUV_hs07hcOXd5cQdFRrnP_MzKMDWoYOWotOJDqkuTG6QdEml_JS2vlIfk366WqrHN9xjQH6TMEKLPS69mz3LXspVw/s2048/5AE36767-6C16-44AB-BAF7-A9E276CAE3BE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHl54H0JhQDHX7Dqs3HbjgaRbP_w5tRb38kev5Rb7XsZNp6aZqUV_hs07hcOXd5cQdFRrnP_MzKMDWoYOWotOJDqkuTG6QdEml_JS2vlIfk366WqrHN9xjQH6TMEKLPS69mz3LXspVw/s320/5AE36767-6C16-44AB-BAF7-A9E276CAE3BE.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The weather forecast was equally as grim as yesterday, only now with strong winds as well. It was cold and raining from the very start and pretty much stayed that way all day.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0WhIAHHWszC4llq3tbl9DhzZS_DY95kbMHK4PXHsj36I81QAuWD-4bCpNcriA4HpZZiju5J6R3CXifB2OLeMO5sT_Pxy4EHs39PLcjngSS5QA7cg7x6ggwF2C8-GYGe_HeGX-asZXA/s320/0ACCA3E7-8EB0-47EF-810C-7A2E306E583C.png" /></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">The race director came over to the start and started making random announcements. He was going on about keeping 2m apart and about marshalls and things, but I didn't care because I was freezing and just wanted to get going. After five minutes, we were allowed to get started, and one row at a time set off around the field.<br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIIXYxwL3izthzM2tHvOPRrpP29mH3Sb1eproXDvRzoxfOZpdpKei3RddwaqvFABdqzGP9tJcFBiVK5h1jCPGBeGk_IsnhvhDd89IPRc9xNguGgy1SD9FmOOa0_g6L9TA4QJqaW4ahQ/s2048/2D8FB659-4469-4EE9-A12C-D278023E3FA4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIIXYxwL3izthzM2tHvOPRrpP29mH3Sb1eproXDvRzoxfOZpdpKei3RddwaqvFABdqzGP9tJcFBiVK5h1jCPGBeGk_IsnhvhDd89IPRc9xNguGgy1SD9FmOOa0_g6L9TA4QJqaW4ahQ/s320/2D8FB659-4469-4EE9-A12C-D278023E3FA4.jpeg" /></a></div><p>Not long after leaving race HQ I took this picture because I could see the sea! Little did I know that I would barely see it again for the rest of the race.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKb81yVpIyxQJOLqJvgy2fyVVzOkfTnqJC1LWEiarr36Dex6_5GaiHg80TUZ9ha0oeUFQnXtWpCwmorjR2Q9Fz8zHGdpxTcaC8WKdxNG7k9uD_UUuisn3_HWyxmEyEAZqIaLUT90zb_g/s320/36F05448-AC65-4C73-A54B-92A3D1CCEA18.jpeg" width="320" /></div><p> The race soon left Cowes and headed out onto the "quieter roads on the Western side of the island" according to the race blurb. Only the roads weren't that quiet. Maybe because of Covid, or maybe because of the rain, but everyone and their dog seemed to be out. For reasons I will never understand, we were instructed to keep left at all times, in direct breach of the Highway Code. This led to some terrifying overtaking manuevres:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasJLxf-UZSomZJxTJVORYmtvRZsr4s35V9D5NrYRlsnVTQgKPBmrzuYPni3N3u-tJhn38U6pGDFN5S-i2_i5zwBR4-6oji4Q-W9jnJslfBKDwCNE5z0w_FRXMRNyzgFpXzpOiOl8Qkg/s2048/F6D5B5BA-2BC7-4063-BF97-8867D7F1E481.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasJLxf-UZSomZJxTJVORYmtvRZsr4s35V9D5NrYRlsnVTQgKPBmrzuYPni3N3u-tJhn38U6pGDFN5S-i2_i5zwBR4-6oji4Q-W9jnJslfBKDwCNE5z0w_FRXMRNyzgFpXzpOiOl8Qkg/s320/F6D5B5BA-2BC7-4063-BF97-8867D7F1E481.jpeg" /></a></div><p>And some pretty hairy left turns where I had to run almost on the central line and pray that no cars came speeding round the bend not expecting me to be in the middle of the road - eek.</p><p>The other added element of "excitement" was that this race had an 'extra' cutoff of 3 hours 15minutes at 15 miles. I would only just have made that yesterday and that was making me twitchy, so I set myself the target of making the cutoff and worry about the rest later. I also made a deal with myself that I would walk ALL the hills as I needed to conserve my legs for when the going got tough. The other advantage of the never-ending rain was that I got cold if I stopped, so I ran almost continuously all day.</p><p>This picture was taken at around 8k, when the frontrunners overtook me (they are just ahead of that red car) - they had managed to catch up their 30 minute headstart already. Most of the people in this race seemed to be very serious road runners - not my usual environment I have to say. Lots of people in shorts and vests despite the conditions. The winner finished in 2 hours 28 minutes which is pretty serious if you ask me.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8coPPRiSKN72ynkhwnvq8osWcNmBqHVY-xzm94xL5sjnvPWCBr3zKX5Z5B-7MQ-h5BYeQQPcg6GQas_mX-h0ovYx8uW71kJqcND8svzhyPrBA0UJy0jEKHoBGyJqvHYPuR-7KxEL80A/s2048/5D55B606-929F-4FEE-AB70-68FF57130983.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8coPPRiSKN72ynkhwnvq8osWcNmBqHVY-xzm94xL5sjnvPWCBr3zKX5Z5B-7MQ-h5BYeQQPcg6GQas_mX-h0ovYx8uW71kJqcND8svzhyPrBA0UJy0jEKHoBGyJqvHYPuR-7KxEL80A/w240-h320/5D55B606-929F-4FEE-AB70-68FF57130983.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Within the first 10k, my phone was already playing up. Wet fingers, wet screen, wet clothes. Pictures are blurry and not long after became completely impossible. Which was a big shame because somewhere around 10k I saw a lady cheering and clapping the runners from the gate outside her house... whilst dressed in a wetsuit, snorkel and flippers. Honestly it was hilarious, I really wish I'd taken a photo!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKuCm_RR5o5XlHcTib8BITR6GOy7ze81botSklJhlRk7EQSZtN4M1XkahhCqd0gRCOE4-wAMvX20BvhZHV9GHNeF2thMCXDPQkgX7sJmLsa31pXF-6djKTXLxEGn7gaUz3XjVT25HKg/s2048/807D9B7C-7F10-4A70-A2DA-0C707443A062_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKuCm_RR5o5XlHcTib8BITR6GOy7ze81botSklJhlRk7EQSZtN4M1XkahhCqd0gRCOE4-wAMvX20BvhZHV9GHNeF2thMCXDPQkgX7sJmLsa31pXF-6djKTXLxEGn7gaUz3XjVT25HKg/s320/807D9B7C-7F10-4A70-A2DA-0C707443A062_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Over the course of this race, I saw more roadside stands than I have in any other race I've run. I started to wish I'd brought a rucksack! The list, not exclusive, included: apples, honey, eggs, logs, carrots, beetroots, plants, manure, kindling, pumpkins.<br /></p><p>Ian, meanwhile, was driving round the island trying to find me. Here's a picture he took of me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCniVWlEHPu8zX7xK6cedU2R1AFWA8y454FOj-n4wy_PZrFUq_Y4xar4BkH45T9eZwbKOxk3wp4MHXdATk36MmMAcdJJvhHxlewMZ2Ooirnv6lvMwZP1oWkIEX4qegLW1U3wq_peR65w/s2048/E4E9CF58-3031-4622-AFD1-B27C5EE6162D.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCniVWlEHPu8zX7xK6cedU2R1AFWA8y454FOj-n4wy_PZrFUq_Y4xar4BkH45T9eZwbKOxk3wp4MHXdATk36MmMAcdJJvhHxlewMZ2Ooirnv6lvMwZP1oWkIEX4qegLW1U3wq_peR65w/s320/E4E9CF58-3031-4622-AFD1-B27C5EE6162D.heic" /></a></div> Unfortunately another rule in the race briefing was: <p></p><p><i>There is a UK Athletics rule that forbids external assistance so I'm
asking you not to have supporters handing you drinks etc. as this is
perceived as an advantage (we're also dissuading supporters from
attending and given the extra restrictions recently in place we should
keep any on course to a minimum).</i></p><p>This seems completely ridiculous to me. I've run a lot of marathons and even the three World Majors I've done didn't enforce this. Yesterday Ian literally provided me with a full change of clothes halfway round. I was so disbelieving of this that I actually went to UKA and looked it up. Sadly, that rule does exist, though just about all races turn a blind eye. Ian's role was therefore limited to words of support and friendly waves. Once or twice, he pretended to kiss me but instead stuffed jelly sweets into my mouth at the last second. UP YOUR BUM stupid rules!<br /></p><p>At some point around 11 miles or so, the route headed out along a narrow path. There was sea on the right and a kind of marshland on the left. At this point, the wind and rain really picked up, and thrashed across the path, buffeting runners around.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4gcvfu3q6gnGKpqvxdejJOOliDiV6Ms2BoHreIYt3QV81vPpP2qZ_DAlj3bryDeK2sP1XGoOUO7BLccaKXqrnUI5eIppXA_PGk0QtQzN3MsQxETli1Ck8yTgPoaAF5OtWxSTeRopAA/s4032/39659368-AE2F-480A-8E50-6459A94F76F6_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y_3AHer8f9I0L3vJOgmM0_ytJ0pYXVob7a44_iYEQlXWbpj6SGSlbbIPSSRsZwzmB1vmYmLmn1v2LPcrlwquO-Sda3pmsdJNBRKw9CbVIUN9mBuRbmo9gOvQqqLizoNVxDpBycPktA/s2048/B713333A-C69B-47A1-83E2-A051FE33075E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y_3AHer8f9I0L3vJOgmM0_ytJ0pYXVob7a44_iYEQlXWbpj6SGSlbbIPSSRsZwzmB1vmYmLmn1v2LPcrlwquO-Sda3pmsdJNBRKw9CbVIUN9mBuRbmo9gOvQqqLizoNVxDpBycPktA/w200-h150/B713333A-C69B-47A1-83E2-A051FE33075E.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4gcvfu3q6gnGKpqvxdejJOOliDiV6Ms2BoHreIYt3QV81vPpP2qZ_DAlj3bryDeK2sP1XGoOUO7BLccaKXqrnUI5eIppXA_PGk0QtQzN3MsQxETli1Ck8yTgPoaAF5OtWxSTeRopAA/w200-h150/39659368-AE2F-480A-8E50-6459A94F76F6_1_201_a.jpeg" width="200" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was being overtaken by lots of people along this section. I remember one girl went past, then stopped and screamed back at her teammate, "GET A MOVE ON!!" and then kept running. I wondered if her team mate found that motivational. He stumbled past me a few minutes later, in a shirt that matched hers. I felt quite sorry for him really! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Time passed quickly and I was easily going to make the cutoff, but I refused to take my foot off the pedal until I got there. I stopped to take a picture, which proved difficult even with a tissue to dry the rain, but as you can see I got there with 30 minutes to spare. This left me 3 hours 15 minutes to do 11 miles, which I could probably do even if I walked most of it, so I could breathe a sigh of relief at this point. I rewarded myself by permitting myself to stop for a wee which I'd wanted to do for the last hour.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqTYTbpqTKuJK9KJqmAOTmeTW8ggCznmjuHjsRJxA3rTDDV70qy85XBCHx6f2mgB2UQDtKONr-gmeJWkSXS4seZ7kFpp2bHkaibU3i-MnXM4r85cYkZbWaR2qGS_hmsWKIeeh3Z4FlQ/s2048/4936664D-A1B3-4248-8FA6-1E467E9898BC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqTYTbpqTKuJK9KJqmAOTmeTW8ggCznmjuHjsRJxA3rTDDV70qy85XBCHx6f2mgB2UQDtKONr-gmeJWkSXS4seZ7kFpp2bHkaibU3i-MnXM4r85cYkZbWaR2qGS_hmsWKIeeh3Z4FlQ/s320/4936664D-A1B3-4248-8FA6-1E467E9898BC.jpeg" /></a></div><p>The next time I saw Ian, he had brought me a bottle of Coke. I wanted the Coke very very badly, but I also didn't want to get disqualified, so I pretended to stretch/waited for runners to go round the corner/Ian attempted to blockade the view while I sneakily huffed down Coke half crouched against the car. I felt like a drug addict or an alcoholic. Great! </p><p>It did the job though and powered me through the next few miles. I stopped to take this picture at one of the aid stations. I need to mention that there were soooo many marshalls at this race and they were without exception really friendly and encouraging. The weather was so horrifically awful and you get really cold marshalling because you don't have the benefit of running to keep warm. These ladies were both a bit older than me but so so kind and friendly, clapping everyone, handing out water, smiling. They were touched I thanked them so profusely, but they were the real stars of the show. In fact there were lots of people who'd come out, huddled under doorways and umbrellas to clap the runners. I was genuinely surprised and touched. So that was nice. The other runners on the other hand, barely said two words to me all race. This was a race where I was very glad to have my headphones.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhND8lYJfMlvlbctIGxHUWs06XG2Vd4TNm13pIAg3Vi_15wVvEBhI1zB6YgVIUXwP57s_GIGw08wWFj7m_2Wo-vDyZpv3WNRO0rlb4ykRtoTifRQ7VemIWaqYJfWaeBVUqlMtbKNGyTpA/s2048/56FF19AC-E42C-4254-9914-30688D5D431C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhND8lYJfMlvlbctIGxHUWs06XG2Vd4TNm13pIAg3Vi_15wVvEBhI1zB6YgVIUXwP57s_GIGw08wWFj7m_2Wo-vDyZpv3WNRO0rlb4ykRtoTifRQ7VemIWaqYJfWaeBVUqlMtbKNGyTpA/s320/56FF19AC-E42C-4254-9914-30688D5D431C.jpeg" /></a></div><p>What was less nice was that the only thing they had at all the aid stations was water. I do appreciate Covid yadda yadda but I also know it doesn't have to be like this as only yesterday they had bananas, boxes of Celebrations, packets of crisps, ziplock bags filled with sweets... Even providing gels would have been OK. The only race I've ever done which offered this little was <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2019/05/cumbria-windermere-marathon-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Windermere</a> and I moaned about that at the time. I just think that if you are running a race which requires intake of carbohydrates to complete it, suitable carbohydrates ought to be provided, for safety reasons if nothing else. But what do I know.... I'm just a <b>dietitian</b>! Ahhhh! </p><p>Here are a couple more pics Ian took of me running through a river/in the rain:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYf5YGwwWOU7AK_-HIxJhTqMyhoXBc3jvpqj7k2i5Pq1S8LA2L9-ugHvnehLxIet63dJXYSVocAoXPeivM6bVbCl5bOPPbZRB3M0WWoq0pS7z41xrEExf1zpik4ANXLhKfxE4F6qylQ/s2048/804A20F0-0EFC-4C1E-844F-396A0574ACFC.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYf5YGwwWOU7AK_-HIxJhTqMyhoXBc3jvpqj7k2i5Pq1S8LA2L9-ugHvnehLxIet63dJXYSVocAoXPeivM6bVbCl5bOPPbZRB3M0WWoq0pS7z41xrEExf1zpik4ANXLhKfxE4F6qylQ/s2048/804A20F0-0EFC-4C1E-844F-396A0574ACFC.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYf5YGwwWOU7AK_-HIxJhTqMyhoXBc3jvpqj7k2i5Pq1S8LA2L9-ugHvnehLxIet63dJXYSVocAoXPeivM6bVbCl5bOPPbZRB3M0WWoq0pS7z41xrEExf1zpik4ANXLhKfxE4F6qylQ/s320/804A20F0-0EFC-4C1E-844F-396A0574ACFC.heic" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniR6vSLCW25vxaDjbBhirNGHjvqkZ-ROrOvdxD8PWpxEpQpP7VSQiWzc8FkRHefyWlnUMphhIk23CvpJ856uEuThx8V0ZgTZ-Q7mUTKc5lcu5SQK_A4z5AHI14fcK_n_pEiKimUesDg/s2048/FDD5EDDC-BA39-4FC2-9B3A-7D57AA398906.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniR6vSLCW25vxaDjbBhirNGHjvqkZ-ROrOvdxD8PWpxEpQpP7VSQiWzc8FkRHefyWlnUMphhIk23CvpJ856uEuThx8V0ZgTZ-Q7mUTKc5lcu5SQK_A4z5AHI14fcK_n_pEiKimUesDg/s320/FDD5EDDC-BA39-4FC2-9B3A-7D57AA398906.heic" /></a></div>And here's one where I've stopped for illicit Coke and hence look quite happy, if a little damp:<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKU8lvjWOZiBZQzbt6R0n5Km2xLO85MkkUgxvGy_Mw6ZE_yX8GffBYDiuBEZ70cF8tv00ui-iHSn5LGgVyKHMVHlleeTk_4cqVbe6k8jXNWOFEvmOAzBuJZ7ODJnqp2RutYN7AumQ7Q/s2048/5DDF09AE-5C1E-438E-A8E7-8605ED760E0F.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKU8lvjWOZiBZQzbt6R0n5Km2xLO85MkkUgxvGy_Mw6ZE_yX8GffBYDiuBEZ70cF8tv00ui-iHSn5LGgVyKHMVHlleeTk_4cqVbe6k8jXNWOFEvmOAzBuJZ7ODJnqp2RutYN7AumQ7Q/s320/5DDF09AE-5C1E-438E-A8E7-8605ED760E0F.heic" /></a></div><p>If by now you're thinking: this is getting boring, just endless boring wet roads, you're starting to feel how I felt. My parents had said they would phone me at 4 hours, I had spent ages looking forward to this but then they couldn't hear me very well because the phone reception was a bit rubbish so I only spoke to them for a few minutes. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildRAwJ9Yle-eWqSpR8IEpEdCGbS-fk71QdB9XgBL9pAXiMgBRULfLRaFZbBBP-cWiNT3K_YBFtm4SKKdI6pCWy8_Xjca2Ti6UFKuac8Ig1v5nKKqfyIxKNo-BC1rcG3xpsarKR1x_Jw/s2048/505E8FC3-34B2-49BB-82FF-B9E3F4CA9ADE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildRAwJ9Yle-eWqSpR8IEpEdCGbS-fk71QdB9XgBL9pAXiMgBRULfLRaFZbBBP-cWiNT3K_YBFtm4SKKdI6pCWy8_Xjca2Ti6UFKuac8Ig1v5nKKqfyIxKNo-BC1rcG3xpsarKR1x_Jw/s320/505E8FC3-34B2-49BB-82FF-B9E3F4CA9ADE.jpeg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Somewhere around 23 miles there was a long, steepish downhill section and I suddenly had a second wind. I overtook the people who'd just overtaken me and flew down this hill, they must have wondered what had got into me. I've always been good at downhill running and I sailed down this hill, Ian caught me just as I got to the bottom.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdcB7agKb647oSRqzlTCR4BuInvj8bSde07kHoW1XB_4_tju0kPlfGGFcl1GBhyphenhyphenw0MD-124ZeKQVPmjTlz41HLEZ9_fCcAFxf3Xnm7xgRWNDKb_H_u4WtPqRSL_QJai3duit-RM6OMA/s2048/3A48F7E0-EB25-4138-AB37-D1BD887D9D5B.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdcB7agKb647oSRqzlTCR4BuInvj8bSde07kHoW1XB_4_tju0kPlfGGFcl1GBhyphenhyphenw0MD-124ZeKQVPmjTlz41HLEZ9_fCcAFxf3Xnm7xgRWNDKb_H_u4WtPqRSL_QJai3duit-RM6OMA/s320/3A48F7E0-EB25-4138-AB37-D1BD887D9D5B.heic" /></a></div>Because the Isle of Wight was the same day as the Virtual London marathon, I saw quite a few people wearing two bibs. I knew you could enter the VLM for £20 even if you didn't have a place originally, but I didn't because it seemed like cheating to get two medals for the same 26.2 miles! Also the VLM was a virtual race, hence most people running it by definition wouldn't have had support/aid stations/etc therefore having those things also seems like cheating. I'm surprised the race director didn't ban it as this to me is far worse than being given the odd jelly baby. But whatever! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aletFf8-EEg8_AUT5MaEGRogyPYq2VJteTopQeX41z3bpPFD_v0o7GLVNLzrPx2-urIjEADbmJHVhEPj3ubT6v8Z4UND8FHExTPH8fY-GP1cqPZnJVGQ63I2TEJJptBhJaFflScfaQ/s2048/5E69F5BF-E6D2-47CB-8CBD-1BC0112D4962.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aletFf8-EEg8_AUT5MaEGRogyPYq2VJteTopQeX41z3bpPFD_v0o7GLVNLzrPx2-urIjEADbmJHVhEPj3ubT6v8Z4UND8FHExTPH8fY-GP1cqPZnJVGQ63I2TEJJptBhJaFflScfaQ/s320/5E69F5BF-E6D2-47CB-8CBD-1BC0112D4962.jpeg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At mile 24 there is a gigantic hill that goes on for a mile. I walked up it, which I didn't mind at all. At the top, there was a couple holding a a motivational sign and a box of orange slices. The man was wearing a Vegan Runners top and offered me one. I hesitated... the girl said helpfully, "Don't worry, we've washed them!" and I said, "It's not that ..." and explained about the pre-race rules email. She said cheerfully, "We won't tell anyone!" so I took one and it was delicious. I quickly ate it and then kept running before anybody saw me and reported me to the powers that be. </div><p>Finally I shuffle-ran along the last mile and here's a pic of me turning the corner into the finish, taken by Ian from inside the car as he wasn't allowed in. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeaSAeIunK2-GZf3K6Rvr_jbgviGmVBH7rR0nsVlZErlczrTiuuekH3EFEKLED0pLPlIfZTBkwMWYHuQghf9lTQjkj-Iug8ft23b63DxWg85-AYRZZ_skm-v1NPlJcyCu0-pn13_klQ/s2048/8AEAAEB6-C173-47FB-AA88-CA68A8D7A505.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeaSAeIunK2-GZf3K6Rvr_jbgviGmVBH7rR0nsVlZErlczrTiuuekH3EFEKLED0pLPlIfZTBkwMWYHuQghf9lTQjkj-Iug8ft23b63DxWg85-AYRZZ_skm-v1NPlJcyCu0-pn13_klQ/s320/8AEAAEB6-C173-47FB-AA88-CA68A8D7A505.heic" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to take my own finish picture because of this, but when I got my phone out of my vest I was treated to this lovely screen: <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstdbHcFp0XJfaqlLpXXu1ClJX7Sh3mYqrgaiJ_f-0NWUhwEOcYP-eNLbqSFbXqfqNZqXYlUpny1WYmENmIJ11u7y7eIzKDZHqTCqFGRRttcHcNoe-ZolFdn76Zz0DKSrV8QZs0TLVaw/s2436/FA84D5B3-19FF-4718-9B58-A547F8C41A8B.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstdbHcFp0XJfaqlLpXXu1ClJX7Sh3mYqrgaiJ_f-0NWUhwEOcYP-eNLbqSFbXqfqNZqXYlUpny1WYmENmIJ11u7y7eIzKDZHqTCqFGRRttcHcNoe-ZolFdn76Zz0DKSrV8QZs0TLVaw/s320/FA84D5B3-19FF-4718-9B58-A547F8C41A8B.png" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So I stood off to one side, waiting 3 minutes, when I saw the race director. I thanked him for letting me start at 11am (even though I actually finished in 5 hours 9 minutes so technically was a bit too quick for the "slow" group). I said, "so you'll be sending the medals out in the post, yeah?" in reference to a line in the pre-race email which said:</div></div><p><i>Medals will be awarded to all finishers – these will be posted out to avoid contact on the day.</i></p><p>The race director said, "Oh no, they're over there, just pick one up". He gestured to a table on the left. I am pretty much 100% certain I would've walked straight past that table and would still be waiting for my medal in the post if my phone hadn't stopped working, especially as we were also asked to leave the finish area as quickly as possible. </p><p>I got my medal. It was made of wood (not sure what I think of that). I took a selfie:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh9q-5sDoQNV_BiWEcDya3vvcMXKQILDHuRvmffuzwO5VXhhAhaFSeK48owXsN9rJRXrMao8WLDm_WmFdU2t7NFWp7lqGK_mHoIuTFNK3WBD-fynzkFnP2iZ2_bfiNsKyH63KIZmf3A/s2048/810F0DF1-F1CA-4B96-AD73-B73A5D390462.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh9q-5sDoQNV_BiWEcDya3vvcMXKQILDHuRvmffuzwO5VXhhAhaFSeK48owXsN9rJRXrMao8WLDm_WmFdU2t7NFWp7lqGK_mHoIuTFNK3WBD-fynzkFnP2iZ2_bfiNsKyH63KIZmf3A/s320/810F0DF1-F1CA-4B96-AD73-B73A5D390462.jpeg" /></a></div>Then I left. Ian was waiting outside. I got in the car, sat on a towel and went back to the hotel. I took a pic with both my medals - my hair and all my clothes were soaked like I'd just got out of the shower.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BVl-cgMhe_JJvFdJA38SPJMAuDwPXuQ7OvR90Le88wkKQwZomGCZDo_xUBiCPuqtHIMhXHjB1NrrpvTUfFrhxOLdhPe0n8dcA6hyphenhyphenFdpWzXMxkIYU7seOC1VgWnAchwmzJMaH-qZ7Qg/s2048/3BB9655A-D152-4559-B306-6F6BCCB4608D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BVl-cgMhe_JJvFdJA38SPJMAuDwPXuQ7OvR90Le88wkKQwZomGCZDo_xUBiCPuqtHIMhXHjB1NrrpvTUfFrhxOLdhPe0n8dcA6hyphenhyphenFdpWzXMxkIYU7seOC1VgWnAchwmzJMaH-qZ7Qg/s320/3BB9655A-D152-4559-B306-6F6BCCB4608D.jpeg" /></a></div>Then I actually had a shower and sat in bed scoffing pasta that Ian had bought for me. This is the extremely un-glamorous side of running two races in a weekend:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKx2__bFlcyCtnCSTq9LlddlUkrbLq2XzJH_W1vWRNWX7Urk-5dOEZxfUuuVf_uIKS4rU3y6q_RRZJjG3l28pJ37MiRUa4ap6LbgPVS3Nlhdoyhk_3JvE17XlBJ0RZUR8tu7aTqMiCyQ/s2048/36E8A91A-E5E5-47BA-9D42-A97753866766.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKx2__bFlcyCtnCSTq9LlddlUkrbLq2XzJH_W1vWRNWX7Urk-5dOEZxfUuuVf_uIKS4rU3y6q_RRZJjG3l28pJ37MiRUa4ap6LbgPVS3Nlhdoyhk_3JvE17XlBJ0RZUR8tu7aTqMiCyQ/s320/36E8A91A-E5E5-47BA-9D42-A97753866766.heic" /></a></div><p>We went out for dinner to a very average pub, where they accidentally gave Ian alcoholic beer when he'd asked for non-alcoholic. There were lots of roadworks. It continued to rain. Ian remained deeply sceptical of the Isle of Wight in general. The next morning we got up early and caught the 9am ferry. It was a calm and serene morning as we sailed away and commenced the 6 and a half hour drive back to Liverpool. Many, many thanks due to the ever-patient Ian for doing so much driving this weekend. Definitely couldn't have pulled this one off without him!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gTI1At7_CNGP-oIefqkr0KiUjQd3D1ZSUcM5baMHSYgw40IWd6PgvvUN7FbgTZHk4t9yr-OL9Nagos-ieSVpu4SIFOfO7JrXHbx29zE3LBMDSSkq_JLbLUCamWKSgiUDEIiSqIjRFQ/s2048/62357756220__6CA4FD49-13DF-43DA-A266-97C2ADF6A3C3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gTI1At7_CNGP-oIefqkr0KiUjQd3D1ZSUcM5baMHSYgw40IWd6PgvvUN7FbgTZHk4t9yr-OL9Nagos-ieSVpu4SIFOfO7JrXHbx29zE3LBMDSSkq_JLbLUCamWKSgiUDEIiSqIjRFQ/s320/62357756220__6CA4FD49-13DF-43DA-A266-97C2ADF6A3C3.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com1Park Rd, Cowes PO31 7NP, UK50.755899199999988 -1.312158522.445665363821142 -36.4684085 79.066133036178826 33.8440915tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-1816554652413985252020-10-03T10:38:00.275+01:002020-10-10T14:53:00.270+01:00Buckinghamshire: Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 50k race recap<p>This was my first official race after a very long enforced break (7 months!) thanks to <a href="http://www.alicerunsthecountry.co.uk/2020/03/a-runners-thoughts-on-corona-virus.html" target="_blank">Covid-19</a>. Since my last official race I've run 12 solo marathons just to keep my hand in, but I was definitely ready to earn some new medals.</p><p>I saw a link to this race on Facebook a few months ago and thought it looked like a nice day out. It was designed to be Covid-friendly and promised a refund if cancelled. I knew when I booked it that it was the same weekend as the Isle of Wight marathon, but given IoW was a large road race, I pretty much assumed it would be cancelled. Spoiler: it wasn't.</p><p>I prepared for the race by having a mega-stressful week at work - my boss was off, we were already carrying a vacancy, the caseload has gone a bit mad because of Covid 2 - The Return Of Covid. Much overtime and working outside my comfort zone followed. I did no running all week because I was exhausted. The day before the race I got up at 4:30am to pack and then lead Project Awesome before going into work for a few hours. Ian picked me up from work and we drove through the pouring rain to Wendover. The weather forecast was truly grim:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4n0IrRF7VseFrUaFeSRUQ1IhVRYltd2eQzZ1JOF1pGB9VK11hAoJ4vAhq_gHLddMuH3EBQxIZtA7ZdX1TUffqED4sUE3tJWM8K2kRW4D-2_bS3kj9vehyphenhyphen1U_JWz4ydIcEZVdTId4Gg/s2436/IMG_6116.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4n0IrRF7VseFrUaFeSRUQ1IhVRYltd2eQzZ1JOF1pGB9VK11hAoJ4vAhq_gHLddMuH3EBQxIZtA7ZdX1TUffqED4sUE3tJWM8K2kRW4D-2_bS3kj9vehyphenhyphen1U_JWz4ydIcEZVdTId4Gg/s2436/IMG_6116.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4n0IrRF7VseFrUaFeSRUQ1IhVRYltd2eQzZ1JOF1pGB9VK11hAoJ4vAhq_gHLddMuH3EBQxIZtA7ZdX1TUffqED4sUE3tJWM8K2kRW4D-2_bS3kj9vehyphenhyphen1U_JWz4ydIcEZVdTId4Gg/w93-h200/IMG_6116.png" width="93" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZpmntST7gYJK1joKUHnyYAKNtMljZdYhIViHHgdJ3HsY4B4SV8x1M4B4vKyo2rInIx26_XTNnXfc_c1zHhLdIYPPERsW5u7hsuzmbBh16SKQ_TUKxbfRd3Foe8DxG16sOCavRUYVFQ/s2048/IMG_6117.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZpmntST7gYJK1joKUHnyYAKNtMljZdYhIViHHgdJ3HsY4B4SV8x1M4B4vKyo2rInIx26_XTNnXfc_c1zHhLdIYPPERsW5u7hsuzmbBh16SKQ_TUKxbfRd3Foe8DxG16sOCavRUYVFQ/w200-h150/IMG_6117.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4n0IrRF7VseFrUaFeSRUQ1IhVRYltd2eQzZ1JOF1pGB9VK11hAoJ4vAhq_gHLddMuH3EBQxIZtA7ZdX1TUffqED4sUE3tJWM8K2kRW4D-2_bS3kj9vehyphenhyphen1U_JWz4ydIcEZVdTId4Gg/s2436/IMG_6116.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p><br /></p><p>On the drive down, my brain provided me with reasons not to take part. "<i>It's more important that I finish the Isle of Wight. Running is meant to be fun, what's fun about running through mud and rain for hours? You've had a hard week, you could just have a nice lazy day in bed and then go and do Isle of Wight. This is going to be really grim, are you sure you've done enough training? You've not done hills for ages. There's a weather warning for floods you know"</i>.... and on and on and on. I told Ian he just had to get me to the start line in my kit no matter what, and I would take care of the rest.</p><p>The next morning I felt quite a bit more cheerful, though annoyingly my legs felt slightly sore from overdoing the squats at Project Awesome - oops. My mum sent me a message that made it sound like I was going to a funeral rather than enjoying my hobby:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaAzJzCednMaeODaM2-bnp9p7G-9Ev5WM9P96AvH0ObN4PX2y_L66DXM8FKeTkJqn5KkDOLY10sPDzelxDAnsmCzpLDp2XqxXWRmhvvA3jMu3SrBVTLma4FSOOGgkSCs4bPwPbh0XPw/s1074/IMG_6125.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="1074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaAzJzCednMaeODaM2-bnp9p7G-9Ev5WM9P96AvH0ObN4PX2y_L66DXM8FKeTkJqn5KkDOLY10sPDzelxDAnsmCzpLDp2XqxXWRmhvvA3jMu3SrBVTLma4FSOOGgkSCs4bPwPbh0XPw/s320/IMG_6125.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After a slightly stressful attempt to drive down a single track lane to find the place, we arrived at the start. To my surprise it wasn't actually currently raining (though it had rained all yesterday and overnight) but was just really misty instead. That tiny light in the photo is the huge bright light outside race registration, shown in the next pic, which was only about 100m away.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDOz-TJAcCEmy4trSraZBM_-3sULPiO-sMufj-oEDd1zIkv2pibbhS36ybwd-CXpjFgEWxyvaHuDMuLTqv3Qw8EFOvurA_sjADvScCeNInDvcBpOX8UgFPNLL2onM9Wv9Qe9s970_XQ/s2048/IMG_6128.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDOz-TJAcCEmy4trSraZBM_-3sULPiO-sMufj-oEDd1zIkv2pibbhS36ybwd-CXpjFgEWxyvaHuDMuLTqv3Qw8EFOvurA_sjADvScCeNInDvcBpOX8UgFPNLL2onM9Wv9Qe9s970_XQ/s320/IMG_6128.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />Registration was in a tent, everyone had to put a mask on to go in and collect their number and a race wristband. You also had to put a mask on at all the aid stations. There was a staggered start spread over 45 minutes.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sHL4AlMdvSsTYfYpOM103Is0OuYP7EUpSxd5CayDIpbJKawT1IkFHHKBEmKVmHojeZq_oZBSzWn8hEVGhJivqxj7fn8EImqC_ntmYpIkRYLbRM4QbKzKM9yDphvfOd-1ui1iBAI_4A/s2048/IMG_4062.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sHL4AlMdvSsTYfYpOM103Is0OuYP7EUpSxd5CayDIpbJKawT1IkFHHKBEmKVmHojeZq_oZBSzWn8hEVGhJivqxj7fn8EImqC_ntmYpIkRYLbRM4QbKzKM9yDphvfOd-1ui1iBAI_4A/s320/IMG_4062.jpeg" /></a></div>This was the queue to start, with runners setting off every 20 seconds to aid social distancing. I was having Garmin problems as the start and finish were right on top of each other so it kept completing the course before I even began! I started at around 8:30am as I was mindful we were booked on the Isle of Wight ferry at 7:30pm so it would be helpful if I could finish in less than 7 hours. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzc-fWmBKImVizZVFRoAS8u8jFTvP9M54hCGz4jQBTrZo9Jci8OAcfmLCJ7VfgYXtOlrl4Xf3dvnEuYeKDmelD7DAAfQ5wliQ3B18AVczg5_mAr1clCc7wdQP_BD_5D2BmeCeGtycdg/s2048/IMG_4070.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzc-fWmBKImVizZVFRoAS8u8jFTvP9M54hCGz4jQBTrZo9Jci8OAcfmLCJ7VfgYXtOlrl4Xf3dvnEuYeKDmelD7DAAfQ5wliQ3B18AVczg5_mAr1clCc7wdQP_BD_5D2BmeCeGtycdg/s320/IMG_4070.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Ian took this slightly eerie pic of me setting off alone into the mist:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgyi3Uzeabc1PUQCxiFFv5WNlJDpy1SrUgV3Mh10Bfr9yVlh0SAfm4_RldM55GfolXESKTmtUHF_VckNHYx8LCxzFNlthR8sDzWMEIBnyhtcT3ylH7zwGqpuL_zbXdegenB7DmIcGAQ/s2048/IMG_4074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgyi3Uzeabc1PUQCxiFFv5WNlJDpy1SrUgV3Mh10Bfr9yVlh0SAfm4_RldM55GfolXESKTmtUHF_VckNHYx8LCxzFNlthR8sDzWMEIBnyhtcT3ylH7zwGqpuL_zbXdegenB7DmIcGAQ/s320/IMG_4074.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The race was proper trail right from the very start. I knew a lot of it was in woodland which I was trusting would help minimise the effect of the rain. It sort of did and sort of didn't. This picture was taken near the start by the race photographer and I love how atmospheric it is!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0z9r7xq3C5FdySQjm3lb1zCvtSAkVD-dPK7FRFA99jgBr01JArd95EIbtaFkCBWliJS2GTzJp0uMAkWEJpynaWz5XQ92Ydff8M1G_u79z5lnTJhtAP-Kn9YK2l8XTNk58luWA1re1Q/s2048/CR-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0z9r7xq3C5FdySQjm3lb1zCvtSAkVD-dPK7FRFA99jgBr01JArd95EIbtaFkCBWliJS2GTzJp0uMAkWEJpynaWz5XQ92Ydff8M1G_u79z5lnTJhtAP-Kn9YK2l8XTNk58luWA1re1Q/s320/CR-63.jpg" /></a></div>The rain started within half an hour of setting off and didn't stop for hours.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYO3iD0qeDCXe0Yo6FKlN_WDpTR1xRG-uq6_B06isfEw1xUeHmpVEekJEFReq-ic0yltjsBN9BlCi1fMLBbNpmaJQ7quu_GkkQcNeIVVpA3zavi7Aw_G0rxT0tw4OR8iNTtdycrf-BQ/s2048/IMG_6129.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYO3iD0qeDCXe0Yo6FKlN_WDpTR1xRG-uq6_B06isfEw1xUeHmpVEekJEFReq-ic0yltjsBN9BlCi1fMLBbNpmaJQ7quu_GkkQcNeIVVpA3zavi7Aw_G0rxT0tw4OR8iNTtdycrf-BQ/w200-h150/IMG_6129.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2ahOg4zT3tCIst-aMQyYGbMMwGXAiR0woNzfIlcGv0y7Mt4adHgBVZ2TmUN9U-yQ7yJ-VeDIwgeN0nS8tXzNEFSzR-vw8efc2Oga71h3AOUmUTQpNNmu1Ae7tQTau9pCGhTWKKJiUQ/s2048/IMG_6133.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2ahOg4zT3tCIst-aMQyYGbMMwGXAiR0woNzfIlcGv0y7Mt4adHgBVZ2TmUN9U-yQ7yJ-VeDIwgeN0nS8tXzNEFSzR-vw8efc2Oga71h3AOUmUTQpNNmu1Ae7tQTau9pCGhTWKKJiUQ/w200-h150/IMG_6133.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYO3iD0qeDCXe0Yo6FKlN_WDpTR1xRG-uq6_B06isfEw1xUeHmpVEekJEFReq-ic0yltjsBN9BlCi1fMLBbNpmaJQ7quu_GkkQcNeIVVpA3zavi7Aw_G0rxT0tw4OR8iNTtdycrf-BQ/s2048/IMG_6129.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />For the first few miles, I was being overtaken approximately every 20 seconds by all the runners behind me. I walked every hill, and tried not to worry about what anyone else was doing, reminding myself that they<i> probably </i>didn't have another race tomorrow. Around about 7km in, I got into a rhythm and started to feel OK. I realised that if this was one of my multi-days, I'd be quite happy just pootling along through the woods on my own and that I should really try and make the best of it as there's not many trails like this in Liverpool. I got to a place with a bench and a viewpoint, though sadly I think the mist took away from it slightly:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0usEtcNhqQO4kDOR-3FaxvCPbT4k37blYVpq5XaLtbOX85K_FWLoRYXOi3KydP0TsIStO55rMIEEfkpnmSt6iPJurnWcEfQH4zsP4_c8BkkhAHjIL_H94CAkDCasCDd32k-p-UR8Ilw/s2048/IMG_6134.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0usEtcNhqQO4kDOR-3FaxvCPbT4k37blYVpq5XaLtbOX85K_FWLoRYXOi3KydP0TsIStO55rMIEEfkpnmSt6iPJurnWcEfQH4zsP4_c8BkkhAHjIL_H94CAkDCasCDd32k-p-UR8Ilw/s320/IMG_6134.jpeg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The race goes through Tring and first passes over a busy road and then past Tring station, where you had to be lucky to avoid getting a free shower from the cars passing by:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tCQ-E39Y58o45PF192lZzClOey0dMNMjxClbKUrCfN1jP2cLRahZc9v0j1omTvDLDIzHp6AuwbYUfgM8U8GuOb9BgdrBiR_o_B0PzOV3Tjtbee_XtMOU9X8OUlZBJtLbCSph3Q8pPg/s2048/IMG_6136.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tCQ-E39Y58o45PF192lZzClOey0dMNMjxClbKUrCfN1jP2cLRahZc9v0j1omTvDLDIzHp6AuwbYUfgM8U8GuOb9BgdrBiR_o_B0PzOV3Tjtbee_XtMOU9X8OUlZBJtLbCSph3Q8pPg/w200-h150/IMG_6136.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ref6QhKRtnBD9smuCzRrgfTz__ftxn6sFgxcIshk0T4g88uU6-paRPne6qpUCUD9kvS9o34PxlEfD7kqUs4jgV3g3kS4-t12sNLbfoUqMy0b-rI3hPCex4DB-HiBeRhI9KZUwsUKAw/s2048/IMG_6143.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ref6QhKRtnBD9smuCzRrgfTz__ftxn6sFgxcIshk0T4g88uU6-paRPne6qpUCUD9kvS9o34PxlEfD7kqUs4jgV3g3kS4-t12sNLbfoUqMy0b-rI3hPCex4DB-HiBeRhI9KZUwsUKAw/w200-h150/IMG_6143.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tCQ-E39Y58o45PF192lZzClOey0dMNMjxClbKUrCfN1jP2cLRahZc9v0j1omTvDLDIzHp6AuwbYUfgM8U8GuOb9BgdrBiR_o_B0PzOV3Tjtbee_XtMOU9X8OUlZBJtLbCSph3Q8pPg/s2048/IMG_6136.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I had cunningly put my phone in its waterproof case prior to this race (this was an exceptionally good plan, as was wearing waterproof socks (Sealskinz) without which the whole day would've been a much grimmer experience). Nevertheless, by the time I got to the chalky hills up to Ivinghoe Beacon, my phone was dying a death. My hands were wet, the screen was wet, all my clothes were wet so I had no dry surfaces to dry anything on. I couldn't swipe, it couldn't recognise my face, I couldn't click on the photo button. Much swearing ensued. Eventually I managed to get it to take these pics, just as I came out onto the open tops, with the wind whipping across at 45mph and the rain lashing down:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV8Fw_SOjNSLqj6BCkiC2D9DDd3MRToJP9g7C85aDh5E8O-h9DBSKPJuki2EtDTyJxLPeHnQBOt0L6xpZpYR5qkORM6IEXmk9ddODlEzEHI6UIdME4lscKcA7wWrb97XQr_Y2tRPahw/s2048/IMG_6144.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV8Fw_SOjNSLqj6BCkiC2D9DDd3MRToJP9g7C85aDh5E8O-h9DBSKPJuki2EtDTyJxLPeHnQBOt0L6xpZpYR5qkORM6IEXmk9ddODlEzEHI6UIdME4lscKcA7wWrb97XQr_Y2tRPahw/w200-h150/IMG_6144.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzqKCgOYlL6iJ1iHU_A56jusKkY0zSkuEIxsqQj15S5x45RYzgbjMEWYLyNmKYN_x_mns1ktMFxiYeVFBRXLTCFmn2tCkbKrwT-XTAeU-bGZAUZEhpUlCLNWDYsPl5rOLJr84G0cFLQ/s2048/IMG_6147.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzqKCgOYlL6iJ1iHU_A56jusKkY0zSkuEIxsqQj15S5x45RYzgbjMEWYLyNmKYN_x_mns1ktMFxiYeVFBRXLTCFmn2tCkbKrwT-XTAeU-bGZAUZEhpUlCLNWDYsPl5rOLJr84G0cFLQ/w200-h150/IMG_6147.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV8Fw_SOjNSLqj6BCkiC2D9DDd3MRToJP9g7C85aDh5E8O-h9DBSKPJuki2EtDTyJxLPeHnQBOt0L6xpZpYR5qkORM6IEXmk9ddODlEzEHI6UIdME4lscKcA7wWrb97XQr_Y2tRPahw/s2048/IMG_6144.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV8Fw_SOjNSLqj6BCkiC2D9DDd3MRToJP9g7C85aDh5E8O-h9DBSKPJuki2EtDTyJxLPeHnQBOt0L6xpZpYR5qkORM6IEXmk9ddODlEzEHI6UIdME4lscKcA7wWrb97XQr_Y2tRPahw/s2048/IMG_6144.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The hills were steep and there were quite a few of them. People were coming back in the opposite direction thick and fast by now. They'd already been to the turnaround point and were on their way back. One of them warned me to be careful of the chalky slopes because they were very slippery.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiknFWo9DtV5hURciP7qz0QHQpUPBSlUU01_aAyc9qv-SfTrtaoLWGRZCtZmPXZXbxtMCWnP5tEEe42u95oNP0yzSepN0wXFZuS7c1OQ29gRetGnwM3tKydLDuCZgOD8-GthCr2mWuQ/s2048/IMG_6148.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiknFWo9DtV5hURciP7qz0QHQpUPBSlUU01_aAyc9qv-SfTrtaoLWGRZCtZmPXZXbxtMCWnP5tEEe42u95oNP0yzSepN0wXFZuS7c1OQ29gRetGnwM3tKydLDuCZgOD8-GthCr2mWuQ/s320/IMG_6148.jpeg" /></a></div>When I finally got to the top I spent several minutes wrangling with my phone and some tissues so I could take a picture at Ivinghoe Beacon. Visibility was terrible and the wind was truly horrific so I didn't hang around. In the back of my mind I was still thinking about finishing in time for the ferry crossing, and also I started getting cold the minute I stopped so I decided to just crack on.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioelLULw6-dtrkgs5nP8eVKRxaz8pCOt9AA6IkzClg9lF_cLoOcIe7weuWxdWF-1FkL5ypL8nDFWJkvB3pXMMkbBTPJmfGn94wPYZSYEfbwxqSrw4ZyF7rlSzsF4hY8x7iTwsUOJ43OA/s2048/IMG_6152.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioelLULw6-dtrkgs5nP8eVKRxaz8pCOt9AA6IkzClg9lF_cLoOcIe7weuWxdWF-1FkL5ypL8nDFWJkvB3pXMMkbBTPJmfGn94wPYZSYEfbwxqSrw4ZyF7rlSzsF4hY8x7iTwsUOJ43OA/s320/IMG_6152.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29mol3eAhAIRLgvIH7-7FPkKvV2kr-ACoug60PIt0JfEtZ8sft5Qtf5qEjixvGGARB90cEoXk-cMMGbLDQjMI4wc1iS_o_iwQYk1Ajld80NprdyymUB_DADLio8iHYnwYU01u7A9GvA/s2048/IMG_6154.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29mol3eAhAIRLgvIH7-7FPkKvV2kr-ACoug60PIt0JfEtZ8sft5Qtf5qEjixvGGARB90cEoXk-cMMGbLDQjMI4wc1iS_o_iwQYk1Ajld80NprdyymUB_DADLio8iHYnwYU01u7A9GvA/s320/IMG_6154.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>On the way back I discovered there were only 5 people behind me. One of them was a girl with an injured knee who I'd overtaken some 30 minutes ago, she told me she was just hoping to make the cutoff. This reassured me that I would make it as she seemed to know what she was doing. I had skipped the first check point and all I'd eaten was a sausage roll that Ian gave me. All my food was in a dry bag inside my sodden vest but I forced myself to make the effort to open it and retrieve my Dolly Mixtures. These sustained me all the way to the next checkpoint at 24k, the half way point. There are no photos because the rain was just too heavy. I saw another bloke slip over and I helped him up and rescued his hand sanitiser from where it had slid down a bank and we ran together for a little while. The rain, the narrow trail, the low number of participants (105 in the ultra) and the staggered start didn't lend itself to finding people who were a similar pace as me to run with so I ran the vast majority of this race alone.</p><p>At 24km, after a field of bulls (!) I came to the second checkpoint. Ian was waiting there for me and I stopped for at least 10 minutes to try to sort myself out. I huddled under a sloping roof next to a wheelie bin, where I stripped off my waterproof trousers, jacket and t-shirt and changed into dry ones. I drank tea from a flask Ian had brought. I ate a whole flapjack. Ian reported he had found somewhere in Beaconsfield that could sell me a cable for my bone conduction headphones so I put them on. I took 2 paracetamol, scanned my wristband and took some chocolates and headed out for the second half.</p><p>I took this pic to show how phenomenally well signposted this race was. I don't think I've ever done a race that was better. There was red tape (to the left of the picture) and signs at every possible turning, and often "wrong way" signs - which twice saved me from heading off in the wrong direction. There was a GPX, updated with the covid-changed route, which was accurate, and marshalls at key turnings. Even the graphic design on the pre-race info was on point. There was a pre-race briefing on Youtube which was succinct and clear and spectators were made welcome throughout. Results went up the same day. I couldn't recommend <a href="https://www.runawayuk.com/" target="_blank">Runaway Adventures</a> any more highly! Massive thanks due to the team who de-flagged the course after - that must've been quite a job.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO80x9EHUbjnrs7BIHGTKoyTW5jXMmjvrx6qI1Ub-a1zVqcy8wU1NFLc_gB_VW5D4vo8U9fIwpDrOWSDkk16rk56Et6zpBJHW1GUTQqxqfm47Fs9D1mNyNQ9ctjSTos0beVUZpDQvcQ/s2048/IMG_6156.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO80x9EHUbjnrs7BIHGTKoyTW5jXMmjvrx6qI1Ub-a1zVqcy8wU1NFLc_gB_VW5D4vo8U9fIwpDrOWSDkk16rk56Et6zpBJHW1GUTQqxqfm47Fs9D1mNyNQ9ctjSTos0beVUZpDQvcQ/s320/IMG_6156.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The mud and water however - I failed to take pictures of the worst of it due to phone issues, this is just a mild taster. Suffice to say all of my kit needs a good wash....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjctDQRsgTLbb4uiM_PbEx0mrka-FkWgvEm23Ls9CGvepbGaFfILUic62zKubr2wBUqauVYx3dkBMaZkt7nOGro3rNgCpyJnxTLIY4qtlhLF94NsYt94ureZzUKgNc8tm5KSBEQoikA/s2048/IMG_6163.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjctDQRsgTLbb4uiM_PbEx0mrka-FkWgvEm23Ls9CGvepbGaFfILUic62zKubr2wBUqauVYx3dkBMaZkt7nOGro3rNgCpyJnxTLIY4qtlhLF94NsYt94ureZzUKgNc8tm5KSBEQoikA/s320/IMG_6163.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>As the race continued, I gradually overtook people. I was quite enjoying myself now - getting from 25k to 30k was quick and easy and I always feel races are easier once you're past that point. The rain had eased off and eventually stopped completely and I could even see some bits of the countryside.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4b-gj95Hik-aGUJSIFU52ZdnH_vu0Ig2oV546mAHy1Y43zDULABDyhFzSdwQYnpq7yIdQnKVUdI8cd28lz1UQsFunJKtqLmAcwBLKGFcjmVinhP6pu1pofZPjNuLRTLc2OIVeFh59g/s2048/IMG_6158.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4b-gj95Hik-aGUJSIFU52ZdnH_vu0Ig2oV546mAHy1Y43zDULABDyhFzSdwQYnpq7yIdQnKVUdI8cd28lz1UQsFunJKtqLmAcwBLKGFcjmVinhP6pu1pofZPjNuLRTLc2OIVeFh59g/w200-h150/IMG_6158.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj4fKNXcqDfSZFnNnnhvQxISJgPJbORtDBD7X4cbq8F9h6FtMyO0lCkdJFqIf3Iscl_S6zNsXwRTALBSkrayhmNsnX3cCufXhlDnjXn_cy3KRTdLTglF8gf5tfb-qbL3ozIiBYc-SiA/s2048/IMG_6159.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFj4fKNXcqDfSZFnNnnhvQxISJgPJbORtDBD7X4cbq8F9h6FtMyO0lCkdJFqIf3Iscl_S6zNsXwRTALBSkrayhmNsnX3cCufXhlDnjXn_cy3KRTdLTglF8gf5tfb-qbL3ozIiBYc-SiA/w200-h150/IMG_6159.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4b-gj95Hik-aGUJSIFU52ZdnH_vu0Ig2oV546mAHy1Y43zDULABDyhFzSdwQYnpq7yIdQnKVUdI8cd28lz1UQsFunJKtqLmAcwBLKGFcjmVinhP6pu1pofZPjNuLRTLc2OIVeFh59g/s2048/IMG_6158.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p>I think this might be the view from that viewpoint that was all mist earlier: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBlzhpp9KKhtYRHKXYJUAwW1fvbzRAK-oIklgLkaPKmCmO4tmcX9T7WqHnl7rL9eNPLjoPU3AHgKVETIlU2IVAum-kz4HtPcWfDPZBijuevbmLQAydn7Swk3wrJAVcMxr3nsS6dYNqw/s2048/IMG_6164.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBlzhpp9KKhtYRHKXYJUAwW1fvbzRAK-oIklgLkaPKmCmO4tmcX9T7WqHnl7rL9eNPLjoPU3AHgKVETIlU2IVAum-kz4HtPcWfDPZBijuevbmLQAydn7Swk3wrJAVcMxr3nsS6dYNqw/s320/IMG_6164.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There was one more checkpoint at 38km outside a pub. Ian was there and had brought me Coke which I drank enthusiastically. I swiped my wristband and set off to get this done. My legs were really sore at this point - definitely not used to those hills. I remember chatting to someone who told me the race had been postponed from May, which I hadn't realised.</p><p>I can't really remember the last few miles of the race. There was nobody around. I just plodded on.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSqynYdlU8WagPV_mMgUwTsKdAoRzhUgcq8LESRNNqpYBb6g_l1JZPwppe6PW9_oD5_5piW6OPrGIQeMqLz6XwE8ovjmw4CYcJVVn5Gdoo2W9mxhi7Mi4J8rnEL1Y3NN0u1Rr2qxjRw/s2048/IMG_6161.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSqynYdlU8WagPV_mMgUwTsKdAoRzhUgcq8LESRNNqpYBb6g_l1JZPwppe6PW9_oD5_5piW6OPrGIQeMqLz6XwE8ovjmw4CYcJVVn5Gdoo2W9mxhi7Mi4J8rnEL1Y3NN0u1Rr2qxjRw/s320/IMG_6161.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Finally arrived back onto the field. Other competitors who were getting into their cars stopped to clap, the race volunteers clapped, Ian took photos. The race director himself gave me my medal (still wrapped in plastic) and I thanked him profusely for a lovely race. I finished in 6:56 - pretty much dead on my estimate. Looking at the results afterwards there were at least 12 people behind me plus all the people who didn't finish, so as usual my ability to maintain a (slow but steady) pace for hours served me well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6ZqKqD8-p0bIa-eJEZFkK-AN6uDSicW6y_foSWksG9ykkj2EiyE8x0flWRFZYrv46F1Xz6O_YL6AHsZVNShF0LEbkkDaFwAxrme3cs4O0P4UL4NXu8I1299Y1OONVBdqd_lqjEBGJA/s2048/B715E5F0-56F9-44D1-A72A-003FA4EC0341.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6ZqKqD8-p0bIa-eJEZFkK-AN6uDSicW6y_foSWksG9ykkj2EiyE8x0flWRFZYrv46F1Xz6O_YL6AHsZVNShF0LEbkkDaFwAxrme3cs4O0P4UL4NXu8I1299Y1OONVBdqd_lqjEBGJA/s320/B715E5F0-56F9-44D1-A72A-003FA4EC0341.heic" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ian took this lovely photo of me and then I went and stood behind those toilets in the background and stripped off all my wet kit for the second time today. I put on some warm clothes and went to get a cup of tea and a pizza from the local vans that were on the field - both of which were amazing.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVXGnLsu6eb2XTnfudByDBOQEo7cbvzM3ZP-Wn-8mAJQAIioC6c5M5eSvTAU5TDqNi5j4IMtHlCvi_jqhs39vmbJbVOXtNdx9ErT8c8OdHRxemvgUo5sF81LSl26mgcdn6HcjIIn5ZQ/s2048/1E14664D-0DBD-4BC1-86DE-5843C8940749.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVXGnLsu6eb2XTnfudByDBOQEo7cbvzM3ZP-Wn-8mAJQAIioC6c5M5eSvTAU5TDqNi5j4IMtHlCvi_jqhs39vmbJbVOXtNdx9ErT8c8OdHRxemvgUo5sF81LSl26mgcdn6HcjIIn5ZQ/s320/1E14664D-0DBD-4BC1-86DE-5843C8940749.heic" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuc3LvLVL9mtw3B9lxXc2NP9u8_-C-YC26e9HLcv5Rb2JoNzF0P0a12awmGR_HZxKPECf0-aIFqx0VOYHWaCQtCRjU38oOKf4QkAbtJlqy301GN5Vh5YEVnvbQsk-gUOdqTd8VRX8ug/s2048/IMG_6167.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuc3LvLVL9mtw3B9lxXc2NP9u8_-C-YC26e9HLcv5Rb2JoNzF0P0a12awmGR_HZxKPECf0-aIFqx0VOYHWaCQtCRjU38oOKf4QkAbtJlqy301GN5Vh5YEVnvbQsk-gUOdqTd8VRX8ug/s320/IMG_6167.jpeg" /></a></div></div>We managed to get the car out of the mud-infested field without getting stuck (unlike some people) though the car got pretty muddy during the experience...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR509QkhGbopRVu8tcz9h9XpEIsGn1Tv-ldfeP_OLSiSocdQcqwTUXagV9mLPaMDcENhj8gd-Yb21MR8SHdrXA6efrSrfwwyWBfPwrc_5u6oTHnK9aoMlxg6sxUcS7RCHSZrHYjLr7Pg/s320/IMG_6170.jpeg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ian then kindly drove for several hours down to Portsmouth. We got there early so I hobbled around Gunwharf Quays food establishments wearing my medal and begging them to let us in (everywhere was fully booked). Eventually Cafe Rouge took pity on us and I got a hot sandwich before getting on the ferry. Finally arrived at the guest house on the Isle of Wight at about 22:00 and finally got a shower slightly after. It had been a loooooong day. Now to do it all again tomorrow (!) <br /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Halton, Aylesbury HP22 5NQ, UK51.7828016 -0.711312423.472567763821154 -35.8675624 80.093035436178837 34.4449376tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807491272410973407.post-17109761766717965702020-03-20T08:38:00.000+00:002020-03-28T16:54:26.512+00:00A runner's thoughts on corona virus<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">Last winter, when I signed up for Hardmoors 55, I was feeling very low and vulnerable. My plan had been to speed train all winter to try and get a BQ for Boston marathon, but every time I thought about it I felt depressed. I saw this race and thought, “Screw Boston - I’d much rather go far than fast” and signed up on a whim. It was only later I realised this was <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a776073/more-than-100-ultra-runners-rescued-from-the-north-york-moors-in-the-snow/" target="_blank">the race that had been called off in 2018 during Beast from the East</a>, with many runners getting hypothermia.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">It was then I began to realise how much I’d bitten off. The race has a 16 hour cut off, which at first glance is fine, I’d done a 50<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>miler in 10.5 hours earlier in 2019. But that was flat. This one involves 2400m of ascent - here’s the elevation profile:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgch2QPJ1Cpr2qqxsYA_IrJgj3d_13MpRyOfp02MsvUX8Py8wAJV-xfV2AddT7f0ET05F4hpBoBUTXbGAeBfZsPhqeCwzSucV2O5T-h52vovWyZUcPZRTGR1SlC4d2va1UwrOFINtHmNg/s1600/Screenshot+2020-03-20+at+07.55.14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="620" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgch2QPJ1Cpr2qqxsYA_IrJgj3d_13MpRyOfp02MsvUX8Py8wAJV-xfV2AddT7f0ET05F4hpBoBUTXbGAeBfZsPhqeCwzSucV2O5T-h52vovWyZUcPZRTGR1SlC4d2va1UwrOFINtHmNg/s320/Screenshot+2020-03-20+at+07.55.14.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">I was definitely going to have to do some hill training.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Over the last four months, I’ve been to Lancashire three times, the Lakes twice, Yorkshire twice and West Sussex once. I’ve run more hills than I’ve ever run in my life. It has been tough and I’ve made sacrifices in every other area of my life to accommodate it because I really, really wanted to do this. The cost of accommodation and travel has run into quite literally thousands of pounds. I have run through so much mud and in some insanely strong winds during the winter storms. I ran a few marathons that didn’t count towards my challenge just to get extra hills in. I ran when I was ill. I even DNF’d a race - I missed the cutoff and I cried - but I went out and did another loop anyway so I could get some extra hills in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> All the pics below were taken on training runs in the last three months - this is the reality of winter ultra running. It's brutal. According to the Health app on my phone, I've run and walked a total of 1100 miles since December 1st. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">I was also nervous about self-navigating around the moors in the dark on my own (who wouldn’t be?!) and did a course with the legendary Joe </span><span class="s1"><span class="st">Faulkner</span> of <a href="https://www.nav4.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nav4 Adventure</a> to improve my map reading. I went to a recce to practice running 25 miles of the course at night. It was during Storm Dennis and the weather was truly horrific. I wanted to quit so many times - torrential rain and wind, ploughing through deep mud and icy puddles, in the dark. I dug deep that night, because I knew if I could endure that, I could use it to get me through the race. The next morning I got up early and ran another 23 miles to practice a different section of the course alone<span class="Apple-converted-space">. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">The race has extensive kit list requirements and many of these items I’d never needed before. Some of my gear needed upgrading - my best gloves had holes in, making them less than waterproof, for example. I went to the fabulous Let’s Run in Stokesley and spent £500 on kit. It would be worth it, I told myself, to finish this race.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">Last weekend, I was booked to go on a skiing holiday. All winter I’d worked through NHS winter pressures without any time off so I could conserve my annual leave for this holiday. It was hard but it would be worth it. Then corona virus happened.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On Saturday I packed with one hand whilst obsessively reading the news with the other until finally at 8pm the news came through that it was cancelled. I was due to set off for the airport at 3am the next morning.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gutted, but never one to give up easily, I started planning a solo adventure.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">By Sunday lunchtime I was on a train to Hull with a tiny backpack to attempt three back-to-back self-supported marathons along the Yorkshire Wolds Way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I finished yesterday. The total ascent was 2900m. I didn’t even need to do any stretches as I’ve become so accustomed to hills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">On Monday night it was announced that Hardmoors 55 would go ahead, albeit with major changes to the aid stations/start/finish. I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew other races would be cancelled - my April marathon<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>had already been pulled - but not Hardmoors. Hardmoors never cancels!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">On Tuesday night, after 56 kilometres of running, I had an email to say that it was cancelled. More accurately, it’s being postponed to October, but it might as well be cancelled as I can’t put myself through this again. The expense, the sacrifice... I just can’t. Besides, I’ve got an expedition in August, then Iz is off to uni in September and I’m attending two weddings. I've said many times that this is the last winter ultra I’d ever do - the training crossed a line for me to the point where I really wasn’t having fun anymore. But my sheer determination and tenacity means I couldn’t give up until it was done.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">You’d think I’d be relieved but I’m not. I’m grieving.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Every time I think about it I get tearful all over again. I know Corona virus has been wreaking havoc with everyone’s plans, but most people haven’t spent ALL WINTER preparing for one day of pain and glory and triumph. Being out in the hills, the stunning views, the fresh air, fighting your demons and at the end receiving the chunk of metal that proves you defeated them. That’s what running means to me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">Hardmoors 55 was due to be held on 28th March. I’ve got my last two days of annual leave booked (work have already said all future leave will be cancelled so this is my last time off for the foreseeable future). I’ve got sports massages booked for before and after. I’ve got two days accommodation (non refundable, because Hardmoors never cancels) in a very nice hotel in Helmsley.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">I totally understand that Race Directors are in an unenviable position. If I were them I would’ve cancelled too - they really had no other choice. I’m concerned for the livelihood of these people who do so much for our sport. My final glimmer of hope is that all I need to count this towards my challenge is a medal. It doesn't have to be an official race - I just need to have a medal to show that I've completed it. I've emailed the organisers to ask if I run it anyway, and send photos and a GPX file to prove it, would they possibly be able to let me have the medal? My fingers are crossed waiting for an answer, but even if they say no, I won’t be taking up their offer of a refund.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">Obviously I do realise there are more important things in life than running.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I </span><span class="s2">will</span><span class="s1"> get over this eventually. I still plan to run a hundred miler, one day. But it will definitely be in summer...!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>UPDATE</b>: The Race Directors said no. They had to - if they'd let me run, they'd've had to let others, and it was all just too risky. My hotel subsequently cancelled my booking and so did both my physios. The government advice regarding non-essential travel became increasingly strict. It was clear that this simply couldn't happen.</span></span></span></span></div>
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I'd been looking forward to this race for ages as I lived in West Sussex for nine years and this race is largely on the South Downs Way, which I ran last year. It was going to be a glorious adventure! But then Storm Jorge came along, and I knew from Iz's Scout hikes that the area was frequently a mud pit in March, especially after a fortnight of perpetual rain. On the way down on the train, I saw this:</div>
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... basically saying "it's going to be horrific". Oh deep joy. Ian and I had booked a couple of nights at super-fancy hotel South Lodge first so we had a lovely meal, a good night's sleep in a comfy bed and a morning jaunt around the muddiest bit of Sussex as a precursor:</div>
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Later that day my lovely friend Cat came to visit and we drank wine, had facials and mooched around the spa. That evening Mattgreen came for dinner in the pub and cocktails in the hotel lounge. It was all gloriously civilised.<br />
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The next morning I got up early, reluctantly checked out and made my way to Steyning Grammar School. Organisation was good and the event was sponsored by Clif bars, which I liked. What I didn't like was the prospect of spending many hours running up and down hills in the mud in the rain. Trying to fake enthusiasm: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGxDasCdh06i1jTfHOtbYvAutU5d5o0kefE5FZH0RxlL7NGxCfmTEnrDcRnAnaWo230GPdsLJO0dOIx5X3j_Rmxk0KX1Y9R2bsrZvxDvtF-g3gEizdhZW8IvfNuwhi7-lEqccs1SMzQ/s1600/3DCE0B7A-BA0E-4E15-96AB-E9A4CD20FF1D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGxDasCdh06i1jTfHOtbYvAutU5d5o0kefE5FZH0RxlL7NGxCfmTEnrDcRnAnaWo230GPdsLJO0dOIx5X3j_Rmxk0KX1Y9R2bsrZvxDvtF-g3gEizdhZW8IvfNuwhi7-lEqccs1SMzQ/s320/3DCE0B7A-BA0E-4E15-96AB-E9A4CD20FF1D.heic" width="240" /></a> </div>
The one upside was they had given me the absolute classic running number 118. This both guaranteed I wouldn't forget it and also gave me ideas for cool photo opportunities, as shown:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>(Many thanks to Iz Green for the photoshop skills!)</i></div>
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The race had a somewhat quirky start in that it didn't have an official start time. You could basically rock up anytime between 07:30 and 09:00 and just start running. This was weird as it felt like you were running by yourself. Also, normally during a race, you naturally end up with a group of people who are around your pace who you overtake/they overtake you all the way through the race. This didn't happen, as there could be someone who was your exact pace but who started 20 minutes later than you and your paths wouldn't cross all day.</div>
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The day was much nicer than predicted and within the first mile or two there were already hints of Sussex countryside loveliness:</div>
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The weather forecast was much worse than the reality and I was a bit warm from the get go. Blue skies and pretty countryside - I felt my mood lifting pretty early on.</div>
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Nevertheless Sussex never fails to deliver on the mud front. I was wearing new waterproof socks to try them out for Hardmoors and despite being filthy and having splashed through many (deep) puddles, my feet felt surprisingly dry. Especially as my shoes had holes in them!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This picture was the one time the weather clouded over. It rained, briefly, but I was in the woods at the time, and by the time I came out it had blown over never to be seen again...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There were many long slow climbs like this one, followed by long slow stretches across fields like this one:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the pre-race email it said, <i>"Along with many other events we are looking to reduce our use of
disposable cups. We would therefore encourage you to bring along your
own reusable soft cup or water bottle to be filled at our water stations".</i><br />
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I took this at face value and duly brought along my cup. To my surprise, when I arrived at the first aid station, I was very surprised that they had loads of plastic cups. I was literally the only person I saw all day who'd brought a reusable cup. I'm afraid I'm quite draconian on this one - there is no such thing as TRY to reduce plastic - you just have to DO it. Tell racers there will be no cups and to bring their own. Sell your own branded one at the start for anyone who forgets. They'll remember next time. The end.<br />
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This chap was probably regretting the decision to wear white shorts:<br />
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The race organisers had photographers out on the course who provided free photos, always a nice touch - thank you! Here I am not looking too miserable as it was on a flat bit!</div>
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Somewhere around 18km, I saw in the distance the familiar shape of Chanctonbury Ring. It was surprising how little I recognised about this route considering I'd run it before.<br />
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When I got closer I took this picture. This is the 'wrong' side of the Ring - the other side looks out on glorious countryside and reminds me of the night Ian and I wild camped here without a tent and Ian woke up with a slug in his sleeping bag. Also the time Ludo escaped here and disappeared over a hill beyond an electric fence whilst I shouted obsenities - ahh happy memories!<br />
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A bit later you do two small loops. I overheard someone saying they were very muddy so I had that to look forward to. I saw Ian at the start of the first and he asked if I wanted anything - I said COKE because there was nothing but water at the aid stations to drink. He went off to search for it and I completed the loop and headed on to the next one. Lo and behold, when I arrived he was there clutching a bottle of it. Lucky me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I ran some more. Sussex was Sussex-y. There were hills, but nothing too savage.<br />
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There was mud, but nothing unexpected. In fact one chap told me he'd run a big chunk of this route 2 weeks ago and it was loads worse then. Immediately after I took this picture I spotted a lady I'd been running with earlier, Sharon, who tripped on this mud and fell over. We ran together for the next 10k or so.<br />
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Here we are coming into the aid station at the end of the second loop. She was from Horsham and had grown up children also so we had plenty to chat about!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHQ0gDrOQ7NibKFgoBawlPKp4KrpdGhmccZjGzpYncMJfssAYnIjtt9ypI_S7Jzz1JL-ej6zUMkzx3E9g5MratCG7bnt5ZQ2fONRMDFhIxnKV1i7unT5EWb1KLGPk2yH0xhQgLIErSA/s1600/1E33A701-A71B-483D-BCD8-E60BCA0800BA.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHQ0gDrOQ7NibKFgoBawlPKp4KrpdGhmccZjGzpYncMJfssAYnIjtt9ypI_S7Jzz1JL-ej6zUMkzx3E9g5MratCG7bnt5ZQ2fONRMDFhIxnKV1i7unT5EWb1KLGPk2yH0xhQgLIErSA/s320/1E33A701-A71B-483D-BCD8-E60BCA0800BA.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's another one of the race photos. I had a hat at the start but it was too hot, so I took it off and then my hair kept getting in my face, so I used my buff to hold it back. I do look a bit strange though...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAz59PB83pIBxM9tiyQtdtFoeptJ5n33VCo7K-4bkL2fw4Ru4zbkqWR0s_OzjIzCVPva_PlGC3sdoLRld3u4puwPRMT9VhP2BK9fjy3CNoILj5pv6sQIXLYyFl6yjUM0hb2sNG6QSZA/s1600/3623605A-CD35-421D-B5D5-9891AB57B1B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAz59PB83pIBxM9tiyQtdtFoeptJ5n33VCo7K-4bkL2fw4Ru4zbkqWR0s_OzjIzCVPva_PlGC3sdoLRld3u4puwPRMT9VhP2BK9fjy3CNoILj5pv6sQIXLYyFl6yjUM0hb2sNG6QSZA/s320/3623605A-CD35-421D-B5D5-9891AB57B1B2.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Race conditions were ideal by now, this is around the 37k mark. I was feeling strangely comfortable, I'd been taking it easy all day and was feeling fine and cheerful.</div>
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The last little bit goes through the woods and is quite pretty. Here's Sharon and I (slightly blurry):<br />
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Probably about a mile from the end there is a horrifically muddy and totally impassable section without going straight through it. Oh well! Crack on! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpox0GRrzyfOBkW2njiI4BG7V4sOjODqClf2frYmzBtHfqv81OtANvglm0TLFfXn0artH46_cwvZ1OPmsn8m2I3D3WTxEPN5boAOuuiF5N_EEkDonpNlcSNJQpV4F7QiUiTfFQtsYncA/s1600/398C69D2-3B6C-49EF-B194-5BFDE63E2ECA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpox0GRrzyfOBkW2njiI4BG7V4sOjODqClf2frYmzBtHfqv81OtANvglm0TLFfXn0artH46_cwvZ1OPmsn8m2I3D3WTxEPN5boAOuuiF5N_EEkDonpNlcSNJQpV4F7QiUiTfFQtsYncA/s400/398C69D2-3B6C-49EF-B194-5BFDE63E2ECA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here I am crossing the finish line. Today's was a pretty slow, sluggish one, but with 991m of ascent and a significant amount of mud, plus having spent yesterday doing very little, I felt it was OK.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhbvBbXJ9nPsnYmewPG4QWVkMb0jXE4U0mlz83ZGZfPxcxuVPnedoC0p2cj-MsmTytKbKFUhcAygPmVy5VlS9foI1t3h1pWgqlY32y4feTO1vhbUPnuRDNJJJpRM-IcDn2yTTPAj-sA/s1600/8571A976-259F-4DA9-81F5-994859EF9E1F.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhbvBbXJ9nPsnYmewPG4QWVkMb0jXE4U0mlz83ZGZfPxcxuVPnedoC0p2cj-MsmTytKbKFUhcAygPmVy5VlS9foI1t3h1pWgqlY32y4feTO1vhbUPnuRDNJJJpRM-IcDn2yTTPAj-sA/s320/8571A976-259F-4DA9-81F5-994859EF9E1F.heic" width="320" /></a></div>
I waited for Sharon at the finish and clapped her in - when I saw the results later she actually finished 20 minutes before me as she'd started after me (!). Then I went straight to the showers, via the boot wash. This turned out to be a lot of fun - look at the colour of my trainers under all that mud!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIk_G2roOPe67tS8allY0WDJPVhNvk7bfImfcq2hzw5j122kEDV_-KBxX9jB9Ww3djNrx1gLJN1zG8APj6a5ivjFxqG6nU8DYr4ENFErbLGQxHDT3a-4zKHVDIIipUTsG_3KgqIrt0w/s1600/80FCD878-2899-4A8D-928A-5B0FEEACBC89_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIk_G2roOPe67tS8allY0WDJPVhNvk7bfImfcq2hzw5j122kEDV_-KBxX9jB9Ww3djNrx1gLJN1zG8APj6a5ivjFxqG6nU8DYr4ENFErbLGQxHDT3a-4zKHVDIIipUTsG_3KgqIrt0w/s320/80FCD878-2899-4A8D-928A-5B0FEEACBC89_1_201_a.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div>
Another quirk of this race is it includes a free breakfast. I chose the veggie option but still didn't much feel like eating it - I managed the bread roll and the baked beans and a cup of tea though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqZgvQ3pyOOYNMIlNJkJV1fuyIQjFdL7i4rP5lUd5eGbKvDOjN8I3Zf1x5sxPyiLJ3b9s-hoNx-j-RqynwLe4icdBYkchXdyLxeiymek4znVo7fAAe476szCSHe5kAJArjOy0OHUNeA/s1600/41D1D7DC-BA18-4D68-B6C3-0599A9904CEF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqZgvQ3pyOOYNMIlNJkJV1fuyIQjFdL7i4rP5lUd5eGbKvDOjN8I3Zf1x5sxPyiLJ3b9s-hoNx-j-RqynwLe4icdBYkchXdyLxeiymek4znVo7fAAe476szCSHe5kAJArjOy0OHUNeA/s320/41D1D7DC-BA18-4D68-B6C3-0599A9904CEF.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
Here I am with my medal - they weren't given out at the finish but instead in the room with the breakfasts, so I didn't collect it until I was clean and changed. The medal was small and has a really short ribbon - looked quite funny on big strapping men! Overall a nice race - well signposted, extremely well marshalled and friendly. Enjoyed it.<br />
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<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03172427792871979805noreply@blogger.com0Steyning BN44 3AA, UK50.906970000000008 -0.331870850.896957000000008 -0.35204080000000004 50.916983000000009 -0.3117008