Travel report: It's been a few weekends of up and down to London lately, with a lot of events I'd entered before moving house all falling close together! Always love to go back though and to catch up with pals, so I've been enjoying it!
Thursday after work I headed to the airport. I was perfectly on time, but alas, the flight was not. This was, somewhat disconcertingly, due to a technical fault on the aircraft. In the end, we took off at the same time we were meant to be landing in London. The pilot apologised for the delay, but assured they would fly us to London "as quickly and as safely as possible". As possible!!
As possible turned out just fine, but it was almost 11pm on getting to Gatwick, so I was extravagant, and got an Uber to the hotel. The whole experience was quite thrilling, with a distinct James Bond sort of vibe. The car was black with white leather seats, the driver looked exactly like a James Bond villan complete with metal finger splint, and drove silently and with a slight dastardly purpose all the way to Walton.
Thank you to the incredibly lovely lady on the Travelodge reception who upgraded my room to one of the fancy ones with Kit-Kats, hot chocolates and coffee machine!!
Pre race report: After a lovely 4 and a bit hours sleep, I got up to enjoy the luxury room, and to get a good amount of pre race faffing in. Then it was a mile or so walk to the Xcel Sports Hub athletics track in Walton-on-Thames, where the event was held and organised by Phoenix Running.
Chat report: Sarah and I ran the whole 24 hours together, which provided plenty of opportunities for random chats, and was the best fun. Gavin joined us for a chat-athon during the afternoon, and we caught up with many other runners during the event too. Topics ranged from men pouches, dinosaurs and Jurrassic Park noises, and the Dave Purbeck Ensemble (with assorted aid station instruments) and the Phil-ettes.
I think its been my favourite Track Wars event so far, it had such a good vibe about it.
Nutrition report: Frozen grapes, frozen freddos, overnight salt and vinegar crisps, chocolate limes, pizza, cake and ice lollies!
Body report: **special toenail edition!** Currently, Sarah and I have 13 toenails between us (I lost 4 at the London Marathon last weekend), which is a full (if shared) pedicure, so there is no need to panic ahead of summer and sandal season. Other than that, we were feeling quite good, just a bit tired from both our recent various endeavours.
Weather report: absolutely hot during the day on Friday! My heat training has consisted so far of one day of being warm enough not to wear a coat back home in the Highlands (Wednesday), and the hot London Marathon last weekend, so I wasn't overwhelmingly well prepared for this. But I'm not complaining! It felt like being on holiday; a few people being barefoot at points, the sand overspilling from the long jump, and the general feel good vibe, all emphasised the beach-like atmosphere.
Wildlife report: Two ducks arriving and sleeping in the middle of the track. A few swans flying overhead. As I think it's important and helpful to have some treats to look forward to during long events, I had brought along an M&S smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich. I had been eating small bits at time during the day, and went back to my kit bag at one point to find the sandwich box on the floor away from my bag and EMPTY!! I wasn't too upset, as there was only a small bit left and the bread had been drying out over the day and it was no longer very appealing, but I wondered what had happened to it. Later in the evening, Sarah had a sandwich spotting! And there it was in the middle of the track, with a mighty pleased looking magpie licking his beak!
Friday night report: we know how to live to up on a friday night, and I won't hear anyone say otherwise; we can still pull an all nighter, after all. There was a party going on in the event space in the sports hub, which provided some (good/ bad) tunes over the evening, and some random float away blue balloons which bounced around the track. Thank you to all the marshals who looked after the runners, and especially Gavin and Gary who stayed up all night.
Celebrations report: there were many people achieving many different and amazing targets at this event. Top shout out goes to James Bennett, who ran his 100 x 100 mile event, becoming the 32nd person in the world to achieve this, and has set the record for being the youngest person to do so, at the age of 34. James is an incredible runner and a wonderful person to boot; he always has time for a chat, to share stories and to ask how you are doing what you've been up to, I love chatting with him. Congratulations James, you absolute star!
Summary report: Sarah and I covered 103.1 miles in 24:00:38.
Post run report: a few of us popped down to the towpath by the Wier Pub to watch the runners in the Thames Path 100 miler come through, which was great fun. Thank you so much Gavin for the lift back to Gatwick!
And thank you Rik and Team Phoenix for another great track event! Well done to all!!
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