Running adventures in Wales....

I've done almost four full weeks at work since my last holiday, which is far far too long, so this weekend came around at just the right time. A four day weekend (which, if you ask me, is how long every weekend should be, at least) was on the cards, and an adventure in Wales was awaiting! My friend Alan has just completed his PhD (congratulations, Dr Alan!) and had planned a group trip as a celebration/ beacon of light to aim for at the end of the long, dark, and despairing tunnel that is writing up a thesis. 

I've never been to Corris, which is in Snowdonia, the destination for the weekend. I was excited for this because 1) one of my favourite things about running is exploring new places, and 2) I am one quarter Welsh, but have spent only a few days there in my whole life. 

Corris is a village in south Snowdonia. It's name is derived from corres, which is Welsh for "a female dwarf", which probably describes the small river it is next to, which flows into a bigger river. The closest train station is Machynlleth, the ancient seat of the Welsh Parliament, which is a short bus ride away. It is quite a long way away, in fact....

It also has a great independent hostel, which is fairly simple, but comfortable and homely. it had all the things you need to relax after days in the Great Welsh Outdoors, plus plenty of things that I hadn't realised you would need (Tutankhamun, for example), but made me all the happier for them being there.

We pretty much had the place to ourselves really, apart from Krav the friendly cat...

After we had settled in and refuelled with tea and biscuits, it was time for a circuit training session in the garden, followed by a Krav Maga session run by Alan and Tom. I wasn't sure what to expect about Krav Maga. It's a self defence system, I believe developed for the Israeli Defence and Security Forces, and is very practical, teaching how to deal with real life physically threatening situations. So I wasn't too sure I would be very well suited to it, not having any sort of experience in this type of thing, but I think it's always good to try new things, and go into it with an open mind. Plus, Alan and Tom seemed to be the best teachers to have, and it's got to be a good thing to be more aware of what sort of things could help improve your chances, should you find yourself in a bad situation. Did lots of drills around punching, kicking, escaping from grabs, and putting it all together at the end. I was really surprised I enjoyed it so much! I learnt a lot, and that being small doesn't mean you can't defend yourself against someone bigger!

Saturday was time for some good mountain running. Cadair Idris is the closest mountain to Corris (893 m), and we did a big loop up the mountain....

...with a stop for wild swimming (Tom/Alan = very brave) / wild paddling (Andrew/Hisayo/me = brave enough)

As we got close to the top it starting tipping it down, but a mountain isn't a proper mountain without bad weather....

Happily, there was a stone hut at the top to shelter, and have a snack, to warm up a bit. The weather cleared up a bit later, and it was fun running down the mountain, into the valleys and through forests, and having a picnic in a church yard before getting soaked again a bit later, but it is Wales, after all. What a great run! Feels so free to be somewhere as beautiful and wild as this. 

Refuelling after a long run must not be neglected, and careful attention paid to making sure you have enough cheese...

Sunday it rained a lot, but this was a good opportunity to do a Pilates class and foot exercises lead by Hisayo, and then try the local tea shop, catch a ride on the steam railway (that used to serve the local slate mines, and tourism in the area).....

....mixed in with a short hilly run between showers....

Followed by the pub, of course......

Monday was time for a quick hill session, and some more Krav, this time learning how to defend from a knife attack (which Krav the cat seemed keen to join in with). Then, it was time to head back to Machynlleth, which although doesn't have a Parliament anymore, does have lots of tea shops, and a modern art gallery, which is a good way to spend some time before catching train.

All too soon it was time to head home. Thanks Alan, Tom, Hisayo and Andrew for a great trip! Thanks Wales for being only quite wet, not a total wash out. Felt like a proper get away, and feeling stronger in body and mind.

The Great Barrow Challenge, Autumn Double Marathon Day 2, 06.10.2019

Today it became clear why these runs are called Great Barrow Challenges, not just Great Barrow Runs! Same course as yesterday, but not the same weather. Which was terrible!!! Torrential rain for most of it, and parts of the course were totally submerged in water. Through the forest part, I wished I had my head torch, such was the gloom of the morning, and by the last lap the wind had whipped up to epic proportions.

I found it pretty tough, and I was a bit slower than yesterday, but hey, some runs are tough, but that's OK, because this is a challenge after all! And, although my body was chilled, my heart was warmed with the good cheer and support of the other runners and the marshals. Ducking under the gazebo at the end of each lap to shelter from the rain, and have some laughs and sweets was fun, and lifted me up enough to head out on the next lap....

Plus, getting really cold and wet, makes putting on dry clothes and having hot tea and a nice sandwich from the fabulous lady in the cafe, and laughing about the dreadful weather with everyone, seem like the best thing ever. To be warm and dry again is indeed heaven!

Despite the challenges of today, I absolutely loved this weekend, and my first outing with Suffolk Running Centre/ Great Barrow Challenge. Definitely going to be coming back!

So, that's 50 done of my 52 marathons in 52 weeks challenge. Still have three weeks left, so I think I can do it now. Hopefully I'll do #51 and #52 in two weekends time at Saturn Running.....

The Great Barrow Challenge - Autumn Double Marathon, day #1 05.10.2019

Today was my first event with Great Barrow Challenge/ Suffolk Running Centre. I'd heard really good things about these events, but hadn't done one before, as they aren't easy to get to from home on public transport, and I hate driving after races when you're all tired and stiff.  Well, I hate driving anyway, but especially then. But, thanks to Jon for my prize of a race place with GBC in his charity prize draw, I was galvanised into making myself get there, and I'm really pleased I did, as it was a really great day!

Almost didn't make it, as the car broke on the way, which was quite stressful at the time, but I now appreciate that as I wasn't travelling by public transport, and so didn't have anything to add to my regular "complain about public transport" section of my blog, that the car was just helping me to give me something to talk about. Turns out it's OK, it's wheels were misaligned (don't we all know that feeling) and the tyres were unevenly worn. Thanks Andrew for being there, and knowing everything there is to know about cars. I would still be crying somewhere in a lay-by on the A11 had it been left to me. Told you I hate driving. 

I'm always a bit nervous at a new race, and not knowing anyone, but there was no need. The team were so friendly, and there were several familiar faces running today as well, so I felt right at home at the start, which is really well set up at the Suffolk Academy, with registration, a cafe, toilets, campsite, and even a hairdressers on site. And even a gym, for that post marathon workout. 

The runs start just outside of Barrow, and this weekend the runs are 6.55 mile laps, 4 for a marathon. Laps 1 + 3 go in one direction (yellow arrows) and laps 2 + 4 the other direction (red arrows). I found that set up really good, alternating the direction of the laps made them feel completely different, plus you could see the other runners all the way around so it was nice and sociable too. The routes were along tiny roads and on trails, and were easy to run along, although there were several "undulations" each lap. Undulations is a pointless word I think, we all know it means "hills". So, it was a good challenge, and I felt like it was a very good workout, with nice views all around.

Even though some of the route was on roads, they were very small and quiet, and the cars that were around were all very considerate. I was a bit alarmed when a big convoy of 4X4s turned up just as I was about to start on my next ascent of one of the hilly (undulating) bits, and men dressed in shooting gear all got out. One even wound down his window, and smiled at me, and then started tapping his watch, which was puzzling. I was anxious he meant if I didn't speed up, he was going to start shooting at me, so I then completed my fastest hill of the day.

Turing around and starting on lap 3, I was minding my own business, running by the side of the road, when a **** in a car shot by, ignoring all the "slow down runners in road signs" and beeped at me to move out of the way. I didn't, of course, because I was right and he was wrong. So I gave him evils at him all the way as he drove down the hill beeping away at other runners. I was going to run after him and throw jelly babies at his back windscreen, but I was was worried he was on the way to the shoot and might be armed, so I left it. Plus, it would have been a waste of jelly babies.

Honestly, some people.

A minute later, a massive shiny 4X4 with the number plate MI6 something or other drove past. Oooh. Maybe he was after **** face up ahead, which would explain his reckless speed! He must be a spy, a member of the shooting party must be holding a secret, and he was trying to reach them, before their cover could be blown!

Fortunately, it was now well over half way, so there was limited time to make up too many further far fetched stories. I felt great on the last lap, and loved the finish, and getting to meet everyone there, and refuel with delicious food and cups of tea in the the cafe.

Thanks GBC, the marshals and the other runners for a fab day. Looking forward to tomorrow!

Autumn is coming......

I didn't do any races this week, so I thought I would focus on admiring the changing seasons instead. Yesterday, I ran in Victoria Park. The weather was dreadful, but I managed to run between showers, and running through the leaves blowing in the wind was refreshing, and felt like it blew away some of the worries from my head. It was mild, and in the breaks between the wind everything felt still. It sounds ridiculous, becuase when running you are moving pretty much as much as you could be, but running is the only time I really feel still inside. Much like I imagine it must feel to be able to meditate (which I can't).

Anyway, I was running along, and saw the British Military Fitness session going on. The instructor was shouting, and looked super fit, and it all looked really hard, and I thought, he's probably looking at me thinking I wasn't really running that fast or dropping down to do press ups in the mud every 10 strides, or anything. I ran a few more steps, then thought, well maybe, but I can run 100 miles, that's not too bad right? Then I thought of the three 100 milers I've done, and then about ones that are coming up, and then I remembered, The North Downs Way 100!!! Entries opened this morning and sell out quick! I was meant to enter it first thing! I ground to a holt, startling a nearby squirrel...

...and surrounded by leaves blowing all around, and the squirrel giving me reproachful looks for standing in it's patch, I managed to enter.

Phew. I carried on, and enjoyed the Autumn leaves. 

I found another squirrel to practise my photography on...

Which took a bit of practise...

But in the end I got there...

I thought, well, nature is so tranquil, even in the city!

Then I thought, it's not though is it? Nature is horrific. This week, while walking to work, and I'm not kidding, I saw a crow swoop down, pick up a tiny mouse, and fly off with it in its claws, the tiny mouse squeeling away. It was awful. 

Then, there's the problem of the giant spider living in the garden. It started out with a small web, but now it goes from one side of the garden to the other, and it's impossible now to get to the bottom of the garden without getting tangled in its web. Everything else does, and in a week the spider has doubled in size. Today it ate a wasp. A whole wasp. It did.

It's horrific. I'm not sure what to do about it. It's about three times bigger than my spider catcher allows for. I'm thinking to hit it with a stick into the canal, but I don't think I'm strong enough to hold a stick big enough to have any impact on it, and if I failed and got trapped in its web, I have no doubt I would be dinner.

I shiver to think of it. I wish that crow would fly by and sort it out. Other than that, I have no idea how to conker it.

Race to the Thrones Part 1 & Part 2, 21.09.2019

Yesterday it was time to go back to The Towpath, for a whole days running with Phoenix Running.

It's been a few weeks since I've done any events, because of other things. And I haven't done very much running either. Had a bit of a low patch and haven't felt much like running or writing, without the focus of a race to make me do it. Which is very bad, as that's exactly what I know I should do to feel better, but sometimes you are your own worst enemy I suppose. Anyway, I'm sorting it out now, and it's starting to work I think. My writing is not as up to a standard that I like (sorry!), but I figured I have to start somewhere, and gradually it will come back....

So! It was so good to be back on the running circuit and have lots of long overdue catch ups! Although, I was quite worried that I wouldn't still be able to run. I wanted to do 2 marathons today, to keep on track for my 52 marathons in 52 weeks....

The runs were Game of Thrones themed. I don't know anything at all about the Game of Thrones, other than that Phoenix Race to the Thrones runs are brilliant, and the medals are beautiful...

The first run started at 9.30. Band of Runners (a new podcast by some of my running friends Rob and Simon - it's great fun - check it out here) were having a podcast takeover. They have some great new merchandise and I got a new top. I love it! And great to see so many people running along the towpath in it.

Lots of long overdue catch ups on the way round, it was a lot of fun, thanks everyone. Got to spend a few laps with Sarah, which was fun and she definitely dragged me along quicker for a few miles! Amazing to see Paula complete her 12 halves in 12 months - thanks for the hugs each lap, and I am very proud of you! It was very hot, and the were ice lollies about half way, when I got to catch up with George and his Race Across Scotland adventures. There was a dog show, and a duck race on up by the Anglers Pub, and the London to Brighton bike ride was on, so it was pretty busy on the towpath, which meant there was lots to look at, and forget that my legs were feeling a bit tired after half way. Was going to stop at a marathon (8 laps) but was worried about stopping for too long before the next one which started at 4, and seizing up. I also ran (ha!) into Sarah and Jon at the end of lap 8, so got to run another lap with them and catch up on ages, and be inspired by all their epic 100 achievements. It felt pretty tough the run this morning, but it was definitely fun to be with everyone again, and I was happy to have completed an ultra. 

I finished about 3 pm, so had an hour before the next. Felt a bit sick, but had a veggie sausage roll and some grapes, and a shower, and felt a bit better for the next one. I was regretting wearing brand new trainers on a double run day, and I had a blister. I'm such an idiot.

Got going again, which felt OK for a lap, then it was just quite hard work. The towpath seemed even busier and hotter, and I was struggling to think that I had so many more laps to do. Luckily though I met Sarah again, so shared some more miles, but when she finished her half, I found the next lap really tough, I was feeling low on energy but also feeling sick. Forced myself to eat some crisps and water, and about a mile later I felt a bit more energetic. A little bit. It seemed to be taking forever to get dark, and that was what I was looking forward to. I love running on the towpath in the dark! Gradually though, night came, and the towpath got quieter and the last 2.5 laps when I had to use my head torch felt much easier, and I loved them. The lights on the water, runners head torches bobbing along in the distance, and the sounds of things in the night is all magic! I felt like carrying on as I was feeling quite happy again, but I was worried about catching the train back, so I called it a day at 8 laps. So happy to manage my marathon, and as a bonus finished just in time for the Disco starting in the Aid Station - the aid station was lots of fun today, thanks Rik and Marshals! Even got a Marathon Bar....

And energy restored, I was able to put the two medals together....

It's like art! 😍

So now as well as working on getting my mind back into shape, I've had a good bash at getting my body back into shape too. 55 miles of running and 5 miles of walking to the station and back - I didn't think I could do it, but, thanks to the support and love of my running friends, I managed it. Thanks everyone for a tough but lovely day! 💙💜💙

The Woldingham Marathon, 25.08.2019

Today was the hottest I think I have ever been. Even than in Australia. Even than in a sauna. Even than a sauna in Australia.

I wasn't on fine form this morning. I think I got pretty dehydrated yesterday and couldn't sleep much because of a headache. I didn't wee for hours, and when I did, it was red. I think that might have been the beetroot sandwiches I had at the end of the run, but it sounds quite exciting, so I'm going to say it anyway. I hadn't eaten much, and felt a bit sick. Then I forgot to take my headache tablets with me to the run. What a twit.

But anyway! Today was the Woldingham Marathon, by 1m2go Events, so time to stop moaning, and get on with it. I didn't know if anyone I knew would be there, but of course, there were loads of people there, and it seemed a pretty big event, with the half and full marathons taking place.

The half was one lap, and the marathon two. It started and finished at Woldingham School, which is a Catholic Girls School, which is kind of an odd place to have a marathon, but there you go. It's nice and near Woldingham station, so easy to get to from London.

The route was basically a big loop around Woldingham, with an extra bit across the middle, taking in parts of the North Downs Way and the Vanguard Way too. 

It was a pretty route, very hilly, about 3600 feet of up, I think, on the marathon. And some very steep ones, including the dreaded verticle hill up from the M25. Twice. Going up it the second time, that was the hottest I've ever been, definitely. The weather was something else today!

It was a good event, and I enjoyed it. The marshals were fantastic. My favourite point was at the first water stop on the second lap, a mile or two after The Dreaded Hill, and I was hotter than a hot thing on a hot day in a desert, and about to expire, then and there. A delivery of extra coke had just arrived at the checkpoint! I drank a cup in one gulp. "You need more!" and the cup was filled again! "Now take off your sunglasses, and close your eyes!". Um, OK....being too knackered to ask about why, I did, and was sprayed with water from a plant waterer! A little bit of heaven on a hot day. Thanks marshals! 

It was kind of like the apocalypse out there today, people lying on the ground knackered from the heat, and dehydration. I stopped to try to help the ones I saw, and I hope they all made it back OK. It was pretty tough out there today! I found it really hard going. I don't think I've ever drunk so much on a run, must have  and been litres and litres of water, electrolytes, and coke. I think I must be made of 100% water now. And I'm still thirsty. Although my wee is no longer red, which sounds like progress.

I did 5.55, and I was just glad to make it round, and get back in one piece, to be honest. I have never wanted so much to stop at the half way point before, running past it took all my willpower! I really want to do 52 in 52, and not finishing the full today would have messed it up. #46 today, and three more double marathon weekends to go (but not till after a holiday, I feel like I need a bit of a break from work/back to back events for a couple of weeks).

And now time for the travel bulletin. I got there fine, and almost back fine....until the LAST stop on the overground, where the train has had a fault, and terminated! Ha! At least I can walk from here!

The White Cliffs Challenge, 32 miles, 24.08.2019

Today was hot! Really very hot. But it was a good day. 

I love the Kent LDWA events. I did another of their events, the Andredsweald Circuit, a few weeks ago and had the best time, so I was excited to be doing another one. I wasn't quite so excited at 05.30 this morning, when my alarm went off and I thought I had to go to work, but when I realised I didn't (which took a while, for my brain to kick in at that time of day), I was excited again!

In very exciting and unusual news, and everyone will be happy that I'm not going to have another rant, I made it all the way there on public transport, on time, and was even an hour early. Which left lots of time for chatting to everyone, which was nice, as there were lots of familiar faces to catch up with.

The route was lovely, starting at Margaret at Cliffe, and heading west along the cliffs towards Dover and the first checkpoint....

Then it carried on out to Folkstone to another checkpoint. This part included climbing a lot of steps, 65 at one point, which had been helpfully numbered...

And some good sitting opportunities...

It went above Samphire Hoe, scene of many a race!

It was so beautiful up on the cliffs, running along the North Downs Way...

...after arriving in Folkstone, the route headed back towards Dover. And there was a Spitfire (I think) circling above...

Some of this was the same as the Cinque Ports Hundred route (which I didn't do, but I'm just mentioning it to make it sound like I did, although I did reccee 70 miles of it, so I'm not completely lying, only a bit). It includes some parts through The Warren, which is notorious for being a place to get lost in, but some helpful arrows on the ground made made it much easier, and soon it was out to the sea wall for a mile or two...

Of course, I couldn't do a whole event without getting lost, as that would be most out of character. I missed a turn and ended up the wrong side of the railway, which was a bit of a problem, especially as it is the big high speed line with massive fences all around it, but happily I could spot the bridge I was meant to have gone over in the distance, and headed back. 

Back on track, it was time to climb the massive cliffs, which is a real lung buster. And everything else buster too, for that matter. But being up high means good views, and the views were amazing today!

Then it was more inland, and east back past St Margaret at Cliffe for a loop in the eastwards direction towards Deal, but not quite that far, and then back to St Margaret at Cliffe.

It was really scorching today, I think 30 degrees, and there wasn't too much shade, but it was such a treat to be down by the sea on a day like today! There was also a heap of climbing, I think I heard someone said 7000 feet. They may, or may not, have been talking about this event, or something else entirely, but I'm going to call it about that anyway, because it felt like it. So all in all, it was a tough run, but absolutely first class, I really loved it. Thank you Kent LDWA for another splendid event! And the beetroot and cream cheese sandwiches at the end (inspired)! 

I remembered about an hour before I finished that there was only one train every hour back to London. I had a quick check on the times, and of course, based on my current pace, I was just going to miss one. So I pushed on, and managed to finish, get changed, have some beetroot and cream cheese sandwiches, and then leg it 1.5 miles back to the station, with 8 minutes to spare.....and guess what's coming....yes! Ha! The train was delayed! Much like getting lost, there also couldn't be a whole days public transport without some problem for me to moan about! 

So all in all, 32 miles of event, plus 5 miles of walking and a 3 mile cycle to get there and back. I'm so glad I can rest in the sun tomorrow.....and not need to run the Woldingham Marathon in 30 degrees.....

Looking forward to that 5:30 feeling again!