My stomach turns in nervous anticipation as I see the sign ‘this way to the finish’. Turning into the stadium grounds I hear the excited buzz of the finish area. I hold myself back for a moment & take a deep breath. A few quiet words as I compose myself. I’ve done it. Through the … Continue reading North Downs Way 100: The Race of my Life
Friday 20th July 2018 I arrived at the finish line of the North Downs Way. Technically it’s not quite the finish line as although I have run Farnham to Dover in several stages, I still have to run the 33 mile Canterbury loop so it's not quite the end.
In a grump mid-race I decided I wasn’t going to write about the North Downs Way 50 this year. It wasn’t going to plan, I saw no reason to remember it or to prolong the suffering. On reflection my run writing has always been about preserving my memories & there are definitely things from this … Continue reading The North Downs Way 50, mk II. How not to run 50 miles.
It’s twelve months since I first started writing this blog, nearly six months since the NDW50 & I’m about to embark on training my next challenge. NDW50’s sister race, the SDW50. I’ve had a great summer of running, but it’s been just that, running. I never wanted to be writing about every mile I covered, … Continue reading Summer 2017
22 miles, 4:11:42, 11:26 min/mile, 2,400 ft elevation gain When it’s the hottest day of the year so far what’s the best thing to do…? I’d like to say 22 miles on the NDW & whilst I enjoyed it, 30+ degrees was just a little too warm! At 6:30am I jumped on the first train … Continue reading NDW Caterham to Wrotham, AKA mile 38 onwards…
A week ago I was running through fields & woodland, up & down hills, across stepping stones & up some steps. Smelling the scent of the wild garlic lining the paths, basking in the late afternoon sunshine. A week ago I was running 50 miles. All day my thoughts have been consumed with “this time … Continue reading NDW50 Wk 27: One Week On
51 miles, 11:21:02, 13:21 min/mile, 5,600 ft elevation gain Nine months after I entered on a bit of a whim, six months after I started training & we are finally here. Race Day. I am nervous, so nervous. I have butterflies in my tummy. I am scared. I repeat to myself a phrase a friend … Continue reading NDW50 Wk 26: The North Downs Way 50, 13th May 2017
As I write this post it is five days until race day. FIVE DAYS! How the f**k did that happen? My training is effectively done. I can do no more A few easy miles over the next few days to keep the legs moving & the mind happy but the main priority for the coming … Continue reading NDW50 Wk 25: NDW50 T-5 Days (wc 01.05.17)
Like most things following a bank holiday I’m running late, but that’s ok because my runs are a day late too so this week’s post is a little off kilter with an extra day thrown in! Banstead Woods parkrun: running in the bluebells 5km, 23:39, 7:44 min/mile, 141ft elevation gain I still don’t quite believe … Continue reading NDW50 Wk 24: The finish line is in sight (wc 24.04.17)
London looking mighty fine! 5 miles, 46:56, 9:23 min/mile, 142ft elevation gain Two days post-mara & I ran! I’ve never done that before, I’m usually still struggling to move at this stage! I think it’s a testament to how much improved my post-run recovery routine has become over the past 12 months. My plans changed … Continue reading NDW50 Wk 18: Hills (wc 13.03.17)
Photo Girl Runs 