Thursday, 21 February 2013
Day 174 - quick two
Just the minimum two. Still cold but no snow yet.
Two to the tally which now stands at 969 miles run since 1st September 2012.
Two to the tally which now stands at 969 miles run since 1st September 2012.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Day 173 - freezing three!
Very cold tonight. Cycling back from the station on my courtesy Brompton (mine is in for a service and needs; new chain, new rear wheel rim, brake pads, gear cogs.....not going to be cheap, but then it has carried me nearly 2,000 miles) I hit that painful 'brain freeze' and my hands were so cold I had to stick them under a hot tap when I got home!
Wasn't so bad on my run. Still without a schedule I decided to do three tonight. Felt a bit more tired today but still,flowing freely. So three more miles and the tally jumps to 967.
Missing that warm South African sun......
Wasn't so bad on my run. Still without a schedule I decided to do three tonight. Felt a bit more tired today but still,flowing freely. So three more miles and the tally jumps to 967.
Missing that warm South African sun......
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Day 172 - back into the grove with Otley five
Well, I didn't quite make daylight for my run but it was still dusk and better than running in the dark!
No training schedule at the moment as I'd only written it up until the Wild Coast Ultra, so just ran what I wanted too. And five miles felt good, legs feel fresh, the odd soreness on my toes and ankles (I think from Surfers rather the WCU itself) also receding.
Five more miles to the tally and 964 feels like the 1,000 mile mark is in sight.
No training schedule at the moment as I'd only written it up until the Wild Coast Ultra, so just ran what I wanted too. And five miles felt good, legs feel fresh, the odd soreness on my toes and ankles (I think from Surfers rather the WCU itself) also receding.
Five more miles to the tally and 964 feels like the 1,000 mile mark is in sight.
Monday, 18 February 2013
Day 171 - cool two!
Finally back home after the long flight from Joburg and long change at Amsterdam. Lovely to get home and treated straight away to afternoon tea including Emma's home made caramel and raspberry muffins. Yum!
Evenings certainly getting lighter, but ended up running in the dark (OK, by street light) and it was nicely cool. Not sure what the temperature is, but there was snow still lying at the airport and frost had already formed on the cars parked on our hill.
Just the minimum two, legs and other muscles all seemed to be working well and it was actually quite enjoyable and uncomplicated to be running on the road on a family route in the cool!
Have done some quick maths of the mileage over the last week and with 155 miles run, plus tonight's two, I get the current tally up to 959 miles run.
Evenings certainly getting lighter, but ended up running in the dark (OK, by street light) and it was nicely cool. Not sure what the temperature is, but there was snow still lying at the airport and frost had already formed on the cars parked on our hill.
Just the minimum two, legs and other muscles all seemed to be working well and it was actually quite enjoyable and uncomplicated to be running on the road on a family route in the cool!
Have done some quick maths of the mileage over the last week and with 155 miles run, plus tonight's two, I get the current tally up to 959 miles run.
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Day 170 - tired, tired two
6.15 am run along the Nahoon river in East London, Eastern Cape this morning.
Just the bare minimum two miles and, if I had wanted to go longer I don't think my body would have let me!
Not sure what the current running total is, but with over 150 miles in the last week it must be around 960.
Just the bare minimum two miles and, if I had wanted to go longer I don't think my body would have let me!
Not sure what the current running total is, but with over 150 miles in the last week it must be around 960.
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Day 169 - it's all over....
Fantastic last day on the Wild Coast Ultra. A later start than normal as we would be joining the Surfers Challenge just North of East London starting at 2pm.
The Maganicent Seven had alsobecome ten with the addition of Kylie, Roger and Filippo. Ray was still ploughing a speedy furrow on his own.
We had about 28 kms to do to get to Surfers and it was a great mixture of rocky paths, boulder hoping and sandy beaches before 11 kms of firm running on sand as the tide started to go out.
Lots of marine life today too, saw a whale 'blowing' before we set off and then pod after pod of dolphins surfing the waves , some really quite close in to the beach.
Once at the start line of Surfers we were fed with fresh pasta and had about two hours to relax before the race and our last leg.
While we were waiting the local radio and TV crews parked up next to us including three celebrity runners. I'll have to check their names out later, but one was Shaun who finished top 10 and one former Comrades winner
Bruce Fordyce, a real Comrades legend having won the race 9 times. Bruce also organises parkrun in South Africa and that was my cue to get chatting. As far as bragging rights go, well I've got 100 parkruns, he has just passed 50!
As a treat to us weary ultra runners we were allowed to start 15 mins before the main race to help us avoid some of the early congestion on rocks and boulders (except Ray who set off with the main race and was to finish in the top 20!).
This caused some amusement and confusion amongst the spectators who lined much of the 18 km route, and we also found ourselves being filmed by motorbike camera crews and the helicopters over head!
The route was a nice mix of earth and grass tracks, then sandy beach followed by rocks and then some very tricky steep boulders. Fillippo, , Jonathan and I reached the first of the two river crossings before the first of the fast runners passed us, and then we hit about 6 km of tar.
It was tough going, but we eventually hit the beach again and good firm sand for the long run home, and it long!
At some point on the long, long beach I was passed by Myrette, the third of the celeb runners who surprised me by saying 'well done Paul', unfortunately she stopped and slowed down later, clearly having a bad day , but a nice touch from a top runner. I then felt a bit guilty finishing ahead of her (she was third woman).
Once at the end of the beach it was a shortish swim across a fast flowing river (not too hard, but the runner ahead of me collapsed and had to be taken from the river by the lifeguards) and a 200 metre dash up soft sand to the finish. I clocked about 1:35, which I think is an OK time and was third home of the WCU runners.
After that if was a quick shower and change, then beers as we waited for Chris and Charmsine to arrive, the last of our runners. We were also awarded our WCU medals as part of the Surfers medal ceremony! Real celebs!
So. All in all , lekker, lekker!
The Maganicent Seven had alsobecome ten with the addition of Kylie, Roger and Filippo. Ray was still ploughing a speedy furrow on his own.
We had about 28 kms to do to get to Surfers and it was a great mixture of rocky paths, boulder hoping and sandy beaches before 11 kms of firm running on sand as the tide started to go out.
Lots of marine life today too, saw a whale 'blowing' before we set off and then pod after pod of dolphins surfing the waves , some really quite close in to the beach.
Once at the start line of Surfers we were fed with fresh pasta and had about two hours to relax before the race and our last leg.
While we were waiting the local radio and TV crews parked up next to us including three celebrity runners. I'll have to check their names out later, but one was Shaun who finished top 10 and one former Comrades winner
Bruce Fordyce, a real Comrades legend having won the race 9 times. Bruce also organises parkrun in South Africa and that was my cue to get chatting. As far as bragging rights go, well I've got 100 parkruns, he has just passed 50!
As a treat to us weary ultra runners we were allowed to start 15 mins before the main race to help us avoid some of the early congestion on rocks and boulders (except Ray who set off with the main race and was to finish in the top 20!).
This caused some amusement and confusion amongst the spectators who lined much of the 18 km route, and we also found ourselves being filmed by motorbike camera crews and the helicopters over head!
The route was a nice mix of earth and grass tracks, then sandy beach followed by rocks and then some very tricky steep boulders. Fillippo, , Jonathan and I reached the first of the two river crossings before the first of the fast runners passed us, and then we hit about 6 km of tar.
It was tough going, but we eventually hit the beach again and good firm sand for the long run home, and it long!
At some point on the long, long beach I was passed by Myrette, the third of the celeb runners who surprised me by saying 'well done Paul', unfortunately she stopped and slowed down later, clearly having a bad day , but a nice touch from a top runner. I then felt a bit guilty finishing ahead of her (she was third woman).
Once at the end of the beach it was a shortish swim across a fast flowing river (not too hard, but the runner ahead of me collapsed and had to be taken from the river by the lifeguards) and a 200 metre dash up soft sand to the finish. I clocked about 1:35, which I think is an OK time and was third home of the WCU runners.
After that if was a quick shower and change, then beers as we waited for Chris and Charmsine to arrive, the last of our runners. We were also awarded our WCU medals as part of the Surfers medal ceremony! Real celebs!
So. All in all , lekker, lekker!
Friday, 15 February 2013
Day 168 - penultimate day on the WCU
Day Five. About 28 kays today from Seagulls to Haga Haga.
Another staggered start saw all the runners arrive at the ferry crossing across the Kwei River within 10 minutes of each other. The ferry was at around 7 kays. A bit more robust this time too, like a big floating pontoon, big enough for a couple of cars. Still very African though!
The big news of the day was waking up to the sound of rain. Not heavy, but that light, misty seaside type rain. Very cooling and nice to be able to run not lathered in sunscreen and head covered by desert hat, buff and sunglasses.
Scenery today a bit more mixed. Some beach running, but also cliff top grassy paths and even some tar!
Just the one river crossing, deep enough for dry bags but no need to swim. So, only one episode of drying and cleaning feet before putting socks and shoes back on which certainly speeded things up!
Other than that, not much to report. The staggered start did mean we got to see the two racing snakes, Filippo and Ray, and today Kylie and Roger ended up running with' the Seven'. It was also Kylie's birthday today!
Other birthday facts: it was Jonathan's 40th birthday at the start of the race and Barbara is running as a 40th birthday present.
So, that's it until tomorrow. The final big push on to East London.
Another staggered start saw all the runners arrive at the ferry crossing across the Kwei River within 10 minutes of each other. The ferry was at around 7 kays. A bit more robust this time too, like a big floating pontoon, big enough for a couple of cars. Still very African though!
The big news of the day was waking up to the sound of rain. Not heavy, but that light, misty seaside type rain. Very cooling and nice to be able to run not lathered in sunscreen and head covered by desert hat, buff and sunglasses.
Scenery today a bit more mixed. Some beach running, but also cliff top grassy paths and even some tar!
Just the one river crossing, deep enough for dry bags but no need to swim. So, only one episode of drying and cleaning feet before putting socks and shoes back on which certainly speeded things up!
Other than that, not much to report. The staggered start did mean we got to see the two racing snakes, Filippo and Ray, and today Kylie and Roger ended up running with' the Seven'. It was also Kylie's birthday today!
Other birthday facts: it was Jonathan's 40th birthday at the start of the race and Barbara is running as a 40th birthday present.
So, that's it until tomorrow. The final big push on to East London.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Day 167 - another Lekker day on the Wild Coast Ultra Trail run
Day four on the Wild Coast Ultra Trail run. 33 kms from Mazeppa Bay to Seagulls.
Staggered start today to try and get finishing times closer together. Desmond was the first off, a few minutes later than planned at about ten past six (but the he was out for 15 hrs yesterday and lights out wasn't until about 11pm. I know because I was sharing a room!).
He was then followed by Chris and Charmaine 15 mins later with the rest of us off at 6.40., except racing snakes Ray and Fillippo who went off at 7.10.
Certainly by the 20km ferry crossing this plan seemed to be working as by the time the Magnificent Seven set off after cold Cokes, Stoney's and a general rest, everyone, including Desmond was at the crossing. See photo for view from the ferry stop.
The run itself was nearly all beach. There were a few sections on sandy jeep tracks behind the coastal bush, but it was generally flat and easy going. That is, except for the wind! Although cooling (and it was certainly a cooler day today) it was straight in our faces and nearly knocking us off our legs! Some of the open beach sections were certainly made much tougher and towards the end of the stage we were being sand blasted as the dry, white dune sand got ripped along the beach.
A few river crossings today, mostly wadeable, the ferry seemed a bit more professional, though four in the little rowing boat plus ferryman looked very dodgy, but luckily the water was flat and I wasn't in it!
There was one swim in deep cool water, which was really nice and there were no signs of the electric rays that inhabit the river.
Big plus today though was finishing by lunchtime, ordering ice cool Stoney's ginger beer and eating calamari and chips with a view of the Indian Ocean. Yum!
Another shorter day tomorrow, about 30 kms, so plenty of opportunity to rest before the big run on Saturday to East London.
Staggered start today to try and get finishing times closer together. Desmond was the first off, a few minutes later than planned at about ten past six (but the he was out for 15 hrs yesterday and lights out wasn't until about 11pm. I know because I was sharing a room!).
He was then followed by Chris and Charmaine 15 mins later with the rest of us off at 6.40., except racing snakes Ray and Fillippo who went off at 7.10.
Certainly by the 20km ferry crossing this plan seemed to be working as by the time the Magnificent Seven set off after cold Cokes, Stoney's and a general rest, everyone, including Desmond was at the crossing. See photo for view from the ferry stop.
The run itself was nearly all beach. There were a few sections on sandy jeep tracks behind the coastal bush, but it was generally flat and easy going. That is, except for the wind! Although cooling (and it was certainly a cooler day today) it was straight in our faces and nearly knocking us off our legs! Some of the open beach sections were certainly made much tougher and towards the end of the stage we were being sand blasted as the dry, white dune sand got ripped along the beach.
A few river crossings today, mostly wadeable, the ferry seemed a bit more professional, though four in the little rowing boat plus ferryman looked very dodgy, but luckily the water was flat and I wasn't in it!
There was one swim in deep cool water, which was really nice and there were no signs of the electric rays that inhabit the river.
Big plus today though was finishing by lunchtime, ordering ice cool Stoney's ginger beer and eating calamari and chips with a view of the Indian Ocean. Yum!
Another shorter day tomorrow, about 30 kms, so plenty of opportunity to rest before the big run on Saturday to East London.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Day 166 - Day Three on the Wild Coast Ultra run
Day three on the Wild Coast Ultra and a day of blistering sun!
44 kays today which started with a river crossing only a couple of kilometres from the start. The 'ferry' consisted of two blokes with canoes, able to take one passenger at a time. The river wasn't too wide but the current was strong and we were told we couldn't swim as the river is a but 'sharky'!
The whole exercise took an hour, two runners got capsized (we quickly put kit in our dry bags!) and having let the fast and slow runners go first, the mid pack 'Magnificent Seven' were last to set off from the far shore.
There was a lot more beach running again today, often with good hard sand, but also some sand dunes and river crossings.
Early on though we went through Dwesa nature reserve which was alive with stunning flowers, from Bird of Paradise to Senecio, irises and Impatiens - and that's only the ones I could identify! No rhino though, but there were signs of buffalo and we did see several large pods of dolphins out at sea.
Midday today though was tough. Very hot, no breeze, totally exposed on the beach, but the sea looked awesome, amazingly turquoise and wave after surfable wave!
So, three days in, over half way and with two shorter days to come before the big finish on Saturday.
And, that's lots more miles on the 365 challenge too!
44 kays today which started with a river crossing only a couple of kilometres from the start. The 'ferry' consisted of two blokes with canoes, able to take one passenger at a time. The river wasn't too wide but the current was strong and we were told we couldn't swim as the river is a but 'sharky'!
The whole exercise took an hour, two runners got capsized (we quickly put kit in our dry bags!) and having let the fast and slow runners go first, the mid pack 'Magnificent Seven' were last to set off from the far shore.
There was a lot more beach running again today, often with good hard sand, but also some sand dunes and river crossings.
Early on though we went through Dwesa nature reserve which was alive with stunning flowers, from Bird of Paradise to Senecio, irises and Impatiens - and that's only the ones I could identify! No rhino though, but there were signs of buffalo and we did see several large pods of dolphins out at sea.
Midday today though was tough. Very hot, no breeze, totally exposed on the beach, but the sea looked awesome, amazingly turquoise and wave after surfable wave!
So, three days in, over half way and with two shorter days to come before the big finish on Saturday.
And, that's lots more miles on the 365 challenge too!
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Day 165 - awesome! Lekker! And the magnificent seven!
WCU day two. Lekker man!
Awesome day, much more running and completed in just over nine hours, not bad for 47 kay's along the Wild Coast.
Ran with Neil, Jonathan, Kim, Barbara, Gitesh and Shane for the whole day. Navigation was a lot easier, water stops were all in good places and the last twelve miles or so were all on the beach and mostly on firm sand.
Running was a mix of coastal paths, some quite vertiginous, grassy tracks and beach. Quite a few river crossings but the tide was low enough to avoid the need to swim.
The sun was relentless though and with no shade my hands and knees are a bit burnt - my P20 sunscreen seemingly powerless this far south (
Though it worked in the Sahara and Namibian deserts...).
Another 45+ kays tomorrow, so the tally on the 365 challenge will really take off - might leave the maths until the end of this run!
Awesome day, much more running and completed in just over nine hours, not bad for 47 kay's along the Wild Coast.
Ran with Neil, Jonathan, Kim, Barbara, Gitesh and Shane for the whole day. Navigation was a lot easier, water stops were all in good places and the last twelve miles or so were all on the beach and mostly on firm sand.
Running was a mix of coastal paths, some quite vertiginous, grassy tracks and beach. Quite a few river crossings but the tide was low enough to avoid the need to swim.
The sun was relentless though and with no shade my hands and knees are a bit burnt - my P20 sunscreen seemingly powerless this far south (
Though it worked in the Sahara and Namibian deserts...).
Another 45+ kays tomorrow, so the tally on the 365 challenge will really take off - might leave the maths until the end of this run!
Monday, 11 February 2013
Day 164 - 55 kays on the Wild Coast Ultra
Long day, but stage one done. Lots of miles added to the tally will post more tomorrow, but need to go to bed!
So, day one on the WCU. Well, it was long, just over 13 hrs, but a fascinating run. Ran with different groups throughout the day, ending up with Liam, Shane and Desmond for what ended up being the long walk for home.
Desmond was suffering from blisters so wasn't up to much running, but I was happy to take day one easy. We made the most of stopping points and took our time, only it was maybe two hours too long.
Still a great day. Started off with two ferry crossings, beach running and thick, spiny forest. All the time we were passing through small farm settlements, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, goats, pigs and hens all roaming freely! The main crop in evidence being maize. All the local people were friendly and always happy to help with directions.
There were two river crossings that required swimming. My Sea to Summit dry bag did its job, acting like a giant float. The first crossing was wide but easy, maybe one hundred metres, the second across a fast flowing river with the tide coming in. I didn't have much control about where I made land, but I did make it!
So a long day, but a great experience and lots if photos to help relive it all!
So, day one on the WCU. Well, it was long, just over 13 hrs, but a fascinating run. Ran with different groups throughout the day, ending up with Liam, Shane and Desmond for what ended up being the long walk for home.
Desmond was suffering from blisters so wasn't up to much running, but I was happy to take day one easy. We made the most of stopping points and took our time, only it was maybe two hours too long.
Still a great day. Started off with two ferry crossings, beach running and thick, spiny forest. All the time we were passing through small farm settlements, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, goats, pigs and hens all roaming freely! The main crop in evidence being maize. All the local people were friendly and always happy to help with directions.
There were two river crossings that required swimming. My Sea to Summit dry bag did its job, acting like a giant float. The first crossing was wide but easy, maybe one hundred metres, the second across a fast flowing river with the tide coming in. I didn't have much control about where I made land, but I did make it!
So a long day, but a great experience and lots if photos to help relive it all!
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Day 163 - hot!
Long journey today. First by plane from Joburg to East London, just over three hours as the first plane had a technical fault - luckily there was a spare standing by on the tarmac!
Then a five hour trip in a full minbus along bumpy roads in increasing heat and humidity. About 30 degrees in East London.
However, have arrived at a fantastic resort at Umngani right on the river with views of sand dunes and the Indian Ocean from the veranda of our accommodation. I'm room sharing with Ray from Joburg, a quick Comrades runner....
Anyway, enjoyed a 20 minute run with Ray out from the resort and back. Felt good but taking ages to cool down. To pen a phrase, I'm drppin'...
Still, two more miles means 802 now run and 34 on the cards for tomorrow!
Then a five hour trip in a full minbus along bumpy roads in increasing heat and humidity. About 30 degrees in East London.
However, have arrived at a fantastic resort at Umngani right on the river with views of sand dunes and the Indian Ocean from the veranda of our accommodation. I'm room sharing with Ray from Joburg, a quick Comrades runner....
Anyway, enjoyed a 20 minute run with Ray out from the resort and back. Felt good but taking ages to cool down. To pen a phrase, I'm drppin'...
Still, two more miles means 802 now run and 34 on the cards for tomorrow!
Day 162 - Johannesburg!
Minimum two!
Great day in Joburg with Phil, Jo, Daniel and Jessica. Mostly playing with Lego, reading books, playing with dolly and swimming/mucking about in the pool.
Phil invited friends Kevin and Lauren to dinner, but in return Kevin was persuaded to act as guide for my run. A perfectly judged 3.8km in 21 minutes. A mix of gated estate, open space and riverside trail. Hilly and hot!!
Two more miles and the tally is up to 800!
Great day in Joburg with Phil, Jo, Daniel and Jessica. Mostly playing with Lego, reading books, playing with dolly and swimming/mucking about in the pool.
Phil invited friends Kevin and Lauren to dinner, but in return Kevin was persuaded to act as guide for my run. A perfectly judged 3.8km in 21 minutes. A mix of gated estate, open space and riverside trail. Hilly and hot!!
Two more miles and the tally is up to 800!
Friday, 8 February 2013
Day 161 - bizarre!
At Schipol airport waiting for my flight to Joburg ahead of Monday's Wild Coast Ultra. Couldn't face getting up any earlier than 3.30 for my run, or indeed running at one minute passed midnight, so I've just spent 20 minutes jogging around the airport. Quite bizarre!
No idea how far, but lets say it adds one more mile to the tally. And it almost felt like a run. I'm wearing my Cascadia's and have a heavy ruscack that has all my essential kit for WCU.
One more mile takes the tally to 798 miles.
No idea how far, but lets say it adds one more mile to the tally. And it almost felt like a run. I'm wearing my Cascadia's and have a heavy ruscack that has all my essential kit for WCU.
One more mile takes the tally to 798 miles.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Day 160 - seven miles in daylight
Definitely starting to stay lighter longer and was able to get out for my run today before it got dark. Seven miles out to Pool Bank and back. Used MapMyRun on my iPhone for the first time and reassuringly it measured a tried and tested 7 mile route as 7.15 miles. Apparently I averaged about 8 minutes per mile and burnt off a load of calories.
Seven more miles takes the tally to 797 miles!
Seven more miles takes the tally to 797 miles!
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Day 159 - four chilly miles
Four this evening, usual Otley route. Still today but getting cold again, maybe 2 or 3 degrees. A stark contrast to East London in the Eastern Cape where I'll be on Sunday. Forecast is 33 degrees and not much 'cooler' at night!
Four more to the tally, edging closer to the 800 mark. Total: 790 miles since 1st September 2012.
Four more to the tally, edging closer to the 800 mark. Total: 790 miles since 1st September 2012.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Day 158 - quick two
School meeting this evening straight after work so no time for more than the minimum two miles.
Two takes the tally to 786.
Two takes the tally to 786.
Monday, 4 February 2013
Day 157 - stormy night!
Interesting weather! Lightning, hailstorms, ice several centimetres thick across the road, and that was just the drive home!
Rain lashing the windows, wind howling round the house and down the chimney, and that was sitting at the desk just thinking about going running.
But the run itself? Well, miraculously I hit a window in the weather. Yes, it was windy, but the rain had stopped and the clouds had even scudded away to reveal a starry sky.
Five miles in all, usual Otley loop and the running total jumps up to 784.
Rain lashing the windows, wind howling round the house and down the chimney, and that was sitting at the desk just thinking about going running.
But the run itself? Well, miraculously I hit a window in the weather. Yes, it was windy, but the rain had stopped and the clouds had even scudded away to reveal a starry sky.
Five miles in all, usual Otley loop and the running total jumps up to 784.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Day 156 - eight miles in full WCU kit
Eight mile loop up the Leeds Road to Bramhope, up passed the Fox & Hounds pub, down through Bramhope village and back down the Leeds Road.
Wore X-socks speed metal, Compressport calf guards, Skins shorts, Sub-4 long shorts, Skins short sleeve top, Adidas parkrun 50 T-shirt, Racing the Planet arm sleeves, Nike storm jacket, hat and gloves!
Used my new Ultimate Direction Diablo back pack with two litres of water plus compulsory kit such as head torch, dry sack, camera, Frosties bars etc! Felt pretty good, two litres of water is heavy, but pack was stable and there appears to be only one day, day three on the Wild Coast Ultra run when I might need to start out with two litres (or slightly more) in my back pack - though this hydration pack can hold three litres and the pack also takes a 500 ml bottle, so plenty of options.
8 more miles, tally now up to 779.
Wore X-socks speed metal, Compressport calf guards, Skins shorts, Sub-4 long shorts, Skins short sleeve top, Adidas parkrun 50 T-shirt, Racing the Planet arm sleeves, Nike storm jacket, hat and gloves!
Used my new Ultimate Direction Diablo back pack with two litres of water plus compulsory kit such as head torch, dry sack, camera, Frosties bars etc! Felt pretty good, two litres of water is heavy, but pack was stable and there appears to be only one day, day three on the Wild Coast Ultra run when I might need to start out with two litres (or slightly more) in my back pack - though this hydration pack can hold three litres and the pack also takes a 500 ml bottle, so plenty of options.
8 more miles, tally now up to 779.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Day 155 - parkrun number 100!
Today's milestone was not reaching 155 days on the 365 challenge but running my one hundredth parkrun!
We ran at Hyde Park in Leeds where parkrun number one took place and in sunshine, blue skies and only a touch of ice on the ground I was very happy to run 19:09 for 14th place.
So, three more miles on the challenge takes the tally to 771.
We ran at Hyde Park in Leeds where parkrun number one took place and in sunshine, blue skies and only a touch of ice on the ground I was very happy to run 19:09 for 14th place.
So, three more miles on the challenge takes the tally to 771.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Day 154 - three easy miles
Friday night, a long week, so just did an easy three miles. Cool, but less windy, felt pretty good and was almost tempted to run a bit further.......
Anyway, three it was which takes the running total on this 365 run everyday for a year challenge to 768.
Anyway, three it was which takes the running total on this 365 run everyday for a year challenge to 768.
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