Training so far

I have been a little lack in blogging the last few months, distracted by setting up a new studio and other commitments. The new studio is on the same site & now fully up&running - its a smaller space but I love working there and it just seems to work !

So training, following the C2C in January

- I completed the Winter Poppyline in mid February, its an LDWA event which I would highly recommend - a 51 mile circular route in beautiful Norfolk which if anyone tells you is flat - they have clearly never done this route!

Starting & finishing in Aylsham North Norfolk it is an undulating mixture of mainly trail, fields, forest, byways & country lanes - winding towards the coast & taking in stunning challenging coastal paths around Sherringham & Cromer before heading back in land.

We were very lucky with the weather having a relatively mild day for mid February in poorer conditions an already challenging run would certainly double the effort required. There were 5 CP's wonderfully stocked in true LDWA style - each one just got better - the carrot & butternut squash soup at 38.5 miles was particularly wonderful, all CP's manned by the most helpful volunteers.

I ran with Russ & we also shared many miles with Julian & Christian, wonderful company, a good challenging run, fantastic organisation - all in all a really enjoyable 50 miler just getting time on feet.

March - just the two marathons in March and what a contrast!

10th March Cambridge Boundary Run - so I done this marathon before & it wasn't on my favorite list for sure - but the date fitted so I though I'd give it a second shot, the only thing to be said - a long training run in the most excellent company (saving grace)

31st March Daffodil Dawdle - another cracker from the Norfolk & Suffolk LDWA

A beautiful circular route mainly trail - scenic, undulating a great mixture, as always great CP's manned by very welcoming volunteers!

Lots of running friends - sharing the adventures.

Highly recommend

And so to April - This is the tough block of training leading into the Chester 100.

April 7th - Coventry 40, another old favorite of mine, I have completed the Coventry 40 on 4 consecutive years now, another LDWA event - fantastic challenging 40 miler with everything from cycling path to hills to canal, circling Coventry through countryside you would never see except on foot. Fantastic value for money, and a great opener still early on the ultra calendar season this one sells out - so do book early!

I ran with Christian, both of us - using as a training run in the bigger picture and an opportunity to prefect kit choices, nutrition & hydration.

Most excellent company as always, with a few laughs on the way - I think we were both very glad to finish - and dig into the complementary jacket potato (mine with the most amazing vegan chili)

Another race I would highly recommend

April 14th - Valleys & Views

A trail marathon about an hours drive away by the Waendel Walkers (advertised on LDWA) - I did this one two years ago & loved it, the 2019 route was completely different, but again a really lovely circular taking in trails, fields. tow path cycle path & quiet country roads with some lovely villages. The route defiantly lives up to its name with stunning views on what was a bright but chilly day.

Ran with Russ, Christian & Neil - a good long training day out excellent company making the miles tick by.

Next up

SVN - Cakeathon 6 hour challenge on the 20th April

The plan is 6 hours on my feet, but it will be a mental challenge as I find the lapped course a bit boring :-)

Easter Monday - planning a 13 mile hike with friends using one of the Barton LDWA routes

Next organised event will be 4th May The Oxon 40 I have not run this one before, but it gets good reviews a challenging 40 miler taking in the Chilterns Hills - then a few easy weeks ahead of the Chester 100.

Its been a funny year training wise to date - strength & conditioning going well as usual 3/4 sessions per week, but still a bit physically & mentally fatigued into my running following on from last year - I guess I'm focusing on King Offa's Dyke next September so perhaps not quite off the blocks as yet, still looking at the Chester 100 as a training run early season and aiming for strong run fitness by July for the real test of the Beacons Way 100 - thereafter SVP100 km in August and KOD in Sept.

Its a weird training cycle as I guess for me there have not been a lot of events so far - but of course what there have been - have had purpose & reason.

So time to get my head in the game with a tad over 4 weeks to the first big one - training run or not a 100 miles is not to be taken lightly - it certainly won't run its self !

Time to step up & be brave!

to be continued ................

Happy Running

#neveraverage