Fining a happy place

[AndyD]

Haven't posted much for while... sorry, but still enjoying everyone's updates and journeys.

I'm taking things a bit easier for a few weeks after a very busy September with a running event every weekend. Started with my mental trail 12hour event and then the following weekend a 14k night run, Taunton 10k and finished with the Cardiff HM. On top of that I did a virtual 100 miles in Sept challenge.

After the crowds of Cardiff I really think my heart lies with trail running... something really good being out on your own in the countryside. I live on the Somerset levels and I'm still discovering loads of trails or Rhynes (as they are called here) to run along ... luckily they are mainly flat

I've done quiet a few "town/city" road runs and probably will still do some in future, but I've decided my main focus will be on trails / off road. With that is mind I have already signed up for a whole load of HM trail runs with a company based in Dorset (White Star Running). It seems a bit mad booking up events now, but this company sell out really quickly and its probably easier to get a Glastonbury ticket!! So coming up soon i have a 10k night run and next year I have 6 Trail HM's booked, another 12hour (ultra) event and a road marathon in Dorchester.... should keep me busy!!

Happy running folks... I will try to post some run reports as I complete them.

[C3PO Marathon]

Congratulations on finding a focus!

[AnnieW55]

Phew I'm out of breath just reading that - let alone doing it 😀. I do agree with you about the trails, soon much nicer than roads. I'm lucky to be able to run quite a few from home with minimal roadwork, unfortunately not flat though. Good luck with your plans. They will certainly keep you busy.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Nothing like having a plan Andy! 🙂 You have had an amazing year of running - looks like next year will bring more of the same! Good luck and keep posting - always good to hear what you're up to!🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

Gosh that's a lot of running but will keep you out of mischief 😃 I don't like the idea of a huge field race. I prefer small local events personally Cheaper for a start 🙂

Speaking of mental. How do you find the multiple lap races? Talking 7 laps 😁 Any tips ?

[AndyD Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

The laps on the last one that I did were about 7k, so each one took about an hour as it was trails. I was able to leave my car near the start/finish so it was an opportunity to stop and eat and drink. Whilst there was a "fuel station" on route it good to be able to run without carrying a bag or drink even as I was never more than 30mins away from fuel.

If you are not able to leave your car close to the start / finish Im sure there will be a bag drop.

I found the laps suited me as I could stop after any number of laps... In fact after 10 of the 12 hours I stopped as I hit my personal target.

What type of event is yours and how far are each lap?

[misswobble Marathon]

It's a marathon. I will have no car but I think there is a food table and an opportunity to get a refill of my water bottle. It's just the thought of seven laps that's doing my head in. Will I go mad. The scenery is nothing to write home about either so I will have to dig deep. Still, I've entered it now 😃

I fear a stiff sea breeze too. Sea that I can't see 👀😎🙄

I'm not selling it to myself 😁

Oh I forgot to is just under four miles

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

well done for entering MW! you'll be fab!

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

woo hoo Andy! Loads of races!! great you have booked loads more White star events, i will back for some next year, (half thinking of the Larmer tree 20 if i'm brave enough!! )

Nice to see you back here and doing so well!

Ps quite a few good trail races here on the IOW!!

[AndyD Ultramarathon in reply to aliboo70]

I like getting dates in the diary, keeps me motivated! I'm doing the Larmer HM... Not sure when the 20 is... But I'm sure you're brave enough 😁

[Tomas Marathon]

Wow, you like to keep busy Andy! Sounds like a busy programme, I can get tired just thinking about it!

Wonderful that you have found out what kind of running you prefer. Sometimes I think that's hard the battle.

[AndyD Ultramarathon in reply to Tomas]

Thanks Tomas, all spread out over the year, so hopefully not so bad....hopefully 🤔

[AncientMum Half Marathon]

Blimey!!! That's a lot of running. Good for you

[ju-ju- Marathon]

I am exhausted reading that, and I am going to look up White Star running as I am looking for my next trail marathon in spring.... well done you, you are amazing