I'm definitely blaming Decker for this. In the Weekly Chat he said "I'm sure you could do 50k or miles with your experience"
That combined with all the inspirational audiobooks I've been listening to of ultrarunners and much, much greater achievements than mine I thought 'yea, why not, why wait, tomorrow may never come'. I'd had a rough plan to increase a long run by 2 or 3 miles onto my well known distance of 20 miles each month to gently ease me up to 31 by October. Yes, that would probably have been the "safe" way to go but I was feeling a little more reckless than usual 🤣
I didn't tell anyone I was doing it (that way if I failed it would just be me feeling it). As I lay in bed Tuesday night I went through everything I needed. Weds morning I dug out my hydration bladder from the freezer, goodness knows when I'd used it last, preferring just my 500ml soft flasks for most runs. I forgot to rinse the mouthpiece, which I regretted later. Tasted pretty nasty for several miles! The bladder held 1.8l of flavoured water. I filled 3 500ml flasks with two different kinds of energy drinks, high 5 mojito x 2 and sis tropical x 1.
I upped my snacks to about 10 bars of varying kinds and filled my wheaties bag with about 6 portions. More than enough plus extra if things didn't go well.
My pack was super heavy. At least 5.5kg. I debated taking some safety gear out but of course on such a long run that's exactly when safety gear might be needed.
Breakfast of crumpets, almond butter and fruit done. I applied anti chafe to all the usual areas paying close attention to where my new running skort shorts come to on the thighs. I'd worn it for a few longer runs but nothing like this. Calf guards, short injini, a long sleeved top (I knew I would get hot in places but I also knew the exposed hills would be chilly) I took the sleeves off my jacket (stowed those) and wore the gilet under my pack mainly to prevent ruining my fave run top with my pack rubbing.
I set my garmin to the default watch face to save battery, rebooted it, and although I took my headphones I vowed only to use them if I was struggling as music takes a lot of extra battery from the watch and I really didn't know how long I'd be out. My overly optimistic goal was 6 hrs and my more reasonable, but didn't want to take that long, was 8 but of course if I really struggled could be more.
I'd actually planned the route in reverse but when I'd looked again at where the climbs hit it made more sense to do it the other way, the steepest climb being early on when I was fresh.
I set off along the Brooks and over to the RSPB site trying not to get distracted. I could hear the sedge warblers and reed buntings, a dunnock and various others. The pack was making a lot of noises, little rustling noises making me think someone was behind me.
Throughout the day I had to occasionally push the pack up from the bottom and readjust it as it kept slipping backwards with the weight.
Across to the airfield a plane with glider in tow took off just as I entered the path. Out the other side onto Clay Lane I exchanged pleasantries with a pair of walkers and admitted today's ambition. There, I said it out loud. Gotta do it now!
I power walked up Kithurst. It pained me a little to do so as I'm proud of the fact I never usually walk any hill, but one piece of advice in a recent book was never to get out of breath on long distances, that way you should always be OK to finish and Kithurst definitely takes your breath away.
I had a quick snack stop at the top where I was approached by a gent asking if I was the same runner who'd been over at the RSPB about an hour ago. I confirmed it and we chatted for a bit. Again, I admitted my goal, really cementing it now! He was mightily impressed and wished me well.
Skylarks accompanied me along the SDW to the junction down to Wepham, I do like this single track trail, it has some beautiful views and is easy on the feet being compact mud and grass for much of it.
I had a new trail section to explore further down and talked to the sheep as I went. I also saw the biggest buzzard I've ever seen, he was magnificent and had some yellowy patches in his feather pattern. I even wondered if it were the white tailed Eagle but couldn't see any white in the trail. It was slow finding the right paths at Burpham and getting down to the river, much of the bank was flooded but thankfully my path was OK, just sporadic puddles. As I came out to a grassy field however I was below the level of the river and at one point the water table had risen leaving a wide, watery expanse in the field. I checked both sides uselessly, it was obvious it was right across so decided a run and jump approach might just work.... it didn't. My left foot was soaked instantly and I managed to kick the water with my right soaking that one too 🙈🤣 only 11 miles in and 2 wet feet... possibly not good news. The squidgy feeling went away fairly quickly but eventually it felt like my left big toe was rubbing against the shoe, exacerbated I'm sure by the damp sock. I wished I'd thought to bring spare socks.
I'd purposely routed around a bit that said it had been a Fort. I didn't see anything and forgot to look for evidence! I ended up in a grassy valley which I know fairly well, it was lovely but the long grass was slow going and I then remembered I hadn't taken an antihistamine...
Eventually I made it round to Houghton Bridge and was really surprised by the level of flooding on the opposite bank scuppering my planned route so came out to the road and crossed to the opposite bank making my way back around to follow the SDW to the farm road. Turning off again I power walked the steep incline to the junction and played in the traffic along the narrow road to reach my path. Again, I power walked the steepest parts and ran when it eased off. I walked the last field up to the top to cross the A29, crossing over to join the path which had just been mown. Running along here I encountered very few people but there was one couple who had stepped off the path and the woman was covering her face with both hands 🙄 I was sorely tempted to stop and offer her a tissue... but simply shouted Afternoon loudly and carried on. It really is a horrible way to treat your fellow human.
Eventually the track opens out and I walked a little whilst eating having decided that if I was having walking sections, that was the time to eat, no more stopping for food now. Down the steep chalk path was fun. I did have to pull my feet back to my heels after and away from the edge of my shoe where it did feel like the toe was rubbing. I contemplated taking my shoe off to check and maybe taping it but decided that was overkill. Power walking up the steep section and then the long incline to Tobys stone I was stopped by 3 walkers who wanted to take my picture. I agreed and then took a photo for them. I voiced my goal yet again and they were suitably impressed and wished me a good "walk" 🙈 as I was walking uphill at the time. This spurred me back to a run and onwards to good old Glatting. Map checks were now done whilst walking. Too much time wasted waiting for signal etc. I could get the phone out, start the app, tell it to locate all whilst walking and just glance at it quickly. Much of the route I know well but there were some new sections too. I was conscious I'd been out a longish time already and should wee. I picked some Dock leaves and found a tree. I could see the colour was brighter than I'd like so made a conscious effort to drink more which would also eventually lighten the load in my pack.
I enjoyed running down a hill I usually have to come up then turned off to find a new path to come off the Downs. First bit was fine, then it got so steep I had to go sideways and go from tree to tree to have something to hold onto. You could see where over the years the land was just slipping down the hill. Fortunately it wasn't too far to pick up a more runnable path, this time covered in wild garlic. With the scent of garlic surrounding me I ran down the hill eventually coming out in Sutton.
I found my next path overgrown and badly rutted. After a few steps I almost took a header but managed to catch myself windmilling my arms and trying to grab anything to steady myself. I grabbed a handful of nettles 🙈🤣
Over the stile at the end to find it was a big cow field and I couldn't see where the exit was... just didn't want the added stress when I could go back to the road and rejoin my path round the corner. Back through the nettles to get stung on my left knee for good measure so I got my zapper out at the road and zapped my hand generously and my knee. The worst of the sensation abated almost instantly.
Once back on the bridleway it started to get muddy and puddles were the only hazard. Trying to get round one gave me a wet left foot again. It's a long trail, crossing a couple of small roads and finally coming to and end on a B road. Left towards Fittleworth (I had no idea previously where that road went as I usually go right) down the hill and over the bridge. Along the farm track and up to the fields. A chap stopped his dogs to let me by, I would have happily had a short walk and said so. I thought you were jogging he said I am I replied but it gets tougher towards the end.... How far have you gone he asked....27 miles so far but more to go. Bloody helll he exclaimed, well... enjoy!
I walked up the last, steeper field whilst double checking the map then crossed over the road and power walked the steep incline. Around the common through the trees and ultimately across the A283 towards Stopham. This is a favourite bit and is on the home stretch so it was easy until I got to the end and had to deal with 3 loose dogs. 2 little ones were fine but the 3rd larger one was snarling with intent. I stood still to let it calm down and it kept looking back awaiting some kind of instruction from its owner which was not forthcoming. Finally I shouted at it and went past it watching it all the while. A woman finally emerged from the garden halfheartedly calling them all. I told her she should control her dogs, she said they weren't hers but they obviously knew her. She said maybe don't use this path... ah ha I thought that's her game. I told her it's public path and maybe I'd call animal control... cow.
Down the A29 and across, one more steep climb, which I power walked and along. I could tell my route was still going to come up short, even with my detour etc. I knew this would be the toughest. I did my best to not keep glancing at my distance but it's really hard. I told myself, go faster, then you'll get it done quicker! Round a couple of streets and to the end of my road. Done. But I knew I could not just stop there so walked on and around the rec ground and finally home. I knew actually stopping was going to hurt, and it did. My knees were tight, my quads were tight. I hobbled to where I'd left my protein drink out ready and prepared it and downed it, got my shoes off (sweet relief) made a cup of tea, grabbed water and crisps and headed for the bath after chucking my gear in the washing machine.
Nothing seemed amiss, my left foot a bit red on top as usual after a long run, my right 2nd toe a bit red, but tender but always has been on long runs since I lost that toe nail. The outer edge of both big toes was a little tender but I think it was just the damp socks. No signs of blistering.
Hot bath was bliss and I rubbed my calfs and quads. Something was stinging on my back though and I I got out I realised I've got bad chafe on my right waist above my hip, about 3 inches long and a section about 5 or 6 inches but not quite as bad on my lower back. Now I'd not thought about this when I did my anti chafing and I even had a small pot with me but felt nothing. I had considered tucking my top into my skort for just this reason but decided against it thinking it might make the area even wetter.
I didn't sleep as well as I hoped woke multiple times in discomfort and for wees as I'd had a lot of fluid since I got in but I wasn't overly sore and I did my workout as normal although a little slower.
I'm currently out walking whilst my truck gets it's load of tomatoes unloaded. This is my second walk this morning. Just a gentle stroll to stop things getting tight.
I'm happy with my result, I never really hit a "wall" just started to tire a little around 26 miles.
My first Half Marathon - Race Report
Another Very Long NFM 10K Report 🥱 
Another GSR report!! (Beware very long post)