Warning: long post!
Back to school next week so needed to fit in a longer run while I feel fit, relaxed and have the time. I also wanted to prove to myself that I can run more than 10 miles.
I set off at 0720m (no Squiggy), walked a short way down the road and then started jogging slowly along my usual route along the old railway line. Weather dry, overcast and quite breezy, which kept me nice and cool. I started off slowly, as normal, enjoying the early morning peace - birds and squirrels within touching distance (usually Squiggy has chased them away before I get to them!). 5k - onto a lane going down to the sea. 8km - tide out (see photo with railing) nice trotting along the promenade. At the end I have to go down onto the beach and along the pebbles - this really slowed me down (I should have run along the wet sand!). Next a cycle route which was so much easier until coming to the next beach - this time the path is pebbles, grass and sand. The sting in the tail - SAND DUNES!! Finally I reached the prom 14km (photo of beach with wall) and met up with hubby at the station. 15km in about 2 hours. I had a quick drink, emptied my shoes of sand, put on my harness, attached Squiggy and off we went again - 1km along the windswept prom.
The rest of the run turned into a bit of an adventure! At the end of the prom the route goes up hill into some woods - this was hard work and I walked a bit. Unfortunately I doubled back on myself by mistake and added a least another kilometre - so by the time we got right out of the woods I had done 19kms! (see photo of Squiggy sitting by the ferns). Once out of the woods I saw a sign which said 2miles (back to the town) and 4 miles (to my destination) - further than I had thought!
Note to self: do a proper check of the route before setting out!
The path was very rough with loose stones and I had to take care, so pace was slow to very slow. I was determined to keep jogging slowly (Squiggy was walking!) until I got to my target distance of 21km - in the end I actually stopped my watch at 22km. I was feeling very pleased with myself but couldn't celebrate because I was on the top of the moor (photo overlooking sea), still had several miles to reach my destination (a village where I had arranged to meet my sister) and I was beginning to feel cold.
Second note to self: remember to pack an extra layer of clothing!
I plodded on and nibbled an oat biscuit (thank goodness I put those in my rucksack) eventually reaching the beacon where I briefly spoke to a couple of cyclists. Next all down hill (jogging slowly to warm up), a quick stop to admire and photograph some lovely cattle (Belted Galloways) and on down to the next village and through the woods until finally seeing my destination (Mum's village) through the trees. Finally through a field where Squiggy had a little run off the lead and then paddle in the river. My sister arrived in her car to take me to Mum's house - it was about 12.30!! Stretching, banana, tea and warm shower.
Phew an epic! The 22km took 3 hours including stops for stretching, photos and reading sign posts. I didn't think that time was too bad considering the sand, rough terrain, wind and hills! Total time was 5 hours - the last two hours walking and sort of jogging!
Did I really do that!! The amazing thing is that I feel fine today just a little stiffness in the knees coming down the stairs.
Note about nutrition: no breakfast, only sips of water during run but ate oat biscuits on final part walking. Felt fine during run, although tired legs after going up the hill.
Very pleased and feel more confident about my HM in October.
16k/10 miles in the bag. Longest run ever.