Downslink Ultra - A toughie!

[Nikasa777]

Sunday saw me head up to Guildford to run an Ultra Marathon. 38mile run from Guildford, south towards Shoreham-by-Sea. As the name suggests, it links the 2 ‘Downs’ (North Downs & South Downs)

After registration we took a walk up a hill to St Martha’s Church, where there was a race briefing, then we were off. A few ups and downs to start with, on different terrain, through woods and then onto a fairly flat gravel path and headed south.

Most of the route was along old disused railway lines, thankfully sheltered by trees, as the sun was warm. The course was well marked, not that it needed much marking (occasionally there was a turn in the path, or a few paths to choose from)

We headed through Cranleigh, Slinfold and Southwater through aid stations, stocking up on water and grabbing a savoury or sweet snack before continuing.

I tried to run as much as possible, but keeping my speed at a comfortable slower than marathon pace, sometimes I walked bits as my hips were starting to niggle.

We got to Henfield (28miles) at 6 hours, to our running club aid station, there was lots of support, encouragement and a banquet of goodies to choose from. From there we headed down to Bramber, walking more as my running buddy and I were struggling with aches, feet on fire and the terrain was taking its toll.

Another aid station at Bramber Castle for a final refuel (chocolate, jelly babies etc) and headed off on the last 5 miles. We walked all of this section, along the River Adur, past Shoreham Airport and down to the finish.

I was so glad to get to the end, my feet were so sore, I was getting cold, and I had several gritty stones in my trainers.

After 9hours 2minutes we crossed the line, received medal and t.shirt, then had to climb stairs 😬🤬🥵 to collect finish bags, and a lovely homemade chilli and refreshments.

Overall a lovely route, not many views once on the paths, but so much support from passers by, great support from the aid stations and organisers.

As I write this, I am aching so much from my hips, thighs, calves and feet, and I think it’s down to the constant hard terrain, and flat(ish) route. When I ran the 50Mile Ultra back in April, it was a mixed terrain, mainly on grass and had lots of up and downs, so different muscles were used, this was constant impact on the same joints/muscles.

No running for a week or so, but will need to go walking to loosen off, then I’ll decide what’s next 😉🤣

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Amazing achievement and you passed through my neck of the woods on the Downslink. St Martha’s is beautiful isn’t it? Rest up well and hope you recover well!👏💪🏅🙂

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon]

Strewth, N777 ! That’s one hell of an achievement 👍👍👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

That’s a bit cruel, making you climb stairs after running that distance! An organiser with a sadistic streak 😩😂

Congratulations and well done to you! It sounds glorious, terrifying and hard in equal measure 🥳👍💪

[misswobble Marathon]

well done! Fabulous medal 🏅🥰. Chilli at the end just slips down so easily doesn’t it 😋

I agree about too much flat! It’s more wearing on the feet than undulations. Hips too! 😫

I hope you’re feeling ok today. Rest, sleep and good food - oh and Epsom salts in the bath - are great for restoring a beaten up bod

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oh wow! That sounds so tough. I can't imagine how feet must feel after that long. Huge congratulations on completing such a difficult challenge 💪 👏

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Well done Nikasa! That is a looong day! Hope you are feeling ok now?

[Frenc Half Marathon]

That’s brilliant Nikasa777 , well done. And a lovely medal too. I hope your aches and pains have improved a bit! 😊

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

What an achievement, I love running part of that route and often think what’s round the next corner? I start near Shoreham end, It’s a long way, you must feel so proud

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Great achievement there N777. Hope your recovery’s going well.