Do you ever get those race days where everything just seems to go right? I couldn’t believe that on Day 3 (28 miles) of the XNRG Druid Challenge I felt stronger than ever, despite having run 29 miles and 27 miles the previous two days running from Tring to Swindon on the Ridgeway National Trail. I came 5th lady and 21st overall so proper stoked with that, no idea I had that in me. Very excited as only been training properly for 4 months!
My new found strength is definitely down to following coach Rory Coleman‘s training plan as closely as I can for the last 4 months. It’s so worth it! My legs felt so strong, I wondered if they were still attached to my body they were just cranking out the miles like a metronome while I sat there and enjoyed the view! I think it helped that it was beautiful weather along the Ridgeway National Trail so I didn’t need to carry a bag. I was in proper race mode and really enjoyed it.
It was a fantastic race, a really friendly, family-run affair with smashing flapjacks from Anna, blister-popping and foot repair from Tina, talks from gear shop Race-Kit and coach Rory about the Marathon des Sables, mini-bus driving from Steve and overall management by Neil, his dad, kids and team. I met and ran with some great people, Geoff, Rob and Henry Yellow Van with his multicoloured lumo outfits and winner of the Vet50 category! It’s very good value for money too I thought – you get such a lot for your entry of £150 – basic sports hall accommodation (with free earplugs!), more cake than you can shake a stick at, teas, coffees, brek, dinner, food on checkpoints. I literally took no food with me and was stuffed all weekend. Loved it! Especially the apple crumble with custard, delish! 🙂
Next one is the Pilgrim Challenge 31 Jan to 1 Feb, 66 miles along the North Downs Way National Trail, £130. I’d defo do it but the key race I am doing all this training for, The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica, starts then! Next year…
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