The Druid Challenge Ridgeway Ultra 2012

sian lewis-evans wrote (see)

I think it's opening time! I also have to get my kids to school - hubby collecting them and then bringing them down to meet me at watlington

Sian, thats what im doing too, drop off at school, get to start ASAP , then being picked up other end + daughter to see me knackered and muddy -AGAIN. shes getting used to all this seeing her mum do ' crazy' things as she calls it  thats good then if we can get there for the brief at 10:30am, i should be there about 10am. dont mind gettin there early but 8am and waiting for 3 hours is a bit TOO long

Panicked a bit then when I saw 8am. I was planning on getting there between 9.30 and 10, as we need to see daughter off to school first as well. 

Loula/sian - make the most of your kids being interested in what you are doing, my daughter has started to refuse to come to any more running events, as its 'just Mum running again'.

charlotte, well yes, my daughter is 9 and comes to events if my friends children are there too, but for the ultras etc or long days she stays with nanny!!

Just read the email.  I was hoping to travel light, but after today, it would be well advised to take extra precautions.  It was even snowing at one point on the Ridgeway and I was really cold by the time I'd finished despite dressing, as I thought, appropriately.  Anyone running the third leg - watch the road near Liddington Castle - really fast cars on a blind hill.

Will have to drop my kids off at someone's house around 8 and hope to get to Ivinghoe around 10. 

See you all then.

Yup, got the email. Is it me or does my huge sports bag not look big enough any more? Checking the weather forecast every day to get an idea how much of the kitchen sink to pack.

Looks like the shorts are out and its time for the long leggings!

Will be  frantically trying to disguise my two bags as one by strapping together and shrouding with bin bag.

glad im only doing day  1!!!

i think the forecast is better for next week however what time are you hoping to do sian?

i really dont know , as i dont know the terrain on that part . i gather its hillier than the 2nd and 3rd sections that ive done over summer but thats fine. if its wet and slippy i guess it may be slower going...im aiming to finish before dark if that helps!! seeing as we dont have numbers yet to identify each other from at the start does anyone know what they are wearing so we can find each other???? i will wear 2xu leggings and a light blue Nathan backpack/vest , im small , blonde hair , probably bouncing around to keep warm !! lol

hang on , isnt in the rules that we faff? check, double check, decide to change socks at the last minute then cant be arsed because it means undoing laces and your fingers are too cold by then i will be the one muttering this under my breath:

The ultra runners oath....one hand on RFP..

I,do SALAMONLY swear to finish my ultra,

let us not linger at the aid stations ,

 lead us not into temptation to go under the 12m/m or into unmarked courses,

but deliver us from the evils of roads races and tarmac,

for shotbloks are the power and the trail is the glory for ever and ever....

Garmin.