Been doing some training runs on parts of the course - its going to be an epic run. The river level was up over the stepping stones on Saturday morning so I took the bridge over the Mole and headed up the steps to reach the top of Box Hill. It was a great view from the top. On race day you get the Box Hill climb out of the way early on. Its definitely the toughest of the three climbs. Then I tacked on the ascent from Denbies to Ranmore before heading home. A 13.5 mile loop took just under 2 hrs. As a guide I ran New Forest 1/2 in 1 hr 33 a few weeks back! That's how tough this race is going to be.
Great race - really enjoyed it. Good atmosphere and the conditions were actually slightly better than when I ran the course last Friday. Great to see so many people turn up and not be put off by the conditions.
I ran the route the race takes this morning (Feb 6th). Its certainly going to fun on Sunday. There's been no new snow overnight but the trail is very slushy and muddy, wet and slippery. My feet were wet within the first km (and cold!) and you need to watch where you tread. The good news is I didn't fall over though trial shoes were definately helpful. PB's are out of the question - when I did the race two years ago I finished in around 47'. Today it took me over 65'. Okay so I wasn't in race mode but nonetheless the conditions will have a big impact.
Completed the Bookham 10k yesterday which should proove to good be preparation for this challenge. Its only just double the distance and triple the vertical climb and then some. Roll on June!
Great race. Really enjoyed running on my home turf being a local. It helps to know how far to go the top of the hill - though the climb up to the top of Ranmore still seems to go on for ever.
Looking forward to the Midsummer Munro now.
Is it just me but the only results that are up seem to be for 2006.
denotes Subscriber-only content | 
gids
