My Forum

Given your present mileage, I think that if you put in some weekend back-to-backs, preferably on the actual terrain you'll be doing for the race, and if you're sensible about pacing, you could probably complete this.

I'd agree with pmo that if you go into it thinking you can pull out if it gets difficult then you probably will pull out if it gets difficult. If you're determined to finish, even if that means walking, limping, shuffling or hobbling to the finish line, then you'll probably finish.

I have the previous version of the Salomon 10+3 wings vest and I've worn it in a few 50-mile races now, as well as lots of shorter training runs etc. including carrying everything I needed for self-supported 25-30 milers. I really like it. The side mesh pocket is really expandable so it's great for e.g. a windproof jacket.

Daz: sympathies. It was bad enough battling along on SDW50 in wind, rain and poor visibility last month - and we had route markings and full support from the Centurion crews. NOT risking hypothermia by pushing on sounds like a very sensible choice, if frustrating. Good luck for better weather conditions another time.

T Rex: Sounds like you're being sensible. I strongly recommend waiting until the dog knows you a bit better before carefully introducing him to the chinchilla, but I'd avoid leaving them alone together. In my younger days I had a lot of success in introducing various cats to hamsters and later to a duckling I was hand-rearing, and they got the message that these were mine and not to be touched (worked when e.g. the hamster got out and met the cat on the stairs, and later when another cat met the duckling running over the lawn 20 feet away from me). I also knew a house-rabbit which lived fine with several wild-rabbit-hunting cats and a labrador retriever. But you really need to know your animals before you can make the decision to leave predator and potential-prey together

First, thanks to all of you who were crewing on Saturday - it was good to meet you, Sussex Slogger. The ice cream was a wonderful treat. Everyone at all the aid stations was fantastic, and the photographer, Richard, was really encouraging every time I met him as well - helped me to keep smiling.

Somewhat disappointed with my time, but the continuing left ankle problem was compounded by a pressure point problem (which I'd padded turing into a wannabe-blister on the back of the same heel - really slowed me down on the side-sloping and rutted fields towards the end. Also, I think I started out too fast, which was my own stupid fault!

Scenery, and weather were great, and underfoot conditions were good as well - if not for the aforementioned ankle. And unlike my last recce along here, and last year, I didn't fall over, which was a ncie bonus.

My next Centurion event will be NDW100 where I've volunteered to help at Knockholt Pound, so hopefully I'll see some of you coming through. Meanwhile I think I'd better get to a physio and get this pesky ankle really sorted out!

GKD: Sympathies for that. Re. x-rays, you may need them to be taken again in a few days - stress fractures don't always show up initially on radiographs (and sometimes never show up). If it -is- a stress fracture, you're looking at 6-8 weeks of rest and then gradual build-up again from there, I'm afraid. On the positive side, once a fracture has healed, it's healed, which in some ways is better than tendons and ligaments, which can just keep niggling for ages.