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After 1st lap. On my 2nd cookie. |
It was an early start for both Lucy and I as the race was in Challock, Kent. We both left our homes by 6am and she picked me up from the Ebbsfleet International train station. I didn't fuel properly in the days leading up to the race and didn't get much sleep the night before so I was unsure how I would feel on the day. I did 90 of spinning both Monday and Tuesday nights meaning I wasn't physically rested either. I was also worried about injury. If my Achilles tendinitis, plantar facisitis, or periformis pains started acting up again, I would be really cross with myself.
But the gang at SVN are so incredibly friendly it is hard not to have a good time when you are at one of their events (we had previously attended their Unusual Suspects challenge in February). We had a late start due to the toilet queue but set out on the trails only a few minutes late. We weren't worried though because the time limit was eight hours. I found the course to be hilly (1500+ feet elevation change according to Strava). There were some bits in the sun and some in the shaded wood which was nice. The weather was a bit funny, as half the time it was raining and the other half the sun was out.
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Bit of the course through the Forestry Commission park we ran in. |
We aimed to run the first two laps and would then use a walk/run strategy if we were going to continue. Lucy's stomach was bothering her so we did walk a little bit on the first two laps. For the next lap, we decided to walk uphills. We didn't stick to a specific time or distance interval when breaking up the final three laps between walking and running. We listened to our bodies and tried to get around. Many of the participants were doing the same and we had a good chat with them too. Lucy learned what 'Quest for the Vest' is and declared she is out to be part of the 100 marathon club.
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So many cookies! |

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Check out the bling! |
If you love running, and eating, I highly recommend you become involved with the SVN community. You will not regret it.
If you have run any of the Major races, please leave a comment below with your favourite memories of the race. I have Berlin in September and will need to work on the rest in 2017 and beyond.
I don't think this would ever happen to me! But congrats to you and Lucy for overcoming the mental barrier and covering the distance! x
ReplyDeleteYou never know, Elle. If you are with good friends and there is sunshine, you might just go for it!
DeleteIt's surprising what you can do sometimes!
ReplyDeleteMy mum did this race too and surprised herself with how many laps she did. An SVN race is on my to run list as I've only heard good things about them and the medals always look fab.
Good luck training for London, Plantlife is a great charity to support,
I cannot recommend SVN events enough, Nicola. I will be at Cake-a-thon in October if you are make it. :)
DeleteI am quite possibly using you as inspiration this weekend! Doing Rat Race Runstock - 8hours of 5k laps and possibly going to attempt a marathon maybe depending on how I feel!
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head. See how you feel. Don't be afraid to walk if you need to. I would struggle with 5K laps, so maybe have a different playlist for each lap or a different running buddy to keep it interesting? Good luck! And let me know how it goes :)
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