Bunkers on a Lizard, Segways, Panoramas and Salty Wet Feet

We started our training run early on bank holiday Monday . This was because we had a date at 10.30am sharp at Goonhilly to go off road segwaying. (yep you read that right)

lee running on the beach at Kennack Sands on the Lizard on the South West Coast Path

We ran East this time from our campsite and only had an hour of running because we had to pack and leave the caravan by 10am. We ran down to the beach at Kennack Sands past the Crig a Tana rocks and towards the clifftops in the distance. The beach is criss crossed with freshwater streams and very pretty. It was good to be at 'beach level' that day rather than the previous run where we were 'cliff top' for the whole run.

Claire looks back at our campsite in the distance at Kennack Sands on the South West Coast Path

When we were running (and jumping over streams) at beach level we both felt we were part of the coast more than being up high. Our feet were wet and salty , we could smell the sea and hear the seagulls.

Claire running up the very steep path up Eastern Cliff on the South West Coast Path

The climb up the cliff path to the top was very steep and sandy which meant we were back to our old 20 minute per mile pace again. We were often going at less than walking speed to go up the 'steps' made of rocks.

Lee gets to the top of the Eastern Cliff on the South West Coast Path

The view from the top was as good as the Saturday run. I took my new phone out and used it to take a panorama photo which was something I hadn't thought of doing before. The result was great. We get to see some amazing views on our training runs and I often feel the camera photos look great but never do the views true justice. This Panorama does. (also can you spot Claire in the pic?!)

Eastern Cliff Panorama from the South West Coastal Path.

Time flew by. We are used to long training runs so an hour goes by in no time. We had to be back on time so after 30 minutes we reluctantly turned round and headed back to Kuggar.

Claire crosses a fresh water stream in Kennack Sands Beach

The huge pebbles on the beach were hard work to run across, but we noticed that people had put concrete blobs into the beach to help cross the fresh water streams leading into the sea. We had been for a walk along the beach the day before so we knew there was a Type 22 Pill Box on the beach too. That means we have now run past them as far apart as possible -  Cornwall to Kent.

Our first Cornish Type 22 GHQ pill box on the South West Coast Path

The light was just right on the beach to reflect the waterlogged sand and our feet were already soaked so we took the opportunity to run through the surf and take a picture of each other. These pictures turned out to be some of the best we have taken on our training runs.

Lee Running Across Kennack Sands

Claire Running Across Kennack Sands

We ran back to the caravan really charged, we should have been sad that we were packing up to end our short holiday but instead the run put us in high spirits and we were excited about what we were off to do next .

Lee goes off road Segwaying at Goonhilly

We went Off Road Segwaying at Goonhilly for the rest of the morning and had a blast. We  found out that with a 30 mile off road radius per charge we could possibly use them for the Greensand Way........ If only we could find an easy way to get them over the stiles!

Claire goes off road segwaying at Goonhilly

 If you haven't already please visit our website www.charitygiving.co.uk/greensandway2012

Little Horses on a Lizard, An Abandoned Cottage and the Devils Frying Pan

A group of us went to Cornwall this weekend gone. We share common interests including SCUBA diving, running, ukuleles and twitter.

Claire and I took the opportunity to do a run on the Saturday so we thought we would head West along the South West Coastal Path. This path ran right past our caravan in Kuggar so it was too good an opportunity to miss. The path is a whopping 630 miles long!

Claire taking care down the South West Coastal Path near Kuggar

We looked at the map and reckoned at our Greensand Way pace we could run to the Lizard Lighthouse and back in under 2 hours.

The coastal path is a very enjoyable change from Greensand Way running. The path westwards from Kuggar (where we were staying) runs within a few feet of the Cliff and gives you a great view out to sea as well as the headlands in both directions in the far distance.

Lee finds a fish carving bench on the South West Coastal Path near Poltesco

The path is very steep and the sheer drop on the seaward side means you are always watching your feet VERY carefully as you run along it. It was noisy with the crashing of the waves, it smelt of sea salt and wild garlic and you could hear seagulls. This run was more like the run I did with Dave in Devon. I loved it.

Lee by an abandoned cottage on the seafront on the South West Coastal Path near Polbream Point

I had actually run this section of path a few years before (when I had first taken up cross country running again to lose weight). I knew that an abandonded cottage was there on the beach between the cliffs on the path and also a little bridge that crossed a beautiful stream.

crossing the stream by the abandoned cottage near Polbream point on the South West Coastal Path

We crossed the stream and began another ascent to the next section of the cliff top path. This was around the Enys head area of the coast. We came across some little wild ponies on the cliff top here who were very used to people and would meander over to us to say hello.

A little pony comes to say hi to Claire on the South West Costal Path near Enys head.

We then descended again down to a very picturesque cornish village called Cadgwith. There was a small strip of beach with the village nestled between the cliffs. The strip of beach had a number of fishing boats pulled up on it that were picture postcard perfect.

fishing boats in Cadgwith on the South West Coastal Path

Its was about now that we realised that we were running WAAAAAY slower up and down this coastal path than we were used to. A quick check of 'science' showed us we were running at a pace of 20 minutes per mile. This was obviously much slower than we thought we would run it, caused by a combination of running up and down very steep sandy paths with steep dangerous drop offs and me stopping far too much to take far too many pretty pictures.

The Devils Frying Pan on the South West Coastal Path

As we ran on westwards we could see the 'science' was showing a strange 'hole' on the ordnance survey map marked The Devils Frying Pan. This turned out to be a very large 'bridge' of land over a hole through the cliffs that the sea had punched through. The view to it was looking down a very sheer cliff path which only added to how exciting and epic it was.

The Devils Frying Pan

We ran on with time against us. It was an evening run and we had already been running for nearly an hour. We could make out the lifeboat station at Bass Point but didnt stand a chance of getting to the Lizard lighthouse at our coastal running pace.

no matter what national trust path you run on...you'll always find gloves

We turned back Dollar Ogo and tried running faster and harder to get the pace time improving. after an hours running we had travelled under 3 miles ! We had a chuckle on the way back when we found out it isnt just the Greensand Way that is littered with gloves, they were here on the coastal path too.

lee enjoying a beer stop on the South West Coastal Path at Kuggar

The weather was 'closing in' and the sky got darker and looked like rain so this was a further incentive to get back quick. Claire acted as pace setter and really got us back fast. When we got back to the golf course at the camp site in Kuggar we enjoyed a quick beer stop to celebrate such a scenic (but bloody short on distance!) run.

Tim with sports drink back at the caravan in Kuggar

Tim (who runs Greensand Way HQ online) was waiting for us back at the caravan. He gave us the furious 'where have you been' look as our dinner was ready.

On the return run back from the Devils Frying Pan we were running fast and I got less time to take in the views or take pics. This was a good chance as I ran hard to think about how great this run was. This was another one in a hundred. The pictures show just how amazing it was. We were planning to run east on the coastal path as well before the holiday ended but looking at the map I couldnt really see how it would beat this superb run for pictures and views.

The South West Coast Path at the Devils Frying Pan

I was very wrong.

The run we did next (which is the next blog) produced some of the most stunning pics we've taken so far in training.


If you havent allready please visit our website www.charitygiving.co.uk/greensandway2012 and donate even a small amount.

Hash, Dogging , Trig Planking, Swinging, Beer, Cake and Strumming a Little One in the Pub

Monday was Hashing with the Guildford Hash House Harriers. The hash met up in a pub car park in Westhumble. Popeye was the hare so we knew we were in for a treat. The last hash he led involved us being in a row boat across the Guildford Canal in santa hats so we were expecting some surprises.

typical running kit on a hash

When you get to the car park and you notice the hare has been setting a trail that required a lifevest, grapling hook , karabiners and a divers knife you outwardly smile and inwardly panic.

Popeye explained that the original plan was to end the hash with a 300m rope run down a very steep part of the hill and across the river......but.....when he laid the trail the river was so deep and strong from all the rain he had got his arm caught and been dragged under and very nearly drowned.

Popeye made it VERY CLEAR that the advanced route he had laid was OFF LIMITS because it was suicide. And in hashing speak suicide means suicide and then some.

Claire back on the North Downs Way at Box Hill

It was great to be back on the North Downs Way after our Sunday Runday the day before. We were further east this time and having found the previous run about 'flat and samey' this was about to be the opposite.

Claire running up Box Hill on the North Downs Way

We crossed a bridge and began a flour trail leading up Box Hill......and I mean up. We climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed (and when I was not in sight of anyone I slowed to a walk and got my breath back) and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed.



Google Phenomenom Lee Trig Point Planking on Box Hill

The climb was well worth it. The view was another great one, but better than that we saw a Trig Point . I was dancing around with glee in front of a bemused family eating a mcdonalds on a bench. They slurped milkshake as the guy with half of Field and Trek on his back started to 'hump' the trig point and shout 'am I straight?' 'do I look plankly enough?'

Claire Trig Point Planking on Box Hill on the North Downs Way

I got a well deserved rest taking a picture of Claire planking as well. Hasher 'Ponce' was unimpressed with our antics and made a note in his naughty book which got us a down down later that night. my explanation that 'we were one of the highest ranking google hits for 'trig point planking' pictures fell on bewildered ears.

'Sminging' - smiling with your swing

As we ran through 'liquor box' *fnar* on the top of Box Hill we also found a swing so we had a go at a bit of swinging and I played 'Nigel' to Claires 'Tyra' .

Hash Dog on Box Hill

Ive hashed before with a few dogs and always found them quite annoying. They charge about, are buggered when we reach a stile and usually lost ffor ages.  On this hash though we met a new hash dog who was ace. He even seemed to understand the shout 'On On' and go bombing off along the trail. We reckoned he has been trained to sniff out flour.

Guildford Hash House Harriers running across Box Hill on the North Downs Way

At the peak overlooking Westhumble we paused for a well deserved Beer Stop. Popeye was standing infront of the 'advanced' route that we couldnt take anymore. I took a quick peek and it looked terrifying. It reminded me of some abseiling I did in South Africa once. Glad we didnt do it.

Popeye guards the 'advanced route' on the beer stop.

We then enjoyed a gentle descent without anyone dying or drowning towards the pub we parked in called the Stepping Stones.

Hash On Inn sign planking by lee

I got some On Inn planking done (and a sneaky power nap) and claire did some 'Smubwaying'



Claire does a Smubway

It was hasher 'Glob' s birthday recently so we got cake in the car park as well as the usual Beer. He had also got a ukulele for his birthday and had asked Claire to set the intonation ( make sure all the notes play perfectly in pitch on each fret) by gently filing the nut and using a tuner. Once in tune and playing well the pub was treated to a Johnny Cash number by Claire.

Claire plays a bit of ukulele in the pub

I reckoned this was the most scenic Hash we've ever done. Claire pointed out it was the first hash Ive ever done that was daylight all the way through. It was great to mash ukuleles with hashers again, we are doing our 'hashjam' run in 3 weeks time. It was also great that the North Downs Way got a chance to showcase a hill that was a worthy opponent for Leith or Holmbury Hill.

This week is going to be a great varied week for training. Later this week Claire and I get to run along some of the Cornwall Coastal Path, taking in the Cliffs and Sea Views (and keeping an eye out for Basking Sharks).

 I must remember to pack my lifevest, grapling hook, karabiners and divers knife......

In the meantime please take the time to visit our webpage if you havent donated already
www.charitygiving.co.uk/greensandway2012

Clingfilm , Martha , Smacking, Another World War 2 Bunker, Agatha Christie and Why Splashing in Puddles will Always End in Tears on The North Downs Way

By completing the Kent training weekend (blog to follow!) we had then also run all of the Greensand Way in separate stages. With a month left to go we wanted to keep things fresh so we thought a few training runs on the North Downs Way would keep things exciting for us (and this blog).

We have also had more lovely donations from people on our website . thanks so much !www.charitygiving.co.uk/greensandway2012

North Downs Way Sign near St Marthas Hill

We set off on sunday having had a week of torrential rain. We had also had the wettest April on record.  I had wisely spent the night before spraying all my clothing and rucksack and hat in waterproof spray. I like running with the built in waterproof covers on our bags because I think it makes us look like the Jelly Babies we eat. Claire is a zesty yellow (officially called Baby Brilliant) and I'm a nice red (officially called Baby Bubbles) .

Claire acquiants herself with a new set of signange on the North Downs Way

I was trying out my new smart phone to see how its GPS and battery lasted so with this amount of rain I took advice from Eddie Izzards long distance running experience and wrapped it in clingfilm (fnar).

clingfilm for waterproofing on my smart phone

Claire was aware that her feet were going to get wet so luckily her Walsh trainers had spilt open with a big hole on both shoes after only a few weeks of running in them. This 'sunroof' system meant the water and mud would drain out quickly after each puddle.

Walsh trainers- british made sub standard running shoes complete with massive 'drain holes'

We ran through The Chantries and eventually climbed the sandy St Marthas Hill and found St Marthas Church at the peak. It was still raining at the summit so we didnt spend much time there to enjoy the fantastic views.

Claire at the Peak of St Marthas Hill on the North Downs Way

As we ran off the hill just past the church we spotted a bench overlooking a great view and so we took the oportunity to bring a Greensand Way tradition to the North Downs Way 'Smacking' smiling with your back.

Lee 'Smacking' smiling with his back on St Marthas Hill on the North Downs Way

We had found a church , done some bench 'Smacking' and then to complete the trilogy of all that makes the Greensand Way what it is we then ran past a GHQ world war 2 bunker. It was starting to look like the Big Brother of The Greensand Way was going to be everything like its little younger brother.

A Type 22 Bunker on St Marthas Hill on the North Downs Way

As we got to Newlands Corner  the rain stopped and the sun finally came out. The views from there are stunning and as good as some of the best views from The Greensand Way. We stopped for a bit to watch a bird of prey riding the ridge wave and seemingly hoover perfectly still in the air without moving its wings. I was convinced it might be another 'fake bird' like a scarecrow type kite we saw on the Kent Greensand Way run (blog to follow...promise !)

Claire does some 'smeeing' on Newlands Corner

We ran on through the Clandon Downs (also called the Netherlands although they arent flat!) and towards Coombe Bottom where we went hashing with the Hash House Harriers a few weeks ago. This also marks the mysterious site where Agatha Christies car was found when she dissapeared near Silent Pool.

Lee feels at home in a small wooden dwelling in Combe Bottom

We loved finding small hand painted yellow signs marking the North Downs Way , but felt that the path always seemed to be about 25 metres away from the obviously fantastic views we could have had. It became mile after mile of flat woodland (we were up on the ridge) and the amount of shiggy (mud and water) was tremendous.

A helpful handpainted NDW North Downs Way sign on a tree in Netley Heath

You start any run trying to avoid wetness and mud by prancing or mincing round each puddle. As time goes on and you get a bit wet and tired you give up and eventually find yourself blasting straight through the middle of even the deepest shiggy because you dont care anymore.

Lee the Red Jelly Baby blasting through the shiggy

After about 1 hr and 45 minutes of running we turned round in Netley Heath (just north of Gomshall) and started the run back.

Out of boredom we started deliberately stomping hard in puddles just to get each other wet. Sensible ramblers looked on in horror as two crazed runners laughed uncontrollably as they deliberately went out of the way to splash the other one with mud and water. We laughed and stomped and it naturally escalated and got more elaborate before I attempted the final big mega stomp to cause the mother of all mud soakings....and I nearly did it .........perfectly....except I didnt. I slipped sideways past Claire and skidded in a big jelly baby mess in the mud right in front of two horrified walkers who burst out laughing with Claire (and me eventually) as I laid in the mud.

Lee loses the mud stomping competition in style on Netley Heath on the North Downs Way

Heading back towards Newlands Corner the weather continued to improve and the sky got blue and the sun came out  and I cleaned myself up by wiping the mud all over Claire.

Claire enjoys running with Blue Skies along Newlands Corner on the North Downs Way

The views were just breathtaking and made even more impressive by the dark grey line of clouds in the sky in the far distance.

Claire running along Newlands Corner towards St Marthas Hill

We got back to St Marthas Hill and the Church to find the sky much more favourable for photos and we could also truly enjoy the view in all directions.We also found an offering from the running gods in the form of 2 ibuprofen tablets still in their blister packs. Mild Walky Pills from heaven.

St Marthas Church looking all fierce and high fashion

We ran on back down St Marthas hill and across the Chantries quickly
and back to the car park where we started. The total distance was a bit under 15 miles. It was great to run some new trails and following the signs makes it even easier. We expect to run a bit more of the North Downs Way in the last few weeks of our training before THE BIG RUN. Our only real gripe was once we got up on the downs we stayed up there (with the Greensand Way there is a lot of up and down) so there wasnt a lot of hill climbing and it all felt a bit 'flat'.

acorns instead of oast houses marking the North Downs Way

Little were we to know that a only a day later Popeye was going to treat us to the most scenic and steepest hash we've done on Box Hill on the North Downs Way..........A run which nearly drowned him.