We're fast approaching that celebrated day... SUNDAY. And as well all know, when comes a Sunday, comes a RUNDAY!
This Easter Sunday we're inviting you, and you, and you, and you, and everyone you know, to join us on the Greensand Way for our very special Easter Runday.
We want you to learn about and love the footpath that will be our home for 4 days later this year.
We also want you to come and search for some Easter Eggs, as I've heard the Easter Bunny will be hiding some along the Greensand Way this year...
We'd love for you all to walk or run our 4 mile circuit and join us in the Merry Harriers afterwards for some cheers, maybe some beers, and our massive raffle. We've got some amazing prizes generously donated by local businesses who are so keen on supporting us.
To buy a raffle ticket and be in with a chance of winning prizes donated by the people below, simply visit our donation page at www.charitygiving.co.uk/greensandway2012 and donate £1 per strip of 5 tickets you wish to purchase, and leave a message here with a contact so we can let you know if you win. Remember, do not include gift aid on your donation!
Prizes donated by:
http://mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk/ McAllister Thomas Fine Art, Godalming @McThomFineArt
http://www.catwalk.uk.com/ Catwalk Boutique, Godalming @CatwalkShop
http://www.rebeccascupcakes.co.uk/ Rebecca's Cupcakes, Godalming @Rebeccas_Cakes
http://www.thesnugbar.co.uk/ The Snug Bar, Godalming @thesnugbar
http://villahut.co.uk/ The Little Lamp Shop, Godalming @LittleLampShop
http://www.lorimers.co.uk/ Lorimers, Godalming
http://www.kungfucleaning.co.uk/ Kung Fu Cleaning, Godalming @kungfucleaning
http://www.westwoodrocks.com/ Westwood Rocks, Godalming @WestwoodRocks
So don't miss out! Buy your tickets, leave a comment, SHARE THIS BLOG WITH THE WORLD!
Donation link
Proudly sponsored by:
Friday, 6 April 2012
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Late for Breakfast
Those that know me will be aware that I live up to the hobbit analogy of enjoying a good breakfast. For me to miss a breakfast or be late for it would take a pretty amazing run.
The run I did on Sunday was one of those runs that you only do a few times a year. Perfect weather, perfect fitness and amazing views. My only regret was I didnt share the run with anyone.
We pick up with this blog where we left off with Dave and I at a most excellent Labyrinth party. It was a chance for merriment and fun times and also for Dave and I to 'carb load' on sports drink again.
Carb load we did.......a lot
Sports drink we did........a lot.
I woke up feeling unaturally OK at about 8.30 am on the sunday morning. No one else of the 20 or so guests were awake and I thought I'd do a run before breakfast and be back in time to have some eggs and shower and pack before leaving by midday (when we all had to be out of the farmhouse) I hadnt specifically agreed to do a run with Dave that morning so thought Id go on my own.
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| The view across the hills from Burcombe |
I ran up through the South Poorton Nature Reserve through some beautiful scenery and realised with cold hands that I had made my first mistake of the day not bringing a camera. My smart phone does a sterling job with pics but I do like my 14MP compact for good shots.
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| I love the quaint names of Dorset villages |
I used my ordnance survey app on my phone to plan a rough circular route that would take about an hour. As I got to North Poorton I came across a disused church .
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| disused church at North Poorton |
From there I headed north for a clearly marked trail on the map (which turned out to be a jubilee trail) . This was where the scenery became really spectacular.
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| Jubilee Trail near North Poorton |
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| Petrol pump near the disused church at North Poorton |
I ran up a very steep hill path which led me on to a wide ridge with views in all directions. The thing about the West Country is just how rolling and STEEP the hills are and yet whenever I take a photo it never looks as STEEP and epic as it does in real life.
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| The steep ridge on the Jubilee Trail near Burcombe |
The path wasnt clearly marked here and I made my second mistake of the day. I ran along some of the strip lynchetts ( strips in the hills leftover from medieval ploughing techniques on steep hills) and came to the peak of the ridge and down the hill looking to take a minor path off the Jubilee trail back towards Loscombe.
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| one of the 'footbridges' in Burcombe Wood. |
Even for an experienced Greensand Way navigator I ballsed up on a really large scale. I ran through a gate at the bottom of the hill that clearly wasnt a path. I ran through various fields littered with shotgun cartridges used on previous tresspassers trying desperately to find a route through to the jubilee trail. Nothing worked. I couldnt get across the streams and high fences at any point.
My stress levels went up because -
- I had no signal on my mobile to call for help or look properly on my ordnance survey map app on my phone
- There were shotgun cartdridges everywhere so this area MUST be owned by a gun toting townie hating maniac
- I had to be back within a certain amount of time so that I could pack and leave on time
- worst of all.....I might miss breakfast !
After running round in most directions like a stupid pheasant I retraced part of my route and found the jubilee trail again. The 'minor' paths on the map were non existant, which meant I had to stay on the jubilee trail and use the roads to run back to the farmhouse in West Milton. Although I knew it would take quite a while to get back I was relieved that I wasnt lost anymore. Also now the sun was up fully it was much warmer and pleasant.
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| The joy of finding the Jubilee Trail again near Mapperton. |
I popped out on the road near Mapperton having had no time to look at the amazing Mapperton House properly .
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| Mapperton House |
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| Loscombe Sign |
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| looking from Loscombe towards Bridport with the sea in the distance |
With a final burst of speed through Loscombe I made it back to the farmhouse about 5 minutes later to loud applause and relief from everyone eating breakfast. It was 2 hours and 15 minutes after I started and I had run just short of a half marathon....by mistake. But what a great mistake it had been.
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| My favourite photo of the day near Loscombe |
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
A Labyrinth, Lost among a-mazing views and a minor tour (geddit?) of Dorset
Dave and I found ourselves in Dorset this weekend in an amazing farmhouse in West Milton near Bridport. We were joining a friend for her 30th birthday for a large fancy dressweekend party with a 'Labyrinth' theme.
It was a great opportunity to do some Greensand Way training on some serious Dorset hills. We set off on the Saturday morning early at about 8.30am. We had sensibly consumed a lot of sports drink the night before and gone to bed late to simulate the tiredness of a greensand way running weekend.
Dave had selected a 6.5 mile route called the 'hidden valley' route which had a special laminated card with the directions on it provided by the farmhouse we were staying in. With idiot proof bullet points what could go wrong?
The back of our farmhouse leads straight onto The Ant Hill Trail. The trail is about showing how farmers and conservationists and ramblers can work in harmony. you can find out more here http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/hres/anthill%20trail%20leaflet.pdf
As we ran up and along the first ridge we were rewarded with some spectacular views even though it was a very overcast and 'white sky' day.
We also got lost......... at the second bullet point on the idiot proof card.
For many people getting lost can make you fearful and stressed. As experienced Greensand Way Runners we are well used to lost and we took it all in our stride.
We gave up on trying to follow or find the route and carried on running along the ridge with fantastic views in both directions. What is great about running in a whole new location is that a lot of things can be quite different. We could smell wild garlic as we ran and also the large ferns in the steep woodland embankments on sunken paths made some areas feel very 'jurassic'
We carried on roughly following the Ant Hill Way and in the distance could see an even taller hill with what looked like a trig point on it. It looked like it would roughly be at the 3 mile mark which was perfect for a 6 mile round trip run.
On the return journey Dave took us back through Beningfield Wood up some VERY steep uphills where he had been a tumbling tosser the day before.
The run back involved a lot of downhill which was great, back through the 'jurassic paths' and we saw some of the hand carved Ant Hill Trail signs (and a short cut !)
The final part of the return journey invloved a very steep path back to the farmhouse which Dave raced up and I found very tiring.
We had a great run and it was great to mix up the training with some new terrain, new smells and sights and on another great national trust/rambler path that is enjoyable for walkers and runners (just like the Greensand Way). We took some of our friends on this route later that day on a walk, most enjoyed the views like we did, a few groaned at the effort.
We celebrated that evening with plenty more sports drink and some great costumes.
It was a great opportunity to do some Greensand Way training on some serious Dorset hills. We set off on the Saturday morning early at about 8.30am. We had sensibly consumed a lot of sports drink the night before and gone to bed late to simulate the tiredness of a greensand way running weekend.
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| Dave ready to set off for our 'Hidden Valley' run |
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| Danger ! Ant route on the Ant Hill Trail |
As we ran up and along the first ridge we were rewarded with some spectacular views even though it was a very overcast and 'white sky' day.
We also got lost......... at the second bullet point on the idiot proof card.
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| Great Views of......we dont know......somewhere near the Ant Hill Trail |
We gave up on trying to follow or find the route and carried on running along the ridge with fantastic views in both directions. What is great about running in a whole new location is that a lot of things can be quite different. We could smell wild garlic as we ran and also the large ferns in the steep woodland embankments on sunken paths made some areas feel very 'jurassic'
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| Ant Hill Trail Marker ( lee loves signage) |
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| Lee Trig Point planking near the Ant Hill Trail |
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| Dave Planking on a trig point near the Ant Hill Trail |
On the return journey Dave took us back through Beningfield Wood up some VERY steep uphills where he had been a tumbling tosser the day before.
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| Lee getting some hill climb practice in at Beningfield Wood |
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| Ant Hill Trail sign and a useful short cut |
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| Dave running up the last path back to the farmhouse |
We had a great run and it was great to mix up the training with some new terrain, new smells and sights and on another great national trust/rambler path that is enjoyable for walkers and runners (just like the Greensand Way). We took some of our friends on this route later that day on a walk, most enjoyed the views like we did, a few groaned at the effort.
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| Lee and Dave later that day |
We celebrated that evening with plenty more sports drink and some great costumes.
Easter Runday!
Don't forget THIS SUNDAY is our Easter Runday event. Come join us for your Chocolate Eggs, buy your raffle tickets, wear bunny ears, and have a great laugh with us as we show you the Greensand Way...
Be at the Merry Harriers in Hambledon from 11am and we'll take you on an Easter Egg hunt along the Greensand Way. Don't forget afterwards we've got a brilliant raffle with some crazy prizes - who wants Snug Bar food vouchers, Westwood Rocks vouchers, prizes from The Little Lamp Shop, Catwalk Godalming and mooooorrreeee!!!!
Merry Harriers, Sunday 8th April, 11am - be there, bring your friends, family, neighbours and strangers!
http://www.facebook.com/events/204304329676121/
Click the link and say "yes!"
Be at the Merry Harriers in Hambledon from 11am and we'll take you on an Easter Egg hunt along the Greensand Way. Don't forget afterwards we've got a brilliant raffle with some crazy prizes - who wants Snug Bar food vouchers, Westwood Rocks vouchers, prizes from The Little Lamp Shop, Catwalk Godalming and mooooorrreeee!!!!
Merry Harriers, Sunday 8th April, 11am - be there, bring your friends, family, neighbours and strangers!
http://www.facebook.com/events/204304329676121/
Click the link and say "yes!"
Friday, 30 March 2012
Getting to know the Greensand Way
Its about time we shared with you what we have learnt about the Greensand Way so far.
G is for Gloves.
They are everywhere. Never in pairs. They can be found in trees, on the paths and sometimes on turnstiles. We have no idea whether they grow in the local area or are left as offerings to the Greensand Way God by ramblers.
R is for a special Rambler
Geoffrey Hollis conceived the route in 1982 which was extended to include the Kent section in 1989. He is effectively the father of the Greensand Way.
E is for Elevation
The total combined climb for the Greensand way is over 11,000ft and includes the highest point in the South East at Leith Hill Tower.
We have a working rule for the Greensand Way paths when we are unsure which path to take ' if unsure its always uphill' This has proven true in almost every case.
E is for Ewhurst Windmill
There are at least 2 windmills on the Greensand way. We havent explored the Kent section yet so there may be more. Ewhurst windmill marks the midway point for us as we run across the Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill, Pitch Hill stretch of the Greensand way known locally (and slightly tongue in cheek) as 'Little Switzerland'
N is for 'Nothing at Alls'
We love compression running gear. It has a lot of 'science' about muscle fatigue and blood flow and blah blah blah..... we dont care. We love that it holds you in.....makes you look more 'buff' and stops your muscles and legs and bum from going 'wob wob wob' in a dub step style. The problem with compression clothing is the constant nagging doubt that they have ripped or something because you just feel like you are wearing 'nothing at all'.
S is for Sandstone
A very specific Sandstone called Greensand makes up the ridge which passes through Kent and Surrey after whch the Greensand Way is named. It is made up from Glauconite, a mineral which gives it its green colour and crumbly texture. Its slightly less edible that 'Pork Dust'.
A is for Alternative Training to running the Greensand Way
You dont have to just run to train for the Greensand Way. Having got our free membership with Charterhouse Gym (for the next 3 weeks) weve been mixing up our training by attending some classes and doing some swimming. Its been ace! We are also going hashing next week in Portsmouth with Dave and Dan (blog to follow). As I write this Im still aching from my circuit training last night.
N is for nutrition
We've had some real heroes and villains on the Greensand Way from an energy and food perspective. We love eating jelly babies and Sainsburys fruit jellies. we also like cheese doritos as they travel well and are salty. Catastrophic failures include pork scratchings ( cause of the pork dust incident) and lead weights which are both heavy and inedible and the cause of my first reh on our first ever Greensand Way training run to Gibbet Hill.
D is for donations
Dont forget why we are running the Greensand Way . You can donate here
http://www.charitygiving.co.ukgreensandway2012/
W is for Walky Pills
We use stretching, compression clothing, special straps, shoe inserts .......but sometimes after running an ultra marathon only one thing helps...
sweet sweet walky pills. Named because they allow you to walk again.
A is for Animals
Horses that try to kill you, Cows that watch you run by and Peacocks that show off. Not to mention all the noisy noctural creatures that kept us awake on our overnight camping.....and Sheep......lots of Sheep.
Y is for Yawning .
Not because we are bored. Far from it. But because we will be tired. Very tired, when we run the full 108 miles in one weekend soon.
So there you have it. You now know as much as we do about the Greensand Way. Those of you who are very very clever will note that our list of topics spells out GREENSAND WAY.
Arent we clever ?
G is for Gloves.
They are everywhere. Never in pairs. They can be found in trees, on the paths and sometimes on turnstiles. We have no idea whether they grow in the local area or are left as offerings to the Greensand Way God by ramblers.
 |
| Gloves litter the Greensand Way |
R is for a special Rambler
Geoffrey Hollis conceived the route in 1982 which was extended to include the Kent section in 1989. He is effectively the father of the Greensand Way.
 |
| The full route of the Greensand Way |
E is for Elevation
The total combined climb for the Greensand way is over 11,000ft and includes the highest point in the South East at Leith Hill Tower.
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| Claire in Leith Hill Tower on the Greensand Way enjoying a Jaffa Cake |
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| The elevation of the Greensand Way |
We have a working rule for the Greensand Way paths when we are unsure which path to take ' if unsure its always uphill' This has proven true in almost every case.
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| Claire on a steep uphill on the Greensand Way between Dorking and Reigate. |
E is for Ewhurst Windmill
There are at least 2 windmills on the Greensand way. We havent explored the Kent section yet so there may be more. Ewhurst windmill marks the midway point for us as we run across the Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill, Pitch Hill stretch of the Greensand way known locally (and slightly tongue in cheek) as 'Little Switzerland'
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| Dave meets the Ewhurst Windmill on the Greensand Way |
N is for 'Nothing at Alls'
We love compression running gear. It has a lot of 'science' about muscle fatigue and blood flow and blah blah blah..... we dont care. We love that it holds you in.....makes you look more 'buff' and stops your muscles and legs and bum from going 'wob wob wob' in a dub step style. The problem with compression clothing is the constant nagging doubt that they have ripped or something because you just feel like you are wearing 'nothing at all'.
 |
| Ned Flanders wearing 'nothing at all' |
S is for Sandstone
A very specific Sandstone called Greensand makes up the ridge which passes through Kent and Surrey after whch the Greensand Way is named. It is made up from Glauconite, a mineral which gives it its green colour and crumbly texture. Its slightly less edible that 'Pork Dust'.
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| Greensand Ridge near Hambledon on the Greensand Way |
A is for Alternative Training to running the Greensand Way
You dont have to just run to train for the Greensand Way. Having got our free membership with Charterhouse Gym (for the next 3 weeks) weve been mixing up our training by attending some classes and doing some swimming. Its been ace! We are also going hashing next week in Portsmouth with Dave and Dan (blog to follow). As I write this Im still aching from my circuit training last night.
 |
| Claire and Lee getting a beasting at Circuit Training at Charterhouse Gym astroturf |
N is for nutrition
We've had some real heroes and villains on the Greensand Way from an energy and food perspective. We love eating jelly babies and Sainsburys fruit jellies. we also like cheese doritos as they travel well and are salty. Catastrophic failures include pork scratchings ( cause of the pork dust incident) and lead weights which are both heavy and inedible and the cause of my first reh on our first ever Greensand Way training run to Gibbet Hill.
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| Jelly Babies - Little fruity joy on the Greensand Way |
D is for donations
Dont forget why we are running the Greensand Way . You can donate here
http://www.charitygiving.co.ukgreensandway2012/
W is for Walky Pills
We use stretching, compression clothing, special straps, shoe inserts .......but sometimes after running an ultra marathon only one thing helps...
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| The Chemical Structure of Pills that allow you to run the Greensand Way without any pain |
sweet sweet walky pills. Named because they allow you to walk again.
A is for Animals
Horses that try to kill you, Cows that watch you run by and Peacocks that show off. Not to mention all the noisy noctural creatures that kept us awake on our overnight camping.....and Sheep......lots of Sheep.
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| Cows on Vann Hill overlooking the Greensand Way |
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| Sheep on the Greensand Way near South Nutfield |
Y is for Yawning .
Not because we are bored. Far from it. But because we will be tired. Very tired, when we run the full 108 miles in one weekend soon.
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| Claire having a 'little yawn' at the Hellrunner event (where the idea of the Greensand Way run came together) |
So there you have it. You now know as much as we do about the Greensand Way. Those of you who are very very clever will note that our list of topics spells out GREENSAND WAY.
Arent we clever ?
Thursday, 29 March 2012
A Sport Relief Sunday
On Sunday 25th March 2012, three friends turned up at Charterhouse Club, Godalming on a bright sunny morning, ready to rock some high-viz wear, and wave radios around: we marshalled Godalming's first EVER Sport Relief Mile!
I was in charge of the corner where people either went round again to complete another lap, or carried on to the finish line. That was ace fun. I lost count of people's laps, but that didn't matter.
We watched with huge interest as the 6 mile and 3 mile run took place - some people chose to walk to whole 6 miles, some took their pace at a slow and steady jog, and there was a massive mix of ages who completed this long circuit. Everyone had a great big grin on their face too. The winner (it wasn't a race, but he was the winner) completed the approximately 6 mile circuit in around 35 minutes!!!! Imagine doing that with 10kgs on your back... We've got standards to live up to now.
Then came the 1 mile run. We saw....
Look at the blue skies! Look at how happy everyone is! It was a brilliant day, and everyone did fantastically well. It was so exciting to be at the corner where everyone came round and spied the finish line - we saw some very impressive sprint finishes, especially from the youngsters.
All in all, a great morning, superbly organised by Josie at Charterhouse Club. To top it all off, as volunteers we were offered free 3 week memberships at Charterhouse Club - just the thing we need to mix up our training a bit - we've already started running on the track and having a swim, and next week holds many exercise classes too...
So that was our morning. Using radios, feeling important in high-vis, and watching other people exhaust themselves running. Fun, right?!
~~~~~~~~~~~
I didn't want to run anywhere in the afternoon. I wanted to curl up in the sun and have a lovely snoozy nap. Unfortunately, when Greensand Way training calls, it can't be ignored...
We'd decided to run Merry Harriers -> Gibbett Hill and back; a distance purported to be 7 miles each way by the maps, but we have measured consistently as being somewhat closer to 18 miles in total...
We took a while to warm up into the run - a mixture of standing about in the sunshine and using our enthusiasm to encourage the Sport Reliefers had sapped our energy somewhat. The weather was just incredible though. Lee took some brilliant photos, and it made a well-known route new and fresh again to see all the blossom and new flowers springing up everywhere.
Thursley Church must be one of the most photographed churches on the Greensand Way - It's got a great situation, lovely wall, a sundial and a Greensand Way sign pointing right at it. Ideal.
We passed under the A3 - that's about 5 miles from the pub. Another two warm but lovely miles followed, punctuated by the realisation that I'd forgotten my job of reminding the team to eat. Unfortunately we only had Haribo, which turned out to be disgusting - cementing our belief that Sainsbury's own brand Fruit Jellies are the bestest sweeties ever. Anyway...
The 2 mile ascent to the top of Gibbet Hill was just as neg as the last time, which was just as neg as the time before... It's a horrible hill, just flat enough to be able to attack it but long enough to really start dragging you down mentally. Each time a summit appears to be reached, the path heads downhill briefly for a few metres. Combine that with 3/4 mile of sandy path covered in large unwieldy unfriendly rocks, preventing any kind of stride or confident foot placement...... it's a nightmare and I had a proper strop about it!
The only way I can see that becoming more doable is to practice running up and down Gibbet Hill for hours on end - if anyone fancies joining me?!
Anyway. After almost tears, nearly a punchup and a threat of a flounce home, we arrived at Gibbet Hill, and the view became all completely worth it. We absorbed what felt like the world's comfiest bench - and just SAT DOWN for a bit.
Having sat, snapped, eaten some chocolate and laughed at every walker's identical reaction to reaching the summit ("Oh thank **** for that!"), the trundle home started.
When you're tired it's important to keep laughing and keep your brain interested. Otherwise you go a bit mental and start doing things like, oh I don't know...putting your face through tree holes.
...or believing you are a mammal-whisperer...
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| Dr G acing the art of Smaistcoat - you get the idea. |
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| Lee and Cla Smigh-Vizing. Oh yes. |
If you are unfamiliar with the Sport Relief mile - how is that possible?! - it's an event run across the UK simultaneously at hundreds of places, where people pay to enter this run and are sponsored by their friends, relatives, coworkers etc to complete a distance of 1, 3 or 6 miles.
Charterhouse Club organised and ran Godalming's first ever Sport Relief Mile and it went BRILLIANTLY!
Over 600 people ran during the day and raised loads of dosh while having, quite frankly, a fantastic time.
Lee was helping on the water station AKA The Charterhouse Arms (pictured below with his two bar-stewards joining in the pre-6 mile run warm-up as run by Liz)
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| Hup two three four. |
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| I also did jumping. |
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| The Godalming Sport Relief Mile "It's not a race but you're the winner" winner. |
We took the opportunity to prepare for the 400 runners doing the 1-mile race by making the Water Station super-efficiently packed with water....
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| Does your local do THIS? |
Then came the 1 mile run. We saw....
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| A not-so-Little Chef |
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| ...the 118 family... |
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| ...and a family of robots!.. |
All in all, a great morning, superbly organised by Josie at Charterhouse Club. To top it all off, as volunteers we were offered free 3 week memberships at Charterhouse Club - just the thing we need to mix up our training a bit - we've already started running on the track and having a swim, and next week holds many exercise classes too...
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| AND I got chauffeur-driven by Jason on a John Deere. Luxury. |
So that was our morning. Using radios, feeling important in high-vis, and watching other people exhaust themselves running. Fun, right?!
~~~~~~~~~~~
I didn't want to run anywhere in the afternoon. I wanted to curl up in the sun and have a lovely snoozy nap. Unfortunately, when Greensand Way training calls, it can't be ignored...
We'd decided to run Merry Harriers -> Gibbett Hill and back; a distance purported to be 7 miles each way by the maps, but we have measured consistently as being somewhat closer to 18 miles in total...
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| Lee utilises slopes to his height advantage at the Merry Harriers nr Greensand Way |
As in times before, we came across a freshly laid sawdust hash trail. A-ha, we say! Pistoffen, the elusive secret hashing club have been here! They seem to have almost the same level of obsession with the Greensand Way as we do, as we regularly stumble upon their woody markers.
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| Is this Pistoffen's way of telling us they want to run the Greensand Way with us? |
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| Blossom on the Greensand Way |
Thursley Church must be one of the most photographed churches on the Greensand Way - It's got a great situation, lovely wall, a sundial and a Greensand Way sign pointing right at it. Ideal.
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| Thursley Church in springtime - Greensand Way |
The 2 mile ascent to the top of Gibbet Hill was just as neg as the last time, which was just as neg as the time before... It's a horrible hill, just flat enough to be able to attack it but long enough to really start dragging you down mentally. Each time a summit appears to be reached, the path heads downhill briefly for a few metres. Combine that with 3/4 mile of sandy path covered in large unwieldy unfriendly rocks, preventing any kind of stride or confident foot placement...... it's a nightmare and I had a proper strop about it!
The only way I can see that becoming more doable is to practice running up and down Gibbet Hill for hours on end - if anyone fancies joining me?!
Anyway. After almost tears, nearly a punchup and a threat of a flounce home, we arrived at Gibbet Hill, and the view became all completely worth it. We absorbed what felt like the world's comfiest bench - and just SAT DOWN for a bit.
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| 2XU Catalogue pose #121 - smeggings. |
Lee decided to have a little sleepy.
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| Do not wake the sleeping runner - Gibbet Hill, Greensand Way |
When you're tired it's important to keep laughing and keep your brain interested. Otherwise you go a bit mental and start doing things like, oh I don't know...putting your face through tree holes.
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| HELLO I AM IN A TREE |
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| Why the long face? |
Having originally expected to have to run all the way back to Lee's gaff, when Dr G offered her sparkling steed as a pickup from the Merry Harriers, the words "ooh gosh yes please" were texted with haste. Because some days, 20+ miles is just too many...
We covered about 18 miles in about 4 hours with a few little rests and a big sit-down in the middle. Our pace is improving!
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| The end. |
In summary; it was summery. We may have run 18 miles each (in fact, we bloody did!) but that paled into insignificance compared to the miles and smiles completed and produced, and money raised by the 600+ runners for Sport Relief in Godalming on 25th March. So well done to all of you :)
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| The sweet view of the last field to run through - Hambledon, Greensand Way. |
Donate here: www.charitygiving.co.uk/greensandway2012
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