March 2010

[Sweder]

I've decided to try a pre-Connemara 'test run.' I figure if I meet difficulties on this route I can abandon any ideas of completing the Irish Ultra. With so little mileage under my belt - well below 100 kilometres this month (as in February) - I need an alternative approach.

I plan to run/ walk early doors from my home in Lewes across to Brighton Marina by way of Kingston Ridge (home of the Big W), Castle Hill, Death valley, the Snake, Woodingdean and East Brighton park. That's an undulating route of around 10 miles, which should take around 2 hours based on my half-arsed walk-run calculations. By leaving at 7am (BST) I hope to hook up with the Jog Shop crew to leave the marina at 9, head east to Saltdean, up Telscombe Tie, the North Face and Yellow Brick road to rejoin the W where I'll peel off and drop back into Kingston and home to Lewes.

Crude Map-My-Run plan of attmpted route.

All-in around 4 hours for a shade over 22 miles.
Many things can and may go wrong; aches and strains, my general lack of fitness exposed by the rocky ridges along the Jog Shop jog or maybe mis-managed carb intake (I'll carry some sarnies & wine gums - no gels, more by inept planning that design). The weather threatens to dampen my spirits. Monstrous storm clouds are already gathered over the Lewes Cliffe, dark, brooding brutes full of menace out for a rollicking Saturday night on the town. The switch from GMT to BST is against me too; I'll lose an hour's kip as the clocks 'spring' forward.

By the end of it I'll have a better idea of whether my idea about run/ walking Connemara within the allotted seven and a half hours is complete fantasy or in any way do-able.

The alternative? Sit on my ample backside to contemplate my navel after another gentle ten mile plod. That will tell me little except to remind me that I need to lose a few pounds.

Plus ca change, plus la meme chose