March 2017

[Sweder]

Moyleman Part One
21.97 kms
2:44:37 

I always tell people that the second half of the Moyleman is the tougher half. Not only because you've already run 21 kms before you get there, but because of the massive uphill start up Itford Hill and the killer finish up Mount Caburn's cruel Witch's Hat. Now I'm not so sure.

   
Part One Elevation

Both sections offer a similar rate of climb; around 950 metres each. Yet the opening section, from Wallands to the South Downs YHA, is unrelenting. After the initial 3 mile climb and long drop into the woods there's Heart-Attack Hill, the Relentless Bastard, Death Valley leading into the haul up Kingston Ridge and the climb at the end of the Yellow Brick Road, up past Breaky Bottom Vineyards. The second half, after the long haul up to Bo Peep, offers a fairly flat section along the old coach road. Here, for around 7 miles, runners can catch their breath and get ready for the last big climb up Caburn.

   
Relentless Bastard

CC5 picked me up at 9 and we set off under bright skies. I worried that I'd over-dressed with gloves and lightweight running top over a t-shirt, but I was glad of them later as the wind picked up. Duncan was getting grief from his blister from last weekend. Unusually for him, he held back, even walking a couple of sections as his shifted gait caused havoc with his IT bands. I struggled too. A week of driving, almost 1000 miles at the wheel, and a solitary plod had left my body rested from running, but the expected bounce didn't materialise. By the end my legs felt pretty stiff. I was glad of the slower pace. 

The course is in good nick. We're expecting a couple of days of wet weather and some on/off sunshine, perfect for keeping the slippery sections tricky without making the course impassable. That won't stop me watching the skies and checking the forecasts, though.