South Downs
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Back in June I was due to run the Votwo South Downs Challenge but had to pull out because of injury. I was using the challenge as an opportunity to raise funds for Titchfield Primary School so as soon as I could get back to running and before the end of term I wanted to complete the sponsored event. On Friday 16th July I headed to Winchester City Centre to start the run with my husband and daughter planning to meet me at points along the way with drinks and encouragement. The day progressed in a series of stages across the Downs; the first miles went well and I loved every minute although I did have a low point at the top of Old Winchester Hill. Great run up the hill and the views were spectacular but I reached the top hungry and tired. Still amazing what a peanut butter sandwich and chocolate biscuit can do and I was soon on my way. I felt very upbeat for most of the run but by the time I had arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park (23.5 miles in to the run) I was beginning to really flag and getting a bit lost in the park didn’t help adding on some distance I really didn’t want to do! I struggled on just beyond Harting Down to reach 30 miles and then called it a day. |
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All runners have good days and bad days and I knew at the start of this run that I wasn't on top form but was looking forward to the adventure. And it felt like an adventure all the way. My time wasn't great at 5 hours 39minutes (although the Garmin did record 7000 feet of ascent). This was a day where I learnt a lot about myself and my navigation skills! Running solo was much harder than I planned and I looked forward to seeing Sparky and Grace at every checkpoint. However, if you ever have the opportunity to run the Downs give it a go, it is amazing and every time I broke through to another stunning view my heart lifted, this was what it was all about. Julia Wickson. |