20th July was a good day out

Decided to celebrate my birthday with a long walk on the South Downs near Rottingdean. The day before was the hottest day of the year so Helen and I  were up early to beat the heat but it rapidly turned into the windiest day. We walked for about 6 miles and the farmland and meadows were full of swirling colour brought on by strong gusts. Click on the image below to get a feel for it!

Meadows full of wild flowers

 

Later the same day I took part in an event I’d heard of years ago but always forgot about until it was too late. Beat the Tide is a 10k run along the foreshore at Worthing. Fantastic fun. Great to see so many familiar faces from Hove park parkrun doing this event.

Setting off at Beat the Tide from near Worthing pier. Photo Jon Lavis

Fortunately we did beat the tide!

Celebrating with Helen and friends

 

 

Three Forts Challenge – 1st May 2016

Most of my training for this year’s Brighton marathon was off-road, up on the South Downs. It’s my favourite place to run now – far more relaxing than the roads and it has really helped my endurance. After the marathon, hoping to make the most of my training, I entered the The Three Forts Challenge, also known as  The Tough One. It’s a 27 mile route on the South Downs, starting in Worthing. It takes in the ancient hill forts of Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring and Devil’s Dyke. 3450 ft of climbing and nearly 6 hours to complete. What was I thinking of?!

Tough it certainly is but to take your mind off the aches and pains, the route is set in stunning countryside and brilliantly marshalled by some wonderful volunteers.

 

‘Running’ up the final slope to Cissbury Ring with Paul.

 

I ran the whole distance with my friend Paul who I’ve been running with for years now – we started running 5km parkruns at Hove park, 7 years ago and now look at us!

Coming up to the finish after nearly 6 hours felt like a real achievement and it has really changed my focus on what I’ll enter this year. The Moyleman in Lewes and Beachy Head marathon are definitely on my list of things to do and I’ll certainly be back for The Tough One next year.

Finishing never felt such a relief !

Three Forts Challenge

Cissbury Ring

Chanctonbury Ring

Devil’s Dyke