Really? You want to do what?

Which was pretty much the conversation I've had with several people recently.

I have the first week in June off but Mrs C has had to cancel her week which leaves me twiddling my fingers. Yes, I could have cancelled mine but decided it would be nice to do something I wouldn't generally get the chance to do.

After going through various options I ended up with the thought of running/walking/staggering to my brothers and my mum's house's. I live on the Berkshire/Wiltshire border, Mum & my brother live North & South of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. (Some of the other options did include going to see my sister in Texas, or even my cousin in Woolongong both of which would involve doing not a lot, and eating / drinking lots. Why do some people seem to think it odd to have turned those ideas down? image ).

So route is (famous last words) easy, Ridgeway to Ivinghoe Beacon then Ickneild Way to West Stow which is only a few miles away from my brothers house. At a rough guess, about 140/150m. So to give a bit of leeway, and allowing for side trips to see stuff / get lost, I'm working on 8 days and an average of 22m per day. Working on the bsis that I did Grizzly in 3 1/2 hours in March and have done several sub 3:50 mara's I should be good for it but getting quite stiff and tired as I get over the Suffolk border. I'll also be carrying a small rucksack, something I'm not used to doing when I run. In the back of my mind is also the idea of doing an ultra and this will give me an indication of whether I have the mental strength to do so.

Apart from just a genreral thing, there are twoother reason's for the post:

1 - I know the Ridgeway up to the Thames and about 15m past. Not a clue what it's like after that. Same goes for any of the paths on the Icknield Way. Looking for any hints / tips from any locals who know the paths. Also if any of the roads it uses can be easily avoided. Any added info for things to see along the way would be a nice bonus.

2. Talking of locals, does anybody do DB&B along the route(ish), or want to try it for a night?! For a monetary consideration of course.

Any help gratefully received.

If reality matched intention I'd know I was dreaming

Comments

  • Flip FlopFlip Flop ✭✭✭
    Can't help with any specifics as I don't know the area but I think it sounds like a wonderful week to me image Good luck and enjoy.
  • PhilPubPhilPub ✭✭✭
    Not my area I'm afraid but sounds like a laugh.  Get some very long runs in with your rucksack.  You may discover new long distance chafing areas!
  • Really sounds like an exciting thing to do.

    Rucksackwise: I don't think it should bother you at all. If you find it is harming your form / creating niggles, then something needs adjusting. I'd recommend something with stomach and chest straps, and also air-flow at the back at least. Don't do what I did when I started running with a rucksack, and attach things to it at the front for easy access - your arms need to be free to move completely unimpeded, otherwise they will suffer over those distances. 

    As long as the weight is evenly distributed - and you're careful how you pack it so that it is - it should be no worse than running if you were an extra 5 pounds heavier. 

  • mr fmr f ✭✭✭
    Awesome, very jealous! Have fun and hope it stops raining!
  • Awesome idea. I once encountered info on a company  (on the web) that specialises in outing like these, they will transport your stuff, can't remember the name but may be useful, I know they were based by the national trails, may be worth looking it up. And good luck with it!
  • sounds like fun.......that distance is walkable each day so if you do get tired you can do some run/walking on some days.......

    good luck
  • ChimneyChimney ✭✭✭

    Thanks All. Med kit will have blister plasters, cream, large plasters and anything else I can think of that will stop/alleviate chafing pain!

    Yep Seren, distance per day shouldn't be a problem, it's not like it's a race and should give me sightseeing oppotunity, stop & smell  the roses time etc.

    acidgirl - Good shout. Had heard of that sort of company on the big national trails, hadn't crossed my mind that they may do something on an ad hoc basis. Will look into it.

    If reality matched intention I'd know I was dreaming
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