Sorry, guys

Sorry guys.... I know that the rest of the working world is stuck in traffic chaos and gnashing teeth over cancelled appointments and meetings. So, I, er, took the opportunity to go for some snowy training--hard work on the legs, but so much fun and very gorgeous to view.

So proud of this

Spine challenger 2019 - not feeling so glam

Big thanks to the triathlon club who put together a brilliant rest tent and took some photos : also to the lovely Mick and Diane for taking and forwarding pics. They entertained me no end!

Spine challenger 2019

So, overall. Well. What can I add. Everyone knows it's a tough event, muddy, cold. Quite hideous. Not for the more image conscious runners of the world, maybe. This year was anticipated as 'the wet one'. Yes indeed. We plodded through fog and driving rain for approximately thirty hours of the event. The rain waited for us to climb out of our cosy sleeping bags before recommencing on our second stage. Honestly, you couldn't make it up. Wet feet, soggy gloves, could hardly see through my specs. Lovely.

One foot in front of the other, trailing the chap in front step for step. A new level of moaning in my head, with a wider variety of expletives than normal. Plod, squelch, grumble.

I gave good money to take part in this event and reach this level of misery. Therefore surely I am extremely stupid, there's no other way of looking at it.

It was... Er.... Really good though.

The end finally arrived

Plodded through to the end of the Challenger race. Over the moon to finish, partly just to finally get out of the wind and rain. Hideous conditions, there is no way I wish to repeat this. Have no idea of my time yet - hit the end checkpoint approx 2 pm. High drop out rate due to conditions. Stayed with a fab group of three others during the race - telling ghost stories on a dark creepy Moor at midnight certainly helped the miles bumble by. Thrilled and relieved to finish. Got overtaken by the front three Spine runners - they looked strong, good luck to all competitors.

Without a doubt, Spine organisers

Spine Challenger 2019

Well, tomorrow I'm going to attempt this years Spine Challenger race. I had a disastrous attempt at the full Spine last year, which ended with injury and childish tears on the second stage. This year, I am trying the 'fun run', only er 108 miles ish. The distance would not actually be too bad, but the terrain and weather make the whole thing one of the biggest challenges of my running life to date.

So. Always good to step out of your comfort zone, whatever this means to you.

Wish me good vibes, I am desperate for them.