BYU Blog 5

 The past month has been challenging with injury, weather and illness (the annual virus).

However on the plus side first two Rasselbock events completed. Mudfest at Rosliston Forest and it was, preceded by me ripping the side of our motorhome whilst crossing a bridge. Never a dull moment in my world. Just one of life's downs. As for the 4 hour 4.3k loop it start and finished on nice trail with a off trail claggy mud path in the middle. 

Aim 6 laps at 28 min pace initially changed to slower lap 4 and 5 and walking lap 6. Changed socks after 2, changed upper layers after 4. Very happy to adapt and learn.

Then 9 days later Day 1 Hardwick Hobble. This is very local to me and host for BYU in September. The 6.3k lap included a hill. I received lap back in September. I forgot about the mud due to lots of rain. Leading up to event I stupidly increased my aim to 7 laps (marathon). On the day I aimed for 6 which after lap 2 was a distant hope.

Met friend Andy Waind, did first lap together on schedule 50 mins. I always planned to treat event like a BYU so had a rest. Andy carried on. Lap 2 slowed slightly so after changing socks, fuelling and championing two runners on the lap I set off on lap 3.

Using the nice trail to up the pace, regain time,  before the mud I rallied mentally. Mudfest allowed me to practice eating from the tables of goodies on first 100 meters of each lap. As energy wained I resorted to walking hills and some mud. Maybe clean shoes could be a change. Reality set in and 5 laps became the goal. 

As I arrived at end of lap 3 I took stock of plenty time left and maybe if energy allowed a slow walk may get me 6 laps. Lap 4 was noticeable by the lack of runners in front of even behind but really you have no idea which lap they are on unless you ask. I maintained focus by staying focused on the next feature - a tree, fence, marshal. The temperature was not helping and the marshals were exceptional including Maggie Cartwright at the top of the hill, who I ran with at Mudfest.

The format practice continues, the hills/strength training is being introduced, the milage per week will come, finding the balance of liquid and solids for energy moves along. There is so much to try and test for the BYU. Walking has become the new running.

Please put your thoughts, ideas, tips in comments below. Onward and Upward. 🏃‍♀️🤩

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