Plymouth half marathon

         I had been wanting to do the Plymouth half marathon for a couple of years now but somehow seem to miss it. I always found out about it when it was too late but last year I got in there early and booked it up. I've always loved Plymouth and spent quite a bit of time there skateboarding with friends over the years. I would set this half marathon as my one to race for the year. I was long overdue a half marathon PB which currently stood at 1 hour 29 mins and 26 secs.
   Sadly, I was nowhere near racing weight or fit enough. I told myself I would still race hard though and try and run 7's. 7 minute miles for 13.1 miles would roughly get me a time of 1 hour and 32 minutes.

     Leading up to the race, other runners started to ask me questions about the race. "Is it flat/hilly?". "Where did it start/finish?". "Was it a fast course?". I knew nothing about the course apart from that it started from the Hoe.
I found a course map and studied the course. I had done quite a bit of the route when I got lost trying to find Plym Valley parkrun. The course would start at the Hoe and head towards the Barbican along the sea front and then I was a bit confused as the Barbican was all cobbles. Surely we weren't running on cobblestone? I had trouble walking on them when I was hungover!
The course continued past the beloved Gin distillery and then right towards a bridge and then a nice climb up Billacombe and then a right into the top of Saltram. A beautiful area owned by the National Trust.
You were then heading back right? Well, you had to run up and down this A road. An out and back section of closed road with cones and tape either side. That was mile 10, It was a long way out and it was kind of depressing knowing that you had to run back again, but at least you wouldn't have the headwind on the way back. I was really struggling here. Anyways, i'm jumping all over the place...

    The day before the race, I got on the train after Fareham parkrun and stayed at my mate Nick's on the Barbican. We went on a 5 hour drinking session where I was a very good boy and drank diet cokes until I could take no more and gave in to a full fat coke. It was this girl's 29th birthday who worked for the BBC. She was a very nice lady and I chatted to lots of others with people asking me about the race and word soon spreads around. "This guy is running the marathon tomorrow!". In the end, I gave up explaining that it was merely a half marathon..lol. I also made a new lady friend who liked to blow cigarette smoke in my face, hug me and tell me how much she loved athletes. It was funny.
A battered sausage and chips later, we were back at Nick and Hannah's place. I went to bed and only had a 5 minute walk to the start the next day.
I had a banana for breakfast and that was it. On the way there, I caught this woman taking selfies. We walked together and chatted. Her name was Lisa, it was only her 2nd half marathon. Her first being in Stafford with a time of 1.45. She was originally from Plymouth. We took photos for each other (See above photo). She said she would try and catch me up during the race even though I told her I was going for 1.32. She was quite competitive but very nice all the same. I found the baggage tent and then queued for the portaloos. This was a big event, so the queues were big. Would I make the start in time? Did I really need the toilet or was it just pre-race nerves?

     
       I got to the start with 5 minutes to spare but the 1.30-1.45 area was rammed. I could not even get into the starting area. I had to wait in a gap by the barriers and wait for the crowd to filter through. Even then, some of the 1.45+ runners were passing me. Did they not think to let us in? Obviously not! Anyways, I crossed the chip map and it was still busy. It was downhill too. I tried to weave the best I could but before I knew it, the course was climbing again towards the Barbican. Oh look, cobbles to run on. It actually wasn't bad and they didn't last for long. People lined the streets shouting words of encouragement. The support here was fantastic. We were close to my mate Nick's. I wonder if he bothered to get up on his hangover this morning. And then, I saw him. I was already sweating a lot by then. I thought it would be funny to wipe as much sweat from my forehead into the palm of my hand and try and "High 5" him as I passed. I was to be disappointed as he stood there taking photos of me and grinning instead. That made me laugh for a few miles. Until we hit this really big hill in fact! My pace was off by now and I wasn't feeling comfortable or fast at all. I carried on battling away though. This hill really did climb a lot! But then, soon after I looked at my watch and I was running a sub 6 pace downhill towards Saltram. We entered Saltram from the top too which meant there was more downhill. I was really liking this bit. The marshals were great too.

        And then it got really hard. An out and back A road at mile 10. It lasted a long time but I got talking to someone on the way back when I could hear again as there was now no headwind. That really helped put my mind in a more positive place. I was just pushing on now and wanted to get to the finish. This was hard and I was suffering. My 1 hour 32 nowhere near possible. It didn't matter though, all that mattered to me is that I was trying and racing hard (Despite the mini conversation).
  It was pretty warm too, so I would be pouring water over my head at the aid stations. Back onto the Barbican and then support was electric. There was also a band playing that I forgot to mention earlier. I clapped them as I ran past. And next... A 1K climb to the finish line!!! Are you kidding me..lol. The crowd were amazing though and very encouraging as I dug deep into my soul to get up that hill.

       I crossed the line in 1 hour 35 and something. I was 3 minutes off my desired time but it was a great test for me as I hadn't run a half marathon for nearly 2 years. I really didn't know how fit or unfit I was when I approached that start line. I cheered others in and I looked out for Lisa, hoping see was going to beat her 1.45 on a tough course. I didn't see her but I did manage to see my friend Liz who runs for Tavistock but by the time I got back to the finish line, I couldn't find her in the swarms of runners and supporters. It was a great race though and I was smiling all the way to the pub with my medal. A nice goody bag too. I think I would do this one again and try to smash my current time here on a challenging course. A wonderful weekend all round.

Wimborne 20

      After enjoying the Wimborne 10 so much in November, it would be silly not to enter the Wimborne 20 in 2016. Great Spring marathon training and at a bargain of £13! Yes, 20 miles for £13.
Anyways, I entered and sorted out a lift with Rob Benham who had also entered. When he picked me up on the day there were sheets of ice outside on the car park floor. It was bloody freezing!
   
   Rob drove us there and we chatted all the way and occasionally got lost through lapse of concentration. We had plenty of time though and the place was easily found. We already had our race numbers in the post so we just sat in the car to keep warm until nearer the race start time. The start was delayed due to queues for the toilets. I was relieved in both senses of the word as I was in one of these queues. I wasn't feeling great to be honest. The previous couple of days I had been going to the toilet a lot and getting dizzy spells. Food poisoning or a stomach bug perhaps. Either way I felt uneasy about racing. I managed to stuff some toilet paper in with my Minion's Haribo on my waist belt.

      More importantly, what sort of pace would I run today. I haven't really trained to race a 20 miler. I was thinking 8 minute miles or trying to run sub 8's all the way around. Was I fit enough or would I blow up and have to run 9 minute miles after the first 10 miles? It was too hard to say.
Anyways, we were off. We ran round a little school field and then we were out onto the country lanes. The weather was perfect now and not too cold. It wasn't long into the race that I realised that you couldn't really average the time of each mile because of the undulations. I thought there was just one hill. That's what it looked like on the profile picture to me.
By the way, this is a course made up of 3 loops. So you kind of ran 3 loops of 6.5 miles with a bit extra at the start and finish.

    Bloody hell this was pretty hilly. I was running sub 8's though, so all was good. My breathing was a bit heavy so I tried to relax a bit more and settle into a rhythm. I was just trying to get to the first 5 miles and then the first loop or 10k. I worked out that I roughly needed to run 3 x 50 minute 10k's. Not sure if that sounds good or not..lol. The marshals on this race were the best! They were all smiling and genuinely shouting words of encouragement and comments of humour. They were incredible and it really made the race very special. I would see all these people 3 times at least :)

      So this first loop finally came around which seemed like forever and then I was happy to recognise where I was again. That first loop had at least 3 pretty big hill climbs. One of them seemed to go on for ages twisting around a corner to the peak and then you got a nice fast downhill. Thank god for the guy standing over the cattle grid. Every loop he directed me to the side of the road as I kept on forgetting it was even there. I thanked everyone I could and even joked with one marshal that I was sad to be on my last loop. This comment came back and shot me in the ass a few miles later as I was suffering after mile 16. Anyways, i'm jumping all over the place with these race details.

    Another great thing about this race is that there were out and back sections too, so that meant that you got to pass other runners and smile, wave, thumbs up or whatever. I managed to high 5 Rob as he flew by on the last lap. He must have been at least 2 miles ahead of me. He was in good form and would be great for VLM. I was doing okay but cursed myself a bit when I ran a mile in 8.15. My first mile over 8 minutes. It was getting tougher from mile 11 but I still had the belief in me. I wasn't tired yet but I was slowing a little.

        I was nearing the end of my second loop in the picture above. There was lots of support here and I managed to get a high 5 from White star running Director Andy Palmer. Was great to see and chat to a familiar face. I had decided against energy gels and thought i'd just try the Minion's Haribo I bought from my local shop for 50p. I had one near the end of my first loop and then I was umming and arring when to have another. I told myself to live a little and had a second Haribo at mile 10 and then a third one at mile 14. The plan was not to eat them when running uphill as past experience tells me that it's much harder to chew and breathe when you are on a hill! Anyways, I had a total of 4 Haribo and 2 jelly babies from a young marshal at a water station. There were plenty of water stations too. Did I mention that this race was only £13! Crazy value for money.

    When the lady marshal shouted and smiled "Only one parkrun to go". I smiled back but knew I was in a world of pain and it was time to dig deep. Just then, this young dude called Dave rocks up. He spoke a lot and when we ran uphill he was still chatting while I concentrated on my breathing. I was struggling to run the sub 8's now but pushed on with determination. In about one mile I got to know Dave. He had only started running at Xmas. He was doing the London marathon. This was his first 20 mile race. He beat me by 44 seconds and he runs for Lychett Manor Striders. He was a lovely guy though and his enthusiasm reminded me of when I started running. I gave him lots of marathon advice though and he was very grateful for it. I don't think he needed it to be honest. It was great to chat to someone near the end when I was struggling so much. He sure kept me going until the end. I was glad of his company and I was happy to let him keep talking but on the last mile I told him to push on. I knew we were both going to achieve our sub 2 hour 40 target so I was really pleased.

      I could see the signs... 400 metres to go... 200 metres to go... Then this spectator says "Right, go for it, may as well sprint this last bit". I just laughed and turned my head back and said "I thought I was sprinting!" I could see the finish clock and the other finishers. Dave had already finished and there was no-one behind me for 30 seconds. I crossed the line in 66th place in a time of 2 hrs 37 mins and 00 secs. I had a wonderful time! And then it was time to collect my race t-shirt. I had put down for an "XL T-shirt". "I'm sorry, we don't do XL t-shirts". That made me a bit angry. Anways, I am wearing it in the pic above and breathing in. I know it'll shrink a bit after one wash and i'll be using it as a rag to clean by bike but apart from that it was a brilliant race and very well organised with the friendliest marshals of any race I have ever done. I would happily do this race again. Rob finished in 38th place with a time of 2 hrs 21 mins and some secs. Beating me by over 15 minutes. It's not a race Rob..lol. Rob also said that he felt the loops quite mentally challenging. I was fine though as I did a 12 hour race last summer with 5 mile loops and ran 11 loops and i'd probably do that again too ;)

The Bodmin Half Marathon 2016

      So, I had always wanted to do the Bodmin half marathon. I would love to do all the Cornish races. I love the races and I love the people. So friendly and welcoming. So far I had done The Stormforce 10, Indian Queens half and the Cubert 5. These races were all amazing. When the locals tell you the course is pretty flat, it usually means it's bloody hilly! Anyway, I had talked Di, Mike and Larry into this race. I knew nothing about it but later the course and it's wonderful elevation emerged online. It was a new course this year due to property issues. The course starts at Bodmin college and heads through the National Trust's Lanhydrock.

   I am currently training for the Plymouth half marathon and I thought this would be a nice warm up race. This would have been the furthest I had run this year. The previous week I had run 9 miles to Netley parkrun in the wind and rain and did the parkrun totalling 12.1 miles. I was expecting a lot of mud, rain, wind and off road. Boy, was I wrong!

   We did Exeter parkrun the day before which was a nice course but challenging when it went through the woods and around a field and on the way back we had the wind against us. I struggled due to a hangover but loved it and the support was fab. You have to take your finish tokens into this climbing place. Take your shoes off at the door, walk up a couple of flights of stairs and queue to get into this room where people were sat at a desk ready to scan your barcodes. A bit of a weird one, but adds to the uniqueness of parkrun.

    

 

 

 

Anyway. We got to Bodmin college and collected our numbers and bright Orange t-shirts. Di and myself did a brief warm up in some cold drizzle. The race started just after 10. They did say that things are a bit more relaxed in Cornwall and that the races rarely start on time ;) Me and Mikey started quite far back with Di just up ahead and Larry at the front of course. I wasn't race fit and I thought I wasn't going to race either. Just plod around and get the miles in and enjoy the route. It was a congested start and no chip time. So I was surprised to run a sub 8 on the first mile. There was an uphill climb straight away and then a springy bridge but not long after there was a massive downhill where I passed Di. I hadn't run down a massive hill like this for a while and I pretty much ran flat out..lol. I then thought that i'd better slow down or else I wouldn't even make it halfway.

 

   I remember the race director telling us that there was a 5 minute delay for the people running with dogs. Well, only 5K in and I was being passed by the first runner with his dog. I thought I was running pretty well though but it was bloody hot. The sun was coming out and I had a long sleeve t-shirt under my short sleeve t-shirt. I wanted to take it off but couldn't be bothered to do it.

We ran through the grounds of Lanhydrock and the support was great. Plenty of water stations too. We got to a climb and then I noticed a man taking his base later off. I decided to join him and do the same while we chatted about how warm it was. Bloody runners, always complaining about something! I carried the t-shirt and used it as a towel to dry my face and head. This was a big climb and we had to do this loop twice! I knew this because of the mile markers.

 

 

    The second dog now passes me. Although, I didn't know it was a dog. I thought it was an old man panting heavily behind me, not realising the man and his dog wanted to pass. I said sorry and moved over. There was a really nice part that was flat and you ran next to a river in the woods. You then crossed a road and then the biggest climb came. I walked up this because it was too muddy for my road shoes. I was actually holding onto tree branches to keep my grip as I pulled myself up the hill. All this had to be done again too! How cruel. When we ran back into Lanhydrock I decided to dump my long sleeve t-shirt in the bin at the water station. I may have had to run 42 miles to get that t-shirt but I didn't like it anyway, plus I had plenty more running T's.

 

     After 6.5 miles I felt like I was ready to quit. I was really struggling. My legs were aching so much and I felt tired. I knew I was unfit but this was ridiculous. I pushed the negativity to one side and kept on pushing thinking that Di was going to catch me up soon. That was all the motivation I needed ;) Then another dog passed me, cocked his leg against a tree, did a wee and ran off before I even got near him again. I had to laugh and see the funny side. I got speaking to a few people.

The thing with these hilly races is that runners have different techniques. I am a fast downhiller and crap uphill. Some runners run the whole thing but at a slower pace. So there were runners that I kept on passing downhill and then they would pass me when I was walking uphill. I even got to chat to a few of them at the end to.

 

 

 

     We came onto the second loop and I said to Super girl and Spiderman that I didn't like the fact that we knew what was to come. Super girl said "Well, I think, Better the devil you know". I told her that I liked her view much better than mine as it was a lot more positive. We got talking to them at the end of the race and it turns out that they're from Shirley Avenue in Southampton! Small world huh? Anyway, I had a game plan for this loop. I would run like hell on the downhill before the horrific climb with the tree grabbing. I actually ran a mile in 6 mins 24 secs. but the climb just after was my slowest mile in 11 mins 34 secs. That was the last biggish hill done. I almost forgot! After your first loop they hand you a magnetic wristband to wear so they know to redirect you towards the finish next time around. Back through Lanhydrock and towards the college with some nice downhill.

 

 

 

 

This was a great race. I loved it. Great support and plenty of water stations and friendly faces. A lot of people said they wouldn't do it again as it was so tough. I felt like I put my body through a lot and I raced much harder than I thought I would.. It was my first race of 2016 and I was on a runner's high for days after this race. Although blasting down those hills meant I had painful quads when it came to sitting on the toilet or walking downstairs. Like I said, not quite race fit yet ;)

 

    I managed to pour some water over Larry's head while he was getting a massage and the massage lady told me off but it was worth it. Larry had done an amazing 1 hour 38 mins. You know it's a tough course when the winning time is 1 hour and 21 mins! Di and Mike were 5 mins behind me with Mikey narrowly beating his wife (but not like James Brown did). We had a lovely pasty before hitting Jamaica Inn for beer! A great day was had :D

 

 







Looking back on 2015

                                                     Fort William marathon, July 2015


                            The first thing I think about when I reflect on 2015 is that I didn't achieve any running PBs at any distance. Now, this upsets me a little bit. So then I think, what did I actually do in 2015? I only did 16 races this year. Although I did a lot more parkruns than in previous years. I remember saying that I wanted to run less than my 1300 mile average for the year and concentrate on getting fast. It simply didn't happen and I wasn't disciplined enough to really try too hard either if i'm honest.

        The year started with me coming back from injury and running the Somerley 10k in January. I still remember feeling so fat and unfit. I felt sick running that 10k and I can't even remember my time. I know it was awful though. But it was quite a nice 10k route around the estate.
Not too far away came the Bramley 20 miler. Again, I was feeling unfit and hadn't really trained for the miles. I should have been up to speed as I had the London Marathon just around the corner. I ran Bramley with Mike Mattingly for the first 16 miles and achieved a PW on the course. I didn't intend to race, it was just a case of "getting the miles in".

                       Drinking booze at the Lovestation on the Larmer tree marathon at mile 20


    With the VLM just around the corner, it's best just to concentrate on pace and distance right? Stick to that marathon training plan! Or.... You could just run around an estate in a place called Tollard Royal. This being the very hilly Larmer tree marathon. I was still not feeling that much fitter. This was treated as an adventurous day out with my running buddies Chris and Dean from my running club. It was another PW for me. Over 5 hours to finish a marathon! We did drink quite a bit of cider, vodka and bucks fizz at the love station, at mile 20 though. Perfect training for VLM of course.

   Next up was the big one. VLM (London marathon) in April. This is the race which is probably on most runner's bucket list as a must do. I must say that all the hype about this race was putting me off it. I was fortunate to get a lift up with my running club on a hired coach. This made the whole experience even better. I was so nervous about this race that I slept no more than 2 hours the night before and couldn't eat much on the day. Again, I knew I wasn't race fit but I had enough experience to know how I should run this thing, I would start slow and end faster. I was there to enjoy the day and soak up the atmosphere. The last thing I wanted to do was blow up and suffer for the last 10k.
It was an incredible day. Despite not being a big fan of London or crowds, you can't help but get caught up in this race. The crowds are amazing and their generosity on the day nearly brought me to tears. A lot of runners will slag the VLM off and I really don't get why!

     Looking back on the VLM afterwards I was gutted to have not trained well and raced it. It may be the only time I ever get to run it after-all. Next up was my favourite race of the year. In May it's The Bratton hilly 11.4K. Easily my favourite race ever. One mile up hill to start you off and then massive undulations across the Wiltshire countryside. A small village race with lots of friendly people. I talked Mike Mattingly into this one too and as it starts at 11am, you can run Southwick parkrun beforehand. I feel that this was one of my best race performances of the year finishing in the top 30 but boy did I suffer the following day trying to run Alton 10. Three races in Two days!

      I was craving another marathon and I found a good one too. The Arun river marathon. I got the train to Littlehampton on a very hot Saturday morning in May. This was a lovely trail marathon following the river Arun from Littlehampton to Arundel and Amberley and back. Only 100 runners means that it's nice and small but very friendly and very well organised. It was a bit too hot though and I had heat exhaustion at the end. Would definitely do this race again though despite having to run through a load of stinging nettles less than half a mile into the race.

    I was off to Cornwall for some skateboarding and alcohol abuse. While I was there I decided to run the Cubert 5 miler. The race is organised by Newquay road runners. I swear I was on for a PB that day and this is definitely a PB course! I was running sub 6.30's pretty comfortably halfway round and then something wasn't right. A week of pasties and Betty Stoggs had caught up with me. I needed the toilet badly. I was only running 5 miles! It was a 2 lapped course (kind of) so I found a portaloo in the school and after 2 minutes I came out to the applause of the spectators. That PB wasn't happing now and I was whizzing past the slower runners as I re-joined the race. Another race I would like to do again for sure.

                   Getting lost on a random 20 mile run somewhere near St.Clears, SW Wales


    Ok, this is going on a bit now. I didn't realise I was going to type so much! The Giant's head marathon was another White star running event. This was a crazy hilly marathon based in Cerne Abbas. Again, I ran this with buddies Dean and Chris for a day of laughing and adventure. It was bloody hard work though but the views were stunning. I also made an edit of this as I filmed on the day. It's on youtube somewhere if you're interested. https://youtu.be/1uzBxNjqFks

    Every year I crave to do an ultra and this year was no exception. It was to be the Ham & Lyme 50k race. I had heard about this race because of a book I read called "Everything will work out in the long run". The author Dave Urwin was also the race director of this race. He was so helpful with directions, accommodation etc.. I nearly entered the 100k but so glad I didn't as that was the hardest and hilliest 50K I have ever run. I felt such a great sense of achievement when I completed this race because I felt it was that hard. It starts in Ham Hill near Yeovil and finishes in Lyme Regis hence the name of the race. I also got to meet a very nice dude from my running club called Mark Glanville.

        At this point of the year I was in my running element and loving the distance. I had booked to run the Fort William marathon in July but wait.. there's a free place going on a 12 hour running event the week before.. Seems silly to let it go to waste right?
This was another incredible experience for me and meant so much. Not only would this be the longest I had ever ran but also the farthest of 55 miles. The race in called Endure 12/50 and it's only in Pangbourne near Reading and doesn't rip you off with overpriced race entry like so many events do nowadays. I think it's about £35? You can run for 50k, 50 miles or a 12 hour run and then you can do it solo or in a relay team. It starts at 7pm on Saturday and ends at 7am on a Sunday morning. I had a wonderful time even if I did get a hard time with Eastleigh running club. They were awesome and let me hang out with them. Also the support from Hedge end running club was fantastic. Cheering for the lone Lordshiller on his solo 12 hour mission. I also got to run with running buddy Carla for a few laps. She ran 50 miles that night and she hadn't even run a marathon before! Incredible girl. I also got to witness Lydia from Eastleigh win the Woman's 50 mile race. Such a bizarre feeling to be running until the sun comes up.

                                                      The beautiful views of Fort William


      So, it was time to jump in the car with the Mattinglys and head to Fort William for a marathon. I would also get to meet another running buddy. Nigel from Inverness. Was great to chat to him and meet his family in the pub afterwards too. We both share a passion for eating multi-packs of mars bars.
I ran with Mike Mattingly for a bit but struggled with pace and had to walk for a while. The views on this race were so stunning. The best that I have ever seen in fact! The thing is that you think you've seen the lot and then the scenery just keeps on impressing you as the miles pass. About halfway in, something went a bit weird in my knee. I was then walking in pain. I got to the point where it was too painful to walk. I had to keep on running after this. I took my mind off the knee by chatting to other runners and staring up at the snow on the top of Ben Nevis in July! Sand martins flew across in front of me as I passed a loch on the left and a river on the right.
Even when the hills came I had to run. I knew that if I walked again my leg would lock up and my marathon would be over. All I could think was "I'm not travelling 1300 miles to not complete a marathon. I want that t-shirt and medal". I just about finished with a sub 4. Di was with us but couldn't run it because she was out with injury. She had entered the race so I lied and said it was a crap race with nothing to see. She didn't believe me though ;)

    After that it was time for me to take some time out from the distance. I was feeling burnt out and low. The highs are a lot higher on the further distances but the lows are even lower as all those miles catch up with you and you struggle to recover. I think I spent August either in bed or in the pub with a bit of cycling, walking and photography in between.

All the free cake you can eat after the Wimborne 10 miler

    Overton 5 was my next race in September. No PB was had though and I was actually 2 minutes slower than the previous year. I was feeling a bit annoyed with myself afterwards. A week later I cycled 254 miles from my house in Southampton to Cornwall for my birthday. It took me 4 days in total. Bridport on day 1, Exeter on day 2, Plymouth on day 3 with lots of booze for my birthday then a short cycle to Saltash to see my mate Carl for a nice walk with him and his dog. 93 miles was the furthest that I had ever cycled in one day.

     Still not running much, I didn't really have the pace and mileage to race the Solent half marathon at the end of September. I just ran it with Di. I was trying to pace her but we both really struggled and I remember my legs aching for days afterwards. I was just enjoying the cycling a lot more after all the long distance running earlier in the year. I cycled 85 miles to Bath to see my friend SJ. I cycled about 70 miles to kingsclere and did a tour of the places from one of my favourite childhood books "Watership down". I also did a 80+ mile bike ride around the Isle of wight. I was just loving the Exploration but sadly the evenings were getting darker sooner as the Autumn/Winter came drawing in.

    I was running again and getting quicker on the shorter stuff. I had run my first sub 20 parkrun of the year thanks to Rob Benham for pacing me. I was close on a previous occasion with a 20.02. It was then time to run the Wimborne 10 in November. Thanks again to Rob B for the lift and company and his comforting words as struggled to believe in my abilities. I was very happy with my 68.59 even though it was 2 minutes slower than my course PB. I had a really bad cold on the day and thought that I would struggle to even achieve a sub 70. I really did impress myself that day and my speed was coming back.

    Sadly I didn't race Victory 5 and just got myself round. Legs were hurting from a 20.05 parkrun the day before. I hadn't run for over a week and this seemed to strain the hamstrings which is a current injury but is starting to dissipate.

                                   Somerley 10k with the dudes from Lordshill road runners

 In total I ran 16 races plus 24 parkruns. 7 of those races were either of marathon distance or over. I have also finished the year on my 77th parkrun in total. Hopefully I will reach my 100th next year
Looking back I had another great year of running with a lot of great memories and I made a lot more running friends and visited some amazing places. I also ran less than 1300 miles this year which is a first in a few years ;)

     I look forward to my races, goals for next year which include: Bodmin half marathon, Plymouth half marathon, the Ultra flat 50 and the Kent roadrunners marathon. I have decided not to run with a running club next year as I may be moving to the West country for a bit in the Springtime. Just hope I can find a job! I may well also plan another cycling trip. Possibly LeJog on my mountain bike for a charity in the late summer. Lots to think about, lots to see and lots to achieve :) Looking forward to 2016. Who knows, I may even get around to writing that book that I've been on about for some time....

I left my wallet in Bancyfelin

     I was staying with my Uncle and Auntie in Bancyfelin. Where? About 5 miles from Carmarthen in South west Wales. I spent a lot of my school holidays in Carmarthen as a kid and I still loved it as an adult but most of the time was spent in the pubs with my dad to be honest. I managed a hungover parkrun at Llyn Llech Owain country park near Crosshands in Gorslas but that was it all weekend. By the time Monday came I was keen to go for a run.
     With some help from my Auntie Christine, a 5 mile route was mapped out. It was flawless, only an idiot could get lost. I was to run and do a loop of a place near where my Dad grew up on a farm. This place is called Llangynog.

        I decided to take my rucksack with a spare t-shirt, some gloves, my camera and phone just in case I got lost. I had studied the route a few times and then without breakfast, I avidly headed out the door in minus 2 conditions wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
I ran down the driveway and jumped over a few patches of visible ice and then left onto the main road towards Carmarthen along the A40. No pavements, just road but no traffic either, so all was good. My Garmin was going a bit weird. I thought it might be set in kilometres but it wasn't and later when I checked the splits, it stated that I had run my first mile in 4 minutes and 47 seconds. Not a bad start!

     I took the first turning right and ran under a bridge and then my Auntie said it would climb. And did it climb! Have I gone the right way? Then the doubts are put aside when I see a sign for Llangnog. I'm quite high up now so I decided to stop and take a couple of pics. I was running pretty well with some nice sub 8's.

       Okay, I had come to my righthand turn to take me back in Bancyfelin but I was enjoying this run too much. Just a couple more miles would be nice. Let's make it a 7 miler I thought. I ran straight on and into Llangynog. I passed a few houses, a phone box and an xmas tree and then came a downhill road. I now decided to head back and on the way back I took the first left as I noticed on the map earlier that there were 2 roads back into Bancyfelin but one was slightly longer. More miles for me :)

        I was 5-6 miles in when I was greeted by a dog running towards me. I gave him/her a stroke on the head and off I ran. The dog followed and then decided to become a run leader. I had a pacer and a pretty fast one too. As it was downhill again, I decided to up my pace to try and keep up but I slipped on some ice. I tried my best to stay upright and I slipped again. This happened 4 times on the same sheet of ice as I tried to slow my pace going downhill. God knows how I didn't fall over!

    So I followed this dog for over a mile now on this single-tracked country lane. It was obviously lost or missing. If I ever saw a house again I would knock the door and enquire about its owner.
  I was now and truly lost even though there were no side-roads or any other lanes. I carried on and after about a mile and a half, the lane veered around to the right but there was a turn off to the left which i'm guessing probably just led to a farm or a house. The dog sat on the road to the left and as I ran on to the right, he/she looked at me and pined. I guess the dog lived there. We were both sad to be parting company I think but I had to keep warm and get back to civilisation.

     Due to the slipping and sliding on my previous downhill, I was now walking the downhills just in case. I watched as 20-30 rooks flew around in the distance ahead of me and then came to a farm with a signpost. Llansteffen (left) St.Clears (right). Okay, so I was lost. I didn't have to think too hard though. I couldn't be bothered to run the 8 miles or so back so I would run to St.Clears. I must be nearly there, or so I thought. I knew Carmarthen was about 5 miles from Bancyfelin and that St.Clears was about 10 miles from Carmarthen. So was St.Clears 5 miles from Bancyfelin? Probably was on the A40 but not on these winding backroads. All the signposts will state a place and a direction but unlike England there are no distances stated most of the time. So you never knew how far away anywhere was on these backroads.

      The sun was now shining but it was getting colder. I now decided to put my gloves on. I had to run in the middle of the road as there was a lot of ice on the cambers. My plan was to run to St.Clears and get a bus back to my Uncle and Auntie's place. Not long after that thought, I realised that I didn't even bring my wallet with me or any money. I was supposed to be back as my Dad said we were travelling back to Southampton at 11am. I tried to phone everyone I knew in Wales but had no signal. So I sent a text message to my cousin Selina in Penybont. It didn't send though. I kept on running, just like Forest Gump.
I came back onto the A40 where I ran on a cyclepath. I was getting some good speed downhill now as there was no sign of any ice. I passed some workmen in overalls who all looked at me like I was a bit mental in my shorts and T..lol. I didn't care, I could see more signs for St.Clears and could tell I was getting near as I approached a roundabout.

         I turned left off the main road and followed a cyclepath. Was this the right way? There was a river to my left and some nice open fields around me. Ahead was a man walking 2 dogs. The plan was to catch up with him and ask him where I was exactly. As soon as I ran onto this path I slipped and went straight onto my back. That actually hurt quite a bit as the palms on my hands slapped the cold concrete. My hands were now warm but stinging. As I was led on the floor, I thought i'd better check my rucksack. Luckily my camera was in one piece and working fine. I had a bit of a laugh to myself but the dog walker was now out of sight and it was too slippery to run here. So, I had to walk on the frozen grass whilst holding on to a frozen fence.
      I caught up with the dog walker eventually and we chatted. I asked where I was. He said that Laugharne was 4 miles to the left and St. Clears was to the right. 12 miles in and I wasn't even in St.Clears?

        I took a photo of a church when the dog walker caught me up again and offered me some bus fare to get back. I declined the offer but was very touched by his generosity. I ran into the main part of St.Clears.
All the years I had been to Carmarthen, I had never been to St.Clears. I was expecting another town the size of Carmarthen with big shops and superstores but the truth was that it was half the size of Totton precinct. Funny how you can picture a place that you have never been to.
   I still didn't have a signal on my phone! I tried time after time. I had been gone for hours. I bet my Dad was getting mad by now. I could have done with a drink of water. 14 miles in, I was getting thirsty. Despite the cold weather, I had been sweating quite a bit.

        I saw a sign for Meidrim and thought that was the way to go back. I knew it was kind of close to Bancyfelin but how close I didn't know. I stopped a postman and asked for directions...
Me: Do you know the way to Bancyfelin from here?
Him: It's quite a long way.
Me: I've already ran 14 miles.
Him: Follow this road, go up a hill and then ahead onto an undulating road and then take a right after that.
Me: Cheers, have a good day.

      I follow the directions. Station hill is quite impressive but by this time I was over taking photographs and just want to get back. I ran up it pretty strong too. This is the farthest I have run since July! I run along the wavy undulations and then stop to ask directions again as i'm not sure on the right turn and which one to take. The bloke with the leaf-blower isn't very clear. I run on past 2 right turns and then think it was probably the first left turn. I run back and take it. It leads me to a farm and a dead end. I have to run all the way back up the hill and back to where I was and take the other turn with a sign post saying "Gibeon". Never heard of it but let's go for it. Still no phone signal or internet, so no Google maps to save me here.

     I run around lots of fields and farms. I'm on a country lane climbing in the middle of nowhere. I decide to start walking to conserve energy. I am now 16 miles into my run. I have no water or food. No money and no phone signal. I was dizzy and feeling a bit weird. Then... A panic attack hits me. I start to panic and think i'm going to die. My thirst for water becomes exaggerated and I think i'm going to collapse. The last time I had a panic attack this bad, I was drowning in Newquay bay when I got caught in a riptide. I was alone and it was the evening. Luckily that day I drifted in and was able to touch the sand with my feet again after a couple of minutes of treading water. I took a few deep breaths and tried to rationalise. I walked on..

     Then I came to an unexpected crossroads. Bancyfelin was signposted. My spirits rose and I started running downhill in which I knew to be the right direction. I ran up a hill afterwards and then came face to face with a man in his tractor. The lane was only just wide enough for the tractor. So I had to run back down the hill until I could find a layby to stand in while the tractor passed by. I ran back up the hill and then I came to the A40 again. I must have missed a turn off but I didn't care now. I just wanted to get back and I knew the way... Straight down the dual carriageway with the speeding traffic. I really didn't care at all. I ran for 2 miles and then I was back in Bancyfelin, past the Fox and Hounds pub and at my Uncle and Auntie's place. I had done just over 20 miles.

       
          I got back and my Auntie told me that there was a search party out looking for me. This consisted of my Dad in one car and my uncle Brian in another. She had to phone them both (no problem with their bloody phone signals!) and tell them I was back safe. I had a quick shower, a sandwich and a cup of tea and then I was sat in the car for 200 miles until we got home. What a great adventure, but a bit scary as times. I learnt a valuable lesson indeed. Next year I will take a map, some money, some food and water. Anyone keen? ;) 

 

Cycling from Southampton to Saltash

       For the past few years I have planned to do something for my birthday. Last year was my 40th and I ran the Flanders field marathon in Belgium. The year before I did a 42 mile ultra marathon running for Ely to Cambridge and back and the year before I held a skateboard jam/competition at a ramp in Mytchett, near Farnborough. So, what would I do this year?

   Well, the original plan was to try and cycle to Dylan Thomas' boathouse via visiting my family in Carmarthen. I thought it would be too far and too hilly though and decided against it.
Instead, I came up with a 197 mile route to Plymouth. The journey would end in Plymouth to meet a few friends for some birthday drinks and then the train back home. Nobody knows why I want to do these things, but I just do!

     So, I had my 197 mile route planned. I had Wednesday until Tuesday booked off work. I had 3 cycling maps from Sustrans with my route on. I had a heavy rucksack with 3 spare t-shirts, 3 pairs of socks, spare pants, spare inner tube, a pump, some protein bars, and a hooded top and some gloves for those cold, early morning starts. I was ready but not that confident to be honest. I was thinking maybe I could do a 100 miles a day on my mountain bike and I would be done in a couple of days. I was thinking of booking b&b's in advance but my buddy Mike Mattingly advised me not to as he said I would never know how far I was going to get in one day. This was my biggest fear: cycling all day only to find out that you couldn't get any accommodation for the night! I made a backup plan of listing all the railway stations on my route and if I had to, i'd just get the train straight to Plymouth and abandon the ride.

        I left on a Wednesday morning at 7am. It was still a bit chilly and there wasn't much sign of a sunrise. I cycling into Totton and then to Lyndhurst and onto the bike trails which I always get lost on but still manage to get to Balmer lawn and Brockenhurst eventually. It didn't take me long to get lost but I got there. I didn't bother getting out my map and just cycled the route to Boscombe that I ran last year. Which was via Sway and New Milton, and then into Christchurch. I bought an expensive breakfast bap and a bottle of water at Boscombe pier. While my bacon was being fried, I decided to steal some tea bags, sugar and milk cartons. I thought it would make up for the £1.50 bottle of water. I then realised that I would have to carry these items along with all the other crap I already had including my digital Nikon camera that I forgot to mention earlier. I ate my bap and played on the musical instruments on the pier where some guy jokingly said he'd hire me for his band one day. (I was that bad).

      Now I had a nice cycle along the seafront from Boscombe pier to Bournemouth pier and then Poole and into Sandbanks. It was here that I would get a ferry across the water over to the Isle of Purbeck. It was only £1 and gave me plenty of time to scoff down a double decker. I also made sure that I stopped my Garmin watch as I didn't want to cheat myself out of un-cycled miles. An old lady in leather gear looked at my mountain bike and said "You should get a motor on that". It made me laugh and I told her I was cycling to Plymouth. Then she told me stories of her son's adventures while we waited to board.

     Right, we're across the water. I had time to study the cycle map as well. I cycle to Studland and then up a big hill. I then cycle back down this hill and then back up it again. Hill reps? Nope, i'm lost! I can't find this path on the map and end up on the Isle of Purbeck golf course on pretty rough terrain.
I had read many reviews about these cycle maps before I purchased them. "They are rubbish, you'll get lost, not detailed enough". "They're only made of paper and rip really easily, I wouldn't buy another one". The list of negatives went on, but I bought 3 of these maps anyway. Hampshire and Isle of Wight cycle map, which I never used. Dorset Downs cycle map, the one which had already got me lost. And South Devon cycle map which I would be trying out in a couple of days.

    After a while I gave up trying to find the right way and made my own way via Corfe Castle. I followed this old couple up a hill on the main road. I wasn't sure about cycling on this main road as it was quite busy and the cars were going quite fast along it. I followed this old couple anyway and came off the roundabout in Norden where they did and caught up with them to have a chat. They were just doing a loop to Arne and were from Wareham. I cycled past them many times but then they would catch me up when I was lost and looking at my map. The whole time I had been cycling I had yet been on the cycle route! I cycled through Ridge and then finally Stoborough which would be the start of me actually on the National cycle network route number 2. It then got easier. Next was West Holme and then East Stoke and then it was time for a late lunch as I found a Nice pub in Wool.
     It was 2pm when I ordered my burger, chips and coke at the Black bear pub. I was sat in a lovely beer garden with the sun shining. I was starving and had managed 60 miles so far. My original plan was to make it to Axminster on the first day. I had estimated that it was 62 miles to Dorchester but I was nowhere near there and had been on the road for 5 hours already.

       I got back on my bike after doing some recalculations of my journey. I cycled through East Burton, Moreton, Woodsford and then at last.. Dorchester. At this point I had covered a good 70 miles and it was pretty easy going but I never really thought about it until now. From Dorchester to Bridport (18 miles) it just seemed to be climbing in elevation the whole time. Cycling was getting harder now and I was getting tired. There was also the fact that I needed to find somewhere to stay before it got late/dark.  Axminster wasn't looking likely today.

   I bought two bottles of water from a weird little shop in Martinstown and cycled up a massive hill to Portesham where Hardy's monument is located. I did a bit of research afterwards and Thomas Hardy (not the author) was the person who is famous for holding Lord Nelson in his arms as he died saying the so-called immortal words "Kiss me Hardy". I could see for miles on top of this place and then sun was still shining. It was beautiful.
I went through some little places like Little Bredy, Long Bredy, Litton Chenney, Shipton Gorge, Loders, Uploders and then Bridport. It was about 5-6 pm and I just went into some tatty old looking pub and asked if they had any spare single rooms.

Me: "Do you have a single room for the night?"
Barmaid: "I'll just go and ask".
Barmaid returns.. "No, sorry. We only have a double room left".
Me: How much is the double room?".
Barmaid: "I'll just go and ask".
Barmaid returns.. "£40".
Me: "I'll take it, anywhere safe to put my bike?".
Barmaid: "I'll just go and ask".
FFS!!

   In the end I got a Family room to myself for £35 because I was leaving too early for breakfast. This included a double bed and a single bed and wide screen t.v bigger than my bike and bathroom with bath, shower and toilet. I emptied my rucksack all over the place and then ran a bath while I ate food and drank tea. Those extra tea bags and milk definitely came in handy. It was then time for a quick walk around the town, pick up some supplies and have a couple of pints at the bar with the locals during bingo night. I was the second youngest there :) End of day one. 93 miles cycled to Bridport.

    Day two soon came around and my calves were a bit sore despite doing a lot of stretches after my bath. I also then realised that I hadn't really done any training for this bike ride. I rode 82 miles to Bath once over the summer and 84 miles around Kingclere. Both rides were months apart as well.

The landlord had to let me out of the pub as I wanted to leave at 7am again. I don't think he was too happy about having to get up early. I wheeled my bike through the pub and thanked him. I then noticed I was staying at the Lord Nelson pub. I now knew the connection with Hardy's monument!

   I cycled out of town and then it was miles of country roads but very hilly country roads. If I thought Dorchester to Bridport was hilly, I was wrong. Today would prove to be the hilliest route I would probably ever attempt to cycle in my life! I found the place called "Dottery" and then it was a matter of following the cycle route. Obviously the cycle routes were not always signed. I also discovered that it was easier to get lost cycling downhill as I didn't like breaking when I was doing 40mph. I went through Broadoak, Wooton Fitzpaine and then I got lost again and ended up in Fishpond's bottom and Hawkchurch. These two place were not on my route. I then just cycled down the main road where cars were whizzing past at top speeds. The sign behind me said "Welcome to Dorset" and the sign in front of me said "Welcome to Devon". I followed this road all the way into Axminster.

      There wasn't really anything to see in Axminster as I cycled through it. I must have missed the town completely. I soon came to a wooded trail and then out onto a field where a guy warned me about the cattle in the field. The cows were actually lying on the cycle path. I cycled past them on the grass. I then came to a road in Kilmington and cycled up it. I wasn't sure where I was going because there were two routes. One was a prone to flooding which they labelled as the summer route. This had really confused me but I figured it all out in the end.
   Thursday was such a hot day. I could feel my neck burning and the hills were getting bigger as I got nearer to the coast. I cycled through Whitford, Colyton, Colyford and then Seaton. My brakes struggled to work as I squeezed them on really steep descents with traffic. Seaton was lovely though. I stopped off at a Café on the beach front as I hadn't yet eaten and was starving. I got speaking to a couple who I offered to share my table with. They were also from Wareham. Seems like a popular place to live!

       Again, it seems hard to pick up on the cycle routes from the bigger places or cities. I got lost again and cycled to Axmouth which was the wrong way. I cycled back into Seaton and then into Beer. I was cycling really fast downhill when I slammed on my brakes. The sign ahead said "Welcome to Beer". I had to grab a photo of that didn't I? I didn't see a pub in Beer though or even an offy. All I remember is a big, long hill up towards Beer Quarry caves. After Beer it flattened out a bit and into a lovely village named Branscombe. There were lots of people around but they weren't real people. They had been made by the local villagers. Some of us tourists stood around and chatted and took photos for one another. I took photos for people and they took photos of me. It was a fun, friendly place. Then came Salcombe Regis and the biggest hills which were in Sidmouth where I had to walk up a hill walking my bike when I got heckled by an octogenarian "Aren't you supposed to be riding that thing" she nodded at my bike after she wound down her car window and smiled.

      I walked back out of Sidmouth with my bike and got speaking to a woman about my travels so far and trying to reach my destination. She had every faith in me and wished me luck as she drove away in her campervan. There really are some lovely, friendly people out there. She stayed in my mind for a few miles and how encouraging and funny she was. Good to see someone who is able to interact with a complete stranger and make jokes and tell weird stories.
Then came Pinn, Otterton, East Budleigh and Budleigh Salterton. I work with a woman called Jane who seems sure she wants to win the lotto and move to Budleigh Salterton even though she's never been there! I stopped off for a pasty and bought her a Budleigh fridge magnet and took some more photos for a couple who were struggling with a selfie.

        Today was tough with all the ascent. Again, I didn't think I was going to make it all the way to Okehampton which was going to be my next stop over. It was getting later so I thought Exeter would have to do. After cycling through Exmouth, the route came away from the coast and followed the Estuary up to Exeter. This was called the Exe estuary trail. At last, all flat and no more hills for the day. This trail seemed very touristy and all the other cyclists seemed miserable. I could barely get a smile or a "hello" out of any of them. Through Lympstone and the lovely Topsham and then back on the trail I thought I saw a kingfisher. I braked and turned around and sure enough, just in front of me was a kingfisher. He was just sitting there on a brickwall. This was the closest I had ever been to one. He soon flew off when he spotted me.

         I finally made it into Exeter. I cycled through the busy city looking for accommodation until I came to a Jury's Inn. I didn't really want to stay here but had seen nowhere else. The whole journey I was trying to support the independent businesses and not give money to the man. That means , no Tesco, Costa, Travelodge etc.. Anyway.. Turns out there was no room at the Inn. And the guy working there said I was unlikely to find anywhere to stay in Exeter. I could have cried right then. He explained that all the students were back and it was mental. He printed me off a map and moved his pen down the roads where he knew all the b&b's were. He was so helpful and he really didn't have to be because he was so busy and still had the time for me. I would give him some of my birthday lottery winnings but it only came to £25.

    I Cycled to the other side of the city and tried a pub. It looked closed. They had no rooms but again the staff were very helpful. I carried on cycling and it was nearly 8pm now! It would be dark soon but I was too stubborn. I didn't want to get that train to Plymouth, I wanted to cycle there. I then saw a sign! It said "Vacancies" in bright red lettering. My first thoughts were that they had forgotten to turn it off. I rang the door bell and a woman came out. The usual conversation ensued and she said there was only a double room left and it was £60. I was desperate, so wasn't too bothered. I had to chain my bike in the garden though to a plastic drainpipe which I wasn't keen on but the lady assured me that it was very safe. I showered and went to the pub for a Lasagne with garlic bread and extra chips and a couple more pints of cider. Day two done. Only about 70 very hilly miles to Exeter. According to my original guess, I was only 30 miles away from Plymouth! As you can tell, my calculations were a bit wrong.

         Day Three had arrived. I was up slightly later because I wanted a nice fried breakfast and it was really delicious and plentiful. The lady at the Oakcliffe hotel said it was another hilly day for me and I was kind of hoping that my bike had been nicked as my quads were really sore from all the hills from the previous day. Of course, my bike was still there. I tried to ask for directions but couldn't quite remember where I was going...
Me:  "I'm trying to get to a train station, Saint something?".
Her: "Saint Davids?" " she quickly replied.
Me: "No"
Her: "Exeter Cent-ral"
Me: "No"
Her: "Ah, Saint Thomas".
Me: "Yes, that's the one".

    She gave directions but I failed to follow or memorise them. I cycled around Exeter for a good 40 minutes until this student girl approached me on her bike when I was looking at my map.
"Are you lost?" These students are clever I thought! "Where are you trying to get to?" The same conversation followed. "Saint Davids? Central? Ah, Saint Thomas". She didn't know the way but did her best to make me not feel so lost. I thanked her all the same and headed back the way I came and ended up in Alphington and couldn't find Whitestone (pronounced whitstone). I got more directions from strangers and cycled down the main road and skipped Whitestone along with another big hill. I came into Pathfinder village instead. The road pretty much just ran along side the A30 now. It wasn't a busy road but a very long straight one with undulations.

     This was a much better day for cycling as it was an overcast day and the hills were tame in comparison with the previous day. Although now, I was very hot and was cycling topless. It was on quiet roads in the middle of nowhere. So I had a wet t-shirt tied around my rucksack trying to dry it out. I threw my t-shirt and socks away from Wednesday's exertion. Less to carry! The road was easy to follow now and I could just tick off the place names mentally. Tedburn St Mary, Cheriton Bishop, Crockernwell, Whiddon down, South Zeal. This road and these places really reminded me of Wylie valley next to the A303. Then I came into Sticklepath which looked like a lovely place to stop for teas, pub lunches etc but I just wanted to get on with it and get to Okehampton at least. And sure enough, I was soon in Okehampton having another Pasty and a Dr.Pepper.

           The road climbed high out and above Okehampton. The scenery then changed dramatically as I came into Meldon, an old quarry on the edge of Dartmoor. As I rode further around the perimeter of Dartmoor, I asked myself why I had never been here before. It was absolutely stunning and the cycle route was flat. Into Sourton where I visited the old church and then the beautiful Lydford with stunning views from the Viaduct and then the village with its pubs and Castle. I would have liked to stay there longer and will have to return and explore more another time. The buzzards were hovering so close overhead. I stood and watched them for ages. At one point I think there were about 12 of them just circling around over the viaduct.
     I got to North Brentor from here and watched as an athletic family overtook me on a hill on their bikes. We exchanged hellos and then I caught them up with some of my fierce downhill cycling. I got speaking to Mum and Dad at different times. It reminded me a lot of my marathon running. Slow uphill and getting passed by everyone and then flying past everyone again on the downhill. This happened a few times until I saw them resting for refreshments in a pub in Mary Tavy.

     From Mary Tavy the route went around backroads avoiding the main road into Tavistock and into the woods and then out to Peter Tavy which was a quite little place that got me to Tavistock where I managed to cycle into a lamppost before stopping off for another pasty. Tavistock was a very nice place and had a lot more going for it that I had imagined. This was definitely the nicest scenery from the whole trip and it got better as it went rural again through Horrabridge, Yelverton, Clearbrook, Bickleigh and then I knew where I was from Plymvalley as I had done the parkrun here before. I had about 10 miles to Plymouth.
A strange feeling came over me as I knew I was going to achieve my goal. Wow, I thought, I am actually going to be able to say that I cycled to Plymouth from Southampton. Okay, it's taken me 3 leisurely but tough days of cycling but I haven't trained for this and it's been the best adventure ever. Not knowing quite where you are or what lies ahead, who you are going to meet and what you will witness.

     So, I cycled through Plymvalley and then to Saltram. When I got to Saltram it started to rain and then, it really started to rain. I stopped to put on my raincoat which I hadn't yet used. I didn't bring waterproof trousers though, so my shorts and legs got soaked. I cycled through Cattledown and into the skatepark at Plymouth. I had reached my destination. Day Three done. 238 miles Southampton to Plymouth. I stayed at my friend's place. Nick and Hannah. Hannah had made me pizza and tea, Nick was working until 10pm. Sadly, I was asleep in bed before he even finished his shift.

   I totally forgot to mention the tunnels from Tavistock to Plymouth. There are two of them. The short one in the photo and a longer one which has a bend. I cycled through these pretty quickly and on the second I was getting soaked from all the drops of water from the roof. I also didn't notice a cyclist coming from the other direction but then I saw the light from his bike. I quickly switched my bike light on and luckily he saw me. I never really thought about this. The next day I remembered telling my mate Carl in Saltash that I was actually pretty scared cycling through these tunnels and probably shouldn't have gone so fast and then he told me stories about kids who liked to put logs in the tunnel just for fun! I'll be going slower next time.

   Anyway, my adventure didn't end there as the next day I thought it would be a good idea to get to Cornwall at least. So I went to pay my mate Carl a visit in Saltash. Nick told me to just follow the coast around from Plymouth until I got to the Tamar bridge. It really wasn't that simple. I cycled to the Barbican, then the Hoe, followed it around and eventually got to Devonport and then a climb up to Stoke Village. Then I got lost and did a loop before cycling down the dual carriageway of the A38 and the next thing I know i'm cycling over the Tamar bridge on the main road when I realise I shouldn't be there as there is a cycle path on the other side of the barrier. I got off my bike and lifted my bike over the barrier and climbed over. I made it into Saltash alive (just about) Had a nice walk and lunch with Carl and then cycled the quick way park to Plymouth via St. Budeaux and Central park.

     256 miles in the end. I'm already having withdrawals from this amazing adventure. As soon as Spring arrives, I think i'll do that bike ride to South West Wales and maybe even LEJOG on my mountain bike. A big thanks to Sustrans who sort out our National cycle network and the volunteers who give up their time. The routes are far from perfect and not always well marked but they do rely on donations from us and I think they do an amazing job to supply us with so many traffic free routes around the country.
People said that I was a bit mad doing it on a mountain bike but I did it and got no punctures and never fell off and didn't have to wear lycra!