Druids Challenge - Multistage Ultra
13th-15th November 2011

My weekend running report…

This weekend I revisited the Ridgeway to run it over 3 days with Extreme Energy (http://www.xnrg.co.uk/). There were approximately 200 people taking part making it one of the largest XNRG events but they looked after us really well and their friendliness and keenness to see everyone to finish is clear. Checkpoints were well stocked and manned until the last person was through be they running or walking. Overnight was in a school hall on the first night and a leisure centre on the second so if you like your creature comforts or an uninterrupted night’s sleep then it’s perhaps not for you!

Having had a tough time at the New York marathon the weekend before I took day one rather cautiously and walked a good amount it. We were in fog which rather spoiled the views but we were treated to a spectacle of about 20 Kites (or possibly Buzzards) soaring over the woods as dusk drew in. Thankfully I’d packed a head torch because the last few miles were completed in the dark. On day two we set off early and were promised that the cloud would lift but looking up to the Ridgeway there was a pretty solid looking bank of it and we stayed in it all day except for a brief spell along the Thames. It was however fairly warm and not unpleasant. I had a reasonable run and coupled with an earlier start time I finished well before dark, perhaps spurred on by the thought of a swim and sauna. Day 3 was a bit brighter and we were treated to a few good views. My legs were tired and various parts were giving me warning signs but after allowing things to loosen off I was able to settle into a fair pace. Initially I walked up the hills but I was determined to run up to Barbury Castle and the last couple of miles to the finish.

 Day 1 Tring to Watlington 30 miles 7:30:00

Day 2 Watlington to Wantage 27 miles 5:55:08

Day 3 Wantage to Wroughton 28.5 miles 5:40:35

Incidentally, the overall winner had us all in awe. Not only did he (Nathan) sprint past us going up the hills but he cheered on everyone with a hearty well done and if your reactions were quick enough a high five.

Noel

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