Today was intended to be an easy day from a running perspective. We would run about 15 miles in the morning to Dieppe, followed by 5 miles in the evening, once the ferry had docked, in Newhaven. Logistically, it was going to be more challenging – as we had to arrive in Dieppe in time to catch the ferry. This would be in stark contrast to the previous four days of eat, run, eat, type, eat, sleep (often with some eating during the running and typing phases).
The stint from Bures-en-Bray was never going to go well, once I said “I’ve not yet felt this great, this early on” as we set off. Within a few hundred metres, we had run straight past our junction. Once we were back on the correct road, we had no map for the next stage, so were solely reliant upon Kevin’s (now famous) Blackberry. That part went ok, although we were struggling to find any sort of a rhythm.
As the countryside ended, and we started approaching the outskirts of Dieppe, we had to leave Cath as we tried to navigate around a number of fishing lakes. Unfortunately, after crossing two barbed wire fences, we realised we would not be able to pass, and had to negotiate our way back (including by wading through one fishing lake) to a road. Again, our rhythm was significantly disrupted.
Somewhat ironically, our running was much smoother once we approached the centre of Dieppe, despite having to take care of busy traffic. Eventually, we arrived in Dieppe, had lunch on the beach and then made our way to the ferry – ready for the evening’s run. But today’s statistics clearly show just how much time was lost to map reading, barbed wire fence climbing, getting lost and paddling.
Today’s statistics:
Distance according to Garmin: 19.44 miles
Time from Bures-en-Bray to Dieppe (including rests): 3:21:05
Running time: 2:51:47
Well , you had to get your feet wet one way or another !!!