Monstrous. Relentless. Tough. Painful. But the hills have now almost been conquered. We can also smell London (which, on this occasion, is a good thing). And I can now say I have run more than 30 miles in one go.
Today was always going to be the most difficult day. A late arrival into the UK on Thursday would impede the preparations for our assault on the South Downs, the longest and hilliest day of the eight.
The day didn’t start well. Our body clocks woke us all up at 6am (2 hours before our alarm), with barely 4 and a half hours sleep. We also didn’t manage to obtain a copy of the route before setting off. But despite this, it was 90 minutes of steady running before we first got lost (when we had to run alongside the A22 for a stretch to correct ourselves).
But the short sharp hills that we had encountered up until this point were no match for what was about to be cast upon us. We ran for more than 15 miles along the same main road (named Main Road for a section), which went through Kidd’s Hill, Cotchford Hill, Jib Jacks Hill, Mill Hill, Marlpit Hill, and Crockham Hill, before we finally turned off – because we needed to change direction, rather than give up. Anyone following Kevin’s Blackberry would have probably questioned our changing pace unless they had ‘Google terrain’ alongside.
To accompany us on these hills were the demons in my head telling me how painful my legs were. It was certainly the toughest day in that respect. Every time we paused for breath (or water) and tried to get going, the demons were telling me how a different part of my legs was in excruciating pain and I needed to stop. I just slowed down for a few strides, to shut them up, and then cracked on again. Eventually, this worked.
Tomorrow, we arrive at Shooter’s Hill, and will post details of our arrival on the website later so that people can join make preparations to join us. At present, we are thinking of an 11.30 finish, but we need to investigate the route before we can confirm this.
Today’s statistics:
Distance according to Garmin: 31.56 miles
Time from Lewes to Westerham (including rests): 5:06:00 (4:32:07 for 26.2m)
Running time: 4:32:07 (3:42:58 for 26.2m)
Additionally, we burnt more than 4000 calories according to the Garmin – I think it’s time for yet another dinner.
Well done both of you, thats a very togh section. Hope tomorrow is a lot easier.
well done guys, thats the hardest bit done. see you on the start line on Sunday
last little bit, keep going guys, will be looking for you on tv on sunday, so proud x
Looking forward to seeing you in the morning. Sorry for lack of posts, not been allowed to use laptop sine having eyes done but have had blog read to me as a bedtime story!!! Must dash, train to catch! Hang on in there, you are doing awesomely!! xxx
Fantastic how well you have both done again. Almost there and you both know you can do it. Hope you have loads of people joining you tomorrow. You really deserve it. Btw glad I am not having to provide the 4000 calories. Would end up like mother Hubbard. Can hear you saying there is never much there anyway. Hope tomorrow goes well and see you in the capital at some point.
Hey guys! I’ve been following you online and hats off to you both. You’re almost finished now and what an amazing accomplishment! Wish I could be there to cheer you home with everyone else. xxx
Well done,Not far now and youve achieved what you set out to to do.You can have a rest next week.
Well done – I’ll be glued to the TV in the morning for a glimpse of a spirited finish. Suspect you’ll take the easier route in future though I wouldn’t be surprised if you up the stakes and just try and cram it all in non-stop a la Catra Corbett (currently in training for a 200 miler). You deserve quite a few easter eggs.