RUN 169 - Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series; Stage 7 - Exmoor

I feel like i should say i faced my most difficult challenge this weekend, running the Endurancelife Marathon (27.1m instead of the usual 26.2!) final stage in the 2010 Coastal Trail Series on Exmoor, England. However, writing this a few days later, with the benefit of heinsight, i'm not so sure. Yes, it was definitely a massive challenge, and after fighting with one particularly massive 900ft(?) hill around mile 17, even the slightest hint of an assent brought my forward progress to a painful crawl. But, i never stopped moving; only to greet my family, take a photo or check in at the official pit stops, if i had to walk i walked up the hills.

Usually in a marathon or any race, time is a reliable measure of improvement, but not here, one race bears absolutely no relation at all to the next. From the freezing rain and driving winds in The Gower (28.2m!), to the ankle twisting rocky paths of Cornwall, to the heat and massive inclines of Exmoor, the series has been absolutely stunning! and i'll definitely be signing up for some of the new course next year, i'd definitely recommend you do too. Regardless of what kind of runner you are, theres a course for you, 10k, half or full marathon. Forget pace, just run and enjoy the stunning scenery. The Endurancelife people do an amazing job organizing the events, as good as any big city world renowned marathon.

With that said, am i a converted road runner? am i a trail runner now? no, if i wasn't a city dweller, then perhaps, but i wouldn't want to ever limit myself but such a narrow definition. I'm going to switch to some shorter distances over the summer months (i don't do well in heat!) and plan on more marathons in the fall when the weather cools down a little again, (thats the plan at least! we'll see if i stick to my word) and i can hit some of the european city marathons, hopefully all this hill training has improved my physical and mental stamina and i can improve my PB.

[27.1m - 05:48:06 - 12:50/m]

[The first steps of many, and on level ground!]

[Runner Jam in the middle of nowhere, up a 'small' hill!]

[Not your usual marathon route ahead, somewhere out there is the finish]

[Running across the first ridge, after climbing the first hill]

[Stunning views across the Exmoor Coastline, downhill for once!]