HWMBO and I headed north to go and stay with friends for the weekend so that I could go and recce the last section of the Viking Way on Saturday near Grantham. As we arrived slightly early we drove to Rutland and followed the final 5ish miles to Oakham to find the finish at the Library, all very straight forward thank goodness.
The plan on Saturday was to run from Marston to where we had stopped by the Reservoir so HWMBO could plick me up. Armed with maps and an 8kg backpack (good training for the Jungle) I set off from Marston feeling excited.
The first section to Foston was straight forward and well marked then on towards Westborough where I thought possibly I would get lost as I had to cross over roads, again all well sign posted. Coming to the outskirts of Westorough the VW takes you across fields, here I didn’t get lost but did have to check the map as the signs suddenly stop. As you cross the final field there is a river and a church in front of you, you want to go past the church towards the footbridge – keeping right, then you pick up the VW signs again (all very self explanatory on the map) The only negative was crossing the roads, a pratt in a fast car decided it would be a good idea to see just how close he could drive to me – lots of swearing and waving arms from me as he sped off down the road. Next place on the map was Sedgebrook, although you go past on the outskirts rather than into the down. A very easy section and as I was coming up to the railway line I came across a family of travellers – what a bloody mess (excuse my language) they had made, litter everywhere, clothes lying around, dogs barking it was just awful and so sad that they had chosen a public footpath to cause havoc. I politely said hello and hurried on my way.
I was now heading down towards the Grantham Canal and very nearly missed going right into the Canal, thankfully I checked the map. You come off the canal at bridge 62, there are no signs to tell you this, or once off that you are on the Viking way, I just presumed that as the map had told me this was the way to go I was running in the right direction. Nice little change of scenery a hill and mud, marvellous.
There seemed to be a lot of mud on the way to Sewstern but still the signposting was good and I till hadn’t got myself lost (was feeling very proud of myself at this point in the run)
Arriving at Thistleton felt good, I was nearly at the end of my map. The signs were easy to follow taking you out of the village and across fields, I wasn’t sure at one point which way to go as there are no signs, but again, makes sense if you check the map and walk away from the road.
Finally I had reached Greetham and was on the final map – woohoo! Decided that I would call HWMBO when I ran through Exton to let him know he could come and pick me up from the pickup point at Barnsdale Hill(but at the bottom!) Lots of field crossings and a sharp LHT which could easily be missed in the dark. It goes into a section that has been planted with new trees, this then comes down and continues through more fields to Whitwell – the water is now in front of you and its a joy to behold.
The last section through along the water was easy, although the cyclists made it look much easier going up the hill than I did with my pack (much to a families amusement!). HWMBO rang me when I had gone past the first car park to ask where I was – honestly, does he think I run fast or something. He thought I had said I was there when I rang him, so a bit of confusion on his part, or perhaps not enough information from me. Finally arrived to find HWMBO parked up and waiting for me, lovely now time for lunch.
A great 30 mile run, I could feel the emotion welling up inside me when I saw the water, imagine how I am going to feel (if I’m lucky enough to make it that far) when I get to that point in the race, I will be an emotional wreck (no change there then)
The only slight negative for me was my achilles on my left foot was a bit sore so will give it a few days off from running as I don’t want to risk it turning into a serious injury.
Ran in my Combo XT Hoka One One as I didn’t think the last section was going to be too muddy (not sure why I thought that) I should have worn my Mafate as they would have been perfect. On race day I will be wearing my Mafate from start to finish, no changing of shoes for me.
Happy training
