Micro adventure (#3)

Climbing in Swanage

The friday evening Stu and myself sped down to swanage to get in a little deserved climbing. From being a little downbeat beforehand, a couple of climbs in, one involving traversing into a cave and climbing up the back of it and traversing the ceiling to exit via a blowhole, my spirits were back up again. You have to question why you put off things you love doing. Don't. We finished climbing as the sun set and headed off contented and for a couple of well earned beers.

Stu on 1st Corner

The usual morning chaos of piling stuff up and then deciding what to take on our micro adventure arrived. This was a  meet up with fellow adventurers then a hike to a discrete spot to wild camp the night under the stars then run home the next day. So my dilemma, as usual, was what could I not take so that weight was minimal. The 3 litres of wine was a must, so was the 5 litres of water, camping stuff, extra cloths (although summer its fairly cold at night at the mo) and food. Hmm, but how much food did I really need for my run (I ditched a load and again I still had a bit when I got home the next day, so more can be dumped next time).

Arriving at Overton, I met the rest of the gang. Rob, Greg, Steve, Duncan and Mike, whose 40th it was and was suitable attired with a large fluffy hat with dildos (or candles) hanging of it. We made our way into the countryside not before first getting lost just out of the car park! We hiked a loop for a couple of hours passing some buffalo meaning we were nearing Laverstock farm. Stopping for refreshments tasting the delicious local hops and buying some local produce we reluctantly staggered away to find a home for the night.

mmmMMM Buffalo Steaks

Chilling

An hour later and having hiked 11ish miles we arrived at our destination. A friend of Rob's, Graham, was allowing us to camp up in a corner of one of his fields. We settled down and gathered wood for the fire pit. Once the embers were charred enough we threw some potatoes in and opened up the wine and relaxed. Life feels good in these situations, so how can it get better? By staking the buffalo steaks into the fire and dinner is served. Amazing all round. The night was nicely rounded off with Graham and his family joining us with some fine bottles of wine (one a '73 for Mikes Birthday), which neatly sent him packing to his sleeping pit. A shame I didn't pass out as quick as all too soon we heard the rumbles and snorts not from an escaped buffalo but by Rob and Steve (named and shamed).

Morning headaches

We awoke gingerly in the morning and slowly tidied up as Steve fired up the burners to cook us a fry up. This beautiful setting highlighted with a couple of young deer wondering in very close to camp. We soon said farewell to Graham and to his stunning home and grounds and not long after I was wishing all the others well as I started my run as they hiked back to the station.

The run started slow. 'Hangover' aside, my rucksack took an age to get right, then I had to retrieve my mp3, not long after I wanted some food. Still there was no rush and this was all about enjoying getting home and the whole body needed a slow wind up. Just getting into my stride and realised that there seemed to be no easy way over/under the motorway so ended up running along some roads and the heavens opened up which truly drenched me to the bone. Lucky that the day was going to be interspersed with blue skies and heavy downpours, so things soon dried up once I was soaked.

No rain?

Back on track and on the Wayfarers Trail which takes on some breathtaking scenery, although the overgrown hedgerows, hills, wind and rain did there best to put me down just as the heavy spells of thunder rumbled on. Heading down into winchester I joined the Itchen Way or 3 castles Path? or St Swithuns Way? or was it the Kings Way?. This area is blessed with amazing footpaths to explore. Through Winchester I took my usual run home, highlighted by a fox popping out in front of me before scurrying away. Then passing St Cathrine's Hill which I choose not to do my regular sprint up. The river atmosphere was in stark contrast to a few days early which I ran in strong heat and hundreds of people sun bathing and swimming along the banks where today there was no-one to be seen. Moving away from the river I finished the last 2 miles with a little pace in trying to get under 5 hours for the trip. No one can stop being a little competitive in any situation.
A great weekend. Another entertaining and successful micro adventure. These really are good and recommend any one to try it.
Stats: 11mile hike on the saturday followed by a 29mile run on sunday.

The route 29miles in 4hrs59

Might Contain Nuts Adventure Race Brecon Beacons

With the focus this year being on running I had made one token effort a couple of weeks back to get on the bike. Mainly to see that it was all in working order. Check. So just had the saddle sore to look forward too.
I had signed up to do this AR early in the year as part of the training planned in doing a 5 day AR in Scotland. I am no longer doing that event but that's no reason for not taking part in this one. It had the makings of a classic. Glorious location, multi staged multi disciplined and a long distance/time to contemplate.
Arriving in Talybont on the friday I set up the tent in the rain. Nice starting off wet and cold so I made my way to the pub for a beer(s) and curry. With the rain ever present I made a 'team' decision of just completing the non navigational point to point option. This would still be an undertaking, 50 miles over rough mountainess  terrain.
The morning didn't start of too well. Not only did I forget my bike helmet, I had realised on my long journey up and luckily picked one up in Abergavenny. On the way to the start I remembered I had left my wallet in the tent. Back I went. Then again, on my way I remembered I had forgotten my camera and ipod. Back I went. It must be down to pre race nerves or a complete lack of preparation and readiness. Finally I got to the race start and registration was quick and simple, the briefing clear and straightforward. We were all ready. A surprisingly small field for what promised to be a testing AR. Most ARs are 5hours or multi day so this was a great inbetweener.

Stage '1' was a short 3 mile run to a local hill but in this short run the day was set. Sunshine, showers and stunning scenery. With the field spread out we were on the bikes for stage '2' (12miles). I first got muddy, then wet, then knackered as I pushed my bike up a steep boulder field which strangely had motorcycle riders tearing downhill and telling us to get on our bikes and ride. They would know the lazy slobs! After a few 'river' crossings to completely soak us for the day it was onto a fast road section. A little to fast for the couple of guys ahead of me who veered down the steep road. Glancing at the map it didn't feel right so I stopped and took check of my location. The non nav course was to be fully marked but at the junction there were no markers (found out later that some scumbags had removed it and thrown it in the hedgerow). Still, I trusted my judgement and followed the track up a steep incline soon wishing I had followed the others down the road. Not really, as the next part was some of the most enjoyable downhill all day. Once at the valley bottom though only meant one thing, you have to go back up and a hard slog uphill brought up the next transition. Taking in a ham and cheese roll I was back on my feet for Stage '3' (9m) and going through some beautiful woodland. A highlight of the day in descending a steep ravine then having to approach a large waterfall and pass behind it. A memorable experience and I must of been taken aback that much as the marshal had to remind me to go back in and stamp my card. The second half of the run was interspersed with between bog 'running' and hill 'running'.
The start of stage '4' (5m) was a gruelling bike ride up a long steady incline that seemingly went forever but, in reality was fairly short. Then a fast descent into the woods and to the next transition for another short running stage '5' (4m). I definitely started to get tired through these sections as some of the trails seemed to drag and hitting the wetlands I certainly cursed a few times as my feet plugged into the unavoidable bogs.
The next stage '6' was just a short sharp kayak (1m). I was looking forward to this as I do enjoy this discipline and was happy to rest my legs and work my arms. Once on the lake the wind blew across and did its best to point the kayak in the wrong direction with each stroke. After an endless paddle I reached the island, stamped and turned around. Thinking the wind would be working for me I was completely wrong and it now hit me full force and had a funny way of kicking up the waves and lifting the front end and continually battering it down. Testing conditions but head down and by keeping those arms going it was soon all over.

Back on the tired legs for Stage '7' (9m) and nearly there but the hardest section awaits. More wetlands followed by the long and arduous ascent up to Pen y Fan. I would like to say that this was an enjoyable hike up but, condition's turned for the worst, gale force winds and rain that hurt and into the clouds I went. Luckily navigation is easy up here and a quick photo at the top heeded a quicker descent. On heavy legs this wet, rocky track was stressful going. But, down on the flatter parts I picked up the pace and towards the end finally meet up with another competitor, Chris, who I had briefly chatted to on the first bike stage, all those hours and hours ago. We got on our bikes and headed off on the final stage '8' (8m). The track all to soon turned into a narrow sludge pool. Chris eased away as I made hard work of getting through the mud pools, my front tyre being a magnet for any large rocks. Again testing my resolve as I fought hard to stay on the bike. This was another neverending test piece, finally getting on the reservoir track and picking up speed and thinking of dry warm cloths and beer. The final path down into Talybont was like a badly made cobblestone street I honestly thought that my bike would literally shake apart at any moment. Making it into town and cycling past the pub it dawned on me that there was still a little ways to go. I honestly thought the finish was the pub. Rats. But, I had another mile or so to go. The last CP I found hard to spot. The description confused me as I searched longingly for it at the front of this house only to give up and go around the corner to see it blazingly there. Blaming my tiredness now as I high tailed it out of there onto the road and to the finish line where it was spookily quiet. The organisers were there to greet our triumph with Chris who had just finished, with Ben and Richard who unluckily both had been unable to continue racing due to illness and injury.
So a top 3 finish in around 8 hours covering alot of ascent, over 2000m and 50miles. Exhaustingly satisfying. A hot shower and drink and it was down to the pub to celebrate with the usual beer(s) and curry. 

A superb event run by The Might Contain Nuts team of Matt and Barry and their splendid team of marshalls. It was enjoyable and demanding, it pushed you hard but was visually and mentally rewarding.

Welsh 1000 Fell race

The only way to get any good at fell running is to get in the mountains. But once in the mountains I always want to go climbing and so I signed up to do a mountain race. Actually, one of the amateur classics The Welsh 1000s. This starts near the sea at Aber and runs up into the Carnedds down to Ogwen and up the Glyders, then down to llanberis pass and finally up to the top of Snowdon. One tough race and arriving on the friday the rain kept falling as it had all week and a cheeky climb to warm up those muscles was replaced into a drive around the valleys and watching the thousands waterfalls coming down from all nooks and crannies. In fact some of the falls were going vertically up due to the power of the wind. We then sat in the bunkhouse switching between watching the Euros on TV and the weather outside in a full on gale as the river below burst its banks and flooded the farmlands as the animals took shelter on any high ground.

In short time the river had burst its banks  

This didn't bode well and so it proved at the race meeting in the evening. 5 peaks turned to 4 as Glyder Fawr was taken of route due to safety issues and also the probability that the route would change again by morning depending on what we would awake to.

We left Capel curig in the morning in good spirits as the weather was Ok but the further up the valley we went the rain came and the dark menacing clouds seemed glued to the higher ground. At the race start it was confirmed the route had changed. Infact the entire Carnedds were off limits and a straight forward route up the Glyders where more possible changes would be made later on the decent option. This weather was sure giving a lot of people headaches. But, and big respect to all the organisers the race was going ahead as I would of accepted it being cancelled.

The fell runners started at 9am (other race categories had started earlier) approx 100 of us, some covered head to foot in waterproofs and thermals while others, the more competitive I expect, had little more than tee shirt,  shorts and a small bum bag no doubt carrying all there mandatory kit. Hmmm. As we all made our way to the first hill things were a little congested although the hill sorted out the fell runners to the wannabees  and people were stretched and grouped out nicely within a few miles. I settled in a comfy pace with a group of runners and we by passed the Carnedds and decended via a road into Bethesda then onto a cycle track up the valley to Ogwen. At this point I was pretty drenched but had kept my feet relatively dry but the endless waterfalls coming off the mountains took there toll on the tracks and soon they were not just large puddles to jump around but actual rivers flowing down the roads which were unavoidable in getting your feet soaked. I had good company at this time (Mike a friendly Manc) and we managed to enjoy some conversation and keep a good pace on to the first CheckPoint at Ogwen.
(Stage 1 stats - 18km, 600metres in 1hr25mins).

From here you just go up. I know this area well and so was confident where to go and after climbing up the first steep ground to Llyn Bochlwyd we made a mini river crossing and ascended to the saddle between Tryfan and Fach. I had left Mike near the lake presuming he would catch me at some point and overtook a fair few people getting to the saddle and only saw one person in front of me as the clouds enveloped us. Foolishly I followed this person and although I had doubts on the route it wasnt until it started going up very steeply that i knew I was going wrong and checking the map confirmed this. So down we went back to the saddle a fustrating 15+mins lost plus some energy levels in a wasteful ascent. Back on track I caught up with Mike who was surprised to see me at the top. We were redirected here to stay on the miners track to the road instead of taking a cross country route due to the river being to high to cross. Again I was disappointed that this wasn't happening as this would of added spice to the race. The descent though was far from dull. 500metres over rough terrain overflowing with water, rocks and bogs. This was fast and treachorous but what fell running is all about where falling isn't an option. Although one man did manage to fall but fortunately it was in the bog section and so looked a cheerful sight. After such a fun descent had to come a slog, which was the road back up to Pen y Pass.
Stage 2 stats - 8km 650m in 1hr55.
From Pen y Pass its the Pyg track to the top. The only part of the race which had remained unchanged. I have never taken this way up to Snowdon and boy is it a slog. To be honest most ways up are. After soon taking the track I lost sight of Mike and unfortunately we never bumped into each other again , but it was great running with him. By now the legs were getting very tired the rest of me felt ok. I could of done with a little more food and water but things were closing in and it was getting much colder and being soaked to the bone for the last x amount of hours I just wanted to finish now. My worst feeling came at the top of the saddle. I had just slogged it up to near the top of snowdon but instead of heading for the finish line you have to go in the opposite direction to surmount our first 1000m peak of the race, Garnedd Ugain. Conditions were more akin to winter here and great appreciation has to go out to this marshal especially but to all those who helped put the race on. Once dibbed it was just a matter of getting to the finish which was completely shrouded in clouds and hoards of tourists. Once finished it was just a matter of getting into the cafe and finding Stu who was walking up to met me. In the cafe huddled hundreds of people all not wanting to leave but all inevitable must. I got myself some food and drink but still there was no sign of Stu and there was no mobile signal. Just when my mind was starting to decide what the hell to do, Stu appeared and best of all had my spare dry cloths for me to change into my shivering body.
Stage 3 stats - 6.5km 900m 1hr20min
Race stats 32.5km 2150m in 4hrs40. Placed 42'nd (Could of been 30th if i didnt lose that 15+mins going up Glyder Fach, d'oh, but shows that the race was close. Winner won it in 3hrs30, hats off).
A great first fell race and with what the weather had to throw at us and the race actually taking place then I am eager to do more fell running and to complete in the full race next year.
After a celebratory beer we headed down the Watkins path. Only another 6km and 1000m of descent and I could go and grab a shower, beer and steak.


As a bonus the weather cleared enough the next day for Stu and me to do a little climbing and did the ultra classic Direct route on Milestone Buttress. Fantastic route and great leading from Stu on his first multi pitch route. Here's to many more. So you can go to wales and have a superb weekend of both running and climbing.

Jurassic Coast Run - Counting the Hills

After my car blew up on the way to Wales last month I haven't been able to do to much and so with 2 mountain marathons cancelled I was desperate for something to do before another month slipped by. The Quest Adventure race was on in the Purbecks but not really wanting to do this solo (enjoy the team events) and also wanting to try something a little longer/harder I decided to run the Jurassic coastline. Plus I need the hill training for the Welsh 1000 race I'll be doing in a couple of weeks.
Logistically this was easy. Catch a local train down to Weymouth and run to either Wareham or Poole and home. I decided on Wareham in the end as it took in more countryside and off the roads. Initial plan was to run this in 2 sections Weymouth to Winspit (25miles) then Winspit to Wareham (20miles) carrying a light sleeping bag, mat, day food and water, the weather looked perfect.
Hopping off the train I was surrounded by half naked sun bathers to-ing and fro-ing. Feeling a little over clothed and carrying a rucksack I was pleased to quickly make my way onto the promenade and away from Weymouth and the crowds. Taking on the first hill I soon felt like I was alone, this is more like it and i could just enjoy the day, the views, the weather.

The terrain started nice and rolling but each hill got closer, got steeper and got harder. All the while passing great visual landmarks, White Nothe, Bats Head, Durdle Door and finally down to the iconic Lulworth Cove. I was feeling good here taking a little over 2 hours to do the 12 miles. I filled up my water bottles and treated myself to a large ice cream for the hard hill ahead and brutal descent a common theme for the entire day I was finding.
Into the firing range section, which is something new for me. I have tried to run this a couple of times but this area does get closed for military training. So I was looking forward to seeing what this section had to offer. No doubt it is a stunningly beautiful stretch of the coastline but by heck it has to be one of the toughest. The next 6 miles took me 2 hours it was a constant roller-coaster of hills battling it out to be the meanest.

At Kimmeridge Bay I took a needed break fueled with an iced cold can of coke and refilled my water. I was finding this extremely tough. The hills were hard, the heat was hot and the wind was, although cooling, was strong and against me all the way. On top of these my chest was in pain initially I thought it was indigestion from the electrolyte drinks. Then I remembered of having problems before with a too tight a rucksack putting undue pressure on my shoulder blade and therefore affecting my whole left side chest area...another old injury that has never fully cleared away. Still after undoing the straps things did get a little easier, although I cant say the hills, heat and wind did.
After Kimmeridge things relented for a short time allowing me to push my tired legs on. At the start of the next punishing hill I got a call from friends about meeting up. I agreed and said I'd be an hour. Hmmm that's 20mins for each remaining hill. Means I'm gonna have to kick on just as I'm ready to punch out! On seeing a sign saying 1 mile to go was heaven sent.
Arriving at Winspit completely worn out I was grateful at seeing Jake and Melissa chilling out with a drink. They had been Adventure Racing in the purbecks unfortunately pulling out after 3hrs with a broke bike chain. After a few more stories, beers and a glorious bbq in the setting sun my pains were forgotten. After saying goodbyes I settled down for my night out under the stars. My first site, right by the cliff side, although very comfy was in line with a gusting wind which would stir me every 5 mins. So after an hour I decided to move further in. Less wind but now I couldn't settle a tired body on a hard ground but it was nice starring up at the millions of stars and listening to TalkUltra, very relaxing.
Sunrise was for 5am but it got light around 4am! But it was a great place to doze for a couple of hours and it came a point when I had to emerge and start the day. I was going to carry on the coast run but due to keeping hold of the hot bbq I had to take this to the nearest town where my friends were illegally camping and could dispose of it legally. This suited me as I had underestimated yesterday and so an easy day today wasn't hard to convince myself. The run might have been shorter but the hills remained and one by one I ticked them off through beautiful countryside. I of course had to do a little map reading now that I was inland and the sea wasn't to the right at all times. Running into the splendid Corfe I treated myself to a breakfast of sausage rolls and cheese and bacon pastry and a coke. Feeling refreshed I pushed on and managed a good amble now that the hills had all but disappeared. The finishing route was vastly interesting from the awesome ruggedness of the coast on day 1 to the farmlands and closed woodlands to marshlands to the river frome taking me into Wareham and the train home.

Another great run and inspiring location. Trail running sure does take you to some amazing places. Whether it's for training or just to enjoy. It's a place to try and this is only a small section of it. With plenty of places to wild camp, towns to fuel up then there is boundless opportunities to explore this more and to try out more routes. I can't wait.

Day 1 25 miles in 6hrs 15mins taking on 17 or 18 big hills +/- 4600ft
Day 2 12 miles in 2hrs 30mins only a few hills +/- 1500ft

More Pictures:

Quest Adventure Race - New Forest

Getting the excuses out of the way. Zero training in February due to a bad winter virus. Then getting a stinking cold last week meant that i have done the smallest amount of training in a fair while. So to get me back into to swing of things then what better than signing up to do an adventure race in the New Forest.
I decided not to do the kayak stage so as to just give me a chance, although with the superb weather I was a little disappointed not to be kayaking down Bealieu river.
Team tactics was that I was gonna have to do all this on my own and so, i decided to try and clear the running section and see what time i had left for the biking. Being given the points and clues list at the start i realised that my plan was a little disrupted by a few checkpoints (CPs) being dummy'd out of the game. After a little flaffing around I changed my first CP and decided to make up the route as i went (which worked well as i only got lost the once).
The first couple of hours went well. Legs were fine, weather was something else and i was ticking off the CPs. Then it went wrong, had terrible heartburn for the rest of the run, legs got very heavy and my route finding took some blows. Times like this you wish you had a partner to give you a kick etc to stop you from walking too often. Finishing the run in 3hrs10 i was puffed out and my legs had taken a beating but i had achieved clearing the route (something only 2 other teams managed, both category winners).

Taking way to long in the transition i finally figured out a route and set off. This is definitely where i missed my partner as i was constantly having to check my map on where i was going. This first slows you down and then in most cases brings you to a complete stop (i will make a proper map board for my next outing). I also ended up taking the wrong route and so missed out on a couple of CPs. But i wasn't to bothered as by the time i finished my legs were finished as well.

Came 6th in category. Happy with result just needed to crack on better on the bike.


All in all another great race, well organised, beautiful location, a good turn out and as a bonus i got my car cleaned.

French Alps March 2012

Long version (working on a shorter one)

January's adventures

Stonehenge Stomp - January 29th


Happy days. Re-reading the Amesbury Walkers instructions i found out that i would get an extra hour in bed, so no getting up at 6.30am. The start for runners was for 9.15. This was my first LDWA event. What it lacks in competivness makes up in organisation. You just turn up, sign in and get on with it in your own time, with checkpoints every 6kms or so. You had a choice of 10,20,30 or 40kms. i went for the latter just hoping my legs would hold up. The day was bleak, cold and foggy but thankfully no wind and the miles flew by and after running past Stonehenge my thighs started to hurt, so it was gonna be a tough last 10miles. I can only think that i haven't fully rested my legs over the last couple of weeks (tapered correctly) and there was more roads than i normally run so not sure if that had an impact issue. With a couple of small walks inbetween running kept me on a reasonable pace and soon finished feeling ok.
A great day amongst beautiful countryside and well supported with plenty of runners and walkers enjoying the day. Looking forward to more LDWA challenge events they are well organised and dare i say it cheap compared to many other running events.
26.2miles in 4hrs09mins.

Run home from the Source of the River Itchen - January 21st


After being dropped of in the middle of no-where, sorry where the source of the River Itchen starts I made my way through beautiful countryside and villages towards Winchester. i presumed navigation would be simple but it did prove a little tricky as i made my way from one side of the river to the other. Once through Winchester I was on familiar ground and even the sun popped out to warm me up from the cold battering wind. After over 20miles i had to leave the river and make my way home. But a stunning run which again opens up what superb countryside we have on our doorsteps.
23.5 miles over 3hrs40mins.



Jurassic Coast Run - January 14th

A brutally hilly run taking us along the purbeck coastline from Lulworth to Osmington and then we veered off to the White horse and ran back along the extremely muddy ridgeline. 17.5miles covered over challenging terrain. looking forward to linking this up with a full run from weymouth to poole.



Wild camping at Hurst Castle (& run back from Lynhurst) - January 7th

We arrived at Hurst Castle as it turned dark and still unsure on whether we would be told to bugger off. Not wanting to be told to go and find another camping site after walking 8 miles through the marshes of  Keyhaven. We kept the noise to a minimum and hoped that the fishermen we were sharing the spit with would also not become unwelcoming.
In a fine eerie setting nestled between the waves of the English channel and the formidable 500 year old fortress we settled down and enjoyed a splendid dinner. A few jokes and stories later we were soundly asleep by 9pm. Not the party boys from yesteryear.
Waking up refreshed the smell of bacon was soon wafting around camp. Not wanting to outstay our welcome we packed up and left a superb wild camping site back the 8 miles to Lymington.
Not wanting to finish my adventure yet I got dropped of just outside Lyndhurst and ran (with my pack) the 16.5miles home. Tough going with the pack weighing me down and me feeling somewhat tired from the walking we had just done and also not having run for a couple of weeks.
A great micro adventure and cannot wait for the next one.

Skiing Morillion 2011

A great weeks skiing with sun, snow and rain.

The Year of 2011

A year that I got addicted with Adventure Racing and Ultra's and knows how lucky he is to have a understanding loving girlfriend. The year started jobless and too much time on my hands and so not wanting to let the fitness I had built up from The Dablam trip go to waste. we were signed up to do a couple of adventure races. But, what else could i do. I do run a lot but not very far. So I went out in February and ran 20 off road muddy cold miles and rather than putting me off i wanted more and after pouring over the limitless information on the web on off road running i came across a term 'Ultra'. I have never considered running a marathon let alone further but, the thought of getting out of your own personal bubble and comfort zone and challenging yourself with things that will push you excites me. So I signed up to do a 30 mile run in April. Once completed and being wearily content i now knew that anything was a possibility you just have to put in a little hard work and the rewards will follow.
With the AR's and an Ultra done I now knew that setting myself a goal each month would a) keep me motivated and b) open up more possibilities. Next, pondering what to do in sunny May I just decided one day to get myself over to the Isle of Wight and bike off road around it. I completely underestimated how tough this would be but enjoying a beer and curry later that day, again, I had pushed myself out of my comfortable bubble and felt better for it.
June brought a team effort of completing the Welsh 3000's. I love North Wales and trips like this just confirm why this is one of the best places. Although the legs took a battering and took a week to fully recover. The South Downs were July's tempter 133miles biking the SD trail to Brighton and back. Pure stunning scenery and just on my doorstep.
August brought the highlight, a mammoth task of crossing the country using multi disciplines (kayaks, bikes and running) over 4 days. Great experience.
I had busted my ribs from falling off my bike in august and this took a couple of months to fully heal and with a holiday planned as well things had to go easy for a bit. September I completed 26miles over the Jurassic coastline in the Purbecks. A fine day out with the best views but I had missed out part of the coastline due to military closure. So, this will have to be fully completed next year. I cannot wait.
October I managed to run over a 100miles in a week. Tough going and hats off to people who do this amount of training regularly. The realisation of how hard a 100mile race will take to complete sinks in after this week. But the ambition is to do one of these one day.
With things winding down for the winter in November i took part in a fun muddy hell run with friends and then went wild camping, another first and to make this into a challenge I ran all the 22miles back home.
So, after all that what for December. Well, after that kind of year you gotta treat yourself so I will be going skiing over xmas and new year and hitting the slopes and backcountry hard and mulling over what to do for next year, more ultras, more adventure races, more wild camping, try mountain marathons.....

But that's for next year what have I done this year. I like looking at stats and so I put some in below and contemplate the task ahead in surpassing what I have achieved in 2011.

212 days of training managing to run 1326 miles in 217 hours. Biked 565 miles in 80 hours and completed over 172 hours of other activities.

Mud and Micro Adventures

Two events worthy of note this month. I was taking the month of November easy. After running100miles in a week late last month, and a niggling groin, my main aim was just to go to the Hellrun Turbo X and enjoy the day but after a friend had hinted at a chance to go wild camping the week after I just had to go and complete a mini micro adventure, which after thoughtful planning would include running home.

First the mud
The Turbo X is a 10 mile cross country run. It gentle eases you into the woods and then you are hit with an array of large puddles, rivers and swamps to fight your way through. Words hardly do it justice so hopefully the pictures will.

Micro Adventure
Having wanted to bivi outdoors all summer I thought my chance of wild camping this year was over with the winter months drawing in but there are madder folk than me and a quick chat later Rob had invited me to go wild camping somewhere in late November. Even I thought that this could be just a little late in the year but there was no deferring from the other guys so I was good to go as well.
There are few issues with going wild camping, which is the appeal, it's simple and you get off the beaten track. Wear some clothes, take a sleeping bag and bivi sack, food, stove and plenty of wine and you've bagged it. My main sticking point was getting to the start line,
 in Alton. It was near on 3hrs on a train to take me 20 odd miles. Railways! Luckily for me a friend was able to drop me off in Alton. Unlucky for me this was 3 hours before the arrival of the others and so after investigating the high street in 5 minutes I dropped into a local tavern for 2, maybe 3, cheeky brews. All part of getting into the spirit of the event! The guys soon arrived at the station and introductions were made. Rob, Steve, Neil and Greg forging the Southern Micro Adventure gang. A short detour via the Off License to stock up on more wine supplies and we were heading into the wilderness via the A31. Once off the roads and free of traffic we got into a steady rhythm on The St Swithuns Way. After 7miles of hiking we entered Old Down Wood, our destination for the night. The bivi spot took a little finding due to the isolated location but once settled and made comfy an enjoyable evening was had with good food (apart from the courgettes), plentiful wine and, after foraging the surrounding area, plenty of dry(ish) wood for a splendid fire. All topped off with a dodgy selection of loud music with the last 5 decades or so being played out. Bedding down around the fire I was warm, comfy and looking forward to a night under the stars in the tranquility of the surroundings. Although I couldn't see the stars I could feel the rain as it gently sprinkled my face. No one else moved so I decided to also hold my ground and soon enough the rain dissipated.

Sleep came with the continued noise of nameless persons 'letting em rip'. I was also to be awoken, thankfully not by these noises, but by at least 3 of the camp mates blissfully snoring me into consciousness. After the 3rd time I was woken up by the 'land whales' conversing I decided the best course of action was to move outta there and got a great sleep for the remainder of the night.
Waking up, the boys were already on the case of cooking brekkie and brewing up. Bliss. This was scoffed down and we were all packed and ready to move off in no time at all. The guys were heading back to Alton but I had decided to run home, turning this micro adventure into a macro one. After fond farewells I jogged off and it didn't take me long to get somewhat lost, a combination of a bleary wine head, identical farmers fields and no signs. Back on the right track I made good progress through Ropley and after more non existent signs in Bramdean Common I ploughed on, helped on my way by a group of horse riders. Back on track and zoning out, this run felt harder by carrying a full size rucksack, I neared Bramdean and realised yet again I was going the wrong way. No problem, I could just do a horseshoe back onto the track home, only frustrated by having to run on some roads for a short distance. From here, through Cheriton and to Cheesefoot Head was slow going. It was a constant string of ups and downs and my legs could in no way run the ups and so I had to resort to walking (which did give me time to eat and drink and enjoy the countryside). From Cheesefoot it was an never ending series of trails to Winchester and Twyford and finally down to the Itchen river. Good and flat here all the way to Otterbourne with uplifting, stunning scenery. One last hill to saunter over and then a quick home run to the finish line.
I covered 22miles in a little over 4 hours. This was a hard slog, although the terrain was no different to what I normally travel. So the lack of pace could be attributed to a fair bit of booze the previous day and I definitely underestimated how carrying a large (not heavy) rucksack would tire my legs quite considerably.

Still, my first foray into wild camping was hugely enjoyable (cheers Rob, Steve, Neil and Greg) and I am already excited about what the next micro adventure has in store. Bring it on and I'll bring the wine.