I am lying in my nice comfortable bed in the B&B. Today was a good day. I am back to running and not just struggling to get through the day. 57k in 6hrs 18mins 9th place today and I think still 11th overall. Another hilly route and basically the next few days will be that way. Still hot and sunny with head winds. We have been very lucky to only have had 1 day of rain. I have heard the weather for the next few days might be stormy. We are having dinner tonight at a local restaurant, which is always good.
My days are pretty much run, eat, sleep, repeat each day.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Day 14
Hi,
Did well today and felt much better. 62k - 7hrs almost exactly, 12th place and still 11th overall. It has been getting hotter and hotter each day and today was 90f. My legs felt better; I am not running with constant pain anymore. I pushed it a bit today and hopefully I won't regret it tomorrow.
It was another beautiful run today. We ran 10k straight downhill into a beautiful gorge over the Lot river. The downhill was hard on the legs but worth it for the view. Everyone is so supportive of each other and wants each to succeed. We all recognize how hard we all have to work to keep going each day. That support has had a big impact on us, so much so that no-one has dropped out yet. I think at this point we all want so much to finish and barring any severe injury we will all complete the race.
Well, I'm off to the bar to have a well earned beer.
Did well today and felt much better. 62k - 7hrs almost exactly, 12th place and still 11th overall. It has been getting hotter and hotter each day and today was 90f. My legs felt better; I am not running with constant pain anymore. I pushed it a bit today and hopefully I won't regret it tomorrow.
It was another beautiful run today. We ran 10k straight downhill into a beautiful gorge over the Lot river. The downhill was hard on the legs but worth it for the view. Everyone is so supportive of each other and wants each to succeed. We all recognize how hard we all have to work to keep going each day. That support has had a big impact on us, so much so that no-one has dropped out yet. I think at this point we all want so much to finish and barring any severe injury we will all complete the race.
Well, I'm off to the bar to have a well earned beer.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Day 13
Hi,
Good weather day today and another lovely town and area that we ran through.
Distance 67K plus 4K...I got lost, missed a turn and ran an extra 4K. Day dreaming I guess..until that point I was doing really well, I was staying just ahead of 3 others trying to make sure I did not slip any more in the overall rankings!! They got ahead of me and I never managed to pass them. But still my time was 8 hrs 23 mins. 15th place and 11th overall.
My legs are feeling better and swelling is going down. My right hamstring is starting to talk to me. I spoke with Victoria and she gave me some stretches to try, which are helping. Tonight dinner is being brought in so we don't have to wander the local streets looking like extra's from a horror flick as we shuffle and drag our legs behind us, along with an occasional moan!
I have heard from some of the folks that have done this race before - yes there are a few that crazy - the accommodations for Wed and Thur night are pretty dire. So I managed to book into a local B&B in each town for those 2 nights. It will feel great to actually sleep in a bed. Problem is, one of reasons we get up each day and run is the cots on the floor are so uncomfortable. Once I get into that bed I may not leave for several days. My mantra now is "4 more days", "4 more days" 'til Saturday. I know if I make it 4 more days, Saturday will be run on such a mental high, it should be a piece of cake!
Good weather day today and another lovely town and area that we ran through.
Distance 67K plus 4K...I got lost, missed a turn and ran an extra 4K. Day dreaming I guess..until that point I was doing really well, I was staying just ahead of 3 others trying to make sure I did not slip any more in the overall rankings!! They got ahead of me and I never managed to pass them. But still my time was 8 hrs 23 mins. 15th place and 11th overall.
My legs are feeling better and swelling is going down. My right hamstring is starting to talk to me. I spoke with Victoria and she gave me some stretches to try, which are helping. Tonight dinner is being brought in so we don't have to wander the local streets looking like extra's from a horror flick as we shuffle and drag our legs behind us, along with an occasional moan!
I have heard from some of the folks that have done this race before - yes there are a few that crazy - the accommodations for Wed and Thur night are pretty dire. So I managed to book into a local B&B in each town for those 2 nights. It will feel great to actually sleep in a bed. Problem is, one of reasons we get up each day and run is the cots on the floor are so uncomfortable. Once I get into that bed I may not leave for several days. My mantra now is "4 more days", "4 more days" 'til Saturday. I know if I make it 4 more days, Saturday will be run on such a mental high, it should be a piece of cake!
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Day 11 and 12
Hi,
Sorry about not posting yesterday, but I could not get service for the mobile phone. The day was good only 50K. I ran with 3 other runners which was good for the company, but I feel that I may have run faster than I should have. It is another beautiful town; very small with only about 300 people. The local children greeted us with cakes and asked for our autographs and took our photos. It was so nice.
Today was the grueling 77K. It was good for the first 40 miles but the last 9 were all very steep hills. I ran alone today because I knew it would be hard and I didn't want to go too fast, like I did yesterday. Wanted to do under 10 hours and I just made it with 9hr 55mins. Legs are holding steady, not getting any worse with the swelling. I think the swelling has actually gone down a bit. Several of us walked into town to get dinner, we found only one place open because of Sunday. Food was great, but I think I could eat almost anything at this point. The next 4 days will be slightly shorter runs with the last two days returning to the longer lengths to which I have become accustomed! I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, only 6 more days. This actually sounds achievable!!
Sorry about not posting yesterday, but I could not get service for the mobile phone. The day was good only 50K. I ran with 3 other runners which was good for the company, but I feel that I may have run faster than I should have. It is another beautiful town; very small with only about 300 people. The local children greeted us with cakes and asked for our autographs and took our photos. It was so nice.
Today was the grueling 77K. It was good for the first 40 miles but the last 9 were all very steep hills. I ran alone today because I knew it would be hard and I didn't want to go too fast, like I did yesterday. Wanted to do under 10 hours and I just made it with 9hr 55mins. Legs are holding steady, not getting any worse with the swelling. I think the swelling has actually gone down a bit. Several of us walked into town to get dinner, we found only one place open because of Sunday. Food was great, but I think I could eat almost anything at this point. The next 4 days will be slightly shorter runs with the last two days returning to the longer lengths to which I have become accustomed! I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, only 6 more days. This actually sounds achievable!!
Friday, August 26, 2005
Day 10
HI,
Good weather! Nice course, getting more and more hilly as we get into the Massif Central. Ran the first 25K today but then had to do a combination of walk/run..more walk then I would have liked. 64K, came in 22nd. Terrible but still in 10th place overall. My shins and ankles are so swollen they are officially 'kankles'. I can't get the socks over my ankles, so I had to cut my socks.
Still a great group of people and we are all trying to hang in and make it to the end. No one has dropped out yet. Tonight we had drinks with the Mayor of Bourganeuf.
Tomorrow is 50K but hilly so we shall see how it goes.
Good weather! Nice course, getting more and more hilly as we get into the Massif Central. Ran the first 25K today but then had to do a combination of walk/run..more walk then I would have liked. 64K, came in 22nd. Terrible but still in 10th place overall. My shins and ankles are so swollen they are officially 'kankles'. I can't get the socks over my ankles, so I had to cut my socks.
Still a great group of people and we are all trying to hang in and make it to the end. No one has dropped out yet. Tonight we had drinks with the Mayor of Bourganeuf.
Tomorrow is 50K but hilly so we shall see how it goes.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Day 9
HI,
Today was the most physically challenging day I have ever had in my life. Not just the run which was very hilly but the weather was brutal, windy and rainy. Windy all day, at times it felt like gale force pushing us around and having to fight it the entire time. The rain lashing down and coming at you from all sides. Not sure what the weather for tomorrow will be, but at least for now the rain has stopped. We have been lucky, so far we have had 8 days of great weather.
The day took a long time 70K in 9H can't remember how many mins... 13 place.
Good news my legs are staying about the same, not getting worse, a bit more worn out today because of the hills but I think they will be ok. I wear the compression stockings every night. I look like Paula Radcliff, wish I ran as fast as she can.
Today we passed the halfway mark in distance and just at the halfway in time, 9 days down 9 more to go. Tomorrow is 64K, Saturday 50K, and Sunday the monster 77K.
Today was the most physically challenging day I have ever had in my life. Not just the run which was very hilly but the weather was brutal, windy and rainy. Windy all day, at times it felt like gale force pushing us around and having to fight it the entire time. The rain lashing down and coming at you from all sides. Not sure what the weather for tomorrow will be, but at least for now the rain has stopped. We have been lucky, so far we have had 8 days of great weather.
The day took a long time 70K in 9H can't remember how many mins... 13 place.
Good news my legs are staying about the same, not getting worse, a bit more worn out today because of the hills but I think they will be ok. I wear the compression stockings every night. I look like Paula Radcliff, wish I ran as fast as she can.
Today we passed the halfway mark in distance and just at the halfway in time, 9 days down 9 more to go. Tomorrow is 64K, Saturday 50K, and Sunday the monster 77K.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Day 8
Hi,
Pretty good day today. 64K in 7h 27m came in 9th and 9th place overall. The first 5k the legs are stiff, sore, painful, the middle of the run you get into a groove and it is pretty good, the last 20K are hard.
Glad to report legs are no worse. If they stay like this it should be ok. The compression stockings and anti-inflammatory pills are helping as well.
The town we are in today is called Angles Sur L'Anglin, it is ranked as one of the prettiest in France. Each day I report what a beautiful town we are in, but today it really is beautiful. It would be even more beautiful if Claire was here with me...
We run past many locals that see the race numbers on our shirts and ask where are we running to and we say Narbonne. They look puzzled because they only know of one Narbonne and that is on the coast!! They just can't believe we are running all that way. So they cheer us on and say "Bon Courage".
We passed the 500K mark today. That felt great, we are actually getting closer.
Pretty good day today. 64K in 7h 27m came in 9th and 9th place overall. The first 5k the legs are stiff, sore, painful, the middle of the run you get into a groove and it is pretty good, the last 20K are hard.
Glad to report legs are no worse. If they stay like this it should be ok. The compression stockings and anti-inflammatory pills are helping as well.
The town we are in today is called Angles Sur L'Anglin, it is ranked as one of the prettiest in France. Each day I report what a beautiful town we are in, but today it really is beautiful. It would be even more beautiful if Claire was here with me...
We run past many locals that see the race numbers on our shirts and ask where are we running to and we say Narbonne. They look puzzled because they only know of one Narbonne and that is on the coast!! They just can't believe we are running all that way. So they cheer us on and say "Bon Courage".
We passed the 500K mark today. That felt great, we are actually getting closer.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Day7
Hi,
Much Much better day today. Legs still sore but not in agony. Actually easier to run than walk. I felt more positive at the end of today than I did yesterday. I think I can do this!
Another beautiful route today. If you look on this site, http://www.yanoo.net/index.php4?cat=12&id=215 this is one of the roads we ran today...just beautiful. Today was 57K my time 6:44 9th place, tomorrow is 64K.
The runners here are a great group of people. Everyone is very friendly and helpful to each other. Each day as we come into the finish as well as the school gym we all clap for each other. It is quite emotional, we all have our good days and days that we suffer. So far no one is willing to not try another day.
Much Much better day today. Legs still sore but not in agony. Actually easier to run than walk. I felt more positive at the end of today than I did yesterday. I think I can do this!
Another beautiful route today. If you look on this site, http://www.yanoo.net/index.php4?cat=12&id=215 this is one of the roads we ran today...just beautiful. Today was 57K my time 6:44 9th place, tomorrow is 64K.
The runners here are a great group of people. Everyone is very friendly and helpful to each other. Each day as we come into the finish as well as the school gym we all clap for each other. It is quite emotional, we all have our good days and days that we suffer. So far no one is willing to not try another day.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Day 6
HI,
Is it really only day 6???? Can't imagine what day 16 is going to feel like...
Well this morning started off really painfully, for the first 25K I walked and hobbled, but the last 25K was better and I actually ran most of it. 55K in a time of 6h 33m. The race organizers stated this is the first year in race history that no one has dropped out by stage 6. Pressure is on.
Raife and Victoria cycled along the last half of the course. Victoria has been so helpful with my legs. They bought me a pair of compression stockings to help with the swelling. The course today was beautiful, winding through the Loire Valley, lovely vineyards and beautiful countryside.
Is it really only day 6???? Can't imagine what day 16 is going to feel like...
Well this morning started off really painfully, for the first 25K I walked and hobbled, but the last 25K was better and I actually ran most of it. 55K in a time of 6h 33m. The race organizers stated this is the first year in race history that no one has dropped out by stage 6. Pressure is on.
Raife and Victoria cycled along the last half of the course. Victoria has been so helpful with my legs. They bought me a pair of compression stockings to help with the swelling. The course today was beautiful, winding through the Loire Valley, lovely vineyards and beautiful countryside.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Day 5
HI,
Hard run today. My shins are very, very sore.
But on the positive side a friend and work collegue from the UK, Raife and his partner Victoria arrived today. They have a tandam bike and cycled along with me a good part of the day. It's really great to have the company. We will meet up for dinner tonight and they plan to stay with the race for a few days cycling along as I run. The best part, Victoria is a Physiotherapist, she massaged my legs and assisted with the icing. The ice supply is slim to none, France is not big on ice and it is Sunday so almost everything is closed.
Today was a long day 70k, my time 8hr 33 mins, 11th place today. I had to walk quite a bit on the hills. Tomorrow is a shorter day 55k. At this stage last year 4 people had dropped out. I am not sure if anyone has dropped out yet. At least 50% of us are experiencing very sore legs. All trying to keep off the legs and ice.
Hard run today. My shins are very, very sore.
But on the positive side a friend and work collegue from the UK, Raife and his partner Victoria arrived today. They have a tandam bike and cycled along with me a good part of the day. It's really great to have the company. We will meet up for dinner tonight and they plan to stay with the race for a few days cycling along as I run. The best part, Victoria is a Physiotherapist, she massaged my legs and assisted with the icing. The ice supply is slim to none, France is not big on ice and it is Sunday so almost everything is closed.
Today was a long day 70k, my time 8hr 33 mins, 11th place today. I had to walk quite a bit on the hills. Tomorrow is a shorter day 55k. At this stage last year 4 people had dropped out. I am not sure if anyone has dropped out yet. At least 50% of us are experiencing very sore legs. All trying to keep off the legs and ice.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Day 4
HI,
Well, up at 5am to get ready for the 7am race start. We are all beginning to move just a little bit slower in the mornings. Today was a good day with a few minor aches, definitely getting harder, 68k in 7hrs 17mins. I finished in 6th place today which puts me in 6th place overall. My shins are beginning to talk to me...I'm thinking tomorrow I will do a combination of walk/run. It should be a nice run, we are heading towards the Loire Valley. Spent this afternoon shopping in the local food store to stock up on food. Sunday in France can sometimes be scarce of places open to eat.
Well, up at 5am to get ready for the 7am race start. We are all beginning to move just a little bit slower in the mornings. Today was a good day with a few minor aches, definitely getting harder, 68k in 7hrs 17mins. I finished in 6th place today which puts me in 6th place overall. My shins are beginning to talk to me...I'm thinking tomorrow I will do a combination of walk/run. It should be a nice run, we are heading towards the Loire Valley. Spent this afternoon shopping in the local food store to stock up on food. Sunday in France can sometimes be scarce of places open to eat.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Day 3
Hi,
Feeling really great today. Much flatter course and I felt great, although today was one of the longest days at 78k/42miles. My time was 7:45. Came in at 4th place but not sure where this puts me in the rankings...
Had a great meal in a little French restaurnat last night and a great night sleep.
I absolutly love my Garmin Forerunner 201. It's great to know how far you have run and how much more you have to do each day. It also keeps track of the calories, so far I have burned 15,000 during this race!
Tomorrow will be a shorter day 68k/42miles. We will arrive in the town of Chateaubriant.
Feeling really great today. Much flatter course and I felt great, although today was one of the longest days at 78k/42miles. My time was 7:45. Came in at 4th place but not sure where this puts me in the rankings...
Had a great meal in a little French restaurnat last night and a great night sleep.
I absolutly love my Garmin Forerunner 201. It's great to know how far you have run and how much more you have to do each day. It also keeps track of the calories, so far I have burned 15,000 during this race!
Tomorrow will be a shorter day 68k/42miles. We will arrive in the town of Chateaubriant.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Day 2
Hi all, Today's distance was 65k. completed in 7:28 and 10th place today which puts m in 6th place overall.
The course today was hilly and my hamstrings were not enjoying the trip! Neither was my stomach. Eventually both settled down and I had a good day. I never thought that freezed dried shepherd's pie (meat and mashed potatoes) could taste so good. Had 2 servings after the race; yummy. I was feeling like a celeb today, the local newspaper interviewed me this afternoon. Hopefully I can get a copy of the paper. Each day at the end of the race there is a banner we run under and many of the locals come out to cheer us on. It really is a nice race running through some lovely French towns. Last night the race organizers provided a delicious dinner of Spaghetti Bolognese. During the race today we had lots of bananas and oranges. Tonight though we are on our own, so I am waiting now for the french restaurants to open up for dinner!!
Tomorrow a slightly longer course 75k, hoping to do around 9hours. Wish me luck.
The course today was hilly and my hamstrings were not enjoying the trip! Neither was my stomach. Eventually both settled down and I had a good day. I never thought that freezed dried shepherd's pie (meat and mashed potatoes) could taste so good. Had 2 servings after the race; yummy. I was feeling like a celeb today, the local newspaper interviewed me this afternoon. Hopefully I can get a copy of the paper. Each day at the end of the race there is a banner we run under and many of the locals come out to cheer us on. It really is a nice race running through some lovely French towns. Last night the race organizers provided a delicious dinner of Spaghetti Bolognese. During the race today we had lots of bananas and oranges. Tonight though we are on our own, so I am waiting now for the french restaurants to open up for dinner!!
Tomorrow a slightly longer course 75k, hoping to do around 9hours. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Feeling great after day 1
Hi All, Completed first day of 68k in 7hr 11mins, 4th place! Slightly less then 10k per hour. Basically 10k per hour is what I hope to maintain each day!!
Feeling great, a bit tired but well. The race support team that supply drinks, food and directions throughout the day are really wonderful.
This following link is being maintained by the race team. click on the date for the Transe Gaule http://www.yanoo.net/index.php4
Copy and paste the french text into this link http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr to get the english version.
Looking forward to a great night sleep on my cot in the school gym!
Stay tuned.....
Feeling great, a bit tired but well. The race support team that supply drinks, food and directions throughout the day are really wonderful.
This following link is being maintained by the race team. click on the date for the Transe Gaule http://www.yanoo.net/index.php4
Copy and paste the french text into this link http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr to get the english version.
Looking forward to a great night sleep on my cot in the school gym!
Stay tuned.....
Monday, August 15, 2005
Roscoff D-day minus 2
Ran comfortably for 90 minutes this morning to St. Pol de Leon. I met the race director and some of the other competitors and we went for a wonderful French lunch -a whole roast pig. After a while Janne from Finland and Hiroko from Japan arrived. Both had run Trans Europe (Lisbon to Moscow) in 2003. Janne placed 5th overall! Hiroko had abandoned after 42 days because her leg literally snapped - which finally forced her to stop!! Jacques was interesting too - he cycled around the world for 7.5 years, because he couldn't stand his office job!! Usually I feel like a Kenyan with 'normal people' - today, with these folks, I felt like a Sumo wrestler. This is going to be a tough race I think....
Friday, August 12, 2005
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