Distance Check

It's been a good weekend for the Big Wales Thing, passing a critical running milestone that tells me that maybe, just maybe, I have a chance of covering the distance.

This weekend I set out to run 20 miles each day, with a reasonable weight (6kg) pack. I know that routes around here aren't going to be as hilly as I can expect on my run, but all the same, I have never run that far in a day before, let alone two days in a row!

I didn't quite make it, but I came close enough! 20 miles on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. Enough to make is feel that, with a bit more training, I can manage the 18 mile a day average that I am looking for.

The Big Wales Thing

It is time to come clean. I have been planning and pondering a long hilly run for months. Longer than 13.1 miles. Longer than 26.2 miles. In fact 212 miles! But although I was thinking about it a lot, I wasn't sure if I could actually do it, so was hesitating about turning the plans into reality. Well I still don't know if I can do it, but my running over the last few weeks has convinced me to get off the fence and just go for it!

In my mind it has become The Big Wales Thing, and, as you might guess from the logo, it is a run of the length of Wales.

I plan to run from the South Coast (Breaksea Point, near Cardiff) to Great Orme, running off-road wherever I can and taking in all the major mountain ranges (Pen y Fan (Brecons), Pumlumon, Cadair Idris, Y Llethr (Rhinogau), Snowdon Horseshoe, Glyderau, Carneddau). That's some 40,000 feet of ascent (and of descent).

Tarpology Exploration

Tarping under the only tree on Exmoor

I've had a tarp for a while. I love the idea of a tarp, the simplicity, the natural feeling, the closeness to the outside world.  I love looking at the stars and the moon from my bed. Being half indoors and half outdoors as I make the first brew of the day, still snuggled in a sleeping bag and bivvy bag. 

Quilts (again!)

I wrote a few months ago about my desire for a quilt, and the lovely version that As Tucas make.  Well that led to an extended email discussion with Marco from As Tucas about how warm their quilts were and how heavy and how small they packed.

The outcome is that I have ordered a custom quit from Marco, with thinner insulation on the underside/wings to keep the weight and size down. I hope it will be perfect for the long trip I am pondering and plotting for the summer.

Marco and As Tucas have been a great company to work with, with personal service and a willingness to discuss requirements in detail and come up with the right kit for the job.  Thanks Marco!

I'll post some more when the quilt arrives in a few weeks.