Run to the Sea

Probably my best race so far, even with the calf issue for 2/3 of it. Would be a 10/10 if I wasn’t troubled by pain for a few hours. I started off nice and relaxed, chatting with Conal and another chap, as we watched Jake push ahead into the distance. After about 8km of this easy pace I started to automatically pull away, very easily, as must have warmed up and found my running groove. I didn’t expect to catch Jake so fast, but I had him in my sights at ~15km. Passed him at 17km and didn’t look back. Didn’t need to stop at any checkpoints in the first half so made good time maintaining a comfy but steady pace. First hill was ~2.4km long with >160m of climbing so I certainly power-walked the really steep and gravelly section (recorded a video message, checked my whatsapp etc. so taking it easy). As soon as the grade looked more reasonable I started running again and kept at it until the next very steep section. I kept this up for the rest of the race, only walking when it was proper steep. Stopped at CP3 to top up my hydration bottle and took a calf stretch, didn’t help much so pushed on. Didn’t stop again until the end, got very lucky with the traffic lights in Hove thankfully and managed a few over-takes. Got my hydration plan sorted very well, didn’t get hungry either and only had 4 gels plus some crisps, half a chew bar and half a banana. Beat my PB by 44 minutes and wasn’t destroyed at the end, did another loop of the ‘field’ on Hove Lawns to get it to exactly 50km and once I stopped I felt mostly fine. Calf was very sore though and left big toe suffered (huge blister). Probably the best course I’ve run, will definitely do it again. Spectacular views, great support, challenging but run hills and a great ending! I’d recommend this to anyone wanting to try an ultra trail race.