Today Ali and I ran from Bridgwater Docks to Maunsel Lock. In my mind, completing this canal from Bridgwater to Taunton in one go will mean that I am able to complete a half marathon. Today we completed about half of the canal (give or take a km or two) therefore at this point in time I can complete half of a half marathon (give or take a km or two.) Taunton half marathon look out, we're coming...
Once we had sorted our clothing issues we settled down to the job in hand. Heavy rain the previous day and night meant the path was quite muddy in places and the canal was very high but the water was crystal clear. Today we met several walkers both with and without four legged furry friends, cyclists - one even with a working bell - and workmen. Just past The Boat & Anchor pub the men were laying a new hardcore path, a short stretch of red carpet gravel both pleasing to the eye and gentle to the foot.
The second third seemed interminably long with me declaring on numerous occasions that we were getting near to North Newton, eventually we did get to North Newton and we were both very glad we had decided against tackling the whole route in one go. This really is a most beautiful part of the country and if you have never had the chance to walk/run/cycle the path I sincerely suggest you do. There are car parks at various points along the way and if you time your exploration well you can find tea & cake or a pint and a sandwich or more at several hostelries along the way.
Both Ali and myself are keen photographers and at several spots we both declared a good view or doe eyed creature just waiting to be captured. We are now both keen to retrace our steps laden down with walking boots, cameras and lenses various. At last Ali spied the Union Flag fluttering in the now strong headwind signaling our almost arrival at Maunsel Lock. Steely determination and the fear that Chris may be stationed on the bridge with his camera led us to complete our morning's exercise with a final burst of running up and over the final bridge into the cafe.
A very nice young man gladly gave us a glass of water each whilst we decided which toasted sandwiches we were going to eat to celebrate our success, it was lunchtime after all! He congratulated us on our achievement and he did seem very sincere in his admiration for what we had done. He then told us that later today he was taking part in a fifty mile cycle ride! Our deflation only lasted momentarily before we returned the admiration for his forthcoming endeavour.
According to the markers along the way we had completed 10.2 km, Ali's Nike chip said about 12 km and mine said 14 km. Sadly, I suspect the former distance is the correct one, but we are taking Ali's reading as the truer reading, being the middle one, but I have logged my distance into my stats as it is relevant to all the other distances I have logged.
This is the furthest I have ever run and is the longest time I have been running for.
Today is a good day 8)
Loved reading your blog but now feel exhausted all over again! I have iced my ankle and plotted the next route on the map. Loving this running lark. See you Saturday Mrs B x
ReplyDelete