Taper week I guess? Malvern Hills Ultra on Saturday. 47 miles total on an out and back course along the Worcestershire Way. Local race I’ve ran before. Previously it was 56 miles but they’ve changed the starting point of the race a couple times since and with it the distance has changed too. Only recognize one name on the start list, a local guy who is about as fast as me in the past. He’s expecting me to win but you never know who will show up or how the day will go. 

Recent run through town

Temperature will be hot for here so am experimenting with more fluids and electrolytes. Training seems to have gone well but I’m fairly tired so far this week. A lot of treadmill running which, although beneficial for specific workouts, has become boring. I’d rather be outside. Monday I took it super easy, walked, enjoyed being outside. The weather was beautiful and I saw a lot of wildlife. The flowers are popping right now too. Brought me back to my days as a Ranger when you’d observe so much outside, miss those times. 

Bluebells

Still considering another 100 in June. The Jurassic Extinction. 100 miles point to point along the Jurassic Coast which is coastal path much like the Arc of Attrition but not in Cornwall, it’s further north east. It finishes in Exmouth and I believe is considered the South coast. Here’s a YouTube video of a previous year of the race: 

Also here’s a link to the race website: https://www.climbsouthwest.com/events/jurassic-coast-100/ you’ll see the same video there. Beautiful scenery hence my interest in it, also a new place to visit. One other big benefit is it’s summer! Hopefully decent weather and a short night, two things I haven’t had in recent races! 

Slow worm, a leg less lizard that lives here

The slow worm is a lizard, why? They have eyelids, a notched tongue, and the head and neck are continuously connected. These three things differ it from a snake! No eyelids, forked tongue, separate head and neck. The UK has 6 reptiles, three snakes: grass, adder, and smooth. Three lizards: slow worm, sand, and common. I wish I’d research these things more often, it’s fun to know.