I've been wanting to do this trail across Dorset since researching the little green round "Jubilee Trail" marker stickers I've seen on my runs a walks over the last few years. A gpu file has been on my Google Maps app and every so often if I'm in an area where I may cross or join the route I made a mental note ready for the big day.
This was supposed to be a perfect end to the abysmal year, my Stour Valley Way solo self-supported FKT was a test run for stashing fuel and fluids, and (nearly) 100 miles is the next step up from 100km.
Over the week running up I made a couple of local drops of water and treats that I had double bagged and strategically placed in bushes, a recycling bin of a friendly chap on his farm and a grit bin 15-20 miles apart. These bags I collected the week after if I couldn't put them in a nearby bin.
Friday evening I headed off to the start at Forde Abbey, doing one final drop on route, with the intention to start at 9pm and finish before that on the Saturday........ little did I know it would rain for the week before and most of the night and morning of my so-called 'run'.
Early on I sustained a groin injury that I thought would subside, it didn't and I carried on through it resulting in hobbling in the last few hills.
As you can see from the pictures I was met with rain, fog, mud, flood paths, broken bridges and more mud. This challenge certainly won't sell ultra running to the masses, but it sure was a test of resilience, endurance and stubbornness.
The last few hours were not pleasant and I was truly grateful for my brother sticking it out to meet me at the finish and like me, ignore the text messages from our mum telling me to quit and him pick me up. We're in our 40's and have years of practice at ignoring her!
The poor weather and conditions underfoot, along with my groin strain resulted in a time much slower than I would have liked, but then I've shown that this can be done in one hit, solo. Supported would be amazing, as would a nice dry spring weekend!
Can't wait to have another go at it and/or see what someone else can achieve!