Getting my Mojo back

Looking across Llynnau, originally uploaded by ultraBobban.

Is it me or is it something to do with a long long race and it all goes quiet afterwards?


I was quite bullish in the week after the Ridgeway. All endorphins and big chested. Then came a week of being able to run. And run fast, 6.30s to be precise. And then I got ill. A cold, followed by another cold followed by a very high fever and 2 days off work. I never take days off work.......and no running of significance.


I am now in the mood to regain my Mojo although I appear to be hampered by meetings, weddings and weekends away, planned in the dim and distant past......."Oh that's fine.....it's after the Ridgeway, I'm free then". But the hardest thing is getting started to want to get outdoors and hit some 8 minute mile railway that lasts for 3-4 hours in the days that are gradually being stolen by the nights, bit by bit by bit. Soon it will be time to get out the longs and the hat.


So I need a challenge. Winter Tanners. Tick. Country to Capital. Tick. (Housman 100 for summer 2011. Big Tick!)


But what until then. I need a couple of good quality XC marathons. Dirty. Fun. That's what will bring back my mojo.

2011 - Possible plans

waterfall at the foot of Scafell Pike, originally uploaded by ultraBobban.

I said never again after the Ridgeway. 88 miles of fantastic countryside. The last 12 or so miles I said never ever. Ever!

On reflection and after a few days of rest I am ready for the next challenges. 3 things stand out for me.

1. Eric has suggested organising a run across Hadrian's Wall. 85 miles. Fantastic!

2. Housman 100 - I can't wait to become a centurion in 2011. May 28th Bank holiday weekend in Shropshire.

3. C2C - Alfred Wainwright's epic 192 mile walk from St Bees to Robin Hood Bay from East Coast to West Coast across England's highest mountain ranges; Lake District National Park, Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. It is has been run a number of times, although mainly supported. There is a sherpa company that does bag drops and hotel bookings to allow you to travel unsupported. I propose doing the run in 5 days.

The draw of the Lakes and the mountains is a magnet to my running radar. Although this is not an event as such, it is a journey, a right of passage.