The MIghty Deerstalker

Well I managed it!  I completed  The Mighty Deerstalker in 2 hours, 59 min and 27 seconds.   10 min faster than the average woman in my category.  It wasn't easy and I couldn't have done it without BF who slowed for me to run beside me and keep me going though I did share my chocolate with him half way up a hill.  For those of you with no idea what it is, look at this link: http://www.mightydeerstalker.com/

We ran through mud, rivers, water, up 2 massive hills (1 just scree), went over and under a few obstacles and apart from one broken shoelace before we started there appears to be no major injuries (apart from dignity).  I'm glad to say that the trainers worked well and were comfy even when full of water so I have no blisters today and I also went and got a running jacket which proved to be useful for the chocolate pocket.  Also meant that I shone like the sun!

the final verdict is that I want to try again next year but will do more training on hillsides and through forestry.  I know not to eat 2 banana bread nakd bars before running (stitch and banana burps for half the run), I would prob take some sugar sweets though.  The headtorch was fine and my clothing was fine but maybe swap to leggings that are tight all way down and not with a slight bagginess at bottom (calf length so no biggie). gloves were handy for obstacles but due to mild weather I didn't run with them.  Spare clothes in car was an excellent idea and I would also take a hot water bottle! 

To be perfectly honest, today I feel like I ROCK!!!!

hoodie, tshirt and finishing medal

new shoes! disappointing

So in a fortnight I am going to run 10k at night through mud, water, obstacles and probably bad weather. I have trained (sort of) and the last thing for me to sort out is trainers and tops. Pay day was yesterday so I went shopping for my first pair of proper running trainers.  I needed trail shoes with good grip, in fact I have been warned that spikes were needed.  I also know thast my normal running routes have me doing splits n slips so grip was essential.
I located a running shop that people had been to, I spoke to my mad running friend so was prepared with my normal running trainers and socks.  I was as prepared as a running newbie could be.
I got ready, I went in, found an assistant and explained my situation (new, don't have a clue, need grip, running x race soon).  After a few minutes, reality struck.
I was being served by.......

BARBIE RUNNER!

Seriously, the BF was more useful. She pulled out a pair of trainers, I tried on. Felt comfy enough. At which point it was almost over until I questioned grip and mud. I showed her what i was running in and was told that they were road trainers and she could fit me for those as well.  Well no shit Sherlock! I know I have been running in the wrong trainers but until I knew I was going to stick at it, no point paying out money.

 Another pair was passed and seemed ok.  Though have funny laces that I'm not sure I like. That was that n now I was feeling under pressure and fed up.  So I gave up and paid. Except I have been stewing ever since.

All around me were people getting good advice n proper fittings.  I could hear and see this.  I know I should have asked for someone else but I expected her to know her job and if she didn't know to pass me to someone else.  I could have just bought my shoes cheaper online.  Now I don't have time to go in again and I feel quite disheartened, I can only try shoes inside, if no rubbing then go outside.  I have no experience so not sure what I should have expected.  I have bought climbing shoes (another specialized area) and sat for hour with someone who ran through everything, got me to try on many pairs, gave me advice and I would go back. Not only that, his colleague who I first asked admitted it wasn't his area and passed me over (I thoroughly recommend Tiso). I based my running expectation on that.

I'll see how they feel, based on reviews they are really good.  If they don't suit me, I potentially could return on Thursday.

Moral of my rant- never ask the barbie girl for advice.

Other news; am now at BF while heating is installed. Cat is here and will stay for week, I am in and out. Still have some clearing to do but fingers crossed I finish tonight.

Ax