What a week! The first seven days of Run Britannia 2025 have been incredible, kicking off in the stunning (and often challenging) landscapes of Cornwall and the West Country, culminating in a well-earned rest day in Bristol.
Total Week 1 Statistics:
- Total Distance: 238 miles
- Total Moving Time: 69 hours, 22 minutes
- Total Elevation Gain: 8,316m
Day -1: Arrival & Anticipation in Hayle
Arriving in Hayle, the potential walk from the station was longer than expected, and there were no taxis. A passing bus saved the day, saving me lumbering with my bags up to the hotel. Meeting fellow runners, registering, and a slightly dubious meal at the Brewers Fayre set the stage for the excitement (and nerves) to come. Briefing complete. Ready for tomorrow's early start.
Day 1: Lands' End to Portreath - A Humid Start
We finally arrived at Lands' End. Not much talking in the minibus. 18 months in the making. This is actually happening.
Fantastic views throughout, though a bit of rain and humidity in the morning.
The pace felt good (ie slow), with many at a similar stride. Highlights included "surprise bog", "cow field" (the smallest yet most densily populated cow field ever) and "fly alley", mixed with some interesting stone styles in hedgerows.
Pit stops proved invaluable, making a real difference to energy levels. The day finished at Portreath Sailing Club, where a Cornish pasty hit the spot. I've got my routine of shoes off, sliders on, protein drink made, eat as much as I can, stretch and hydrate.
Day 2: Portreath to Padstow - Scenic Views and Toes
I woke up stiffer than any training day. Forgot to stretch properly the night before in all the excitement. Day two took us from Portreath to Padstow, starting off beautifully scenic.
We quickly found a faster pace than yesterday, covering some fantastic ground. I put a heel pad in my shoes as I was getting some plantar pain.
The route was glorious along the south west coastal path and finally dropped down into Padstow, leading us along the front to a rowing club.
A bit of a scare with a big toenail starting to lift was a less welcome development. That heel pad had pushed my feet forwards in my shoes. Only minor issues with the other toes.
Day 3: Rock to Widemouth - Hilly, Hot, and a Garmin Glitch!
This was billed as one of the hardest and hilliest days, and it delivered! Around 5000 feet (1700m) of elevation tested us. My Garmin decided not to charge, leaving me with only 45% battery, but I managed to conserve it. The coastline was absolutely unbelievable, with dramatic ups and downs, including a drop into Port Isaac, and passing Tintagel Castle
The weather was hot, and the final 5k had some unexpected, very steep short hills and steps right at the end.
An average pace of around 19.5 minutes per mile reflects the challenging terrain. Reaching the finish at Widemouth was a huge relief, even if my watch cut out 500 meters short! My big toenail was definitely lifting more, prompting a visit to Kevin the medic for some fluid draining.
I did look down at my feet at one stage in my sleep deprived state and think for a second that two of my toes were missing!
Day 4: Widemouth to Bideford - Roads and Recovery (?)
A welcome lie-in (to 6.45!) before setting off from Widemouth to Bideford. This day saw us on roads for most of the way, so road shoes were out for the first time.
We navigated around estuaries and crossed a bridge, eventually arriving in Bideford along a raised railway line.
Less of a photo day, more of a functional, connecting day today.
Glorious scones with Devon cream at the finish were a definite highlight!
Day 5: Bideford to Exmoor - Tarka Trail and Moor Ponies
Day five began with an early start and a short transfer to a pub near the Tarka Trail. We followed the railway line to Barnstaple, then through town to a café pit stop for a very welcomed latte.
After, we hit some rolling hills and fast roads with loose chippings. Finding the route through a campsite proved tricky, leading to a minor detour.
The last pitstop (there's usually 3 each day) had triple fried chips. Glorious.
The latter part of the day took us onto the extra boggy Exmoor, where wild ponies greeted us – a truly great sight at the end of the day. Despite the challenges, I felt the Yorkshire Dales prepared me well for the rough terrain which others struggled on.
Day 6: Exmoor to Bridgwater - Misty Moors and Wet Feet
Starting in the misty middle of the Moors, day six was a tough one.
We climbed to Dunkery Beacon (one of the highest hills in southern England), which was incredibly windy, then descended steeply through woods with red mud – a shame I didn't get photos! Saw Butlins in Minehead.
We passed Dunster Castle (seen from the coast) and then hit a very shaley beach, which was nicely impacted for running. Through into Watchet. However, a lot of road followed, and a downpour of rain left us absolutely drenched and uncomfortable at lunchtime. My feet did not like the wet shoes.
The Quantock Hills were lovely to look at but involved a lot of climbing, making the last half particularly difficult. We eventually dropped into Bridgwater. This was the hardest day so far. Really tired and really slow. Lots of walking instead of running. Anticipation of tomorrow's 40 miles and nearing the end of a long week were taking it's toll.
Day 7: Bridgwater to Bristol (Clifton Suspension Bridge) - Overgrown Paths and Fantastic Finishes
The final day of Week 1 was a memorable one, taking us from Bridgwater to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
An early start saw us along a canal, but quickly onto a non-existent, overgrown path – a real nightmare for about a kilometre! A head-banging incident on a low bridge underpass added to the drama.
We mainly continued on road, with some flat sections and welcome pit stops. Navigating a field of freshly sprayed slurry, leaving us all rather smelly, a mad dog, an angry hissing goose, and feisty cows all kept us entertained.
Along to Cheddar, and up on top of the gorge (even managing to find the energy to climb a look out tower).
The last few miles were particularly horrible. 35 miles was the longest I've ever run and this was 40. There was a glimpse of the bridge from about 4 miles out but it took ages to come in. The arrival in Bristol through Ashton Court's deer park and beautiful gardens was stunning though. The emotional build-up to the Clifton Suspension Bridge was immense, and crossing it was an incredible feeling.
A calf strain from dodging the cow incident was taped up, and pizza, a beer, and chips were well-deserved before a short drive to the hotel.
My body is feeling it, especially the feet, but the camaraderie and incredible scenery are making every step worthwhile. Sleep deprivation is the main battle. Looking forward to a much-needed rest day before tackling Week 2!
Just a reminder as people keep asking:
You can track my every move in real time at https://en.follow.me.cz/tracking-en/
You track my daily miles with a few photos on Strava at https://strava.app.link/wLBReUCj0Tb
I'll post a weekly round up on the rest day via FB and the blog
Fabulous Bruce, great to hear the adventures, hope you got a proper rest day yesterday, love and blister plasters x
ReplyDeleteWell done on your first week through the West Country! Great photos and amazing to think how much ground you’ve covered. Keep up the good work 🥳
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