I return to this race after just completing the Leicester Comedy
Festival Running Joke Ultra the day before, driving straight down
to the start line of the Pilgrim Challenge straight after,
sleeping in a tent on the start line of the race.
Straight away at a disadvantage to the other runners, fresh legged
and all slept on a mattress.
But this was all part of the fun and the challenge for me this
weekend, its all about challenging myself.
I was to carry my full MDS Kit this time round which wasn't as
difficult as my previous year carrying a 40lbs pack round the
course, I also had to work running my Bootcamp Day instead of
running day 2... But I think Id done enough running for the week
to earn a pat on the pack, running some 50+ miles in the week then
the 36mile Running Joke and then Day 1 of the Pilgrim.
Running round the course points were becoming rather familiar
especially as I moved towards Box Hill, how could I forget such a
hill!!! It felt smaller this year, must be getting even fitter!
The point many of us got lost last year was rectified with more
signage there and around the course which was a real help!
That was until I came off Box Hill and got lost and ended up
running an extra 4miles, this was my fault I have to say I went
against instructions and went with what my mind was saying that it
remembered I went down a track the previous year and I had not.
Back on track I finished an hour later than expected but had a
great time still!
I cant say enough and praise enough about XNRG, Neil's events and
his crew of organisers are fantastic giving you a truly great
running experience!
Totally recommend this to anyone and give the over all race a 5
out of 5
Mike Buss
www.mike-buss.com
