run willow run

#29: in which piglet is entirely surrounded by water

i won outright! it rained and it rained and it rained: nonstop; sometimes a drizzle and sometimes a downpour. i had barely enough gear, which i am trying to dry somewhat before flying home.

i held off on socks for the first 60 miles. it was so wet with inevitable puddles swallowing the path i began to develop hot spots from the straps. socks seemed more likely to stay on than kt tape.

the gorewear jackets were great, but they eventually became more like sponges than jackets. i’ve never had even the very expensive jackets (i’m looking at you arctyrex) remain impervious for me

the midlayers were cozy but eventually were soaked through

after swearing by crowned athletics and thigh society, i was beyond pleased how my skort and shorts from popflex active were comfortable for 100 rainy miles. the brand also carries xxs, so no constantly having to pull up a crowned athletics xs.

i finished in a little over 18 hours, which i predicted i could do in miserable weather if i knew i got to stop after 100 miles. while i still have that elusive sub 16 goal, it was not going to happen in this rain. i spent a good deal of time puttering with gear changes. i realize i could be diligent and practice changing rain gear quickly just as fire fighters practice putting on their gear. i think i will be more like pooh and dream of a dryer race next time.

i also cannot abide air temperature water in crummy weather; they had a homemade gluten free vegan lentil potato soup that i used for fuel and hydration; it took a bit longer than water to consume.

hellyer park is lovely: willow and other trees; lots of birds that like lakes; and a pack of feral pigs almost as cute as piglet though not very small animals.

more official photos to come; a dad waiting for his son to complete 100 miles shared these 2 photos of me at the finish