Run to the hills...

Date: Sat 12th April
Distance: 18.7 km (11.6 miles)
Location: Deacon Hill, Lilley, Pirton
Conditions: Dry, Cool and Sunny
Participants: Wol.


The walk for this weekend was designed to get the heart pumping and get a bit of a sweat on - and it didn't disappoint. Armed with the map that Robbo/Nik kindly provided me (I'm not able to join the rest of the team on Sunday as I'm going with some of the family to watch the marathon), I headed off on my lonesome to rural Bedfordshire. The walk started at a rather early 8:30 (it seemed especially early after the late finish to Vorn's pool/poker session the night before), but the weather was fantastic - cool, dry and beautifully sunny.



Got stuck into it immediately by yomping up Deacon Hill and paused for a few moments to take in the views, then headed off along the ridge towards Pegdons Woods. Just at the point of re-joining the Icknield Way, I remembered Robbo talking about the loop that takes you down and up both sides of the valley, so while I was still blowing a bit from the quick jaunt up Deacon Hill, I gave it go. The return uphill was a real test compared to all previous walks and I guess this is the sort of work out that Mr Motivator (Robbo) is expecting us to do on a more regular basis (what joy).



After taking on some water, I continued and although the rest of the walk did contain some ups and downs, nothing really compared to what I had to endure in the first 45 minutes.
Had to administer some first aid after about 7 miles - walking in new-ish boots over more tricky ground had taken it's toll on my right heel, so I had to get the plasters out. After a quick patch-up though, I was back ontrack and able to step-up the pace - I was on a time limit as I needed to get back to take eldest to the Lane (to see a rather frustrating 1-1 draw with Boro).

All-in-all, a very enjoyable walk in good conditions and with more challenging terrain. 3 hours 31 minutes later, I was back at the car, and definetely feeling like I'd had a bit more of a workout....


Wol.