Part 1 - The Prep At this time of the year I'm generally looking for a marathon, often the Area of Natural Beauty North Devon marathon (because it's awesome). However, somehow I forgot to book it and now it's all sold out. Boo! Not to be put out, I spent an hour or so mapping out the route for an ultra marathon heading out towards Ilfracombe.

The South Downs Way marathon is a scenic and challenging route starting at Queen Elizabeth County Park. The course is well-marked, features hills, and includes stops for refreshments. It offers stunning views and a mix of terrains. Preparation for varying weather conditions is advised, along with a camera to capture the vistas.

Watch all of the incredible reveals right here.

Photo credit: Stuart March Photography. This may actually be on the 100, but you cans see the high water for the Box Hill stepping stones The idea at my first North Downs Way 50 ultra was to survive. And maybe if I'm being a little honest with myself, I also wanted to beat a few of my friends too. Though as the many years have gone by my attitude, training, and finish times have all changed.

The author expresses a strong affinity for single speed bikes, noting their lightness, simplicity, and fun factor. However, purchasing one has become increasingly difficult due to limited availability and high custom prices. Alternatives like adapting existing bikes or seeking second-hand options are suggested, with the overall sentiment highlighting single speeds' joy and appeal.

The Krylon snap and spray gun attachment enhances control when using spray cans, particularly for model painters. It allows for more precise pressure application and reduces fatigue during extended use. By improving technique and comfort, the £5 investment is recommended for those seeking better results in their painting endeavors.

The process of stripping paint from a Warhammer model, such as a Blood Angels Librarian Dreadnought, involves using Biostrip 20. After dunking the model and letting it soak, a gentle scrub with a toothbrush helps remove unwanted paint. Although glue may be affected, achieving a clean surface for repainted models is achievable in about 20 minutes over a day.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a painful condition that affects runners. To manage ITBS, it's crucial to stop running and focus on treatment, which can include exercises using hip adductor machines or resistance bands. Regular maintenance exercises can prevent recurrence, along with strengthening the core and hip flexors.

The author reviews GPX Studio, a user-friendly tool for quickly editing GPX files for ultra-marathon aid stations. With easy upload, editing, and exporting features, it efficiently accommodates specific needs. The author expresses appreciation through donations and recommends it to anyone needing to create or modify GPX files.

Fitting a 29er front wheel on a 27.5+ bike can enhance ride comfort and performance, lowering rolling resistance and relaxing the bike's head angle. Despite the size difference, 29er forks are commonly used due to minimal height variations. Upgrading to a 29er front wheel can result in better control and faster rolling.

The author discusses the Centurion Running One Virtual Slam event, which motivates participants to track their running progress through various activities. The event is low pressure, allowing users to set and adjust their distance goals while fostering accountability. The author shares personal experiences, including training with their son, highlighting the event's positive impact on fitness and family engagement.

Watson Gym (L) vs. Strength Shop (R) If you’re after a robust hex key type dumbbell collar then you couldn’t do much better than buying them from either the Watson Gym or the Strength S…

I use the 4 litre Really Useful Boxes to store all of my Warhammer models. Until now, I’ve always used to use the magnet method. I’d super-glue a few magnets to the bottom of the model …