"Back on the beers son"

So far recover post SDW50 has been easy- I'm one week in to a two week rest.  I know it's the right thing to do, ever since the first cross country race of the year at Lloyd Park I've had a few niggles so after racing 50 miles I need a rest.  The main one I'm worried about is in my left knee- it hurt quite a bit a few times on the South Downs but strangely not at all in the last 15 miles.  I'm hoping it's nothing too serious.  The plans to take another week off, maybe breaking the rest with a trip to the Cheltenham parkrun when I'm up there visiting some friends next weekend.

Over the weekend I started a new home brew- this time going for a stronger beer- Brewferm's Oranje Bock which should come out at 6% of dark Dutch beer.  It's currently bubbling a way in the corner very nicely.

Speaking of stronger beers I had a few pints of Thornbridge's Jaipur IPA at the weekend.  I've had it once before but too far in the to the evening to properly enjoy it.  It's got a hefty what of hops but is at the same time still really drinkable- maybe a bit too drinkable for 5.9%!

South Downs Way 50

7 Things I learned at the 2013 South Downs Way 50:

1. Centurion Running have set the standard for ultra distance races
The organisation was like a hot knife through butter: amazing race marking; fantastic aid stations with all the food, drink and high-fiving encouragement you need to have a good race.  They also kept everyone safe in difficult conditions.  Worth every penny of the entry.

2. If you're going to have a song stuck in your head for 8 hours it might as well be a catchy hip hop song about charity shops
I'm goin' pop some tags/only got $20 in my pocket...

3. The hardest miles in an ultra aren't always at the end.
Miles 16-26 were definitely the hardest of the race for me.  This was the point where the weather started to turn, fatigue started to set in and my knee started hurting.  A runner, who went on to be the first lady, caught me at this point and was running at a super consistent pace.  I decided to try and match this and that got me through to the next aid station.  The next 24 miles, despite the weather, felt a lot better. 

4. Coffee flavoured gels are not tasty.
But hey, free gels at aid stations- what-cha-going-to-do?  Chocolate and raspberry were nicer.

5. The weather in April can be changeable.
The first 16 miles were pretty warm and at times sunny, but then came the wind, and then the rain and then the cloud and the next thing you know you're running 30 miles in a storm.

6. Races have a required kit list for a reason.
When I splashed out on a Montane Minimus to make sure I had a light weight waterproof (with taped seams) to meet the requirements of the kit list, part of me thought- is this really necessary?  It was really necessary.

7. Whilst it's a bit sad to have a running blog and use it to subtly boast about your running achievements, I'm well chuffed to run my first 50 miler in 8:24:40 and finish in 10th place.
Just sayin...