JOGLE Ultra (Trans England) from John O'Groats to Lands End in 16 days 864 miles, England

11. stage at 04/30/2012 from Ludlow to Chepstow, (day: 61.6miles / overall.: 645.9miles)

This morning everything was different. I got up already at 5:15am, had breakfast and left at 7am. Not long time after me, Ann got up. Also she could sleep longer today. After I finished breakfast Rory brought me to the start point. Before the start we had plenty to laugh about. The French showed some strange humour. At their forum they had taken a picture of Tom F, Tim E. and Tom H.. When one of them dropped out they took a big red cross to mark him out. Rory liked it so much that he linked it on Facebook.

After the start photo I went away. Today we had more than 60 Miles (96 km) on the schedule. But it was just a rough guidance level. In the end of the day as well as the last two days I had more than 100 km (62 Miles). There was only one important thing. Where the bus parked or Rory stood with the clock was the place to stop!

After a few small showers at the morning the rain stopped. Actually it was getting sunny and warm. But still there was always oncoming wind. Today we continued on big roads without a lot of room to run. We passed Hereford and Monmouth. Both had very beautiful cathedrals. On the last kilometer the streets got smaller and curvier. They brought us through the third region of Great Britain. But there was no sign to tell you. Just at the road markings you can see “SLOW” and “ARAF” instead of just “SLOW”. We did not stay in Wales for a long time. Tomorrow we would get back to England. Just before the end we passed the cathedral Tintern. It was destroyed by King Henry VIII, because the pope did not allow him to marry more women. (Wikipedia).

When we came back to the bus we saw the ruin of Chepstow. It was new even for Rory and Jen. The last time, two years ago, it was already midnight when they arrived here. At that year the three “survivors” had called Rory after 50 Miles (80 km). They stopped there, because they did not want to go further. That was also the reason why they expanded the race from 15 to 16 days. Otherwise the three will arrive at midnight at Lands End. Another strange thing happened at the 50 Mile (80 km) point. Just before I passed the bridge a car with two women was oncoming. When they passed the co-driver lifted a sign with “9.5”. What should I think about that? Strange are the English people. Or as Oberlix would used to say “They are crazy these British”.

Jens parents came over at the evening. They lived close by and had followed the block. Also another runner was coincidently here. He saw the bus and caught the chance to look over.

Results:

Fotos of the day: