a little coastal investigation

Well, good afternoon!

What an absolutely stunningly beautiful day in Devon today. It just makes all that crappy rain fade away, and we can smile again.

This morning, 2 of my clients, a husband and wife, did their first 10k race in Henley. We have trained hard for this, Simon even called me at about 6k to let me know how he was doing! They both achieved great results and I feel very very proud of them!

So, I always set my clients a goal or a challenge, and now that their 10k is over a new goal is needed fast. I suggested the Beesands 10k in February. Rob and I are contemplating the Beesands Ultra, and Simon may want to up it to the half if he can, so today I thought I would head off out in the winter sunshine and check out the route.

This is Beesands, looking back from the top of the hill.

Those of you who know me, know I'm not great with directions! That's one reason why I love the coast path, as long as the sea remains on your left on the way there, and on your right on the way back, all is well!
But today, I had a little chat with Steve, who has run the Ultra before and told me the sort of route. I then looked at the map of the route! It may as well have been written in Japanese!

So I set out, I knew the first bit at least to Start Point, Steve said something about a hut. I knew the hut. Timmy and I stopped there so I could take some Pro Plus on the 103 and it was dark! I just had to work it out from there!

This is the view towards Start Point from the hill after Beesands.

I cracked on, lots of water, tiny little narrow paths, rocks, all the usual Coast Path obstacles! I love it! I've missed this type of running, just getting out there and enjoying the moment.

I met a few Rambles, had a few chats, took a few photos, because at the end of the day, I want to show Tania and Simon how awesome coast path running is. The one thing I can't show is how hard and erratic it is. That shall come with training, then they can decide!

Little wooded section! (great place for a pee stop if required!)
I think that the section of coast from Torcross to Lannacombe is one of my favourite, and on a beautiful sunny day like today I can think of nothing better to do.

Talking of pee stops, as I approached the Start Point car park a lady shouted over to me and asked if I was local, I said yes, because I know that area so well! She asked where the nearest toilets were, I said, 'You see that bush over there?' she laughed, luckily!

So, I approach Start Point down the little lane towards the hut!

Around the corner I go, Steve said something about a footpath on the right, and I never found one! So I kept running, and I thought, that maybe he meant I was just to follow round to the right and not down towards the lighthouse.

I kept running, there are some pretty dangerous rocky patches, I remember trying to keep Tim and I safe along here on the 103! The views are epic, the sun was glinting off the sea, all was well in the world, beautiful views and exercise.

I passed a few more groups of Ramblers out enjoying the good weather and ran round almost to Lannacombe, where there was a footpath up to the Start Point Car Park. I decided, that this must be the path I should take, yep random decision but actually I was right, about this bit anyway!

I ran up the path, having no idea where I was going! But hey, the view looking back at the coast was beautiful!

Up the path I went, nice gradual muddy incline, and eventually found myself back at the lady who asked where the toilet was!
I kept running, and stupidly went back onto the normal coast path I had come from, after Beesands, guessing there is another path that I missed, I have no idea where it is!
When Dusty comes back from work away I will ask him to help me map read, or just take him everywhere with me from then on!

So, I made my way back to Beesands, via Hallsands and ran back to the van. Checked on cyclemeter and I'd only done 8.7k! Oh well, it was fun, but I hadn't done enough exercise!

So I hopped down to the beach, did loads of burpees, press-ups, ab work, squat thrusts and sprints! Not easy on those pebbles!
Cup of tea in the Britannia cafe and I was away.

Now to convince Tania and Simon how lovely it is! I'm sure you'll agree, the scenery is stunning, and that detracts away from the dodgy rocky inclines, a little!