Dorset Doddle 2010

This years event had a limit on the number of entries so the start seemed a bit calmer.  As Nigel and I set off we were soon left in the no-mans land between runners and walkers ambling along Weymouth seafront.

The first section to Lulworth went well and the weather was perfect for running, cool and grey.  The first checkpoint is in the massive car park at Lulworth before you head up Bindon Hill.

The weather started to deteriorate with a few spells of heavy rain.  When we got to the climb up Rings Hill most things were covered in mist.  Navigating the route is never too difficult as you just keep the sea on your right.  I was glad I had done the route before because any delays wondering which path to take are very frustrating after 20 miles.

You can just make out our rivals disappearing in the mist

The coastal path was very slippery, covered in a thin layer of mud and a number of times I was on my backside sliding down hill.  Nigel did not want to be outdone so as we neared Swanage he slipped down a section of path and performed a mid air forward roll.  During his flight he had to make a decision whether to land on the rocks or the gorse.  The gorse was fewer points from the judges but a safer option so he went for that.

Finish time was 9:04, half an hour quicker than last year. This has messed up my technique for calculating finish time as I came 55th out of 146 finishers.

Thanks again to the Dorset LDWA and all the people at the checkpoints for another great event.