Sussex
Scrapbook ~ Wildlife walks throughout the year
Wednesday 10th October 2012
Pulborough - Parham - Cootham - Kithurst Hill - Amberley - Pulborough
15 miles
After participating in
the Downsman Hike last weekend I thought a small test see what my walking speed
is really like was necessary. Usually I'm very happy to saunter and look at
everything and do about 1.5 mph all day long, especially as my legs are
ever-so-slightly 'lengthally' challenged, but the contest on Saturday has
brought out the competitor in me. So, to test myself out I set off from the car
park at Pulborough Brooks in full sun, all revved up and ready to go and soon
got up to my full gallop. This, according to my GPS was a plodding speed of
around 4mph and a trotting speed of about 6.5 mph. Actually there was a lot more
plodding than trotting but I made the most of the downhill bits. The chosen
route took in; steep hills, tracks, roads, marsh and bucket loads of mud.
My cunning plan was to see just how long I could keep going at my full-out speed
and that turned out to be 4 hours. By then I had covered 13.3 miles and had
stopped for a total of 10 minutes. Food drink and a sit down were
required, as I was pretty wobbly but this exercise not only highlights how
terribly unfit I've got lately, it also shows the athleticism of some of the
young teams in the Downsman. The record for 25 miles in that competition is
under 4.5 hours (!) so I have quite a way to go!
As fast as I was intending to move, I still found myself stopping and
taking in the views and wildlife. How could you not!
Highland lawn mowers
Common Earthball
Looking back to where I've been - Parham.
Looking ahead to Amberley Wildbrooks and Pulborough.
Take the time to read the countryside code for yourself and please stick to it at all times.