Saturday 28th July I took my first step into ultra running at the Round Reading 50km.
I wasn’t quite sure whether I was ready for the plunge having only been running 18 months but as it’s my hometown race, I thought what’s the worst that could happen!?

The registration process was simple and in the week before the race there were plenty of emails keeping us fully informed about the day.
Due to the heat the organisers offered either a 6am or 8am start, I chose to stick with the original 8am as conditions had cooled considerably from earlier in the week.

I was a bit nervous getting started as I’ve never had to navigate a route before. I’m used to running road races so carrying maps, looking at a gps and trying to run 31.5 miles was pretty alien to me.

The organisers done their best to arm us with the tools we needed to navigated but I struggled with the instructions. I have no comparrison so I don’t know if this is how instructions usually are and it’s something i’ll Get better at understanding with experience.

The course was nice, mostly trail with some roads thrown in here and there. As predicted I did get lost a couple of times which was frustrating and definitely cost me time. The course was signpost marked in places but there were areas where I thought it could have been done better. Particularly where trails split but it was a nice challenge to overcome.

The feed stations were pretty basic to be honest... water, cheap flat cola and a few sweets and bananas but they were staffed and marshalled well with friendly people who were very encouraging.

 
There was a good mix of people running the race from the fast to the slower and me who fell somewhere in between but on a good few stretches I found some good people to run with (special shout out to Olly who dragged me through a good 15 mile stretch) so I wasn’t alone too often but the times I was alone I got lost! Like I say though, probably down to my inexperience more than anything.

All in all though it was a thoroughly enjoyable event and a great introduction for ultra running for me. Gained some experience and learned some lessons which I will take with me going forward.
would definitely recommend to runners that are taking their first steps over marathon distance.

Thanks to Round Reading for an all in all enjoyable run.