One of Chiltern Harriers' keenest race entrants, Michael Turney spotted a tempting challenge in this summer's racing schedule. He noted that there were four consecutive half marathons within fairly easy travelling distance and planned to complete each one.
First on the agenda was the Wycombe Half on July 15th. Michael came home in 1 hour 31 minutes 30 seconds, finishing 48th overall (15th Vet 40) from 883 starters and as one of Chiltern's counters in its 3rd placed team.
The following Sunday saw him place 79th in the NSPCC Milton Keynes Half (17th Vet 40) out of a field of 1179 in a time of 1:30:46 on a flat but twisty urban course.
As a complete contrast, the next challenge was the 'Down Flow Up Tow' race, running from Marlow, along as much of the Thames towpath as wasn't flooded, to the finish in Windsor. Michael came home 14th from 251 (3rd Vet 40) in the first running of what could become a popular summer fixture.
Finally, coming into the heat of August, was the Milland Valley Trail race, held near Liss in beautiful Sussex countryside. Aware of the cumulative effect on the body, the very hilly course and the very hot day, Michael ran conservatively to finish in 1:42:12 in 49th place (24th Vet male) from the 350 starters.
Michael was not a solo Chiltern Harrier on his travels. Kate Loach was present at Wycombe, Milton Keynes and Milland Valley (PBing at Milton Keynes) and Debbie Wenman and Sandra Reynolds ran well at both Wycombe and Milland Valley.
This exercise reveals what a diverse running schedule can be had without going too far afield, and what the body can tolerate given solid training and some will power.