I think I’m all set for one fitness challenge when another comes along and completely takes over! I got my City of Lincoln 10k Road Race 2011 number yesterday… and today I’ve signed up for the Spires and Steeples Challenge 2010!
I am nuts!
And it’s all thanks to a friend who posted this link – http://www.spiresandsteeples.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=35&Itemid=83 – on my facebook page yesterday afternoon. I haven’t even heard back from her to say if she’s doing it or not yet but I’m already decided.
Spires and Steeples:
The Spires and Steeples trail, from Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys’ Church, Sleaford, brings together the rich history, heritage and local stories of the area. It has many beautiful artworks, churches, interesting landscapes and picturesque skies. The name refers to the Spires of the churches being the landmarks to which visitors make their way and to the rural sport of Steeple chasing. It is also recognition of the important part they have played in the lives of these communities as well as how they are a reflection of the times, families and cultures that created, altered and rebuilt them.
The challenge is a 26 mile run or walk from Lincoln to Sleaford in Lincolnshire (there is also a 13 mile run or walk from Metheringham to Sleaford). The route is there all the time, but this challenge takes place on Sunday 17th October – just one month away. I’ll be walking the full 26 miles with my sister, maybe my husband, and also hopefully some friends too who are checking stuff before they sign up… oh and hopefully also Lucy who’s fault this all is!
Although Lincolnshire has a stereotype for being flat this is not a flat route – the flatness you all know about starts in Sleaford and goes towards Boston and The Wash… Lincoln is definitely not flat! But hey, that’s part of the fun! The challenge itself is billed as in aid of the Wheel Appeal, although the website doesn’t give more information about how to go about supporting them apart from with the registration fee. But for me, this is a personal challenge which should take me through some nice scenery too.
The last time I walked 26 miles was when I did the Seabank Marathon in 2006 with my sister. That was a walking marathon from Boston to Skegness – we completed it in 6 hours 51 minutes… see (in the little stamped time on the smaller card):
Of course because I’ve done this before and because I’m a sucker for a challenge, I am gonna want to beat that 6 hours 51 minutes, but that’s not really the idea this time. Steady and sensible, plus some sightseeing (and photography) will be the name of the game.
So bring on the challenge! (I won’t need to worry about my 10 Mile Challenge that week!)
If you want more details this is the place to go: http://www.spiresandsteeples.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=35&Itemid=83