Have been doing some long runs (run/walks) lately and tried out a new route yesterday, running from Capel up Moel Siabod and along the lumpy ridgeline to Cnicht (just visible in the picture) and then down into Beddgelert. Went fairly well (although not as good as the other day) up Siabod reaching the top in about an hour, using my ipod to ease the pain of the ascent and set off with muchos enthusiasm along the ridge.
I am finding that one of my biggest challenges on long runs are motivation lulls where I stop and dither instead of ploughing on. Another challenge is picking the best line terrain-wise, as I always seem to be sinking into bogs, but perhaps this is unavoidable. I was majorly demotivated when I thought I might not have time to finish the run as I had to be in Beddgelert for 4. But I set myself a turning back time limit and gave it a go which paid off as Cnicht was not as far away as it looked and was a really nice gradient to run up. Instead of continueing and running down the other side I doubled back and found the descent by the lake (my navigation is perhaps not as dodgy as I thought). The long descent following my nose through muddy fields, sheep pens and brambles wore me down considerably and it was with great relief that I ended up on the path to Beddgelert.
The whole thing took about 5 hours and I felt for some bits I went rather well. Descending still needs some work and if I could prevent my motivation slumps (maybe with better food or some company) then I think I could do it alot faster. It would also be good to see if descending of the other side of Cnicht is faster than the motivation sapping way down I chose.
Hmmm... writing about running doesn't make for the most exciting reading, does it?
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