This wasn't really a race, but I thought I'd report on it since there's been some interest. I ended up running the route solo, and enjoyed the company and the scenery, but not the navigation. I'm looking forward to another attempt with better preparation in 2012.

Starting with Nanda and the rest of the Sunday morning 10 mile runners at Ealing Green, I ran along to Richmond Lock, and left the company to continue on via Twickenham. I ended up running among the Twickenham 10k runners, eventually stumbling on Sandra. It was a real motivator having a fellow Eagle unexpectedly running this section of the route.

The path is very stony and tough on the feet over the distance this Trailblaze run requires. The system for Trailblaze is to sign up online, and order a USB-style thingy which the entrant beeps in at different points along the way. It's a great way to run a trail without being stuck with a specific date, and you don't have to go any specific distance either. I stopped in Staines because I had trouble with navigation.

The route along the Thames is actually quite tricky, and I will be sure to check it carefully with an Ordnance Survey map next time round. The Trailblaze site isn't very good for this, but a little more preparation will resolve it.

Convinced to try a trail yet? You should be. Have a look at the photos in the "Misc photos" section if not.