Yesterdays recce took me from Hampton Court Palace (mile 7.47) to Windsor Castle (mile 28.3). I've seen this part of the Thames quite a few times in the past, both in other races (albeit coming from the other direction) and in the previous recces and training runs which led to the creation of the race - but every time I go back the river looks different. It seems to be affected more by the seasons than other trails. It is also absolutely, incredibly pan flat.
I know that sounds pretty obvious, but to put it in perspective, here is yesterdays Garmin readout. You'd have to be on a track to get any flatter. The website lists 2500 feet of climb for the 100 miles, in actual fact it is considerably less than that.
Definitely becoming better at the recce routine - train in to one destination - set up with a front pack armed with camera, gels, water, pen all at the ready and map in hand - train out the other end. It takes a whole day to do a stage like yesterday because of traveling time and stopping so often to take pictures and record distances/ potential aid station locations, but intricate course knowledge is so important for those phone calls in the middle of the night during race weekend asking how to get back on course.
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Walton on Thames
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| Chertsey |
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| Laleham |
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| Three Ducks and a Chicken |
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