Boddington 50km

What a great event to get me through the 400 mile marker, I thought, as I removed the now rusty safety pins holding the number onto my charity running vest.

Much easier to think like this after the event, once I'd completed the equivalent of 32 miles in the pouring rain and am now writing this in dry cloths having tucked into a hot meal.

The event, 14 laps around a truly flat course, is one of a few to attract championship ultra runners and hosts championship events.

It seems the weather really had it in for this event - it had been cancelled from its original date due to flooding but despite the rescheduled it still tipped down. The adverse weather meant only two types of people turned up to participate in the event - top athletes and others like me who thought running more than 30 miles in the pouring rain would be a great way to spend our Sunday - there weren't that many of us!

Despite low numbers, there was an enjoyable and fun atmosphere making the run in the rain worthwhile. I meet a great group of people at the start; Carol, Patsy, Colin and Malcolm. Together we completed a well-paced first few laps, which was very enjoyable with plenty of banter. They gave me lots more tips and suggestions for great events to do. [Good luck to them with the Snowdonia marathon].

Later, towards the end of the event, I ran with a number of people who are off to run in an international 100km event in a few weeks time. As my trainers squelched below me, which they had been for a few hours, I thought how mad they all sounded. Then I remembered I've actually signed up to an event in a few weeks time that will see me running a similar distance on one of the days during a five day event!

Well back to this event, which was superbly marshaled at both the water and timing stations, with plenty of additional support from all the volunteers. Due to the high level of some of the athletes, I also got the occasional cheer from coaches, as their athletes lapped me once again. Coaches and very dedicated family members were the only spectators – as the rain was really heavy - I couldn't blame Alex for supporting from the car!

I'm now just praying for a bit of sun. My next huge challenge is the event in a couple of weeks where I'm attempting to run 175 miles over five days. I've never attempted anything on that scale before. I’ll be running with a backpack, carrying in it everything I'll need for the five days - that's a sleeping bag and a torch, rather than a credit card and a night at the Hilton. To complete this, I've had to give in and buy my first pair of leggings or tights! - as I call them. Keep praying the sun comes out and I don't have to wear them!