Because Being Ordinary Is Boring: Week in Review (April 14

Tuesday (13,639 steps) - I had plans to start the drive relatively early since I did not want to miss the shuttle and definitely wanted to get a walk in at some point. I took a shower (boo hiss that I forgot conditioner, shampoo "for all hair types" is the death of me) and got ready to head out. Figured out my stuff as much as possible and loaded up the car. Drive was on highway until the last section when I got dumped on extremely terrifying local roads that were narrow and I was so relieved when I finally got to Rhosili - the finish line of the race. I had only about an hour before the bus was leaving so I didn't have much time to do what I wanted to. I first had to figure out where I needed to pay the 40£ to leave my car there for a week. I also had to move it further away as this is a popular tourist area and they needed the closer spots. I decided I would be able to get a mile walk in, so after I used the bathroom I headed out. The finish line area was SO COOL.

Right away, I saw WILD HORSES!!! We weren't supposed to get too close to them, but I figured this one wouldn't mind getting a selfie.

Also saw this adorable mom and baby.

I stupidly had not eaten anything yet, and it was getting closer to the time we were to be leaving. There were a few restaurants open, so I went to one and asked what I could get for takeaway. I got a sandwich of some kind and a few things to drink. It took longer to get than I would have hoped and I was getting nervous about missing the bus. I grabbed my food and then talked to the guy at the shuttle and grabbed my things to load on the bus. I was one of the last people on board and sat in the very back. I did at least sit near some chatty people, at least while we were waiting to depart.

We actually got our bibs on the bus, so that was fun - these are completely waterproof because "it tends to rain in Wales."

Otherwise, drive was kinda boring and just read my book. We got back with a lot more time than expected, so I decided I would walk back to my BNB and try for a nap since I was still pretty tired. Then I had to walk BACK to the Boat Inn area for packet pickup and the mandatory race briefing. Sat with Krista, Guy and their crew. Rachel got a picture of the three American ladies (and with only 27 females toeing the line, we are 1/9 of the female runners!

This was very chaotic and not a huge space for so many people. The briefing didn't cover that much, I didn't think, but we did also have to do the gear/kit check, which took some time. I did find out from Rachel that they don't flag/mark the course at all, which was shocking to me, but thankfully I had the map in Gaia and planned to run the route on my watch as well. Krista ordered pizza and offered me some to take back with me. I dropped everything off at the BNB and then rushed up the street to pick up some bottled water from a nearby convenience store. I had dinner and got all my stuff ready to go. Read more of my book and tried to go to bed relatively early since I had an early wake up.

Wednesday (116,215 steps) - Wild Horse South Wales 200

Thursday (122,858 steps) - Wild Horse South Wales 200

Friday (86,354 steps) - Wild Horse South Wales 200

Saturday (91,319 steps) - Wild Horse South Wales 200

Sunday (54,210 steps) - Wild Horse South Wales 200. Once I crossed the line I was SO HAPPY that I was going to be able to take my shoes off. My drop bag was brought directly to me and I put my Crocs on. I wasn't sure how far back Daf was, but I did want to watch him finish. I dropped my stuff off at the car and then went up the street to get some food and a coffee. Went back to the finish and saw some people cross. Spencer mentioned that if I was going to the bunkhouse that they had to go there now, so I was going to have to follow them up. Felt bad not sticking around for Daf!!

When I got to the bunkhouse, parked the car. Hoped to nap for a few hours before driving to my hotel in Swansea. When I got there Spencer noted that my back left tire was very low. He said they would find a pump and help me put air in it before I went out on the road. Was brought into the main room and was sitting there charging and catching up on some other stuff when Spencer came back in and said that my tire was now completely flat. WTF!! I went out and looked and he was right. Of course this would happen on a Sunday on the coast and 45 minutes from anything. The other volunteer - I cannot remember his name and feel bad about it - sat with me and helped me to make phone calls. He found someone that would be able to come out that same afternoon and put a new tire on!

I fell asleep at some point and was woken up while the tire guy was there. I went out to talk to him and he said that the tire wasn't exactly the same (which was a bummer because when I had talked to the people at the car rental place they said a). it was my responsibility to get a new tired b). they don't have spare tires for a reason and c). I had to get the exact same tire). At this point I didn't even care because I still have to get home. Charge for the tire? 170£ (over $200 USD). UGHHHHHHHH.

I stick around for just a bit longer and then finally decide to start the drive to Swansea. Back on the super sketchy narrow roads. The map didn't take me to the right address the first time so there were some navigational challenges that were annoying. Finally found the hotel and checked in. Room on the third floor. Of course. Showered (again with no conditioner, boooo). I was also hungry and in no mood to drive anymore and the only thing nearby was McDonalds. Ok, I can eat that. So I walked over there and had to order from a kiosk because customer service doesn't exist anymore. The machine didn't print out a receipt and it was busy, but I sat close by and listened as they were calling out orders. I heard my name and went up but didn't see any food. By now it's been almost 20 minutes. I finally talk to a manager and they don't have my order. "where did you order it from." "Do you have a receipt" "it's not that I don't believe you, I just don't see your order." After over a half hour they finally remade it for me. I ate every last bit and was really glad that I had gotten the Oreo McFlurry -SO DELICIOUS. When I got back to the hotel I hung up all my really wet clothes so things could dry better before going home. Also went to the lobby to get some bottled water and pillows I could elevate my swollen ankle. Went to bed early. Trashed.

Monday (14,580 steps) - Woke up and still had a mess of things to pack.

Originally I had hoped to get things down to two bags, but that wasn't seeming likely. Also - SUPER IMPRESSED with how great my feet held up - especially with all the rain and mud.

Ankle still swollen!!!

I found a castle that looked interesting that would be on my way to the hotel that I was staying the second night. The Margam castle and grounds were free, I just had to pay to park.

I had no idea where I was going, but there seemed to be a lot of walking paths, so I just wandered around. I followed signs for "Farm Trail" that took me to an outdoor "zoo" of sorts. There were adorable pygmy goats!!

And donkeys and Shetland ponies!

And of course, more sheep. I wandered around for quite a bit, thinking my ankle was feeling decent, but then decided I was hungry and wanted something to drink. I wasn't even sure where the restaurant was, but finally found my way back to the castle. I got a coffee, sandwich and carrot cake (yay for no raisins!)

Walked around the other side of the castle and decided I had enough and didn't need to visit the gardens - 4 miles on a sprain is probably more than enough.

On the way to my next hotel I decided I better stop and get some compression socks for the plane ride home - especially since my ankle was still so swollen. I mapped to a running store in Bristol. This is where things got truly terrifying. Now the rental car I had was supposedly compact - I don't see how that is possible. This town was so scary. The most narrow roads ever and I had no idea where to park. I finally illegally parked in a grocery store lot and walked over. I was in and out of the running store in minutes, so I think it was probably fine. Another 20£ spent - I should've just brought socks from home!!

I had nothing to drink so I made yet another stop at a travel center. Picked up Costa coffee and more bottled water. I kept making wrong turns and being in the wrong lane for the roundabouts. I cannot wait to get rid of this stupid car, driving here is NOT FUN.

The hotel is seemingly in a suburb. The lot was also teeny tiny and terrifying to park in. My room was really complicated to get to and I had to go up/down about 5 flights of stairs to get there. Thankfully they had a restaurant on site because - NO MORE DRIVING. I waited a bit to go down and by then there was a wait. It was a relatively fancy dinner and way more than I wanted to spent (about $40).