DAF at the ZigZag Challenge

Sunday 29th March - we (me - Adam, Mike, and ITR crew and good friend Steve) took on the ZigZag Challenge. Just to make one thing clear, enthusiasts yes, experts most definitely not (basically in all aspects of life). For me this was my 3rd trail marathon, which genuinely a couple of years ago would be a laughable sentence; not to over cook the whole 'community' thing, but being around such incredible and enthusiastic people, no matter how experienced they are has given me so much fuel. I forget sometimes (often) that my millennial bones have some years in them now, and having found trail running at 38 I'm not out to break any records here.

The ZigZag Challenge was held in Brandon; just 20mins from Bury St Edmunds, Zig Zag - the organisers are a great outfit. Super chill vibes at their events, a great crowd, and the best marshals and volunteers.

A 5.3km loop around the forest, with an unexpected 100m of elevation on each loop (rookie error). We had (as did everyone else) 6 hours in which you can run any distance you like. For Mike this was a Heavy Half - completing 5 loops (his face stayed exactly like this from loop 1 - 5). Out to set a new PB for a trail marathon I quickly resorted to 'The Playlist' an eclectic mix, ranging from M.O.P, Linkin Park, and Thursday, to Christina Aguilara, Britney Spears, and Cher - and everything in between (anyone have an unhinged playlist like this? I just get too in my head if its all music I always actually listen to).

I never go into a marathon with a question, but by the time I finish, it's always given me an answer.

Like I mentioned at the start, at my age (and general level of athleticism), I'm never going to setting the trails alight, but heres the thing, I'm working on being just a great trail runner, in my eyes, you don't need to be fast at all, to be a great trail runner. To me, someone who can bring an energy, can stop and turn back to pick up a piece of a wrapper that flew out of their pocket, can get to know a tree, can encourage others, and push themselves; these are some things I think make someone great on the trails.

Key Take Aways - My feet don't like Hokas - We all set PBs of our own (ayoooo) - 800m of elevation has my legs pretty mad at me

Action Go have a look at Zig Zag events; we've been to a couple already this year - maybe we'll see you at one in the future.