The Green Man Challenge

The Green Man Challenge celebrates Bristol, a green city in the midst of the countryside, as part of the Forest of Avon. The Challenge follows the 48 mile course of the Community Forest Path.

Chris Bloor created the Green Man Challenge. He keeps a record of those who complete the challenge on his Closer to the Countryside website.

Chris has also created route instructions which split the course into 8 legs, each between 4.5-6.2 miles long.

The challenge can be undertaken solo, in pairs or as part of a relay.

My only plan so far for 2011 is to complete the Green Man Challenge, preferably in February/March.

Training so far has been sporadic rather than planned. However, I did have a day off work on the 4th January and used this to run/walk the first 4 legs of the course (about 22 miles). The course can start from anywhere along the route, but often starts from the Green Man sculpture in Ashton Court (the current blog header picture). The photo at the top of this post was taken just before I set off, looking out towards Dundry - the first leg of the course and about 5 miles by foot.

My 2010 Annus horribilis

Following my completion of the VoTwo ONER in August 2009, I took some time out before beginning to ramp-up my training again in December. Unfortunately, my training was curtailed by a back injury that nearly got better, but not quite.

My plan was to build up to a March attempt to run a 48 mile route around Bristol - The Green Man Challenge, and then run the Shakespeare Marathon in April.

My training continued to be hampered by the back injury. This put paid to the Green Man Challenge attempt, and probably effected my marathon training. However, I ran the marathon and finished in a PB of 3hrs27mins (I've only run one other marathon which was a shocker).

After the marathon, I consulted an osteopath and started a treatment programme. Unfortunately, this meant I had to take a break from all running over the Summer.

In August I started running again, building up slowly and just enjoying being out running.

Most of my really enjoyable runs have been out on training runs with the Town and Country Harriers (TACH) - Night time, offroad and about 10km.

I'm now at a stage where I can begin to ramp-up my training and look forwards to running the Green Man Challenge later in the Winter/Spring.

My back is now about 85-90%, and continues to improve when I take the time to do the exercises to help with strength and flexibility.

Onwards and upwards!