Marathon 26: Solo Miles & Monumental Views - Wiltshire

After Somerset’s brutal climbs, Wiltshire offered a very different challenge.

It wasn’t quite the week we’d planned. Dan, who was due to join me, unfortunately had to pull out because of health issues. Wishing him a speedy recovery. That left me tackling the opening half marathon alone – something I haven’t done for a while.

Strangely, it was a welcome change. During marathon training I’d often head out solo, and there’s something special about having a couple of hours with nothing but your thoughts. It’s a rare luxury these days, so I enjoyed having that bit of headspace back.

The route was the locally famous Monumental Bowcock, created by local runner Frank Wainwright, linking the impressive Bowood House and Lacock Abbey through the North Wiltshire countryside. We set off just after 8am under welcome cloud cover, and after a solid week of recovery – including some uninterrupted sleep at my dad’s – my legs felt surprisingly fresh after Somerset. The first ten miles flew by before the hills arrived, slowing things slightly but never really knocking the rhythm.

At halfway, my good mate PJ took over running duties. He’s based nearby with the Army, while his wife Emily had already been expertly driving the support vehicle through the first half. PJ joined me for the second 13.1 miles while Emily kept us fuelled and moving.

The contrast between the two halves couldn’t have been greater.

The opening miles followed brilliant, well-maintained footpaths. The latter half… not so much. Overgrown fields, barely visible rights of way and hedgerows that completely hid where the path actually went turned the final couple of hours into more of a navigation exercise than a run. Add in rising temperatures, and it became a proper slog.

But that’s part of the adventure.

Both monuments lived up to their billing, the countryside was beautiful, and I got the perfect mix of peaceful solo miles and catching up with an old friend. We crossed the line in just over five hours, happy enough considering everything the course threw at us.

No new Tommy’s story this week, but another county complete. Marathon number 26. Two-thirds of the challenge done