My first Ultra marathon

Looking around the people don’t look that much different from normal runners. But what separates them is the conversations they’re having. I hear a group of men talking. One man describes how when he’s running these ultramarathons. It’s when he gets the most crazy ideas. He describes how his mind goes to places, it does not in daily life.

This will be my first Ultra Marathon running event. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. As I set off, I anticipate running further than I ever have done before, which is marathon distance. Along comes the first Hill and I run up it. A couple of older runners comment. “You should walk all the hills as it’s going to be a long day”, but I’m competitive and continue on running.

At about mile 27, I have a mental breakdown. Can I do this, my body feels destroyed, I’m not sure I’ll make it to the end. I’ve never walked during a marathon before, but I’m reduced to walking pace in my first Ultra. As I walk, I feel like a loser, a failure, someone who has quit and given up. But it allows me to reset myself and it’s not long before I continue running again.

The next miles, up to the finish, which is 50 K are a true exploration of new territory. I’m amazed, proud of myself and feel such a great sense of achievement. At the finish line, I feel like a triumph has been achieved for what I now am and Ultra Marathon, Runner.

If you like this post, please share it, also if you’re after an ultramarathon running coach, I’m now 150 marathons and Ultras deep. So I have plenty of experience Coaching. Please reach out to me on my website www.kristianultra.com

Spain, England, France, Thailand then America

I started the day with cold water swimming at Brockwell Lido with Dene. It was freezing cold. Actually it was 10°C, but that felt freezing cold. I managed to swim four length’s which was about seven minutes.

The sky was beautiful and my mind opened up being to in the cold water, so I started the day with a triumph. I then made my way to HotPod Yoga, where our teacher Sarah took us through one hour of enjoyable body movements.

I just landed in Spain about one hour ago. I had been visiting England for my father‘s funeral. I gave a speech at the funeral as did my niece Mia Morgan. I’m currently waiting on the bus to depart for Denia.

I’ll be here in Spain for about one month until December 19 Upon which I will then fly back to England to visit some family. Few days after that I will fly to France to spend Christmas with Thao’s family. Then I will fly to Thailand and land in Bangkok at 6 am on the 3rd of January which is my birthday.

I will stay in Thailand until about the beginning of May where I will then go to America to begin a one month final preparation for the Appalachian Trail double world record attempt. These are my plans, but as we know all too often sometimes life has other ideas for us.

My body feels pretty tired, my left knee is hurting, my right shoulder is tight and my hips feel pretty tight. Last year after the Appalachian Trail I took off four months. But I did cycle 1000 miles in that time on my bike fully loaded.

This time within six weeks I was back training. I think I may take some time to do a little bit more relaxing and listen to what my body is saying. I want to be fully rested and ready to go next year.

How to look after your feet during an Ultra Marathon

This is a post about my feet 👣 during the 2200 mile run along the Appalachian Trail and contains two photos, photo credits, go to Justin Webber.

This photo was taken within 60 minutes of finishing the Appalachian Trail.

Since beginning of my Running career back in 2000 (23 years ago) I’ve learnt many lessons regarding the preservation of feet 👣

Our daily (my crew and I… Sharon Mullan”Gun Section and David Martin “Ice Man”) routine to keep my feet healthy for another 50 mile day included the following.

* End of day soak in warm water containing Elson salts.

* Removal of all dirt after soak using a soft bristled brush and warm water.

* Drying feet after a long wet day using baby powder and if ever changing out wet socks and shoes at road crossings.

* Moisturising feet after a dry day using a special foot cream.

* Ultra thin socks from Darn Tough

* Shoes used included SpeedGoat 5 and Mafate Speed 4 from Hoka

* When sleeping with crew I filed down calluses.

* Massage on a spiky ball to release any built-up tension.

* I used a Theragun Prime angled sideways to Massage feet.

* Made sure to cut toe nails were as needed.

Due to the above, I never received a single blister on my feet. My feet never ached in the later stages of the 2200 mile run. Ultimately, helping me finish strong and set a new southbound record.

I offer online ultra run coaching. I’m available for any runner in any country. Beginners or seasoned Pro’s. I have helped many runners achieve their dreams.

I’m offering runners the opportunity to ask me any questions they wish regarding feet for this particular post.

Please either leave a comment or contact me directly using the links on my website where you need to be to find all my details

New fastest known time southbound on the Appalachian Trail 

For the past 45 days, Gun Section has taken care of my social media. First and foremost, thank you Gun Section for being a great crew member, and an even greater Mum.

Ice Man worked alongside Gun Section to form the ultimate support crew to get me from Katahdin to Springer Mountain in record time. Ice Man may as well be one of my closest family members, as my love for him is that great. Thank you Ice Man.

These two angels formed the foundation for my five points of gratitude.

- My mother

- Ice Man

- My body

- The opportunity

- The experience

My body has been there for me from the beginning until the end. Carried me 2198 miles without any problem. There were some compromises along the way like the day I moved 16 miles and jumped in a motel to rest an overuse injury due to 16 hours of intermittent ankle-deep mud In Vermont. But somethings are nonnegotiable and you have to listen to your body.

The opportunity is not always there for you. But on this occasion due to generous individual who gave me a loan which was 50% forgivable if I got to the finish, helped make this happen. You know who you are. Thank you.

The experience will forever be etched into my memory. Life is now sweeter. I can sit down and enter into my memories and smile on that audacious, exciting and successful journey we all had.

Finally, thank you to Karl Meltzer, who set this astounding record, and to you, the followers who brought this journey alive.

Actual Moose Photo Maine

Thank you to Cheryl for sharing this photo with me. I had written in a previous post about seeing this moose, at that point did not have the actual photo. So I use the one I found online.

The photo with this post is the actual moose I saw.

There’s nothing quite like connecting with people. It’s for me what make the memories of all the journeys I’m having.

Take for example, Cheryl, she was the lady sitting on the wooden boardwalk whom I asked where the moose was.

Shout out to the moose for showing up and Cheryl for sharing the photos. She said she will send more. This one was taken with her cell phone. I’m excited to see the photos from the superduper camera and will share here.

Moose in Maine 

I noticed the hairs standing up on my arms as I observe what has been alluding me for five years. She’s a beauty and just the other side of the pond grazing.

I was hiking up to Chimney pond campground when a couple approached from the opposite direction. They stopped and said “If you’re lucky, you may see a moose if she’s still at Sandy stream pond.

My hike turns into a run as I head in the direction of Sandy stream pond. Finally, when I get there I see a side trail that leads down to the lake. There is a lady on a wooden board walk to my right. I ask her where’s the moose? She looks across the other side of the pond and points, I follow in the direction of her finger with my eyes which eventually land upon the moose.

I stand there, for a while, observing with a smile on my face as the moose walks along the edge of the pond.

Then I ask the lady if she wouldn’t mind sharing me one of the photos she’s taking with her super duper camera with a zoom that could capture the stars.

I share my email and wait. But the days pass by without receiving an email. So I found the best replica photo of the type of moose that I saw that day to share in this post.

Chasing Dreams

This journey has spanned five years so far. I started off by helping set the record in 2018. Then in 2019 I had my first and un-successful attempt. Then in 2020 I set the record on Britain’s longest national Trail.

Then in 2021 I return to the Appalachian Trail for another failed attempt. Last year I set the second fastest known time in the world. And this year I got delayed by the weather and had a false start.

On that day of the false start. I learnt more than I have done in the past six months of my training. I’ve been living in Thailand working online as a running coach.

At the same time running in Thailand’s northern mountains. It’s been an excellent journey and I enjoy the process. But we’re getting close to that time where I might start this attempt.

The weather has settled. This is a physical journey, but it’s driven by my mind. I know what it takes to be the second fastest in the world because I am that person.

I hope to on unravel the mystery of what it takes to become the fastest. Thanks to all my sponsors and people who supported me along the way of this journey. The time is coming, it’s getting close. And whatever happens will happen for the good.

I find one of my talents is writing. And I look forward to writing a full novel about the adventures along the way to get here, which include living in Ethiopia, and running with the fastest endurance athletes on the planet.

Many years coming to the Appalachian Trail, helping set the record and chasing my own attempt. And the characters I’ve met along the way like, Karl Meltzer (SpeedGoat), David, Horton, Scott Grierson (Maniac) and many others. Including the infamous, Warren, Doyle and Liz Derstine. The list is very long.

The magic of the Ethiopian Runners and the Mountain

Tsegaye with Edna his daughter and Kristian

Excerpt from an unpublished book written by Kristian Morgan. During 2014 Kristian lived with the world’s fastest runners, the Ethiopians. He spent 6 months sharing a single room with 2 couples and a young child. Three of the people he shared a room with were professional endurance runners.

We got to the top of the road and Tsegaye said: “Kristian we are here”, in a thick Ethiopian accent. I looked up to my left and saw there was still some to go until the peak, I turned to Tsegaye and said “Lets go right to the top”, he smiled and said “you are strong lets go”, there was no road up the the peak and Tsegaye was just ahead of me he turned and said today “you are a champion”. I felt so good but was still very tired, making my way up I used the zig zagging technique.

In my mind I imagined Tsegaye was sir Edmund Hillary and I was his sherpa and together we were about to summit the mountain. Finally we were standing on the top, I looked around and soaked it all up. I had done it, I had conquered the mountain and at the same time conquered myself. From our viewpoint we could see far far away, I looked at my watch and we were at an altitude of over 11k feet, it felt strange to think we were at an altitude almost three times higher than that of Ben Nevis in Scotland the UK's tallest mountain.

We started our descent, when on the dirt road the pace quickened and Tsegaye said to be careful of my step, I felt strong and I knew now my lungs were to have a rest and my body would be carried down by my legs. We were side by side and the pace was vicious down and down we ran, one slip worst case scenario death if one of our heads was to hit a rock, there were plenty of them on the other hand if we slipped and did not die I am sure some bone would have been broken.

I ran ahead by a few meters my legs feeling powerful letting gravity pull me down. Stangely enough I felt fatiuge around my shoulders and so gave then a massage with my hands, Tsegaye was back at my side again I was amazed I was able to run so fast what had happed? I felt invincable. We passed more Oromo tribes on the way down, I was running to fast to look up at them, I did not want to be eating rocks and dirt for breakfast, we came to a large group who were blocking the way we slowed and they made some room for us too pass, as we went by I said “ci grillo” (no problem in Amharic) as we ran ahead I could hear them repeating what I had said and laughing. Leaving the road we took a left turn into the forest, we were flying at this point something amazing happened to me.

I was no longer concentrating on where to place my feet, even though there were rocks, protruding roots and fallen branches. I was running with natural instinct going too fast to think about the ground in front of me, I felt like a wild animal running through the forest taking large strides my vision was slightly blurred. I did not feel tired but instead had tapped into limitless source of energy. This carried on for some time, I started up a conversation with Tsegaye as we had been quite until now.

I remember talking to him about a trail run I did in Australia and comparing it to where we were running now telling him about seeing kangaroos, Tsegaye told me about a documentary he had seen in which a pack of wolves had made a kill but a bear had come along and attacked them stealing there catch, we talked of polar bears too and how big they are. I started to become tired and my mouth was as dry as the road we were running on, I was becoming dehydrated and knew I could not keep this up for much longer, my energy was leaving me.

I did not tell Tsegaye I wanted to keep this pace, we got back onto a road and Tsegaye said "Kristian I feel so strong", it was ironic that I just started to feel weak. On the way down we passed Oromo tribes people we had passed on the way up, the road was wider now and I could see houses in the distance I knew we were close.

Turning right off the road was bad news for me as the terrain suddenly became tuff and unmanageable but I persevered on pushed on, Tsegaye pointed ahead to some houses and said "We finish there" He left me for dust over the last 300 meters, I saw him stop, and after not too long after I was walking next to him I could feel my breathing slowly returning to normal. I had done it without water just like the Ethiopians, the gamble of leaving the water this morning had paid off.

Here's what I learned after running a 100 mile Ultra Marathon

“100 miles is not that far” - Karl meltzer.

This quote by Karl Meltzer represents the mindset of a seasoned pro ultra marathon runner. This was not the case when I ran my first 100 miler back in 2015, the North Downs Way 100 (NDW100). The race was help by Centurion Events, a popular running company which is owned by James Elson. He models his 100 mile races on American 100 milers which he has run over the years. America runner’s who complete a 100 miler in less than 24 hours recieve a belt buckle.

I needed to qualify just to enter the NDW100, so ran the 50 mile version earlier on that year. Then there is the mandatory kit list. All James 100’s require a full kit list in case you need these in an emergency. By the time I stood on the start line my running pack weighed over 5 kilos, full of food and other things I would not normally take running with me.

I positioned myself at the back of the pack as I was a rookie to the distance and felt it needed my respect. The day started at 6 am just as sun was rising, I felt like I was setting out on the ultimate life adventure. I didn’t even know if I could finish. The most I had run was the 50 mile qualifying race.

It was a long day so I will not give a full account here. But what I will tell you is what I learned that day. Crossing the finish line I felt pure accomplishment and relief. I’d managed to finish ahead of 95% of the competitors.

After running the 100 miles I changed my approach to life. Similar to my first marathon back in the year 2000, I tapped into unlimited self potential and belief but in an even bigger way than I could have ever imagined.

I was now a 100 mile ultra marathon runner. When I finished that day another runner came over to me and said in a lowered tone

“A Lot of people might not like me saying this, I do not believe you are an ultra runner until you complete a 100 miler”.

I felt like a member to an extreme, elite club of warriors.

From then onwards my life changed, I no longer felt life was happening to me but instead for me. I continued to run the NDW100 a further 2 more times, the last time I ran I finished on the podium in 3rd position.

Running 100 miles changed my life and for me was the ultimate challenge. I came out mentally stronger than I could have ever imagined. I highly recommend other runners to have a go at the 100 mile distance, it might just change your life.

Please if you like this article share with someone who may be inspired by reading. Have you run 100 miles? Did it change your life?

I coach runners and help then to realise their dreams so please contact me if you have any questions.

What goes on inside the mind of an ultra runner

Ultra Running can be a lonely sport. Sometimes at the finish line, there might be less than three people awaiting your return. But getting to that finish line is all that counts for an ultra runner.

We do not do it for the praise of others, we seek to find the edge of what’s possible and push beyond.

I started my journey of Ultra Running in 2009. The people who surrounded me at the start line looked different from marathon runners. I’d been running marathons for nine years. There was a mystique to them and I wanted a piece of that.

During that Ultra (Rugby Ultra 35 mile), I hit a physical and psychological wall that I’d never encountered in the past nine years of running.

It hit me so hard I thought my race was as over. For the first time in nine years, I started walking. I felt like such a failure. But then my mind spoke to me, “Kristian, don’t worry, you can still move forwards and you can still finish this, now stop feeling sorry for yourself and go get it.”

Since then I’ve run over 100 ultra’s, either as part of an organised race or just 50 miles out by myself on trail.

What I’ve learnt over the years is that the learning never stops. You never know everything, there’s always some surprise around the corner. In the world of Ultra, there’s always something to challenge you, greater, more challenging and further than before.

This is the sport I choose. Or did this sport choose me, I don’t know? But I continue to pursue the sometimes impossible. Because what Ultra has taught me, there’s nothing impossible.

Online Running Coach Thailand

While I’m here training in Thailand training for the Appalachian Trail speed record attempt, I use online Run Coaching as a way to earn some money.

I enjoy working with athletes who are driven towards achieving their goals. My 20 years experience is what I draw from to assist runners.

So if you’re looking for an online running coach here, some good reasons to choose me.

Five reasons to choose an online running coach…

1. Weekly catch up calls

2. Unlimited WhatsApp communication

3. Training Peaks account

4. Affordable, compared to other online Run Coaches, my prices are not too expensive.

5. Experienced and have successfully coached runners to finish, UTMB, Marathon des Sables, and many other, famous ultramarathons

Ultra Running in the jungle of Thailand

Drank less than 1 litres of water with electrolytes, ate jack fruit and sticky rice with taro every 30 mins. Drank 1 coffee at the top, Chong Wa was closed so tried another place. No atmosphere 😴 I’ve got a sore throat and dry cough plus STRONG toothache accompanied by headache. Considering all the above, my body felt super strong up-and-down.

Caffeine for ultrarunners

Only drank about just over half a litre of water. Had a full breakfast before I started including fruit rice and chicken. Had one sticky rice on the way up just for fun. Didn’t really need it. Ran fast and free on the way down. Love the Rincon trainers that I’m using by Hoka. It’s super light, your foot feels free inside and doesn’t slip too much to the front when descending.

Strength training for Ultra Runner is

Just finished in the gym. Only meant to do one hour but ended up feeling full of energy so I did two.

Important message to all Ultra Runner’s and runners, strength, training, helps avoid injury and makes you a stronger faster athlete.

@hoka_eu thanks for the support

Coaching spaces available! 🔥🔥🔥

Trail running loop in Thailand

Started off running up asphalt. Was pretty pleased that I kept my heart rate in zone 2. Then I got to the dirt trails and was having fun. But eventually my body did start to feel physically tired. I also felt mental fatigue. But I made sure to back off on the climbs. Try to keep my heart rate zone 2. Ate 5 x oranges, one every 30 minutes. I also drink 1 litre of water. No electrolytes. It was a very tiring run. I took it easy with my poles on the climbs. And it was really tough the flat Road at the end to go back to the bike. A mental and physical challenge. But I kept on telling myself. This is a process. You are not strong or fit and mentally tough now but continue and you will be. That’s what training is… a process.

First long run in awhile

I totally crushed this workout. I ran consistently in the heat, with only a few sips of water. Even though I have DOMS I handle this with ease. I kept in zone 2 at a RPE of 5/10. At about 45 minutes. my mind struggled to focus and wanted to pull out, but I persisted and overcame these feelings. On the other side of these feelings Was the sense of control, satisfaction and accomplishment. Anyone reading this knows the feeling of a good run. If you want Coaching visit my website and let’s chat. I used the Hoka challenger ATR 7 and definitely give the shoe a 10/10 for comfort. It’s also light and responsive for faster running.

Running zone 1 and 2

Easy zone 1-2 on the dirt 400 meter running track on Koh Phangan. I’ve run over 2,000 miles on this track in my life.

I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and feel connect to nature and myself as I run.

No traffic lights or people and my favour coffee shop across the road.

Tonight I ran after sunset and took it easy. My first run on the track since earlier this. Feels good to be home.

Training for Appalachian trail 2023 (AT23) fastest known time attempt has begun. This is the physical training.

Mental training has already begun. I’m reading a book by Lanny Bassham, a gold medalist from the Olimpics.

Have you got the endurance to cycle 1000 miles?

Day 28 - 1,000 mile cycle across France 🇫🇷 + Spain

Packing up my stuff the Dutch lady walks over and asks where I am heading today. We start a conversation and find out that we’re both going to Denia. Her husband yesterday was telling me how he is in the taxi business and how Uber is illegal in Holland. And how he believes Uber has made it difficult for taxi drivers.

Breakfast is a can of monster next to a gas station. I kind of like these drinks but no I do not want to make a lifetime habit of it because that would be bad for my health.

today I have a 60+ miles almost 100 K cycle ride ahead of me. It’s sunny and hot and I wear my hat to protect myself also using suncream on the exposed areas of my body.

I stop to eat some brunch as I only had some chopped up fruit for breakfast which included Wild picked figs and a local mango from Spain.

The restaurant where I am at has a few people sitting around I found myself a table park my bike up next to a car which is kind of funny because it’s not a car it’s a bike but I’ve given it a full parking space it takes up a lot of room with all the bags.

After about 10 minutes of sitting there no one approaching me the waiter walks past me several times I get up go to my bike cycle off and say in Italian Catch you next time. I hear one of the guys repeat what I say.

I cycle further on into a town and go in along the coast where I’m sitting next to the ocean and eat some paella. It taste better than the paella from yesterday in Valencia. There are two African guys selling some merchandise next to the entrance to the beach. It looks hot and they are wearing hats to protect themselves.

Then I make a phone call to my good mate 100 mile Dave. We chat for quite a long time and he’s a good friend. He’s had problems with his knees over the past few years and has told me he has no cartilage left. So he has one more marathon to complete all the marathons in Europe and he has taken some injections for this.

We talk about maybe doing a running talk in the UK together when I get back. he really inspired me earlier on in my running career when he told me that he had one more 100 miler to do after already running three that year. Eventually he became the Grand Slam record holder of the centurion 100 mile events, a solid runner Dave is.

The next few hours were spent cycling amongst rice paddy fields. It was an area where I saw no people and felt very relaxed looking at the grains which made up my paella

I cycled on and saw after a couple of hours of cycling a sign for McDonald’s I thought this will probably be the last time at McDonald’s this year so went and got myself fries, a Coca-Cola and an Oreo McFlurry. I looked at the couple sitting outside with their daughter eating.

There’s definitely something in the food that gives you like a drug affect that makes you happy and satisfied.

anyway I push onto my next stop at a town which festival is happening fireworks are going off and there’s young people everywhere. The streets are full with the carnival atmosphere. I go to a bar and order two beers. I drink them, a drunken lady says the Queen is dead in Spanish I Shrug my shoulders, I know a lot of people make a big fuss about the Queen and her death but I googled how many people die each day in the world and the number that comes up is 100,000 people.

So as I believe in equality on Earth she is just one of the 100,000 people who died that day. I do not personally know her so therefore have no relationship and was emotionally and attached.

I feel tipsy after drinking the three beers and strap my speaker to my bike and play Spanish hip-hop cycling into the dark now with my head torch and call my friend David. I also do Instagram live and I have loads of people watching.

Earlier I found out I had another 33 km to ride and it Was kind of a bummer that’s why I had the beers.

The rest of the ride is fine it’s the first time I cycled during the night had torch on lights flashing on my bike and music playing out loud. My friend David has started a new job and he said it was a good day.

Finally I reach my destination. 1000 mile cycling across France and Spain what an epic adventure Felt like I just started yesterday and already I’m at the end.

Long distance cycling (LDC) in France and Spain by Running Coach

Day 27 - 1,000 mile cycle across France 🇫🇷 + Spain

Last night was my second night camping at a campsite. The days of wild camping seem a long time ago. I wake up later than usual even though the sun is shining through the material of my tent.

The first part of each day starts with stretching my legs and contracting my quad muscles as they’ve usually done a lot of work the day before. If I haven’t drank enough fluids sometimes my calf muscles cramp whilst stretching.

Whilst lounging in my camping chair and making coffee outside my tent a medium height, stocky Asian looking man approaches with a small bulldog attached to a lead. He notions towards my bike with his hand and asks how far I have travelled. This starts up a 30 minute conversation.

In this time as well as answering “Rizal’s” question I ask many of my own. Finding out Rizal’s dream of owning a campervan but how he found them very expensive. Ultimately he brought himself a standard Ford transit. Watched many YouTube videos and took the DIY approach.

I told him I had lived in a campervan for a decade and only sold it at the end of last year. I felt pretty sweet when the Rizal told me that I had got in early on the game. After I finished my coffee and took a shower Rizal passed by and asked if I would like to check out his van. His wife earlier had been asleep inside but now was up.

The van was really cool, he purchased it for €10,000 and had converted it himself but was waiting to do more renovations with the help of his brother in law.

It was getting late in the day and I decided to continue with my journey. Valencia is only 15 miles from where I am now and I intend on spending the day seeking out the best food I can find in Spain‘s third-largest city.

The cycle toward Valencia is pretty ugly as I’m passing industrial areas as I approach. Then I hit the coast and find a headwind whilst cycling over patches of sand in the bicycle lane. Finally I enter a hipster part of Valencia. Immediately I get off my bike and sit on the bench.

The women are beautiful and pass by in every direction. The city is casting a spell upon me.

I finish a pastry from a bakery and continue on. Earlier I had passed a Dutch cyclist coming in the opposite direction. He had just cycled from Valencia. I stopped and asked if it was easy to find a place to stay in Valencia.

He replied

“I’m camping, I paid €9 at a campsite, left my bike and my bags then and then took a bus into the city. It only takes 20 minutes”.

This became my plan. After cycling I eventually found the campsite. I waited quite a while whilst drinking a Coca-Cola at reception, the lady was busy with two couples. Finally I paid and she took me to the area where the tents were.

As she left me alone I stood there For a while unsure if I wanted to sleep in this space. The ground not only didn’t have grass neither gravel it was dirt and cigarette butts with too many tents into too small a space. I got on my bike and headed towards the exit.

A German cycle tourist who I recognised from a few towns ago spotted me and asked what’s the camping like I responded “have a look you might not want to camp there”. He took my word for it and followed me to the next campsite on his bike.

When I got there I realised the first campsite even though not nice was much better than the second one with two homeless people living in some shanty tents with tears in, one of the guys was standing outside his tent with a large beer belly smoking a cigarette staring at me as if I Gone into somewhere I should not have.

I immediately returned to the first place and told the lady I was not comfortable with the area and did she have another. She took the time and kindly showed. me somewhere I was completely happy with. I’d lost the German guy by now he was having a cigarette back at the other campsite with someone who had asked him for one of the cigarettes. Not my type of place.

I’ve now caught the bus into Valencia and I’m walking round what is the city which has further cast a spell for me. Old buildings, the vibrant conversations with energetic Valenciennes in the night life really appeals.

I did my research and found the top places if you’re a local Valencienne to go and eat paella. The first place I went to there was an American couple standing outside I asked if they’d enjoy the meal they responded by saying they found this place but gone in without making a reservation were turned away. I went in and tried my luck in less than a minute I was standing outside on the curb with the Americans.

I then went down my list and found the closest next best place in Valencia to get a paella called “La Riua”. Apparently if you’re local and live in Valencia this is the place to go, I’m not local and I don’t live in Valencia but I’ll check it out.

I Enter La Riua (the river) a small energetic lady in her 60s looks at me and says in Spanish “darling we are full but come back at 10:15 or 1030 and you can have a table”.

Biding my Time by drinking red wine round the corner in what seemed like a bunch of tables outside a block of apartments and an entrepreneurial guy serving people with shit pizza and wine. The wine was not great but it gave me time to write this.

The paella was mediocre. What was more interesting was the people at the tables around me. In front the lady in her 50s staring at me with seductive eyes. To my left a group of lads from what I recognise to be the Place of my birth, that being Wolverhampton, when I asked that was confirmed. To my far left two girls and one guy presumably the guy was gay. And at my right two young girls with their eyes deep into their phones.

After the meal I took a walk around searched in google for a nightclub to go to and then decided the taxi back to the campsite was probably the best option. The Pakistani driver held intellectual conversation with me all the way to the campsite. He has three children all of them are married in Pakistan and now they all live here.

Once I arrived at the campsite I went to the refugee camp and sat at the table with a guy hitchhiking who is a chef who works works for one week and then travel for one month so I guess he works 12 weeks per year. three local Valenciennes, two were a couple and one was a guy with a large tent behind me, a girl who was cycling and a South African.

I listen to the hitchhiking chef talk about everything in a matter of fact way and then decided it was time for bed.

So I said good night and departed.

Day 26 - 1,000 mile cycle across France 🇫🇷 + Spain

It’s the small things that you learn whilst on the road. Like the plastic lunchbox I bought to keep soft fruits and vegetables in. The lid doubles as a chopping board which I learned from another cycle tourer.

I came across my first bicycle Problem. At at almost 1000 miles the brake pads on my rear wheel started making a noise. I stopped and pushed my bike. I then decided to go to the nearest bar because I was annoyed my bike is broke and thought I would have a few shots.

It turns out people were seated at tables and this was not just a regular bar but seems to be a couple serving up delicious local food home-made. I seized the opportunity , sat down at a table and had a three course meal with wine. A cold soup with croutons to begin, fish as a main course and a delicious ice cream pudding served with a coffee to finish and a large brandy. This all cost me €12.

Sometimes it’s when you’re not searching for the perfect meal you find it. This journey has all been about reflection and time by myself to think things through. But it’s also been about food and so far I feel Spain and I have not agreed in terms of the cuisine. I’m not a big lover of ham.

As I’m coming out of the remote interior where men drink whiskey for breakfast I think I’m getting into the more refined areas where food presents itself to me in a better manner.

I phoned up a cycle shop and told them my brake pad had broken. They told me they are busy and I would have to wait until next week. I told them I will see them soon and we will work things out.

When I got there the man fixed my bike and I did not have to wait until next week. Much to my satisfaction. I then went to a supermarket and bought a can of monster, sat down and chilled deciding what I would do next.

So then I continued cycling and found disappointingly I would not reach Valencia. But it is what it is. I found a campsite just outside of Valencia and decided to bed down here for the night. The lady at reception was very friendly and polite and I’m surrounded by campers who are genuinely on vacation.

The campsite I stayed at last night actually has full timers there, meaning all the caravans are fixed and people live full time on these camping sites. The campsite that I checked out before I got to this one was also full of full timers. It seems to be a thing here in Spain.

I’ve got nothing against with people wanting to live on a caravan park. Being outside is part of being human. We need to be outside to align ourselves with nature.

As I’m sitting here the crickets are creating the most wonderful sound. The air is filled with smells of pine that surround me. And the sky is sealed by a blanket of clouds.