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The Full Stalker

"This is probably the hardest off-road-Tweed-clad-pipe-lit-plus-four-and-headtorch-wearing run that exists. We send you across rivers, through forests and over a mountain or 2 in the pitch dark of a chilly March night.

 The Mighty Deerstalker is now in its twelfth year and this classic outing shows no sign of slowing down or getting any easier. And who wants that anyway?"
In just under 2 weeks I start my efforts properly, and run the first event.

 It's billed as the biggest night race and the toughest off-road run in the UK, an extreme event in the Scottish Borders.

 I took about a month to persuade myself it was a good idea to sign up - bearing in mind my well documented aversion to running. Since then I've been cursing my foolhardiness, avoiding the cold outdoors, and sacking off my training when it's raining.

 All of this, of course, isn't the most sound preparation for getting muddy, wet and running in the cold (see last the photos from last year here).

However... these are all incredibly minor woes! I've kept the original purpose of these events firmly in mind and I'm focused on raising as much money as possible for Anthony Nolan so that they can continue their excellent work.

 I travel up on Saturday morning, so will be hopping in the car at 5.30 and planning to arrive sometime after midday. I'll pitch my tent, make sure I've got my warm clothes at hand for the finish line, and get some kip before making my way down to register, and to the start line for my 18.00 wave.

Deep mud, brutal ascents, darkness.

 Trail shoes - tick.
Head torch - tick.
Gloves - tick.

Watch this space for a post race debrief... Full Stalker - let's be havin' you!
Instagram: philvsnature
Twitter: @PhilJ0606
JustGiving: fundraising/philvsnature

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