Day 4 – Vernazza to Savona

NOTE: Tomorrow, Thursday, is Rupert Guppy’s 25th birthday. Please wish him a very happy birthday. Please do not send him a text, as it’s pointless. When involved in the Day 1 crash, Rupert Guppy was forced to do an extreme dive roll over a burning inferno of a car to save Nick Watson from certain death. In the process he lost his phone.*

1 day of running left. Or 80% complete for the mathematically inclined.

Team 1 were morning team today, and set off to the start point at the incredibly beautiful & UNESCO World Heritage listed Vernazza. A lovely spot to set off from. RT and SM nursing their injured knees set off at pace along the hiking tracks of the Cinque Terre, doing their best to avoid the happy hikers casually strolling along the picturesque paths. When RT & SM were finished, GK and then AG followed soon after. They both had considerable hills to climb. In fact both of their runs involved a near 500m ascent, followed by a 500m descent. Over a 10k route. That’s 1 in 10 slope. A huge effort from both runners. Morning teams other 10K routes were slightly less unforgiving – but still provided an awesome challenge to finish the day.

Team 2 had the slightly flatter area closer to Genoa to traverse. They also have the runners who are faring better and still consistently putting in below 50 minute times – an excellent effort from Team 2. As Cupcake was nearing completion of one of his sub-50 times, GUPO and White Kenyon had an awesome idea. Shortly before Cupcake had commenced his run, there had been a tropical-style storm that had dumped an enormous amount of water. This drained away but puddles remained by the side of the road. GUPO and White Kenyon realised that with a well timed push of the accelerator, they could drive through the puddle at the exact moment Cupcake was running past it. This they did. Cupcake had a less comfortable final 2 kilometers.

When all finished we gathered together again and ate. A quick note about team runs diet. It goes something like:

Typical breakfast – Several croissants filled with chocolate. Breakfast bars. Espresso (x2).

Lunch 1 – Croissant. Haribo. Gatorade. Breadsticks.

Lunch 2 – Croissant. Chocolate bar. Banana. Haribo. Breadsticks.

Afternoon tea – Croissant with ham & cheese. Apple. Espresso.

Dinner – Pizza and/or pasta. Possibly 2 servings.

Dessert – 1 double scoop Gelati/Ice cream

This diet has been followed almost religiously for the previous 5 days. Probably around 5,000 calories per day.

As team run sat around the table eating pizza & pasta we discussed out progress thus far. A strange this is happening to several members of the team. The running actually seems to be getting easier. This is not all members as some members have picked up injuries along the way that are getting progressively worse as the trip goes on. With one day to go though, and a measly 20K to bust out, its all go. No holding back tomorrow.

*This fact is fabricated. Guppy has however lost his phone.