Run > Race

As ever the prep for this wasn’t ideal – gig with the band on Friday night (the vicar of Baldock’s 50th birthday!) so 1am bedtime, more DIY on Saturday (nearly finished the chicken run), and to friends’ for a Eurovision Party on Saturday night. But there’s more to life than running!

After the start, settled down in about 5th place, with a group of three shooting off in front (all of whom finished inside the course record). Heard the 4th place chap’s Garmin chirp the first mile and saw 6’50 on my watch – way too fast! Quick drink of water at CP1 (4.5 miles), and last glimpse of Mr 4th place. Walked the first brutal hill, and then on my own to CP2 (8.5 miles), where I grabbed a small piece of cake and some more drink. Overtaken at about 10 miles, and then again by the same bloke four miles later after he had taken a wrong turn (and he’d done it last year…). Through to CP3 (16 miles) at about 8 minute mile pace, where I stopped to refill bottle and picked up a mini Cornish pastie (it seemed rude not to). A few more navigational niggles over the next few miles, interrupted by a wee break, and then spent a few more miles trading places along a purgatorial section of road with the first lady (who’d also done it last year), who had caught me up. Walk breaks were getting more frequent now, and by CP4 (23 miles) was in a pattern of walking up any hills. Another piece of cake, and bottle refill, and off past the back of Althorp, where I was passed by a car whose passenger wound the window down as they drew level and asked if the gardens were open today. Not sure quite what is was about my appearance that made them think I would know the answer to that. Through the marathon distance in just over 3’45 (my time from London two years ago). Seemed to be uphill all the way to CP5 (28.5 miles), and I was passed by another guy, putting me in my finishing 8th position. By now I was getting thirsty between checkpoints, despite having a decent drink and refilling my 500ml bottle at each. Another navigation ‘issue’ with about four miles to go saw me having to retrace my steps round a couple of big fields, but sense of humour remained reasonably intact. Last few miles dragged on, but the sight of a pair of runners in the distance behind me were a good incentive to get it over with.

Would have liked to have been a bit quicker – particularly based on my Clanger time, but it was extremely hot out there (and a heat that I’ve not run in for a long time). I undoubtedly lost quite a bit of time on the navigation, and should have concentrated a bit harder on this (the paths were not very well waymarked in places). Was feeling pretty weary for the last ten miles, and could maybe have done with eating a bit more, but didn't really fancy it. Body seems to have escaped relatively unscathed. PF is quite sore now, and developed a tightness towards the top of my right calf during the race, but nothing else to speak of (apart from the sunburn). Very pleased with the new bottle holder as it meant I could run with some electrolytes (which a complete absence of cramp would suggest worked) and apart from a small red mark, no chaffing.

Lessons for next time: Eat and drink more earlier. HTFU in the last 10 miles. Electrolyte tablets were good, so use again. Concentrate on the navigation when off road.

Finally, should add that it was a fantastic race. Beautiful scenery, friendly people (helping and running) and really well organised. Great being able to park the car 50 yards from the start/finish. Would definitely look at doing another of their events.