Hamsterley 10K

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Alister Robson

Everyone had been going on about how tough this was for weeks, so I’m not sure whether it was the slightly revised route, being mentally prepared for much worse or least likely, a spot of good form that led to this being a pleasing performance and race.

The start is tough, I’ll give you that, before you’re even properly warmed up they take you up a big hill, before a short section of flat to get your breath back (quite narrow, so no real opportunity for overtaking), then a rapid descent to get back to the same level.

A couple of miles of flat but scenic track lull you into a false sense of security before the really tough bit. Just after the water station, there’s a shallow stream crossing, with steps if you don’t fancy getting your feet wet, but then you turn a corner and there’s the big hill at three miles.

This just drags on, I ploughed my way up it but have to admit towards the top, as it twisted and rose, just as you thought you’d summited i,t I had a little walk. I’m not ashamed, I’ve seen some proper fell racers do it and I only lost one place, which I quickly picked up (plus a few more) when I started running again at the top having had a breather. By now all thoughts of a good time have gone, but what I didn’t know is that it was all down hill or flat from here. The last three miles flew by, pushing and being pushed by a regular XC foe, before abruptly the finish loomed into sight.

I’m not sure if the course was short, my Garmin registered just over 6 miles, but they really aren’t that accurate on twisting terrain with lots of altitude changes. On finishing I watched and encouraged loudly first Marco then John Hutch, Lisa Bryson and then Jacquie come in. I can only apologise to Paul Towers and Kathryn Larkin-Bramley for not hanging around to cheer them in but by that stage I’d worked out the big drawback with this event – flies, bugs and midgies – millions of them everywhere – not surprising in a forest, by a river in July really.

I was pleasantly surprised to be just outside the top 50 and the tech tee and goody bag justified the (late) entry fee. Recommended, but use some bug repellent!

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