Not many people decide to race through mud and freezing water on a January Bank holiday, fewer still do it on their birthday. Today I decided to do both.It was all Scott's fault anyway, and he kindly gave me a lift in his car down to the venue on the M3 in Longmoor. We also met fellow Evolution Club member Will there.
With face paint applied and a very light snow starting to fall, we were ready to go.
This was the same place as Hellrunner late last year. Fortunately there were no Bogs of Doom with deep smelly water up to our necks. There was plenty of water however and it was icy cold.
I wore my birthday present, a Livestrong t-shirt, and my calf guards as my legs were feeling pretty tight. A skullcap topped off the ensemble as it was a really cold day. It stopped snowing and wasn't windy so actually it was fine for running. The course was good and I ran well - I was pleased it was 10k and my time of around 54 minutes shows how tough it was - I can do 10K on the flat in around 42 minutes. Crossing the river was really tricky, due to the depth and the uneven footing. I really did not want to trip and go headfirst into the water, so took it very cautiously. There was a thin rope trailing across to show the way - not sure why people were holding it as it would have given zero support. I held it too though :)
I think we had about four water crossings, and all had floating ice in them. I was pretty careful around the ice, and at the finish saw quite a few people with blood pouring down their shins from cuts they had gotten from it.
I'm pleased with my result - 43rd overall out of 211 runners, 35th male. I did hesitate a bit at the start, wondering whether to have a fun run, or race it, so lost a few places before my competitiveness kicked in and I went for it. Because I didn't get to the first river crossing near the lead, there was a bit of a queue and it was single file across.
Getting used to this sort of running, but if I do any more, I think I will replace my heavy Nike trainers with something more suited to total submersion in water. Once wet, the shoes really hurt my toes running down the steep hills.
Results currently here.
Photo Here plus search for others.
Place 43 Robert Shiels Time 54:54,6 Male Category Place 35 Bib Number 233
