I made it to the Blaise Blazer - I’ve not been before. What a fantastic event! It’s a “4 mile run with 600 ft of ascent” and very all-terrain.
My trepidation was moderately high, what with recent injury and sluggishness, and knowing there were hills involved. In fact, on reflection, I might be tempted to say that some hills, might be better described as “climbs”. But don’t let me put you off - there was a great mix of runners and a fun vibe.
The race is organised by Westbury Harriers and there was a very healthy turnout from their membership, which is really nice to see. It seemed a very social event. Being the only B&W runner there increased my trepidation a little more - one red stripe amongst many blue ones - I didn’t want to let the side down.
I had no idea what time to expect or how to pace this, so I started with my most simple benchmark - 10%. The field looked to be about 80, so that would mean I might hope to manage 8th place, but there were rather a lot of lithe thighs and calves attached to some of the runners and I didn’t know the course, so I thought I would be very pleased to be 10th, and unsurprised if I was 15th.
JT was there, and he gave me an overview of the ups and downs, stressing the need to save something for the hills. Very good advice!
As we set off across the grass (steady downhill) I fell comfortably into what seemed like 15th-ish position, and decided to push it no further. In relative terms, hills tend to suit me, so I thought I would see if I could gain places on the hills. Besides, I thought, if I don’t do so well, I’ll need to save energy for the hills anyway.
As things progressed I became very disturbed by how far down we were going - it was beginning to look like a long way back up!
The first hill was long and gradual, and being the first, a bit unpleasant. But I reminded myself that this would be a good warm up and once over it, heart, lungs and legs would be fully aware of the fact we were out running. I can’t remember if I gained much ground in this part of the race, but I do remember I wasn’t losing any, so morale was good - and that really helped.
All the way back down again, then up. Definitely up. Not just on path, but on what looked like those rocky slidey mud paths that kids generate with their bums in a very vertical direction on hills. Ahead, some were walking. If I’d stopped, I don’t know if I could’ve ever got going again, so I dug in, did baby-steps, and maintained the illusion of a running tempo.
I recall a horizontal section of track - very muddy - and enjoyed skipping through - distracting my brain from the physical discomforts of running.
Then the last long downhill, and someone in front. Should I overtake? If I did, he might come back at me and I couldn’t face the stress and demoralisation, so I sat in behind for a while. But I think in the end he slowed a bit and I went past.
The final hill, lumpy and narrow path, steps (ugh!), a bit more ground gained, then a final lunge across the grass to the folly and the finish. Phew! I think I managed 5th (2nd vet) so I’m really pleased - especially after so much disappointment of late. I had to leave early and the results aren’t on the web yet.
A very very fun run, with lots of interesting terrain - my mind always occupied by what was going on - very different to running on the road or flat - physically harder, but mentally easier. And good training for the 5k in them there hills, I reckon.
Like I said, there was a good social vibe - great credit to Westbury Harriers - good course marking and marshalling. Also, Moti, the sponsors, set up a little shop and dished out free isotonic drink at the end - a nice touch. I’m sorry I had to head off early - but I’ll be back next year.
And the groin? No problems - in fact I think the exercise, although uncomfortable at times, has actually helped it recover. That’s two injuries I think have benefitted from moderate “stress”.
Mike |