This had `training run` written all over it, some tired legs after last night at Castleton and more so tired eyes after listening to Dan Valencia snore all night!We had pre-entered this 14 or 26 mile walk or run a mere £10 I think it was and Dan never actually paid!
Anyway this morning its Rob Beers (Me), Dan , John Houghton, Greg Pettingill and Simon Bottrill doing the 14 and young Katie Hateley who is going one better than us and doing the 26 miler! I`ll point out I’m wearing second claim colours this morning as a tribute to Barrow Runners Paul Osborne who sadly died last week whilst running the Ramathon half marathon in Derby-Stilton Striders offer sincere condolences to Barrow Runners and Paul`s family.
So a sold out boot bash starting just outside the Cannon Gate at Chatsworth estate, the opening 7 miles have a similarity to doing Grindleford Gallop backwards from the same spot. It’s quite a pull out of the estate which isn’t good as a few of us have funny tummies and the humidity is really bad, the option to walk is taken quite a few times.
We leave Katie at 5 miles where the route splits although the checkpoint a mere 4.1 miles later felt like forever, I know there were all times where we could’ve all just stopped and sat down for an hour. By the second checkpoint we are on more unfamiliar territory and despite the often grand undulation (read hills) we are starting to feel a little more awake and enjoying it more. Miles 10-11 take in some gorgeous scenery through some woodland and offer great views over the peak district, pretty much running Nirvana we were loving it.
Final checkpoint and only two miles to go, a great drop into Baslow over the fields and a nip up back through the town back to the village hall for Pie and Mushy peas courtesy of the entry fee all crossing the line together. We actually finished quite high up the field saying we were messing about and walking, might be one to try with a bit of speed one year as really lovely event and very well organised.
Have to mention Katie who did her first ultra with the `Marathon` clocked at 27.5 miles! Think we have a natural!