Bluebell Bash anyone?

[Mojoxxx]

Tempted to try my first trail run next weekend but anxious about the terrain and whether it’ll just be too uneven. Has anyone done this one? It’s near Wimborne in Dorset? I’m planning on doing the 10k but there’s also a 5k, half and marathon I believe.

If it’s on paths through woodland, then I’ll be fine but if it’s through fields/grassy areas where I can’t see the ground, I have a fear I’ll twist my ankle. I have balance issues from a stroke so always try and run where I can see the ground but I also think a trail run would be enjoyable! Hopefully someone on here has done it and can confirm the terrain? Thank you x

[Cmoi Graduate10]

No experience of this event, though from photos online it doesn't look technically demanding.

However, a couple of things to bear in mind: have you already done some running off-road? By that I mean not on pavements, tarmac, park paths and similar. If you've only ever run on fairly even, smooth, artificial surfaces, you'll find that trails feel quite different and present different challenges.

Also, do you have trail (or hybrid) shoes? Going by the photos I think they'd be advisable. I'm not sure road shoes would provide the necessary grip.

Take part by all means, just be prepared to walk if necessary.

[Mojoxxx Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

Never run off road, no and don’t have trail shoes either. I’d be reluctant to buy some in case trails are not for me and I would be quite ok with walking parts of it. Not sure where that leaves me now but only have until Tuesday to sign up. I run a longer run each week, between 8-9km comfortably slow so not concerned about distance and not bothered by time either. I think I’ll go out for a long run on Tuesday and see how my body is feeling, then decide! There’s free cake after which is quite the incentive😀

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Mojoxxx]

I can totally understand why you wouldn't want to buy trail shoes just for this and agree that cake is a great incentive!

I live in mid-mountain countryside, so ran slopes and off-road terrain pretty much from starting C25K. No choice really - the alternative would've been driving 5km each way to dodge cars on flatter valley roads without pavements.

Very much agree with damienair - if you decide to enter, take it easy and walk if you don't feel confident to run.

[Madwife60 in reply to Mojoxxx]

I got some Nike trail shoes for £4 brand new from Vinted and they are soooo comfy I wear them everywhere

[Mojoxxx Graduate10 in reply to Madwife60]

Thanks for the idea. I’ve just had a look and have also picked some up for £4! Handy to have anyway! X

[damienair Administrator]

I have not done this event but I have done similar. I even did a 13K Mountain Run a few times on some very difficult terrain. As said by Cmoi, good trail shoes would be advisable and just take your time. Don't try to race it, just take part for the experience and enjoy it. If parts are very difficult or you don't feel comfortable, just slow down and walk those sections until your happy to run again. Enjoy.

[Mojoxxx Graduate10]

thank you for your response and advice damienair. Will go for a slow long runnon Tuesdaya nd devude after that butif I do it, it will be with my usual running shoes on as not buying trail shoes just for this event in caseit’s not for me. I feel I want to attempt a trail run to potentially open up that type of running for me as an alternative to road 10ks but am concerned if my ankles and balance is up to it. But as you say, I can simply walk if it gets too tricky.