Not quite the GMR, and sadly no C25K buddies (that I knew of - but some parkrun regulars to say hello to) , but a 10k albeit on very different terrain 😁
The Hoohaah 10k X 3 , series takes place at National Trust properties not too far from me, the first in April was at Ickworth House in Suffolk, all multi terrain, although after all the rain the mud was the key component! I've never seen so much, I ended up perfecting a type of skiing technique 😄, anyway, the second of the series was at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire yesterday, again multi terrain, and when I say multi terrain......there was a bit of Tarmac at the start and the finish, in between there were gravel, rocks - well small ones sort of flattened but loose, mud, tractor tracks, ruts, a great big hill, a very, very steep downhill, cow fields ( not too many smelly roundabouts - they'd obviously gone out for the day) and just before the end a sheep field with lots of sheep poo and so uneven I had to walk at a couple of points - I regularly run off road and on farm tracks, this was something else! - I got the impression not many two legged creatures or vehicles go on this field 😁 Just Shaun and his friends snuffling about and digging bits here and there 😀
Having said that there was a lovely track through woodland, and after expecting it to be cooler and drizzly, it was actually dry and rather warm! Given the varied terrain I was pleased with my time of 1hr 15, whilst I'd like to improve a bit on my time completing the series is my aim - you get a free Hoohaah hoodie or jacket 😄. I was watching out for lanky the giraffe, in case he was wanting to cause mischief elsewhere than the GMR, but he wasn't there, bananaman turned up so lanky would have been in trouble anyway. (Bananaman came in 5th at 40 minutes, so lanky wouldn't have stood a chance)
It was the very steep down hill that got me, I just didn't know what to do, my body went into brake mode and as a result I've got a bruised toe, but hey ho, I tried taking tiny steps and relaxing, but almost ended up walking - anyone know of techniques to use on very sharp downhills?
The next and last Hoohaah 10k of the series is at Hatfield Forest on 19th June, again multi terrain and things they call 'moderate' hills 😩 (That's what the've called them in all the course descriptions - don't be fooled!) they're good events with a great atmosphere.
Looking forward to the next one, my legs certainly know they've had a right proper work out!
Happy running all
Mx
Written by
Madge50
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Thanks Dunder, I must admit the last field nearly put me off, it was so uneven my foot was slipping about in my shoe and I thought I had blisters - thankfully didn't (broke a rule and wore new socks😀)
Ooh I love those leggings Madge! They're just the business. What a great piccie and a fab sounding run on tricky terrain. A big well done. The only thing I've done on sharp downhills is to try to relax and not brake, keep everything "loose"', small quick steps, upright position and just go for it. I've read it's the braking that causes us most harm although it's very hard not to when you're tearing downwards! I love the sound of that series. Must Google!
the leggings are space invaders, those of a certain age will recognise them from those massive table games they had in pubs years ago. I had a major kit faffidge just before leaving for the event, started with my 'old faithfuls' capri's, which are getting abit 'old' with the amount of times they've been through the wash, then thought, it's going to be hot..... what about the lightweight ones, on off, then space invaders and no time left so that was that!
Well done you for getting this far in the series, I think they are a great idea, I cant wait to enter the one in our area! Good luck for the final event
Thanks saph, have a look at National Trust sites, they seem to be really getting into the sport thing, they actually have a team NTSport, that set up events, they host a parkrun and junior parkrun at Wimpole, and do loads of other stuff to, I'm sure I've seen some night events too.
A head torch is something I've yet to try out......not sure that I'd be that confident in the dark........I've run on dark mornings as its getting light, but not the other way round.
Thanks floss, the variety of countryside was lovely, and it's a real treat to run through wooded areas on such a day - reminded me of my childhood - all good despite the uneven bits!
Great stuff Madge, that's a brilliant time, especially on that kind of terrain. I love those leggings too! I want them! I've got a space invaders t-shirt that would be fab with them!
Thanks curly, my plan was that people would be distracted by the leggings to not notice how slow I was 😄, add in your t-shirt and it'll send everyone's eyes into meltdown and I'll become a blur😄, sounds like a plan......I got them from a site called Lotus Leggings - they come from China, now you have to remember that Chinese people are generally tiny, tiny petite sorts, so you have to buy giant size to ensure they fit us longer types....tip from my daughter - she loves wacky leggings 😃
I love the look of lotus leggings website. Sizing aside are they pretty good? I like a drawstring waist though........ (god I sound about 90 with that comment!)
They are on the thinner side, fine for the summer, not sure about the winter, mine have been fine so far, I've had no 'roll down' (on the waist band) and no, they don't have a drawstring in. (they're not too pricey though.....)
I got another pair from wildbangarang - see below they do have a drawstring and a very wide comfortable waist band - the lady who sells them plays roller derby - and she's the model in most of the photos - get those calf muscles!
That sounds good fun, well done. A free hoodie would actually be an incentive for me!
If I was faced with a steep hill down I would zig-zag down, but that doesn't work if you're confined to a path.
I don't *think* Hatfield Forest should prove too hilly, but I've never looked at it as a runner. I'll do my first parkrun there Saturday and will scope out any undulations for you!
Thanks Digger, good luck with the parkrun, I hope you like it, I love parkrun! I'll look out for your report, I like tree/wooded runs, I don't mind hurdling the odd tree root 😄 (As long as I can see them!)
I'm not sure how long the Hoohaah series has been 'running' but, yes, I'm after a running jacket - maybe you'll be tempted for next year? And you can never have too much running gear - how would you do your faffidge?
I seem to be building a whole list of fantasy runs/events before I've even graduated from the program! I've just watched the video for the Hoohaah series, looks cool.
You're going to have to explain faffiidge. If it's general fannying about, I am a pro.
You might want to look up the Wings for Life World Run too.......brilliant event - Run by RedBull .. ...it will be in Cambridge again next year.......take heart, it's taken me a long time to get here, you will.
Yes, faffing about, faffidge, fannying about, same thing...😄
Thanks pops, the first one could have definitely been a 'tough mudder' they could have chucked a few ropes across and charged a whole lot more, and made loads of money 😂
I was talking to a lady on the way round, and I bet you can't guess what the subject was...........cow pats, yes, cow pats and how being brought up in the country, makes you unafraid of said cow pats - I did think to myself, it's going to be a bit odd explaining the topic of conversation to someone who asks me how the run went......😄
Now, all this chat about the C25kers going for the 'arf' for next year, I'm thinking of going for Cambridge HM next year, maybe, just maybe.......
Oh, fantastic Madge! That sounds like a real toughie! Congratulations on taking on a challenge like that🙂! There is a NT one near me soon and I have been debating whether I would manage the 'hills'! Do many people walk at points or does everyone gambol up them like mountain goats? Am scared of looking like the novice I am but would love to try a trail event as I do a lot of my running, like you, in the countryside. Anyway, thanks for inspiring....should I or shouldn't ?
Hi Sandra, oh yes, do it, and yes most people walked on the hills - well where I was in the pack anyway, lots did run/walk, including me. To be honest I wasn't looking for any particular time, so far both have been completely different so you can't compare. I did try on the hills but didn't push too hard as I want to be able to complete the series and to be honest, my normal routes don't have them! (Well not that big anyway) I would highly recommend this series as they are not boring!
I think it's more sensible to take it steady - just think how good we'll be on the flat! I'm definitely stronger than I was last year, (see old post of 10k fit for a cart horse ) not necessarily much quicker, but there is a difference in how strong my feet and ankles feel now
The one I have been looking at is not a Hoohaah one, but it is at a NT property and beautiful (if hilly) surroundings. Might pop over at half term and check it out. They are also going to do this new free 'Trust10 10k trail' that you can run for free once a month. (Not timed, but have my Garmin for that!) Would be a good experience. I do a bit of hill work on my local runs but the trail events around me tend to be in the Surrey Hills and are mahoosive compared to what I normally run on! Thanks for the encouragement.🙂
The one thing I think is lovely about the NT ones is you are practically guaranteed some stunning views and a variety of surroundings, OK, it's not easy terrain, but, one minute it's farm/grazing land, next it's a hill, then woodland, lakes, rivers plus great views of their properties. NT certainly seem to be getting into the 'activity/sport' thing.
They do don't they? It's a great way for them to raise fund I guess.I have seen another NT one in September, which I know isn't too hilly but would love to find a local one sooner. May just have to brave those hills! Thanks Madge🙂
Thanks Noaky, yes, it's like when the marshals, lovely though they are, say 'not long now' , or 'looking good' - when you know you're all purple in the face and have your war face on! 😄
Ha ha! Thanks go on, there's another place called wildbangarang, that does pretty snazzy leggings, my daughter knows the owner she used to do roller derby with her ( the owner still does roller derby) the other week there was a chap at our parkrun who wore a pair of leggings that look like the bones and muscles of the leg, I.e with no skin on, not sure I'd be brave enough to wear them! 😄 I quite fancy a pair that look like armour or robot legs 😄
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