Cannock Chase Forest 10K

[andystev]

Bloody hell! That was hilly. No, I mean really hilly. It was described as "undulating". That, I'll tell you, is understating it somewhat.

The briefing started with an apology for setting us off uphill. Which pretty much set the tone. One of the hills is actually called Cardiac Hill, crying out loud!

After the first hill I'd pretty much resigned myself to not coming in under the hour, as I'd hoped. It's all a bit "finger in the wind" anyway, I don't really know where my 10k pace is right now, and absolutely no idea for a trail. A hilly trail? Forget it, just run on feel.

Quite a few folk were walking up the hills, something I'm not keen on, I find it increasingly difficult to get going again if I walk. So other than a couple of seconds to gulp down a slurp or two of water at the half way water station, it was running all the way (shuffling more like, at the top of some of the hills).

I had a fun game of leap frog with a girl that was a touch faster then me on the flat, but walked up the hills. I'd pass her on the hill, then she'd pass me on the down hill. Third time she caught up I stayed with her, then pulled away on the next uphill. Didn't see her again after that.

The last mile was mostly flat and even, I managed to pick the pace up considerably and reeled in a good half dozen folk before the finish, which was quite satisfying.

1:03:51 chip time, which I'm calling a win. It was bloody hard work in places!

Really enjoyed that one.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Cardiac Hill, I assume that hill is pretty steep, if it hadn't been for Cardiac Hill you probably would have achieved a sub 60 minute 10k. Congratulations nevertheless on completing the run.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That final burst of overtaking must give a great sense of achievement, knowing you've worked really hard but that you knew yourself better than the folk who were fading in the final stretch. Sounds like a mighty fine time for a super tough course. Well done. You may be a bit stiff and achy tomorrow 😀

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Nothing beats finishing a hard run! Well done - especially on 'Cardiac Hill'! Your time looks good too, for a hilly one and I love the bling!🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Great time for a hilly race. Sounds like a good time was had!