Bath Two Tunnels 10k - Race Report 🥶💦

[cheekychipmunks]

I was so excited about running today! My first run over 5k since the GSR in October, and I had no time in mind; just to run the distance.

I got to the Park and Ride too early (as I always do), and arrived at the event village with eons to spare. The Kats were running the HM, so couldn’t meet up with them first. It was very chilly, so I hung around watching the various waves start. I was wave 11 of 12! Why am I always so early for things? 😫 The queue for the loo killed a bit more time! 😅

It began to get very cold so I went across to the bag drop where people were sheltering from the icy wind. I got chatting to a nice couple which passed the time. 🙏

Headed out at last for our briefing and warmup (much needed) and we were off! Within a minute we were walking down a very treacherous muddy slope - literally no chance of running! That irked me a bit, but I soon got over it. It was then an undulating path leading to the first tunnel - about 500 metres long. Inside it was lovely and warm and very welcome. My legs knew they were being asked to go a bit further today and adopted trot mode quite happily! The second tunnel was quite a bit longer, and very pleasant to run through.

There was a drinks station after we emerged and I walked a few steps to avoid soaking myself. A bit further on was the turn, then we did the whole thing again in reverse. There was a cruel little hill up to the event village and the finish was on soggy grass, so my sprint finish didn’t really happen! But I achieved my goal! Garmin thought it would have a laugh and award me 9:38k. 🙄🙄 My time was 1:22ish. Quite respectable for me.

I saw TC and Katnap come in after their HM, and by this point it was raining and even colder. 🥶 We went for a pub lunch and kept our coats on! I’m sure they’ll be writing their own reports, so look out for those!

Next race isn’t until May, when hopefully it’ll be warmer (but not too hot please. 😅)

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Just great!!!! Well done to you... You did really well and had a super time.. lovely to meet up with the Kats too...

You being sold short on the distance.. my first HM did the same to me!!!

Brilliant stuff...go you!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss ! It was TailChaser ’s idea to do this race, and how could I resist being so close? 😀

The weather wasn’t great, it has to be said, but it was lovely to be back racing again, and fabulous to see the Kats! 🥰 My Garmin and I will be having words. I didn’t get awarded my February 10k on Strava because of that meanie! 😅

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done cheekychipmunks - definitely an intriguing race this one! I think my sister has done one of them in the summer. Are you doing a series of them? I seem to remembering there might be 3 - is that right?🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandraj39 , yes they run an August one too I believe. Relish are great organisers, and I’ll be doing the Cheddar one again in September, all being well. 😀

[Shake-and-run Half Marathon]

well done Cheeky, and another Red Feb run crossed off. The temperature did seem to drop rapidly today, I feel chilly just reading your report. I hope you have warmed up ! Xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Shake-and-run]

Oh my word Shake-and-run , it was the wind initially, followed by really cold rain. 🥶💦🥶 At least the tunnels kept us dry for most of the run (well my route anyway) but it took a long time to feel warm again.

But yes, only 4 more RED days left. We’ve got this! 👊😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

A big congratulations to you CC, I hope you are very happy with your run and enjoyed your pub lunch as well, I wish Flossie a very happy 12th birthday for tomorrow.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks so much  AlMorr ! I do indeed feel happy with my run. I felt confident I could make the distance, but the route either side of the tunnels wasn’t all flat, and I wasn’t expecting that. I think Eastville PR has helped on that front, and I managed the inclines with no problem! 🙏

Flossie is going to be spoilt today. 12 years young! 🐕🥰

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Aaah,lovely photo of you all! Sounds like a good one to do! Congratulations on a great run xxx something different! 👏

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Ahh thank you aliboo70 ! Yes it’s certainly different, and one I’d do again. Relish are fabulous organisers; shame they couldn’t have organised some nicer weather! 😅 It was lovely to see the Kats 🥰

[Week7 Half Marathon]

That sounds like a fun one - well run!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

It was Week7 ! One for you to try maybe? 😀

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Have to admit I did look at the HM but though I am very close to the end of a HM plan I don't feel I have a HM in my legs at the moment -should have done the 10k maybe!!! Hoping to find a local HM sometime next month or the month after. Don't plan much in advance at the moment as Pup Wk7 now really showing her age - except on the days when she forgets and thinks she's a pup still!!Hope Flossie is having a lovely 🎂. Lovely bright windy day for a Birthday walk!

Hope RED going well for you too!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

How about the Bristol HM which is in May Week7 ? I’m doing the 10k. I’m doing the Cardiff HM again in October. This year I’ll actually train for it. Gosh there’s a theme to my race preparation isn’t there? 🤦‍♀️

Ahh, dear PupW7, such a cutie. I must admit I adore senior dogs so much. ❤️ I just came back from a bright and breezy walk with Flossie. She doesn’t show her age apart from her sweet little greying muzzle. 🥰

Labrador running across a field

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Looking good!!!Bristol HM is huge isn't it? Will have a little think over yhe weekend.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

It is a huge event Week7 , but very well organised and lots of fun. 😀

[Beatlesforever]

Brilliant, very well done Cheeky! Hope the pub lunch helped you get warm, it's turned so cold! 🥶 And a very happy birthday to Flossie 🎂🐶

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thanks Beatlesforever ! We did warm up in the pub, but someone else had the fireside table 😫 It was a great day though and of course we had a good debrief over lunch!

Flossie says thank you! 🥰

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Very well done Cheeky 👍😊 I bet you were glad to run in the tunnels. We had terrible weather here in West Somerset, very heavy rain all day (and still raining now at 10pm!) - certainly no incentive to run!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Thank you skysue16 ! I underestimated how cold it was going to be yesterday, and I didn’t even need to remove my jacket even in the relatively warm tunnels. Where’s spring? 🤷‍♀️

I’d definitely have hidden in the gym for RED Feb if it hadn’t have been for the race!

[David_G Metric Marathon]

Well done cheekychipmunks that sounds like a tough event! 😳

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to David_G]

Ahh thanks David_G . It’s a quirky race that’s for sure! The parts in the tunnels were lovely. Relatively warm and dry. The parts either side of them were hillier than I expected, but fine - but the last bit was a cheeky hill off the path to the park, and the grass was understandably squelchy! I didn’t see many sprint finishes around me! 😅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Well done Cheeky! Quite the ask - a 10k after (during? I've lost track while I've been away) C25K!!! You smashed it.The medal itch has been scratched at last. Here's to many more as the year runs by 😍

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Haha linda9389 , as I said in reply to the pompom post, no one copy me! I’m still going through C25K - I think tomorrow will be W8R2, but I’m continuing with it because I’m enjoying it and want to see it through. Plus it’s helping mix up the runs for RED Feb where there’s another medal waiting! 😍

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done cheekychipmunks Great run 😍

I would have liked to come for the pub lunch without the cold race 🤣

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

That’s very sensible thinking RunWillie 😅 The weather was vile, but it didn’t ruin the day. I do love races, and when there’s a meet-up to be had too, all the better! 😀

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Lovely photo and well done Cheeky. That’s a great achievement after not running more than 5k for so long. Such a shame about the weather, but the bling is worth it 😂

Happy birthday to Flossie xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie1961 ! Yes I was pleased the legs remembered what to do. RED Feb has helped I’m sure. 🙏 The weather was truly foul, but hey we’re in the UK so it has to be expected I suppose!

Flossie is enjoying her birthday so far. A windy walk will be forthcoming, but at least it’s dry and I can even see some sunshine! 😳😀

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Cheeky's plan rather than the magic plan then?😜 Well done - it certainly worked for you!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

Hahaha, yes, Cheeky’s Plan - for the absolute nutters amongst us (just me then!) It did work for me though JonathanP ! 😅

[JonathanP 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

What else would a chipmunk be but a nutter?😂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to JonathanP]

🐿️🤪

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to JonathanP]

🤣🤣

[RunaroundSue]

Well done cheekychipmunks What a shame about the weather but it sounds like an interesting race

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunaroundSue]

Thanks RunaroundSue . It’s a crazy race, but a fun one and I’ll definite be back! 😀

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I’m like you Munks and always arrive far too early. But better early than late. That would seriously stress me.

That sounds cold and muddy but the tunnels must have been rather fun and different. And of course there was the meet-up with the Kats. Great photo 🥰

Well done to you all and especially you Munks as that was quite a jump from 5-10K!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

The poor Kats had it far worse with mud than I did Irishprincess - they were off piste for a lot of their HM! Yes, being early is usually ok if you can park on site, but we’d taken the park and ride so I was left high and dry (aka cold and wet!) 😅

My chipmunk trot did me proud I must say. 🙏

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

So glad that you got to do a race again, despite the appalling conditions Cheeky! I guess the only way on to a disused railway line is down a cutting, unless it starts at a station.

Lovely to see a meet up with the Katz family too. Well done running 10k and getting mojo back and bling to prove it!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Ahh yes Dexy5 , mojo is fully back now! My next race is the Bristol 10k, but that’s not until May. 😫

It was such fun seeing the Kats again. They had it a lot worse than me; their course included some serious mud! 😳

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

After everything you have been through, you are an absolute 🌟 to have got through that!! Hopefully your lust for bling has been revived and you will be churning out the distances again in no time. Your timing in terms of coming back to form is, as ever, immaculate!! Brilliant run.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ahh thanks Beachcomber66 . 🙏 My obstinate nature and tunnel bling vision gets me through! 😂

Seriously though, I credit my return to 10k to good old C25K which got my fitness back. That, plus running 2k on the rest days (RED February had to be kept up!) and hilly Eastville PR! No taking the easy way out and heading to the easier parkruns! 😇

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hills are friends really; just heavily disguised sometimes.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

They are indeed. It was funny when I trotted round Eastville on Saturday at Flossie’s pace. They seemed to flatten out! I still stare in wonder in gazelles who can frolic up them without slowing down! 😳

[Bluebirdrunner]

Ha, great to see you pull that 10k out of the bag Cheeky 🏃‍♀️👌Well done you!

I'm hoping to do something similar in April, when also not 10k ready (again) ☺️

The occasion, meet up and medal are quite a draw aren't they. Do you feel ok afterwards?

Lovely run and report.

xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Are you doing Monsal Trail Bluebirdrunner ? That’ll be wonderful if you are. I was signed up for it, but had to cancel as we’ve brought our holiday forward due to another grandchild arriving in June 🥰

You’ll be brilliant wherever it is you’re running and I know you’ll smash it out the park! 👊

I felt totally fine today, no aches or pains. In fact I did my RED Feb at the gym and ran for 30 minutes rather than the usual 15. My legs enjoyed it!

[Bluebirdrunner in reply to cheekychipmunks]

That's the one Cheeky. 🤞It would have been wonderful to meet you there, but its even more wonderful for you to be welcoming a new grandchild into the world. 💜

Its great to hear you haven't suffered any niggles from that longer run, maybe Adriene and your yoga class had a hand in that.🙏

xxx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Ooo exciting about Monsal Trail Bluebirdrunner 👏👏👏 I was really looking forward to it, and I’ll make a point to try and do it next year. It’s near where my mum was born, and next year would have been her 100th birthday. ❤️

I’m sure you’re right about Adriene helping. 🥰

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

Ooh you have to watch out for those cruel hills, they have a happen of catching you out!!🤭

Well done though, sounds like a really interesting race !😁

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

You’re right Hedgehogs123 ! It was to be expected knowing how steep the slippy hill was that we walked down at the beginning. . Very luckily we didn’t need to run back up that way, and our return route was up a small track with ok footing, not a mud slick! 😅

It’s a fun race, that’s for sure, and I’ll definitely go back next year. 😀

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

Super run cheeky! Really proud of you especially having had to stand in the cold for so long at the start. I would have really hated that as I hate being cold. 🥶

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Ahh thank you RunBrianRun ! That was the one disadvantage of not having my car handy - I’ve been know to shelter in it before very cold and/or wet races. Ironically the last time was at the Cheddar 10k last September; another Relish organised race. It rained cats and dogs until the start! 💦💦💦💦

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

You have every right to be annoyed at your Garmin selling you short! Great race for you though! Two tunnels is on my hit list…you’ve just moved it up with a great report!

Congrats again 🏅🏅🏅

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I love my watch too MissUnderstanding ! I can forgive its dodgy HR monitor and elevation stats (always change to Strava data for the latter), but short changing me on distance is very irritating!!It even lops off 0.20k at PR most weeks! 🙄😅

You should 100% give Two Tunnels a whirl;‘it’s a fun one! 😀

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Did it lose satellite connection in the tunnel? Although it sounds as if you'd lose a bit more than you did if that was the case.

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Astounding lady you and astounding legs too that just seem to know what they are being called upon to do! Congratulations 🎉🏃‍♀️😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

You’re very kind over61andstilltrying 🙏 My legs are at their happiest locked into their Steady Eddy pace and they usually don’t fail me. They don’t enjoy being asked to go out of their speed comfort zone though, and I have to have words! 😅