Burghley 7 -rather late race report!

[Hedgehogs123]

Hi all

I had all good intentions of getting this race report done last Sunday after the actual race, however this week has just been really hectic, so this is the first chance Ive had to do it.

I know some of you have done this race before and know what a lovely course it is with such beautiful views, and it is indeed a great race, but oh my goodness, we got soooo wet, waiting for the start, all the way through the race and then right at the finish 🙄.

There is a steady incline that if you're not aware can catch you out, I think its about mile 4. Last year I did run/walk up it, this year I was determined Id run up it, regardless of how slow, and thats exactly what I did. Having got up , I was feeling quite pleased with myself, until the head on wind hit us at the top! 😁. Given that Ive still got a few health issues, I kept a steady pace and actually finished 1 minute slower than last year , so wasn't too disappointed.

This time I'd ordered a tee shirt, and when I went to to collect it, I thought they were giving me a child's, as it was so tiny! The ladies did explain that this year the tee shirts had come out rather small. Its lovely, but definately will need to be hand washed in cold water!

The worst part was having to walk back to the start (about a mile) when we were already wet and cold as the bag drop for some reason hadn't been moved to the finish. That said, all in all I'd still recommend it as it a lovely course, so I'll definately be back next year 👍😁🏅

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Well done Hedgehogs123, you nailed it in tough conditions. I will call off the HU search party 🙂. You wonder why they didn’t bring the bag drop and start/finish a bit closer together. Call it a cool down walk!

Brilliant running 🏆🍹

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

You can say that again 😁, and also no goody bag!!🤔

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

No. Goody. Bag. 😱

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

So well done, the weather sounds horrible and the walk back to the bag drop must have felt miserable but you ran up that hill, go you 😁👏👏👏😁

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Haha thank you, well I try to remember now, 'hills are our friends!' so I grit my teeth and give it my all!! 😁

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to Hedgehogs123]

I'm just chuffed that I can run all the way over the railway bridge when I used to have to walk half of it, it's quite flat round here 😁

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Well done Hedgehogs123 - and a real reminder of the difference the weather can make! Not sure I would have liked a mile walk to the bag drop either - definitely room for improvement by the organisers, I think. Either way, it does sound like a great setting!🙂

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes, we were rather surprised about the bag drop, didnt seem to make sense at all, particularly when it was pouring down!🌨🌨

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Well done Hedgehogs, that’s a win. 😀 We had a headwind too I remember, and rain! Nice medal though isn’t it? Good and hefty.

Hope you’ve warmed up. 🥶

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes its certainly a lovely medal, surprised at no goody bag, not even even water (obviously on the route) , but couldn't remember the bag drop being back at the start last year. Luckily because of the forecast I had taken a change of shoes, socks and warm jacket!

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Oh! Impressive! The thought of being wet through before the race even began, during the race and afterwards oh! I'm not sure I could face it! Well done to you!

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you, I must admit we were getting a little fed up at the beginning and just wanted the race to start. I think the 'runners high' from crossing the finish line got us through it at the end, and the fact that absolutely everyone was soaked so, we had no choice but to just get on with it. Lovely course, but awful day!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Oh, well done Hedgehogs123 👏 👍 that sounds tough but beautiful. And you got that fab looking bling!

How were the achilles? Ok I hope.

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

The medal is lovely!! The annoying thing is now not only is my Achilles still very painful, (and I'd rested it) but the arthritis in both my big toes has flared up. It actually hurts in the balls of both feet and it is mind over matter that keeps me running, (or maybe its me being stubborn and refusing to give in, I am a Capricorn after all! )

A year ago, I hardly ever went to the GP and had very few medical issues or injuries, now its stay on the IC or be sensible and admit you can't do the level you were doing. Think I answered my own question there, but its still annoying isn't it?!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

that sounds a lovely place to run Hedgehogs123 , but what awful weather to run in. Having said that, I found once you are wet, you can’t get any wetter.

What is it about T-shirts? The Great South Run shirts were much smaller last year. Change of sponsor and cheaper T-shirts!

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I have to say, it was worse because the day before was brilliant sunshine and then wack on the Sunday, all change!! T-shirt, this is the first time Ive ordered a small and it really is very very small, I swear it would fit a 10 year old!!!! 😂

[Folkylass]

Hi Hedgehogs123 🙋‍♀️well done on your race. Shame about the weather though and having to walk back to the start for your bag not to mention no goody bag I bet you weren’t expecting that after all you effort ☹️☹️However you still did good so a massive congratulations 🥳 🥳🎉xx

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Folkylass]

Aww thank you. Just annoying how the day before it had been brilliant sunshine, and then on the sunday morning, the heavens just opened!!🙄

[misswobble Marathon]

Oh well done! 😀💪👍🏃‍♀️🏅

Conditions were unfavourable but you came through ✊

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done Hedgehogs123 😍

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Massive. well done to you.... in very hard conditions too.

A well earned medal and a lovely evocative photograph... !

That soggy walk back at the finish did not dampen your joy, I am sure.. xxx

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Combination of rain and cold, don't actually mind the rain, I find it quite refreshing, but not when its cold too, Im such a wimp!😁

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Well done, especially in that weather. I seem to remember a long walk back to the car when we did it 2 years ago and a single coffee van, which had a mile long queue. Maybe they need to look at the organisation, as it’s a lovely course and a lot of runners. I might be tempted to do it again!

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

It is a great event, and I couldn't remember if last year the bags were brought to the finish. I think because it was raining and cold, it made the walk back so much longer 😒🌧️🌧️

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Hedgehogs123 that's excellent you conquered the hill in those conditions! Congratulations!! 😁sounds like the weather wasn't the best so extra kudos to you! Xxx

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you, the weather was awful, but its a great event and although, its not a huge hill, its one of those that slowly climbs up so it really tests your legs and your stamina!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You slayed the hill. That's bloomin impressive, and with the weather and fatigue on top it's awesome. Your determination is an inspiration HH 🥰

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Aww thank you, its down to being stubborn, I hate giving in and letting things beat me!!

[Dendev75 Half Marathon]

Well done, lovely bling! It’s great when you return to a race and have different goals so well done on running the incline this year 💪🏻

The rain sounds like it made it tough waiting round and also at the end having to walk a mile to get your bags but I bet your legs thanked you for it later. ☺️