I’ve never stayed in Derbyshire, so last summer when the idea of the Monsal Trail was mooted, I thought I would join the HU gang and have a visit. As is often the case, things didn’t quite go to plan and my room mate couldn’t make it so hubby was substituted as travel companion (he was not particularly keen!). We had to wait until after the footie and arrived after dark, joining Sandie1961 and her hubby for dinner. Storm Kathleen arrived before dessert and as we were on a hilltop location, it was extremely wet and windy. We left our companions to their night in ‘the van’ and went in search of our accommodation. It was one of those ‘help yourself’ type B&Bs and we got soaked as we fiddled with the key code trying to get in. Soon dry and warm and snuggled in a cosy bed, we listened to the storm crashing about outside, hoped our friends survived the night and wished for better weather in the morning.
The morning was a little damp and a bit blustery, but on meeting up with fellow HU runners on the start line we were basking in sunshine. It was wonderful to put faces to names, particularly Oldfloss whose words of wisdom have encouraged and supported me on my running journey for several years. We were soon on our way and the route did not disappoint. The surface was even and firm (with only a few puddles) and the railway cuttings kept the wind to a minimum. I’m used to seeing Sandie disappear up the trail, but she was being sensible and keeping her pace steady as she is returning from injury, so it was with some surprise I found myself pulling away from her.
I’m used to ‘competition nerves’ as many years competing at national level with horses has taught me to keep nerves under control (otherwise the horse picks up on them and can get a bit daft), but for this event I had lost the art. I was in a bit of a state and had several visits to the loo before reaching the start line. My objective for this run was to run the 10k without any walk breaks and trotting along this wonderful trail, I was beginning to think I might be able to do it. However, it soon became apparent that, although my nerves had settled, I was going to need the loo before I finished the run. I thought there were toilets at the turn point in the tunnel so I hung on only to discover I had got it wrong (there are some at the HM turn). Looking out for and High-fiveing Sandie, Oldfloss and Bluebirdrunner as we passed took my mind off it for a while but at 8km I knew I was going to have to act. It is spring, the hedgerows are not particularly green yet so I selected a somewhat inadequate bush and dived behind it (well if it is good enough for the great Paula Radcliffe, it is good enough for me). I reemerged just as Sandie came trotting by, checked all was good with her and headed on to the finish. I completed the run still feeling strong and able to sprint for the line. No PB but around the 1;15, 1.17, or 1.18 mark (depending if you go from my garmin, chip time or gun time) and I ran every metre.
Mr Shakes was with Sandie’s hubby at the line. They had been occupying themselves with a coffee break and a special quest. Bakewell Pudding is very different to Bakewell Tart and has something of a reputation as a local delicacy. Mr Sandie is a Derbyshire man and knew just where to get the best Bakewell pudding and led Mr Shakes in search of the shop where several purchases were made.
With Sandie safely over the line, medals collected and stretches done, we headed back to the campsite and pub on the hill for a shower and a delicious Sunday lunch. The rain and wind returned while we munched our roast potatoes and soon it was time to head for home. Leaving Sandie and her hubby to another stormy night in the van we left Derbyshire, its beautiful scenery and friendly people. Later that evening we warmed our Bakewell Pudding and ate it with cream. It is manna from heaven, quite delicious. Hubby is looking forward to returning to Bakewell next time so he can get some more pudding!!
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Shake-and-run
Half Marathon
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What a run 😁, sounds so good apart from the loo stop, and Bakewell pudding, I need to try that, I'll stick it on my bucket list, meeting HU friends is great too
Brilliant report Shakes, and I’m sorry to let you down as room mate. Blame my daughter!!
I’ve never tried Bakewell Pudding either and now I want to. I’ll have to run that race at some point for that very purpose. Anyone mention going next year? 🤞
Congratulations on running the whole 10k in a great time, and I’m relieved Kathleen took a little break to let you enjoy it. 😀
So well done to you and the gang Shake-and-run . It must feel so good to have run all 10k in a race. It is such a beautiful area to run in too and I will definitely return to the Peak District .
We went home with Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart and I preferred the tart, UTS the pudding.
Storm Kathleen could have timed it a bit better but at least it was nice for the race. 🏃♀️👏👏 🥇
Thanks Dexy, the Peak District is beautiful in a wild open way. Bakewell reminded me of the little towns in the lakes, full of tourists and shops selling outdoor clothing.
Sounds like the perfect day Shakes. Funny how a race brings that bit extra out of the legs.
I am now keen to try some Bakewell pudding, pre- diabetes or not! I really like Bakewell Tart…so must do a compare and contrast. Mr Shakes sounds as though he up for another trip!
Thanks BC. Mr Shakes now says he doesn't need to go next time as I can bring pudding back for him. I said he will need to get the pudding as I won't have time. So we will have to see. It is a lovely place and nice event. Generally I don't revisit events but I could make an exception for this one.
What a lovely run report! This event sounds great and has clearly become quite popular with some of the HealthUnlocked runners! Great photos and memories too, I expect ( with the exception of the toilet stop!!) Well done to all who ran!👏🙂🏅
Thanks Miss Wobble. I hope I get to go to Derbyshire again. According to Google the pudding dates back to the 13th century, so may be Shakespeare tried some. (Not that there are dates and quince in a Bakewell pudding!!).
I know! Maybe there should be. 😀 I fancied planting a proper quince tree (cydonia something or other) but they are large and I might be dead before it bore fruit 😁. They’re very fragrant fruits 🙂
Inspired by talk of fruity puddings, I made a goodly bread and butter one last night 😋👌
I loved this write up as this is my regular haunt (MrGM and I were in Bakewell spotting goosander on the river for a post prandial walk last night - but we had headed for the coast on the day of the event as I thought I might expire from being too long away from the sea)
I am so glad you have alldiscovered the delights of the pudding. They do puddings by post. (A warning... Ed Byrne has a piece in his current show (his wife growing up round here and having worked in the pudding shop) which does risk spoiling it for you forever).
Also folks... Innov-8 shop in Bakewell, lovely staff.
Thanks GM, We looked up the Mail order option, but at twice the price they are in the shop (and they are not cheap to start with) I think we will just wait till we visit again.
Great report! Sounds like you all had a marvellous time. This one is on my list of runs I have to do one day after reading so many good things about it on HU. Love the photos too 👍🏻
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