By Caroline Davis
The weekend of running 100 miles finally arrived on 18th April and I arrived early at Sherwood Pines to set-up the tent and lay out my clothing for the weekend.
As the event didn’t start until 10.30am, there was time for a test run at Parkrun. As the going was good underfoot, I was relieved to be able to wear my road trainers and things were soon underway.
This was a lapped multi-event course put on by Rasselbock, following their Backyard Ultra and 100th event last weekend. Unlike the 6-hour events where you can run any distance from 5k upwards, this event offered several set distances.
Obviously, I had to go the whole hog and opt for the 100 miles. It comprised a 10-mile loop around the south of Sherwood Pines mainly on hard tracks but avoiding the cycle trails. However, they did occasionally cross paths, so you needed to keep your wits about you as it’s mecca for cyclists, and they don’t slow down for anybody.
The route included some ups which were a definite for walking and downs which gave you the impetus to pick up the pace again.
Overall, it was a good mix for a long run. The event was small I only really saw the other runners at the start line and the odd person that overtook me or I overtook on course. Unfortunately, I did manage to get stuck behind a runner who weed on the nearest tree without thinking about hiding on EVERY LAP. Us females must go on an epic trek to preserve our modesty. Thankfully I lost him after 3 laps.
Overall, it was a fruitful weekend, finishing in 25:18:11, a 2-hour improvement on my first 100-mile event.
The event was topped off with me winning 1st female for the 100 miles. I’ve had a couple of firsts recently, but this time I have my block of wood to prove it.
There’s no rest for the wicked though as I’m running the Virtual London marathon at The Tissington Trail. Hopefully my hips and feet will be ready for another run.
I might just have to treat myself to another pair of trainers to keep up with the mileage.