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Running the Longleat 10k

Little did I know when I signed up for this event just exactly what was meant by the course description of 'hilly'! The race pack included a diagram showing the gradients involved in the run and a 50m climb really did not sound or look like much, nor the fact that you had to do it twice, with another climb in between.

The course was in three stages. It consisted of a first loop, that took you back past the start/finish, a second loop that came back near to the start/finish area, and the final loop, which was the same as the first.

I started off at a steady pace and was aiming to run at about 75% of my max heart rate, but this proved very tricky given the hill climbs. After a short warm up we started the first hill and I was pleased to run up this one without having to walk. I took a little comfort in thinking of the downhill I'd be reaching soon, where I'd be able to catch up with lost time and recover a little... but this did not go to plan. The downhill was in fact very steep. It was hard to keep a steady pace and I was also afraid of losing my balance and tumbling down rather than running.

This event was well organised and the views around the Longleat estate were lovely. I was also pleased to be helping to raise money for the charity I support - Dorothy House. A very pleasant way to spend a cold Febuary morning!

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