The last couple of weekends I have been enjoying some winter racing in some tough events to keep me interested as we head into the colder and darker months.
These races were great. The Puma Hellrunner is based at Longmoor Army Training Camp near Bordon and runs you over the training area, with the last part of the course taking you through the 'Bog of Doom' - a bit of track that is chest deep in muddy water and goes on for about 50 metres. Spectators line the banks on both sides (they are way up above you) shouting 'swim, swim, swim...'. Not Bl**dy Likely! It was a little chilly. I was not alone in my Inov8's - seemed like half the field had them on - sensible lot!
The Saab Salomon Turbo X 10 mile race was slightly different. Rather than a cross country race followed by one or two wet and muddy bits, the mud started early on as we crossed another Bordon Army area - this time the tank training area. The course weaved through the forest over tracks, paths, sand, mud, steep hills and descents and then through the 'Jungle'. When orienteering I don't think I even go in areas like that - they are usually marked on an O map with an uncrossable marsh symbol. Well....it wasn't uncrossable...but it came pretty close and it was stinking!
I ran most of the way in front of Natalie White - who I think is a well known fell runner from 'Up North' although as far as I am concerned that means anything north of London! She started in front and then I think she spotted me and then let me take the lead. Then, just before the really bogging part she passed me and put in a kick. I caught her up again in the bog but in the last flatter section she was just a bit faster and came in ahead of me with 100m to go. I think she ran the better tactical race. Great fun to have a proper race on my hands though!
Anyway - tired legs now - and I'm not sure the mud is the sort that is good for the skin....
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