Bluebell Trail 10k Race
Yesterday (Sunday) was the Bluebell Trail 10k race in Dalkeith Country Park. It's the first time I've ran this race and I was really looking forward to it.
The past week I've been pretty low, mentally not in a good place, but a trail race, around some country trails in the sunshine sounded like the perfect therapy.
I had done a couple of easy runs last week but I knew that I wasn't in great shape. I told myself that I would go to the race, just run it and don't put any pressure on myself.
I had planned to to wear my non-club running vest so that I wasn't under any pressure to "perform" in a club vest, but then I pulled it on a couple of non-club vests and they were a tad tighter than I remember!! More about that later, but I had no choice but to wear my club vest as it was meant to be a really warm day and no way was I racing in a tshirt.
Mandy, Toby and I jumped in the car and took the short drive to Dalkeith Country Park. Arriving in plenty time, I walked to the registration tent and picked up my race number.
I did a quick 2k warm up to see what the ground was like and the trails looked amazing. Hard packed but in great shape for racing. I had the option of wearing my road racing shoes or my trail shoes which had more grip. I decided that I could get away with wearing road shoes but I'd prefer to have the grip, just in case.
Toby joined me for some of my warm up and before I knew it, it was time to head to the start line.
I got myself near the front, not too close as I knew I wasn't in that sort of shape, but close enough to not get stuck behind anyone.
After a short race briefing and a countdown, the horn sounded and we were off.
The race
We were off and down a road for the first 1k, my legs felt pretty heavy from the off so I knew it was going to be a long race. Down a slight hill and out towards the trails. There was a nice mix of undulations, some puddles, lovely tree lined paths and I was really enjoying it. The first few kilometres went past pretty well. There was a mix of 5k and 10k runners so it was hard to tell who you were racing against. I just had to focus on my own race.
- 4:13min/km (6:47min/mi)
- 4:29min/km (7:12min/mi)
- 4:49min/km (7:45min/mi)
- 4:25min/km (7:06min/mi)
- 4:46min/km (7:40min/mi)
I wasn't looking at my pace at all during the race, there was no point. I would just get stressed if the pace wasn't where my mind thought I should be. It was all about enjoying racing again.
At the end of the first 5k there was a sharp hill called "Heartbreak hill" - there is a good reason why it's called that. It's a sharp climb and it really makes you work to get to the top.
I know I get stitches if I work too hard on climbs so I eased up the pace, got to the top and then tried to get the legs moving again. There was a water station just at the top of the hill and I picked up some much needed water.
Back on to the road, I felt I could try and make up some time and I pushed on a bit. Put some distance between me and the other runner who was behind me on the hill.
The second lap was a slightly different course and there was more mud, more technical trails and I'd say more climbs. Nothing major but I could really feel it in my legs.
There was one section where we ran through a field of long grass and that was really tough. The grass was so long you couldn't tell what was under it, it was really uneven. I was glad to see the end of that section.
Then there was a long slow climb from 6k to 8.5k along narrow trails with tree roots, mud, and tractor ruts. It was a great technical section but the lungs and legs were really burning by now and in the back of my mind, I knew I still had heartbreak hill to go!
My garmin was also about 250m out of sync with the Km markers by now so I wasn't even sure when to expect the final hill.
- 4:38
- 4:52
- 4:55
- 4:46
- 4:35
- 4:03 (for the last 260m on my watch)
Finally, I started to recognise some of the trail again and I knew the hill was close but I could also hear someone else catching me.
We came around the corner and started the climb up heartbreak hill and I was passed. I put my hands on my thighs and just pushed as hard as I knew I could, without risking a stitch.
We got to the top of the hill and back on to the road.
With about 300 metres to go, I was back on firm ground and I put the foot down, picked up the pace and passed the guy who caught me on the hill. I was really pleased with the final section of the race.
I pushed hard. I raced to the best of my current fitness and I really enjoyed the course. It was a super friendly event and I'll be sure to head back again next year. Hopefully fitter and able to really push hard on the course.
I finished 22nd / 227 which considering everything, I'm over the moon with.
Thanks to the race organisers and marshals, they put on a fantastic event.
Thanks to Mandy and Toby for being the best support crew.
Full race results : https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/3h2
What's next?
Since pulling on my vests, I decided to stand on the scales and I was shocked to find I was about a stone or more heavier than I thought I was!! I'm now focusing on losing some of that weight over the next few months.
I also have another race, on Wednesday! The Blast Running Sundowner in Inverleith Park, another trail race but 5k this time!
Bring it on!