A head for heights

My first race of the new year today, and the first time I've entered a running race in North Devon. The event was the Braunton 10m road race, a challenging route on country lanes between Braunton and Barnstaple and quite a shock to the system after several weeks of plodding through my training plan. The race experience could be summed up thus: an endless succession of thigh-burning hills during which you choose between walking for a while or your lungs bursting out of your chest, a couple of miles pleasant jog with fabulous views, then suddenly a glimpse of the end to take you by surprise and a fast downhill finish.

What I learnt from today's race was that I need to do more practise on hills. I'm not used to such extreme inclines, and even the sharp descents felt jarring, but the race today reminded me that incoporating more hills into training routes can be rewarding. The incredible views on reaching the top provided one incentive, but I also quite liked the increased challenge the course provided. I ran 10 miles last weekend too but on a flatter route and didn't feel nearly as satisfyingly tired afterwards as I do today and I know tomorrow I'll feel that I have earned having a rest day.

The race itself was brilliantly organised, with clear markers, lots of marshalls and two drinks stations, although the first one after just 2.5 miles felt a little premature. There seemed to be a good range of runners taking part from speedy to straggly, and a nice crowd waiting at the end. And as an extra bonus, as I passed the finish line I was handed a voucher for marks and spencers as a 'spot prize' which, for someone who is never going to get a real prize at an atheltic event, made me feel very chuffed. More places should have random gift giving I say!