Hardwick Hobble

Yesterday I ran the Hardwick Hobble at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. The event was run by Rasselbock whose mission (taken from their website) is to create fun and interactive events for people of any fitness level and age. They also try to help the environment as much as possible and plant a tree for every person who signs up for an event.

I really enjoyed the day - it was well run, the aid station was well stocked and the marshals were all encouraging and cheery.  The medal for completing the challenge, featuring Bess of Hardwick is truly spectacular.

My only small complaint is that the website said that if I ran 4 laps it would be a half marathon (ie 21. 09km) but when I looked closer, it was in fact longer at 25.12km as each lap was approx. 6.25km. When you are a novice like me an extra 4km is a lot!

My target time to complete was 3hrs 32mins but it actually took me 3hrs 52mins. I did walk quite a bit of the last lap but at least I completed my intended 4 laps.

I was a bit disappointed at first that I didn't finish within the time I wanted, but when I thought about it, I realised that I had done a little bit more assent compared with the Firelighter race (in proportion to total distance) and there were 3 aid station stops due to the course laps whereas there would only have been one during this distance of the Firelighter Race - all those short stops add up.  Also, I had stepped up the distance more than planned. 

So I'll keep on running and trust that I'll get fitter and faster!

#teamrasselbock   #FirelighterRace2023  #anglesey   #hardwickhobble  #UltraMarathon