19th June Baslow boot bash

Under leaden and threatening skies, Saturday morning saw the staging of the Baslow Boot Bash, a 14 or 26 mile walk / run into the countryside surrounding Chatsworth House, back after a three year Covid induced abscence. Given the soaring temperatures of the previous day it was a relief to line up for the 9am start in a far more comfortable climate alongside some 200 other walkers, runners and dogs, including four members of the Ravenshead Runners club.

It was 'undulating' to say the least and half way to the first checkpoint, a niggle in my right knee that I had been aware of pre race started to become more niggly, despite taking more anti inflammatories that is possibly good for me. So I was faced with the dilemma or continuing on for a further 9 miles, not really knowing what sort of terrain it would be, or calling it a day and simply re runing the 5 mile route back from where I had just come.

Thankfully my head ruled my heart and so having made sure the marshalls were aware of my 'failure to complete' and would not be sending out a mountain rescue team to try and find me later in the day, I retraced my steps back past an assortment of other participents towards Chatsworth House. I later discovered that the remaining Ravenshead Runners stopped off for a mid morning coffee at the next checkpoint so perhaps I could have managed it, who knows, but better to be safe than sorry.

And whilst not completing the 14 mile route might be seen as a defeat and a disappointment, I actually enjoyed the fact that I had been able to manage 10 miles through some lovely countryside, And as the race is always on a Saturday, next year I will certainly be back to give it another go.

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