25th November Battling the Baslow Bolt

So it's that time of year again when I engage in my annual battle with the Baslow Bolt, one that I normally lose quite comprehensively.

Today on an absolutely perfect day for running, with a frost underfoot and a cloudless blue sky criss crossed with aeroplane vapour trails overhead, I lined up alongside 336 other runners, some clad head to toe in flourescent lycra, some wearing seasonal Christmas hats and a few brave souls dressed in only skimpy shorts and singlets.

After a few words of biblical encouragement from the local utlra marathon running vicar, and a reminder that only half of the plots in the graveyard where we started the race were filled with previous Bolt runners (lol, lol) we were off. 

This involved a mass 150 yard sprint to get to the first pinch point as quick as possible to avoid a long wait in line. Or if you are me, to enjoy a welcome respite and an opportunity to catch my breath after said 150 yard sprint. 

Not that it mattered because it was then all uphill for the next 20 mins over rutted frozen fields which threatened to turn many an ankle, which meant by the time we got to the next pinch point, one of half a dozen styles on the route, any breath I had managed to catch had well and truly gone. It was also a chance for many people to begin to disgard the multiple layers of clothing they had started the race wearing.

Having felt pretty run down this past couple of weeks I wasn't too sure how I would get on with the Bolt this year, but as I checked my pace at various points on the course I seemed to be keeping within reasonable distance of times I had run the race on previous occasions. It was still slow but bearably so.

As I said the weather was magnificent as were the panoramic views from the top of Curbar Edge which were stunning, even when seen through the blood, sweat and tears. This was also the highest point on the course and with all the 400 meters of clmbing behind me, I could actually start to enjoy the race, knowing that it was literally all downhill to the finish.

Resisting the temptation to glance at my watch to see how I was doing, the aim was simply to get round the rest of the course without falling, a task made slightly more precarious by one of the marshalls calling out, 'Oh just look out for the black ice on the road!'. 

Thankfully I remained upright and was pleasantly surprised to discover upon crossing the line back at Baslow Primary School I had completed the run 3 minutes quicker that last year. I am still a good 5 minutes away from my quickest time back in 2019 but that might well prove to be a good target to aim for in next years race. 

Next up on the running calendar is the challenge of the Twp Turtles Doves race in Totley on Boxing Day, where I will no doubt renew my rivalry with 'Elizabeth' who was conspicuous by her absemce today. Perhaps she is keeping her powder dry. Mine has all been used up today.