By Graham Robinson
With weather conditions freezing but at least dry, January’s Derby Runner BDL X country saw a healthy club turnout for the penultimate run of the winter series.
Could be strong New Year’s resolutions, the promise of Kat’s incredible post run treats or just committed club values, but eleven hardy souls donned their club colours to run 6.8km around a frozen Bramcote Park.
Regretting running without gloves on (just me, everyone else had a bit more sense) and itching to get started, or just to get warm, we listened to the race instructions on the start line.
The route consisted of an initial fast lap along frozen grass which helped settle out the pack. This was followed by two hilly laps with wooded ascents steep enough to mentally challenge the run vs walk conundrum. The next test was more physical, switching muscles screaming from the uphill slog to the immediate steep descent, trying to match your stride rhythm amongst the steps, all whilst dodging dog walkers!
The final section was a fast twisting descent, navigating a particularly slippery corner (only successfully the first time for me!) and ducking under pine branches.
It was smiles all round once warm layers were reinstated, hot drinks prepared and mincemeat cinnamon buns with a cream cheese frosting (very apt) being consumed.
Thanks to Lewis for organising us and we’ll look forward to the last run of the series at Holmebrook (Feb 16th). What better way to spend a Valentines weekend?!