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Monday 17 October 2016

Killer hills entice you back for more



Equipment check: Making sure everything's OK before the start.
Event: Milford Mashup 10K
Location: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
Date: 15/10/16

 WHEN the race info came through from Mash Running about their Milford Mashup 10K, it described the event as a trail race ‘with a very steep and uphill start’ and then added ‘the rest of the course is undulating.’

Anticipation: Getting ready
for the off!

Undulating! The word has a soft gentle feel to it. You can imagine running along some grassy track whose elevation changes so smoothly that you hardly notice the difference.

These Mash Running guys – Mark and Ash - must be made of stern stuff, however, because if the Milford event, on the spectacular Cannock Chase, in Staffordshire, was their idea of ‘undulating,’ I’d hate to experience what they would regard as ‘hilly!’

This run was a challenge and a half.
  • Gary Wickett, on the Mash Running Facebook page described the hills as ‘brutal.’
  • Russel Breeze called the event ‘more challenging than ever!
  • And Rebecca Jane Fisher, who posted a photo with a rather attractive set of medals for the whole of this year’s (2016) Mash series, felt it was a ‘tougher course than last year!'

To be fair, the race details did say to expect uneven ground, holes, water, mud and steep downhills. A glance at the route profile gave some idea of the lay of the land. And I guess ‘steep downhills’ might have suggested that there were one or two uphill slogs as well. 
Calm before the run: Runners and spectators meet up.

But it's the terrain that makes it, and this was a fabulous event, with a challenging trail through breath-taking scenery.

There was the usual camaraderie and friendly banter mixed with excitement and anticipation as runners gathered at the start. The grassy Milford Common and wooded hillside hinted at the delights of prime forest and heathland that were to come.

Over 300 hundred runners funnelled into the trail under the shaded canopy of leaves at the exhilarating uphill start.

Testing, testing: Trying out the 
slope before the race.
Breathing was already strenuous before the summit was reached. But it set the tone for the rest of run.

One hill in particular had virtually everybody walking – if that’s the word – accompanied by occasional grunts, coughs, splutterings and gasping comments along the lines of: ‘By ‘eck, this is tough!’

If the uphills were cruel on the quads, the steep descents tested the whole body. There were some speedy downhills with uneven surfaces, requiring balance and pretty nifty footwork. One or two runners completed the race with ‘wounds’ of bloodied knees and battered shins.

Offsetting the demands of the uphill/downhill sections, however, were the relatively gentle (and, yes, undulating) heathland trails overlooking the stunning Cannock Chase. A bright, low October sun in a misty blue sky highlighted the grasses and evocative autumnal trees spreading colour across the rolling vista.

It was an uplifting, inspirational, experience. In those moments, there was absolutely nowhere else you would rather be. You were simply there, in a kind of glorious dream, your body moving through, and at one with, nature. Cue the soaring violins!
Scenic view: Marshals at the ready - you can just about 
spot them - on part of the course. Picture: Jackie Trevitt.

Of course, you were quickly brought down to earth again – or should that be water? – with crunching gravelly surfaces, squishy muddy patches and a couple of brooks to negotiate, either by braving the water itself (and making a great splash in the process), or crossing via stepping stones, and hoping you don’t lose your balance!

I had the pleasure of teaming up, spontaneously, with a running buddy, Keith Trivett, from Stokefit. We just happened to be moving at about the same pace and, having started near the back of the pack, eventually ended up doing most of the run together, which was handy. Though I did warn Keith not to slow down, as I was using him as my pacer! (No pressure, then!)
Keeping pace: That's me on the right - the old haggard one
with headband - with my 'running buddy' on the day, Keith
Trivett,  in red, from Stokefit. Picture: Jackie Trevitt.

So thanks for keeping up that pace, Keith!

My first-ever trail race was with Mash Running’s Chase Challenge back in June (18th). My ‘training’ – running along some woodland paths – in no way prepared me for the realities of the 'ordeal' that I was to encounter, other than it was ‘off-road.’

This time round, I was joined by my sister Kath and niece Tash, undertaking their first-ever trail race, and my niece’s boyfriend, Mike.

Brother-in-law Paul was also due to take part – but had to opt out, due to an Achilles tendon injury. Ouch!

Never mind, Paul. Save your legs for next time!

This is part of the appeal of running in general, and trail running in particular; it’s a great atmosphere, and something family and friends can take part in – though not a good idea to simply slither off the couch and attempt a Mashup without being sure you can cope with the demands. It’s not exactly a ‘stroll in the park!’

Family fun: Me with sister Kath, niece Tash and 
Tash's boyfriend Mike. Picture: Paul Pearce.
Mash Running stage friendly, well-organised events. The courses are clearly marked out – and, as always, the marshals are brilliant, giving their time so that others can enjoy the sport. They sparkle with enthusiasm, have a ready smile and are tirelessly supportive and encouraging. So a big thanks to the volunteers!

Without them, such events would not be possible.

Trouble is, these trail runs become addictive. I’ve now done three in all.

I must admit, despite my aching legs, I’m tempted to follow Rebecca’s lead and go in for ‘the whole set’ of Mash runs in 2017. I’ve signed up for the Chillington Half next May.

Dates have yet to be set for the other events.

I shall have to give it a bit more thought, check my diary, see how the old knees are doing etc.

But one thing’s for sure, the hills will still be there . . . undulating . . . waiting!


Find out more

Ready to run: All set to 
spring into action.
Fancy giving trail running a whirl? Or signing up for a whole series of runs? Here are some links that might be of interest:


Further links to tips on trail running

Run fun: Mash Running's 2017 line-up.

 More snaps from Saturday


At the ready: Runners wait at the start and (below) 
the Mash team wait at the finish.

Ready to go: Last-minute check before the run begins.

Into the forest: The trail sweeps round and up into the shaded canopy
of trees at the start of the Milford Mashup.


En route: A marshal (and dog) wait for runners on a section
of the trail. Picture: Jackie Trevitt.


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