Race Report: Treggy 7

Starting at about 2.5 miles, “That Hill” continues to about mile 4 and rises nearly 100m. This basically relates to twice the elevation of Brick Hill, and three times as long, to put it in perspective. Not too bad really, but then when you look at that elevation profile, after the first downhill, the course is actually uphill all the way to that 2.5 mile point. So, that works out to three and a half miles of uphill.

Therefore, this being the one thing that people always remember about Treggy 7, I decided my plan would be to make the event a race of two halves. The first ‘half’ (as near as dammit) included “That Hill” but also included a good downhill start. Therefore, make the most of the opening downhill, walk the hills (if I did not find them runnable), and save energy for the good gradual downhill of the last three miles.

Getting there was easy, parking plentiful and very little queues for toilets (in car parks, town hall etc). The day was forecast to be very humid, and yes it was, absolutely soaked in sweat by the end. However, the bit of rain that happened when trying to get everyone together for the club team photo before the start was very welcomed, just wish there had been more during the race.

Not too long to wait and we were off. After the initial (about half mile) downhill, the drawn-out climb of the next two miles of country lanes ensued. These were not as bad as I expected and could maintain quite a constant pace, but I could not get comfortable in my mind as I was constantly waiting for “That Hill”, and then there it was.

Now I am not scared of hills (not saying I like them either though), and it was potentially runnable for a good stretch, but I did not see the sense in wasting so much energy, and I wanted to maximise effort on the ‘second half’. Literally everyone started walking. I suspect the front runners flew up there, but that is why they are at the front.

While striding “that Hill” I was berating all events that have such stupid hills in them devised by sadistic race directors and assumingly hated by all. But really, I had a good moan to myself, chatted to other runners who are all in the same boat, the top of that hill arrived sooner than I expected. I was suspecting more may be lurking around each corner until I realised, I was well into mile 4 and “That Hill” was soon a distant memory as the pace built and a nice running flow welcomed.

Most of those that did plod past me trying to run it, were often met at some point on the downhill the other side. This downhill is not really a hill, but it is more of a nice gradient that allows you to maybe maintain a pace slightly higher than your normal flat pace. Yes, there are some undulations, but these are quickly dealt with to get more downhill. I am so glad I did not waste any more energy than necessary on “That Hill” because I was very happy with my pace and being able to maintain it because of the downhill gradient.

One last unexpected, very short, hill right before the finish (I thought I heard everyone swear when they see another hill) but at the top of that you could see the short downhill to the castle entrance and the inevitable long awaited finish line.

I was happy with my plan, happy that I executed it as planned, obviously not happy about ‘That Hill’, but I did actually ‘enjoy’ the second half of the race which I wouldn’t have been able to do without “That Hill”, and I was happy with my time. Had to call into supermarket to get some sticky toffee pudding to have with the Devon custard that was in the goodie bag. All in all, a good day!