A few of us headed to Taunton on Saturday night to take part in this event, having never run a Flying Fox event previously I thought I'd give it a go in the vain of trying new races this year. I'm not really sure what I was thinking but thought it might be fun. Hilary, Sarah McDermott, Rebecca Gould and myself ran the 7k. Andy Gould, Lesley & Paul Thomas ran the 10k.
The 7k started at around 6.45pm so it was dark we headed off over the golf course with our torches and entered the woods at the end well that's where the fun stopped, it was just a sea of mud, us girls stuck together for a bit, I managed to lose a shoe, Ian & Tim where were you to rescue me! After getting it out and my foot back in it I carried out not particarly feeling it as it was just more mud, we had a lovely down hill to the 2k mark where the 4k runners split off I was very tempted to go with them, but did. Sarah & Becky had headed off with Hilary staying behind to keep me company, it wasn't really the sort of run you'd want to do on your own.
After running a loop around some more woods we headed back up the rather steep hill and back to facing the mud bath again, only this time we sensibily stuck to the sides and managed to get through it ok, although there really wasn't much running involved it was just too muddy to even try.
We eventually made it back to the edge of the golf course and finally the club house lights came into view, where Jim & Dave were happily having a drink or 2 waiting for our return. Crossed the finish line and I was handed a very nice medal, after all that's the only reason I put myself through these things is for the medal.
We wished the 10k guys good luck with their race as they were due off at 8pm but had to wait for all of us to return before they could start, as our race had started a little late and it had taken some of us a lot longer than anticipated they were delayed until 8.30, although for once I wasn't last!!
I think this run as been added to my list of ones never to do again but for those of you who enjoy cross country at night and getting covered in mud I suggest you give it a go.