Race 3:Three Molehills Team Relay
- Nov 20, 2016
- 4 min read
Race: Three Molehills
Distance: 13 miles split between 3 people ( 6 miles in my section )
Time: 1 hour 35 mins (total)
Race 3 was my first ever relay race. It was a nice change to run as part of a team!
The race was formed of 3 out and back separate routes that we split between our team of 3 starting and finishing at the VERY lovely Denbies vineyard. Alex (my husband) took on the first (and most definitely the worst) part of the challenge which although short in distance included a climb to the top of Box hill and a steep descent back down. I then took the second part of the race which was the furthest distance of the three parts and with the most gradual (and seemingly never ending?) accent up through Norbury park and forest. I then tagged Isabelle who ran the last part of the race- which on paper stated would be the least hilly but standing at the race HQ and watching the runners climb their final accent it was clear that it was anything but a nice flat finish.
The night before the race was interesting because Storm Angus decided to pay a visit to the South coast. It was a extremely wet and windy night and when we woke up we did wonder whether the race would go ahead at all. Brighton 10K was due to take place on the same day but it was sadly cancelled due to safety concerns because of the high winds still battering the seafront. Luckily (?) for us Dorking was a safer distance away from the windswept south coast so the show most definitely would go on!
We arrived nice and early to race HQ and we were pleased to find a nice big coffee shop section that we could keep warm in while waiting for our turn to run. The event was also being sponsored by HOKA who are a running shoe manufacturer and they were kindly giving all runners the chance to test out their wears for free. We all took a pair to try.
We had about 45 minutes to wait before sending Alex on his way so we chatted nervously before heading outside for the official race start. It was a great start to the race with individual runners and team runners getting a musical send off. We retreated inside to stay warm and I had a further 30 minutes waiting for him to return. It passed in no time and I was actually quite happy to feel the start of some nerves as I needed a energy boost. I was ready and waiting outside for him to return and we managed a good hand over 'low 5' clap and then I was off on my part of the race. I knew it was going to be about 6 miles but I didn't know what else to expect- it was totally unknown territory for me and my anxious brain was working on over time as it was my first ever race without music OR someone to speak to! It was a strange race for me and I am finding it hard to recollect it in any real detail- I think probably because my brain really was ticking the entire time. It was a beautiful autumnal race- with nicely tarmacked footpaths the whole way. I sadly kept forgetting to look at the view! I felt like I was running pretty fast by my slow and steady standards and I maintained a pretty positive outlook throughout the whole race- apart from a slight grr moment when a pair of runners decided to pass by simultaneously on either side of me- therefore forming a weird running Steph sandwich. Why they couldn’t have just picked a side and gone single file to pass me I have no idea….
SEE- this is how little I have to say about this race- it’s nothing against the race- it was a lovely route- I just don’t know where my head was at.
*Cue- Where’s your head at? By Basement Jaxx*
Anyway- Part 2 of the three molehills in summary was - hilly, cold, muddy in parts, fast and manned by some of the nicest and cheerful race marshals I have ever come across!! It was SUCH a cold day to be standing still and they were all so positive - either clapping or shouting words of encouragement as we went by- it was much appreciated.
The end of the race snuck up on me and I finished feeling good and smiling wide- however those Hoka trainers were NOT for me and saw the very unwelcome return of my (arch) nemesis- the foot arch mega blister!!
I finished my part of the relay race with a a great high 5 handover to Isabelle who stormed through the final part of the race. We all met her at the end of the race and collected our reward- a lovely bottle of Denbies wine. Hooray!
27 to go....
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