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Mud Bath!

I don’t like cross country. Ive never liked cross country. And so when I arrived at Harpenden 10k this morning and realised it was a cross country course a little part of me died inside. Coupled with lots and hills and mud it wasn’t going to make for an enjoyable run. Within two minutes of starting the race I was transported back to Year 7 cross country with Miss Jacques where we were forced to run around the cliffs of Whitburn. I didn’t like it then and it wasn’t much better today. But it is all for a good cause so I pushed myself around the four laps of the course slipping and sliding in the mud on the way. It was only around the half way point that I realised that the course was short. I dont know if it wasn’t measured correctly or whether the people I were following were cutting off corners but as I got to the last lap I had a decision to make. I wanted the race to be over but also, since this challenge is based on distance, felt I was cheating myself and my sponsors if I didn’t actually complete the distance. So for the last lap I was the loony runner that ran around the absolute edge of the course to try and build up the distance and at one point doubled back on myself and ran in a circle to get me to the 10k distance. I’m pretty sure people thought I was crazy but I had come to run 10k and I was absolutely going to do it! I finished the race in 63:03 which I didn’t think was bad considering the terrain. Needless to say I will not be returning here again! 

 A massive thank you to my sponsors this week: Angela Byrne, Jean Aiston and Amanda Noble. 

 If you can donate then please visit my Virgin Money Fundraising page:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HelenFrancis10

KM Completed: 15km
KM To Go: 185km

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