An annual bout between recreation and excess. Previously known as the Boxing Day Ride before we realised we preferred the social element of the event, to the hours we'd invariably spend, cleaning and fixing filthy and tired mountain bikes.
This year we were all to be hosted by Beany, at his, for food and company post run. This meant we'd be running somewhere local to his place (food always dictates the time and location). So I thought it a good opportunity to introduce the uninitiated to the official Caesar's Camp 100 race route. 10 tough miles on hilly army land, covering approx 1500 ft of ascent (and therefore descent).
Joining us to today (with excuses listed):
Gary Vallance: "I ran quite fast yesterday, my legs are still tired."
James Bean: "I've had to eat a lot of business lunches this month."
John McFall: "I haven't run since October, and my prosthetic limb isn't very good at steep hills."
Tom Phillips: "I'm still getting rid of this cold."
The conditions were superb, a mild and still 11 degrees, and the sandy trails were well consolidated after recent heavy rain.
The runners were also on excellent form, despite the excuses in the book. The pace started off quite social, eventually speeding up after seven miles, once the route allowed a bit of pace. Mile nine passed in a blistering 7:14mins, which is good going over winter ground, even if it did include a long downhill.
However, the post-run company was definitely the highlight, joined as we were by better halves, young children and dogs; enriched further by a culinary masterpiece which climaxed with pickled-onion flavoured cheddar on beetroot infused crackers, with homemade spiced apple chutney.
I reckon if we'd started training in October, we could have eaten more. Next year maybe.
Run stats: 10.40 miles, 1hr41, 1446 cals.
Food stats: 2x bowls sausage hotpot. 1x festive pint Guiness. Much x cheese and crackers.
