Reindeer Run

Following on from a week when we thought we may need some reindeer to provide transportation to the start of this race, we were very relieved that some kind of thaw occurred overnight and we could slither over to Otterton for the Reindeer Run without too much difficulty.  And although it was still very cold it was positively balmy compared with the misery that was last week's Bicton Blister.

This is a fun off road 10k organised by Sidmouth Running Club and Martin and I had a serious title to defend - first married couple! - which prize saw us enjoying a free lunch at Otterton Mill last year so naturally we were keen to repeat the experience.

A 10am start is the single downside to this race but once the crack of dawn start is behind you the rest of the race is enjoyable (apart from the uphill start) and even more so this year with some minor route changes which were all improvements.  Once the fun run split from the main race after the first km and I no longer had to worry about the two small boys zigzagging wildly about in front of me I could concentrate on trying to keep Martin in sight.

After turning off the road the route climbs up across some fields, drops back down near to the River Otter before heading back up hill across some more fields, a diversion from the usual route which took out all the serious opposition - all the leaders ran around the edge of the field instead of following the markers straight ahead and back down to the river.  Fortunately the guy in front of me realised and went the right way - I would have followed him ether way - and as we dropped down a steep hill it was with some relief that I saw Martin still up ahead having chosen the correct route.  For the rest of the race the front runners gradually caught us up and overtook us having completed an extra quarter mile or so.

Out onto the road and across the River Otter, a section of flat easy running on the road before turning back towards Otterton and another route change here as we were directed up a slight hill and across more fields, a pleasant diversion from the extremely muddy and difficult track normally taken.  My favourite part of the race along the flat riverside path follows, marred only slightly by the knowledge that the river crossing lies ahead as you are directed under the road and through waist deep water.  I hadn't realised how much I was dreading it until I arrived and found much to my delight, no water!  Just some rather pleasant concrete, result!  I had a sneaking suspicion that there might be a nasty surprise later on to compensate but fortunately the organisers weren't that devious!

On the home stretch now - a few more fields, another river crossing - by bridge! - then the last few fields and a steep downhill section to the finish.  Martin finished in 11th place in 43.06 and I was first lady home in 18th place overall and 44.16 - much more respectable than last week's resounding defeat at Bicton.  And much more importantly we regained our title and picked up another free lunch, although we hadn't realised that there was some serious competition this year in the shape of Lucy and Martin Owen - fortunately Martin was one of the front runners who took the scenic route, but I think we might just have beaten them anyway.  However the challenge has been thrown down for next year when we might have to work a bit harder for it!