Saab Salomon Turbo X - 31/5/2009 - 10 Miles

We I saw this race I thought it looked like fun, I am always on the look out for the more unsual events and this is one of them.

It is basically a 10 mile trail run throught the woods in Bracknel. To make it more interesting it is hilly, and for and added twist there are muddy, boggy and water sections to the course.

It had been hot and dry all week so I assumed the muddy bit would not be that bad, however, I found out the week before that they actual bring water in to muddy it up if needed. As we drove up the access road to the car park I noticed the taped route they had laid out that was running through a large water section.

Arrived and collected my timing chip, not the usual ankle or shoe arrangement, this was a flat piece of plastic which to secured to your shoe with twist ties (the things you get with bin bags) so it would not come off.

Made our way down to the starting line a found a place near the back. First couple of miles was deceptive, no mud and the hills where manageable. Came to our first mud section which was about a foot deep. Stuck to the edges, as everyone else was and then found out why as some guy decided to run down the middle and must has gone into a hole as he fell.

With wet shoes squelching away we came to a massive hill that seemed to be made out of gravel. Too steep to run up (everyone was walking) and too loose and steep to run down. Came to the first water station, due to the heat I was running with a Camelbak so missed this out. However, without mile markers I was confused. The water station was supposed to be at the half way point and if this was the case I was running way to fast, 35 mins for 5 miles that is 7 minute miles and I felt fine.

Through the woods the track was very narrow and difficult to pass people, so on the up and down bits if someone walked every on behind them had to walk. Bit fustrating at times. Nice sections zig-zagging up the hills.

We then came to a major water section, thigh deep, hidden holes and very little to grab onto seemed to go on for ever, the end of this section was a waist deep river of mud and a scramble up the bank to get out.

Then came another water station and the realisation that they had put two in and I was going way to slow. Tried to up the pace but very difficult to pass people, the water section caused people to bunch up as well. Came to a clearing in the woods and was able to pass a few people. Then back into the woods, whilst trying to pass someone I tripped over a tree stump what was part hidden by a bush, got up and kept running.

Then entered the mile long Turbo X Zone. Music and smoke at the being then normal trail run. I thought what is all the fuss about this is nice. Then we hit the first water boggy section, knee deep in mud that sucked at your legs. Out of this and into the next section, ankle deep but could run through this, then knee deep and around the corner to a massive bank to clamber up.

Out of the Turbo zone and not long to the finish. Hit a rut and went over on my ankle. Stopped to ease it off and then gently ran until it eased up. Eased off in time for the up hill to the finish.

Finished in 2:08