Hello everyone,

I have had the week to reflect on my Ballbuster race and thought I would share them with you in the form of a race report. It was a fantastic event once again (my second year competing) and I would like to thank John Lunt and all of the Humanrace Team for doing a great job…. and ordering the nice weather this year!

Please read and enjoy……

Saturday morning I set the alarm for 4:50am so as to save needless rushing around before the grueling race ahead. We arrive in plenty of time, as I am the kind of person who likes to be earlier rather than later, so much less stressful. I go to register pick up my number, fleece and proceed to get myself setup in transition. I am one of the first athletes to rack my bike, so spoiled for choice I choose the very 1^st row, the very first spot.

I go back inside my car to get warmed up, see my boys and give the puppies a pat on the head. Even though it is turning out to be a beautiful sunny day, the temperature doesn’t let one forget that it is still November and COLD! Last bit of pep talk from John, a kiss and I go out into the frosty air to get myself warmed up before the next several hours of hurt.

Click here to see more Ballbuster Action

As I was standing at the start with my friend Josh I quickly glanced around one last time to size up the competition. All I could see were lots of very fit looking men and not  many of us women. It is always a bit worrying when the field is predominately male and the race is called The Ballbuster….. gulp!

The first run went very smoothly almost enjoyable until I realized its still a long way to go until the finish line. I came comfortably into T1 ready for my favorite bit the bike leg.  This part I knew I would be able to make up some time on, but still I had to remember John Lunt’s words at the start, “this race is about pacing yourself.” I rode the three loops of Boxhill comfortable but by the end of the last loop I could feel my right leg starting to cramp. This had never happened so excruciatingly to me before, all I could do was try to stretch it whenever I got the chance. Swiftly arriving into T2 is when it really hit…CRAMP!!! I thought I had gotten away with it but I was wrong, however this did not stop me tenderly running off on my last 8 miles..

The last run was the most unpleasant part of the race, although for me it was also the most educational as well. It showed me I had gotten my hydration wrong and what I needed to do to improve my next performance. I will definitely not be making the same mistake twice.

So all in all my race was 20 minutes quicker this year than last, the weather wasn’t pounding down with torrential rain and I learned a very valuable lesson; drink, drink, and drink so more! A huge success for me and one that I will most definitely be coming back to endure again next year!

John, has also put together a great YouTube video for anyone interested, see below…

I look foward to seeing you all again soon at another RG Active session, race or if any of you are braving the weather at tomorrow’s Kayak session?

Marsha x