The Time is Now - 12 months, 12 events. by ginagordon

I've woken up on race day to brilliant sunshine but this time was different - it was hot too. I delved to the bottom of the chest I keep my sports gear in and pulled out a vest top, first time this year I've worn one without another couple of layers on top.

Another pleasant change this time was not having to travel too far for the event. The start for this one was about ten minutes from home, I was looking forward to running a proper event in my local area.

It was hot when I parked the car and by the time I'd walked the ten minutes to the start line I realised just how strong the sunshine was. I was glad I'd decided on the vest top so I didn't get tan-lines across the tops of my arms - well at least until my cycling tan-lines appear. The layout of the start was slightly confusing, we were at the intersection of four open fields and I guessed that the gate was the start line but it was not clearly marked. I tried to position myself towards what I assumed was the back of the runners but it was really difficult to tell.

A garbled announcement that no-one could understand and then we were off. A nice downhill section around the edge of the field soon stretched out the runners and even though we were soon in the narrow path of the woods it wasn't too cramped. As before I enjoyed running off-road, concentrating on avoiding tree roots and the uneven ground really passes the time.

The route twisted and turned through woods and sections of open fields. The only negative I could find was the lack of distance markers. Not knowing how far you were into the race made pacing really difficult. During a long uphill drag I really got fed up with not knowing whereabouts I was but just as we emerged from the woods we were told we were halfway - another lap to do.

Knowing the route a bit this time around I could pace myself better and as the field had spread out even more it was easy to stay at my own speed. But by approx 3 to 4 miles I began to feel the effects of the heat, I felt very tired and extremely hot. I took a few deep breaths, slowed the pace a bit and told myself not to be such a wuss. Whatever I was feeling was nothing compared to Jon who was at that time riding the insane Fred Whitton Cyclosportive in the Lake District (100+miles, including the steepest road in England)!

Strangely enough reaching the bottom of the uphill section was a relief, it meant I was nearly finished! By now I was desperate to get to the end, not because I was tired but because I was so thirsty. I definitely need to get acclimatised to the warmer weather! A last effort up the hill and it was done. There was no clock (that I saw) but my watch showed 55:45. A slower time than I'd aimed for but given the unusually hot weather not a bad result.

I enjoyed the Bluebell 5. An unusual distance for me but I liked it and being local was a real advantage. The scenery was lovely and although it was a small event there was a really good atmosphere.