Here we go again then, 1st January 2020, New years day, or to give it it's correct name; Knacker Cracker day. Time for the most bonkers 10K of the year. Hills that are too steep to run up, more mud than you can shake a stick at, fancy dress, a rendition of the National Anthem and loads of steps, what's not to like about that! Possibly the most fun you can have with your running shoes on. There's a couple of things you need to know about the Knacker Cracker, firstly it's bloody hard, you need 50m of height gain per Km to qualify as a category A Fell Race, the Knacker Crackers got 52.6 meters per Km so it's not an easy day out. The fact that a lot of that height gain is up steps, due to the slopes being too steep for a normal path, just makes the job that bit harder. Oh, and there's the small issue of making things harder for myself by having run an ultra marathon 3 days before. Apparently the great Paula Radcliffe used to have a minimum of 2 weeks, and often a month off after a marathon. So, 3 days between a hard marathon and this cheeky little number, it should be fine shouldn't it? Well I say 3 days. Ultra marathon on Saturday. Sunday I had a day off. Well as much of a day off as I ever have, I spent the morning under the van changing the brake fluid and the afternoon on the allotment shoveling chippings for a new path. Monday was an easy 45 miles on the bike, Tuesday a cheeky 30 miles on the bike and Wednesday Knacker Cracker day. What does Paula know anyway? The other thing you need to know about the Knacker Cracker is it's brilliant. Nearly everyone gets into the spirit of the day by getting dressed up in fancy dress, there are loads of walkers with small kids out on the course who offer some amazing encouragement and did I mention it's so hard it's impossible not to have fun! So, at a few minutes before 11:00 we were all lined up at the bottom of the hill, fancy dress at the ready, making an awful attempt at a rendition of the National Anthem, poised, ready for the off at the stroke of 11:00. A quick dash across Burford Meadows, over the bridge as the stepping stones are under water and then it's sharply uphill for the first ascent of Box Hill. Within seconds it's too steep and slippery for the path to continue as a path and were onto the uneven steps hewn into the fabric of the hill, heart pumping hard, breath ragged and legs begging to stop.
There's no stopping though, not at this early stage, keep putting one foot in front of the other, constantly climbing upwards, eventually reaching the top and straight over for the descent on the other side. Downward, past the piper, looking good in his kilt, pipes sounding out load and clear in the still air, down the slope to the cone, round the cone and back up again. It's too steep to run for more than a few steps, so get bent over, swing the arms and push your legs to walk up as fast as possible. Past the National Trust cafe at the top, no time to stop for a brew today though, straight into the woods at the top of the hill for a Km or so of respite. It's flat here as things go and not too muddy this year despite the rain. It doesn't last long though as your soon at the other end of the hill, dropping rapidly down, ready for the leg killing Eiger steps, don't fret though, there are only 100 or so uneven steps to the top and the turn. A quick word of thanks through ragged breath to the marshal who's given up their day to make ours possible and were coming back down the same way. A bit of encouragement for those coming up on the way down and it's straight into the next ascent, it's a long slog up the grassy slope at Juniper Hill. Again it's too steep for me to run, maybe that Ultra Marathon wasn't the best idea! But head down and keep on pushing, I'm over half way now so forget about the legs and keep going. Another flatish section to get your breath back before a final steep descent, ready for the last lung busting climb back up to the lookout point with it's stunning views over Dorking and away to the South Downs on a clear day. The Pipers moved over to the lookout whilst we've been off climbing steps and there is a good crowd here cheering you on. Not far now, just a short climb back up to the National Trust site at the top of the hill and the finish line. Fancy dress hood back up for full effect and a final push to the line and that's it, all over for another year. A few minutes to get your breath back, grab one of the famous cheese and pickle rolls and a cup of hot tomato soup courtesy of Dr Rob's amazing organisation and spend a few minutes cheering on those still coming over the line before a slow walk back down to the van, a hot brew and the drive home. There really is no better way to start the new year, every year I say "maybe I won't run the Knacker Cracker this year" and then by the start of autumn I start to think, not long now, best get my entry in. Who am I trying to kid, of course I'll be back next year, it's the best fun you can have with your running kit on!
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Paul PerrattOld enough to know better, young enough to still feel invincible, stupid enough to keep on trying the same thing again and again. Cyclist, Gardener, Runner, Hiker, Cook, Woodworker, Engineer, Jack of all trades and master of none, Anti social old git and all round miserable bugger. Archives
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