So where to start?

Well, the wife, kids and I went out for a meal at the weekend. It was a normal meal, everyone sat at their own tables, everyone keeping themselves to themselves. As we got up to go, I walked past our table, knocked a bottle of olive oil which made an almighty bang on the table. As I looked around I saw it rolling over the side of the table to its inevitable crash onto the floor. But in true slow motion, movie style I did a half twisting dive to catch it before it hit the floor. Somehow it worked, the bottle was caught and it didn’t smash.

Now, i’m not really shy and was so impressed by my amazing act that I instinctively looked around for some kind of recognition. And guess what, it was there – I had about 5 different tables engage with me with comments like “great catch”, “well done” etc. Without wanting to blow my own trumpet too much, they were right, it was truly spectacular. Now to be fair, the 9 and 11 year old daughters didn’t share my delight and felt that it was all far too embarrassing and we should leave as quickly as possible.

As we left, I still felt great and it got me thinking, about how great it is to be rewarded and praised for success, regardless of what that success is. Now as you know, success can come in many forms. When taking part in sports events it can be winning races, coming in the top 3, finishing top 10, improving on a previous best time, beating somebody you know, doing a longer distance than previous or simply completing an event.

With this in mind I wanted to share 2 things:
1. 7 insights about how to run multi-event races from a race winner and 7 insights from a back of the pack ‘get around’ athlete, to help improve your running.
2. 10 extra prizes to make 10 people feel like winners who wouldn’t normally win one of the 30 prizes on offer.

So how do you win without winning?
1. Be on the start line on Sunday 15th January for the 5k, 10k or 15k running events.
2. Make sure you finish.
3. Don’t win the race.
4. Be at the presentation which will take place at approximately 11:30am in the event field.
If you fulfil the above criteria, then you could be a winner without winning.

If you still don’t win any of the 40 prizes on offer, don’t worry as you will all receive a very cool, bespoke finisher’s medal when you cross that line (and don’t worry if you miss Tuesday’s pre-entry deadline as you can just turn up on the day to enter!)

Top multi-terrain run tips from Rich Sumpter (previous race winner):
1. Footwear choice. Even though it is a cross country course there are a lot of hard sections. Because of this spikes are not ideal, unless you want them pushed into the soles of your feet! Trail shoes provide the best balance of weight and grip.
2. Check out the hill. It’s not too long, or steep, but this section can determine the winner. It’s often muddy in the middle, but firmer at the sides. Check out the hardest section and use this in the race. It’ll save you time and effort.
3. Start at the front. It sounds obvious, but is essential in this race. Immediately after the start there is a corner that can be muddy and wet! Choose the right line and you’ll out yourself in a strong position early in the race.
4. Race your competitors. The different distances are printed on the numbers. 15k runners don’t need to concern themselves with the 10k or 5k runners, who might set off quicker.
5. Push the descents. Downhill running is quick and by pushing the descents you can gain valuable time for not much extra effort.
6. Know the course. After the first lap there is a little dog leg. Check it out before the race, you don’t want to go wrong during the race!
7. Run hard through the start field. As with the hill it’s often muddy, and feels heavy on your legs. Push through this section and you’ll make time on your competitors.

Top multi-terrain run tips from Rob Bing (previous race finisher):
1. Pick an easy one to start – you may be able to get through a 10km run on the roads but over the mud, it is a completely different kettle of fish – you can always go to a longer one next time
2. Don’t purchase special shoes but use an old pair of trainers – remember, you might not enjoy rolling in the mud.
3. Don’t worry about being last; there are plenty of runners, marshals and spectators cheering you on.
4. Pick an easy line – the quick people will run up the mud hill with little effort, you will be a bit slower. Keep to the sides where there is more grass (for grip) and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
5. Have some warm, dry clothes (and especially shoes) at the finish, you might need them.
6. Smile, smile and smile a bit more on every step of the way and remember to raise your hands at the end, the feeling is fantastic.
7. ENJOY

And if you get the time, check out your race being previewed on radio Northampton with an interview with me from Saturday 7th January; click here to check it out http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00mgtsr (it starts at 2hours 40mins in to the programme).

Make sure you share your race experience with us in the week after the race as we know they will be very diverse!

And as for the oranges – you’ll just have to wait until next week to discover what we discovered!

Alan