The four F's of the Big Track

After last week’s challenging half marathon (I’m still not over the Carlton Hill and Porchester Road double – putting that half way through 13.2 miles was a ridiculous idea!!), this week it seemed like a great idea to schedule a flat 10 miler for the weekend long one. Less distance and less of a challenge but still a decent run, especially on a consecutive weekend to the half last Sunday.

Living where I do, it’s quite surprising that I’ve never tackled the Big Track from start to finish. For those who don’t know, this is a 10 mile loop in Nottingham, taking in the canal path, Beeston fields and River Trent. It’s a running and cycling favourite because it boats the three F’s – flat, fast and free from traffic.

Despite rave reviews from many, I’m somewhat disappointed to say I’d give it another ‘F’ – ‘effing boring! Yes the canal is nice, and yes I always like running by the Trent – but by mile five I was almost wishing for the up-hill climb of a brutal hill to shake things up a bit! At least there was a shocking head-wind to keep things just about interesting for a massive chunk of the route!

I won’t knock it completely and I do understand why many enjoy it so much. It was nice not to worry about timing traffic lights right and I’m sure in nicer weather it’s probably more enjoyable. But for me, I need variety to keep me keen and make the miles melt away. And if that means hellish hills and tricky turns, then that’s what I’ll have to do.

Scoring

This is a new feature I’m planning to use for all my route/race reviews!

Difficulty – 3/10 – 10 miles is always going to bring a certain level of challenge

Navigation – 8/10 – almost impossible to go wrong as long as you’ve got a good grasp of the area

Mental stimulation – 3/10 – just not a great deal going on once you’re over looking at water and saying hello to other runners

PB potential – 9/10 – flat as you like and no annoying traffic light stops, just a couple of points where social distancing causes a bit of slowing down if it’s busy

Average score – 5.75/10

Would I do it again?

To be honest, probably yes. I’d do it the other way round to see if it’s any more exciting and I’d definitely use a really good podcast or something similar, rather than my same old long running playlist. It’s a useful way of getting some good miles in and, if I get half way round and I’m really not feeling it, I can peel off and change things up if I want to.

All in all, it was a morning well spent and some good solid miles under my belt. I ran a 10 mile PB (1:37:04) which I’m obviously delighted with and it’s topped me up to another 25 mile week which is becoming the norm in 2021.

The River Trent, shortly after turning back towards home in Beeston