I am often caught scouring local press for food festivals to attend or sporting events to enter; the thought of combining the two had never seemed an option. You can imagine my delight when I discovered the Delicious Drakes Trail, a fifteen mile run that incorporated more food stops than it did miles. The event also supported the local charity CHICKS not that I needed any more of a reason to sign up.
My biggest concern was my fitness and by that I mean the ability of my feet to run or shuffle (with a belly full of food) the whole distance. The previous week I ran a half marathon for fun - I use the term 'run' loosely. I've only just returned to running after a year of being addicted to cycling so to complete the off road course was an achievement, it turns out my legs were not the limiting factor, it was my toes. I have been hobbling around ever since in opened sandals thanks to the prolonged Indian summer. I was beginning to wonder why the pain wasn't improving - I'll save you the details in case you're enjoying your breakfast - let's just say it turned out I had to relieve some pressure.
I managed to tape up my feet and complete the wonderfully scenic trail. I think it was the incentive of the next set of culinary delights that kept me going. I must admit I have never eaten a cream tea, followed by a steak and ale pie, washed down with cider topped up with a roast dinner then a paella - and that was all within four miles.
All I can say is: you don't know until you try, let's hope this becomes an annual event.
