Tucker's running blog

The Hestercombe Humdinger is one hilly 9 1/2 mile road run through the Somerset countryside and by hilly, I mean HILLY. Featuring climb after climb the race has a total elevation of almost a mile, the hills are long, winding and steep enough to turn many of the runners taking part into walkers.

The race's setting is quite scenic and the hard work is rewarded with some stunning views and while many fellow runners were too out of breath to speak the general atmosphere was fun and friendly.

This was my first race since October 2009 and I'm really happy with my 1:28 finish, especially given the relative difficulty of the course.

Located a few miles from Taunton, the event itself is friendly and well organised, plus you get a free photo taken after the race and a really nice t-shirt that shows the event's wicked profile on the back.

I also got to meet twitter friend and marathon trainee Michelle Blackmore for the first time today (we would have met at the Burnham on Sea Half Marathon, but the race started before I could say hi), really good to meet face to face and have some training chit chat even if it was only for three minutes on the start line. I saw Michelle again after the race, but I was pretty tired and not sure if I was making any sense at that stage.

Verdict - more hill reps needed before I tackle this race again next year, but I will be going back for more. This one is worth adding to your race diary.

for results, entries etc, go to www.thehestercombehumdinger.com

P.S. thanks to all my twitter friends for all the good luck messages before the race - they kept me smiling all morning and meant a lot, especially with this being my first race in a few months.