The Alan Corke is a Hastings Runners club only race. Probably the most “marmite” race on calendar. You either love it or you hate it!

There’s no getting away from the fact it’s a tough route, taking the same climb up the hill to the Coastguard Cottages 3 times.

It comes down to the decision as to whether you are treating it as a race (or replacement efforts session) or an easy run? If it’s the latter then just go out and enjoy it. Walk on the first steep hill if need be and then take your time the rest of the incline.

If however you are racing, my advice is to push hard from the word go. A lot of us make the mistake of taking the downhills too easy. Take advantage of this part of the course, be careful as the grass bank does camber and your footing can be tricky but if you’re pushing hard this is a chance to put the turbo boosters on.

Then when you reach the bottom, it’s a case of maintaining that effort level but being wary the pace is going to plummet. Your pace might be 2 mins per km slower up the hill than it was down the hill.

But if you’ve read this post, you know that will be the case, so keep going, focus on good form, relax the shoulders and stay tall. Try and find a rhythm with your breathing. The hill won’t last forever.

Grit your teeth as well. Show some determination. Fight. Care. Give a shit. Running is a great metaphor for life. When it’s gets tough, don’t give up, try harder, work harder, believe in yourself.

You got this!! See you at the finish line you legend.