Today
I ran the Alsager 5, despite waking up at 3am with a stinking head
cold. As the weather had picked up at 10am I thought I’d be ok to run
it. When I arrived at the race I notices that there were lots or people
warming up in only their vests but as it had started to rain and there
was a little wind I decided to keep on my long sleeve top. Now that was
a stupid decision.
My game plan was to try and get under 42, bearing in mind that last year I did 44.36 but then again it was a bitterly cold day and it had been snowing. As I lined up I noticed I was surrounded by a hell of a lot of NSRRA “W” group ladies, some I did not recognise but I am sure I’ve just grouped them over the last few weeks. I spotted Liz Clutton and I knew she would come in first in my age category, there was no point in trying to catch her as she is faster than me. Next I got a tap on the shoulder and there was Tom Mayell, I think we were the only two Striders there this morning.
My game plan was to try and get under 42, bearing in mind that last year I did 44.36 but then again it was a bitterly cold day and it had been snowing. As I lined up I noticed I was surrounded by a hell of a lot of NSRRA “W” group ladies, some I did not recognise but I am sure I’ve just grouped them over the last few weeks. I spotted Liz Clutton and I knew she would come in first in my age category, there was no point in trying to catch her as she is faster than me. Next I got a tap on the shoulder and there was Tom Mayell, I think we were the only two Striders there this morning.
The
chip timing came in the form of an ankle tag and, it looked like we’d
all been set free on patrol for the day to race!! Must say it was a very
good system because the velcro strap stuck to your stocks and there was
no way that baby was budging. The 3, 2, 1 call when out and we were
off. As per usual the start is always a bit chaotic and only really
gets under way when you turn the corner and are on the old MMU road. I
soon found my feet, pardon the pun, and got going. I saw Tom up ahead
and fixed my eyes on his back, soon he was off in the distance and a
mere blur. Liz Clutton passed me by in the first mile, then my old mate
“G” Man passed me in the 3rd mile. I heard someone shout
my name and it was good to see Martin Coleman on the side of the road
cheering me on. Thanks. Soon I was on the home straight and looking at
my watch I was just over 41 minutes. I tried hard to catch a few in
front of me and finally finished in 42.22 minutes. Now I am all
snuggly and warm in bed with a hot toddy.
For more information visit the website.
Liz
No comments:
Post a Comment