When quietly beading (making jewellery with Cheryl
Coppenhall) and minding my own business, Hannah Barton (another beader) piped
up that her sister had let her down for the weekend and did I fancy joining her
in a 10k run around the Peckforton hills in aid of the NSPCC. Having already
planned my long run for the day before, I said that only if we go steadily as I
didn’t want to turn an ankle so close to my forthcoming marathon and that it wasn’t
raining.
Peering out of the window at 7.40, I was dismayed to see
that it wasn’t raining but sun-shining so I dutifully dragged myself from my
lovely snug bed. The dog just looked as if to say, “It’s Sunday. What the hell
are you doing?!”
Unfortunately, dogs were not allowed on the run which was a
shame because it was great squirrel country, just up Tolli’s street! So she was
taken swiftly over to Grandmas and Granddads to be spoilt for the morning.
On the journey to Beeston market car park, it was evident
that the wind was going to play a factor in this race as some fairly
substantial trees had been felled by it overnight.
Although windy, it was warm so was the first race I had run
with just a running top which made a great change to being fully covered
against the wintery elements that have had us all skidding everywhere.
This was Hannah’s first race ever so she was a little
nervous but she soon got into her stride and we followed the pack up the first
incline towards Beeston Castle. On route we were sand blasted by the wind
whipping the dust off the fields and although we weren’t thirsty, we were still
spitting dust.
Mile one took us past the Castle entrance and through the
woods down towards our next challenge of staggering up the other side and onto
the Peckforton hill. I urged Hannah to keep plodding up and we managed to put a
few people behind us who had started to walk, but nearing the ridges’ top, we
ended up walking due to too many walkers and narrow path. Not that I am
complaining!
That saw us to mile 3 and the hardest part of the course
over. It was all downhill (though the cobbly bit was a little treacherous) and
across lovely open fields to the finish. There was a particularly muddy patch
(though not half as deep as Jason’s experience) where my shoes nearly departed
my feet and I think the farmer had taken great pleasure in putting some slurry
in with the mix! Phew! The views were spectacular as mentioned on the website
and as we popped out of the last wooded slope, the finish line was ahead just
over one more ankle turning field. But glad to say we made it round in one
piece and had a thoroughly great run with a respectable time for Hannah as a first
timer.
I’m so glad I did it. It’s a lovely course, friendly
marshals and you get a free NSPCC running vest at the start so most people wore
them. I’ll certainly do it again next year and see if little dogs can go too.
Tolli was really excited to see me again, but was more
interested in the cow poo splattered all over my legs! Talk about faithful
friends.
For more information visit the website.
Cheryl
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