The
Flying Fox is a 10 mile race which is undulating to say the least! For
the past few years it has always been a wet and cold miserable day.
Well 3 November was no different
with the exception of rain. I set off from Sandbach and
on the way
picked up my mate Sheelagh Swinnerton from South Cheshire Harriers.
We came off junction 15 and was heading for Standon when Sheelagh
realised she had left her number at home. So… a quick call to my hubby
and arrangements made to get her number en route to him coming to watch
the race. (sorted)
As
we arrived we saw that the field being used as a car park was slightly
boggy so knew that the course would have some areas with mud on it. I’d
also had a heads up from Ken Rushton that there was some mighty big
puddles en route. Sheelagh and I made our way to the start line at
10.20am and then after the 1, 2, 3 we were off. The first mile was a
bit undulating, the wind was strong and it had started to drizzle.
However, this mere 10 miles was nothing compared to the rest of the Striders doing the Deja vu. So with my head down I concentrated on my
game plan of trying to get under 1. 35 this year. I got to 5 miles and
I was bang on target, then I hit the big almighty puddle, boy was I
glad I wore my old trainers, the water was freezing, after running
through that there was an almighty hill to tackle. Finally a bit of
straight land and a nice downhill section. Soon we were at the railway
bridge and then the heavens opened up, I was so glad I put on my long
sleeved top. I wore my sun glasses as it was nice and sunny when we set
off in the morning but ended up taking them off as they kept steaming
up and with the rain coming down I couldn’t see where I was running. I
think that might have been a good thing though. I felt ok till I got
to 9 miles when the cold and rain was really beginning to get to me. I
finally got in at 1.38 (not a great time for me) but I was so glad to
finish this race.
The course was well marshalled, they did a brilliant job supporting everyone in the wind and driving rain (thanks everyone).
As it was the 30th
year that the Flying Fox had run, we got a goody bag this year with
some specialised Flying Fox brew. Sheelagh picked up the V65 and I
picked up the V55 prizes which was a nice surprise for us both. I would
recommend this race but you definitely have to love hills!! Next Year
SMM will be introducing a marathon in March to celebrate the club’s 30th
anniversary. I have been asked if I want to do it but if the route
involves a lot of hills then I will have to give it some serious
thought!!!
For more information, visit the website.
Liz
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