Well
what did I let myself in for. I finally got to Wincle after waiting at
traffic lights for 20 minutes before I got through the town which was
setting up for the commonwealth torch.
As
I was massaging before and after the race, I borrowed the hubby’s car
which was struggling to get up hills, which was a bit of a worry as his
car is much more sturdy and faster than my little Zebbedee. Once I got
there I soon saw a few more striders and
learnt that this year’s route would be much more hillier as we were
starting at a higher point. I saw some very big hills in the distance
and was told ”that is where you have to run too”. Oh no ( I hate
hills). Soon I was on the starting line with Jill,
Cheryl, Gordon, Chris, Lindsay and Christiane. I told Christiane that
she could have my trout, I am not good with something that winks at me
and has a tail (ugh). Last year a cat benefitted from it.
The
first 1/4 mile was downhill but I soon realised that this would also be
the finish. Why of why did I not just stay at home. Enoug, I digress.
Even though the weather was muggy but overcast
there was still a lot of mud around which aided to a lot of slipping
and sliding and grabbing hold of branches to stop me falling into even
more mud. After a few downhills and uphills and climbing over styles we
reached “Ludds Church Path”. Everyone that
got on this path ended up walking as it was just too steep. It was here
I managed to catch my breath and assess my strategy of running as hard
as I could, which was not working.
Over a few more styles and then came
the nice stretch past the hanging gate, downhill
to the fish farm and Wincle Brewery (I recognised this stretch from
last year). I caught a couple of runners here on the trail path. Right
turn and a few ups and downs then I could see the marquees in the
distance and hear the cheering of the crowd. The last
5 minutes of running was ahead and I knew it was that flaming hill. I
tried to dig deep but my legs were like jelly (not to oneself – don’t do
a spinning class the night before this race). Woo hoo the end was in
site and to cheer me on, my fellow striders
all supporting there glorious trouts. Thanks to Jason for the photo –
proof that we all ended up with trouts that were definitely pouting!!!!
Although
this is a tough race, I’d recommend it, you have to throw out any
thoughts of getting a good time on this course, because it’s not how
fast you can do it, but, the fact that you finish
it covered in mud and a smile on your face.
For more information visit the website.