Aldi Chester 10K – 10th March 2019
Following on from 2018 where I completed my 1st marathon, I had decided that in 2019 I wanted update my PB’s for 5k and 10k – both set back in 2016.
I had already managed to break my Parkrun PB 3 times by the time I got a last minute place at Chester. It had been described as fast and flat (the winner did Sub 30 minutes last year), and I love running in Chester!
However, come the day of the race, I was wishing I hadn’t bothered. It was cold, wet & windy! I knew I was in shape for a PB, but would the conditions prevent it?!?!?
Having done my usual race prep checking the course / elevation, it didn’t look that flat – some long gentle hills, but also some long downhills too!
The first mile was all down, miles 2 & 3 up, 4 & 5 down, followed by the last mile back up into Chester. It’s an out and back course, with a loop at the far end!
The first mile felt great…quick but comfortable. Miles 2 & 3 up the hill (and into the wind) were tough. As we got to the 5k point and turned back towards Chester, my Garmin beeped to show 21:19. I was on track.
Mile 4 as I came back downhill (and downwind) was quick. We turned back onto the main road back to Chester, where we met the other runners, their shouts of encouragement really did help (sorry I couldn’t shout back I blowing out of my a**e at that point!!!)
Mile 5 still felt strong, then the hill at mile 6 back into Chester struck. It was brutal! It was now just a case of hanging on as long as possible. The last 200 yards down the high street in Chester were amazing, plenty of support as always in Chester, and across the finish!
A new PB of 43:26…I was buzzing!
Well done also to the other WRR’s out there….a testing day in those conditions, with some great performances.
A great early season race to look out for, even if not quite as flat as publicised.
Submitted by Kris Williams
I had already managed to break my Parkrun PB 3 times by the time I got a last minute place at Chester. It had been described as fast and flat (the winner did Sub 30 minutes last year), and I love running in Chester!
However, come the day of the race, I was wishing I hadn’t bothered. It was cold, wet & windy! I knew I was in shape for a PB, but would the conditions prevent it?!?!?
Having done my usual race prep checking the course / elevation, it didn’t look that flat – some long gentle hills, but also some long downhills too!
The first mile was all down, miles 2 & 3 up, 4 & 5 down, followed by the last mile back up into Chester. It’s an out and back course, with a loop at the far end!
The first mile felt great…quick but comfortable. Miles 2 & 3 up the hill (and into the wind) were tough. As we got to the 5k point and turned back towards Chester, my Garmin beeped to show 21:19. I was on track.
Mile 4 as I came back downhill (and downwind) was quick. We turned back onto the main road back to Chester, where we met the other runners, their shouts of encouragement really did help (sorry I couldn’t shout back I blowing out of my a**e at that point!!!)
Mile 5 still felt strong, then the hill at mile 6 back into Chester struck. It was brutal! It was now just a case of hanging on as long as possible. The last 200 yards down the high street in Chester were amazing, plenty of support as always in Chester, and across the finish!
A new PB of 43:26…I was buzzing!
Well done also to the other WRR’s out there….a testing day in those conditions, with some great performances.
A great early season race to look out for, even if not quite as flat as publicised.
Submitted by Kris Williams
Forest of Dean Spring Trail Half Marathon - 23rd March 2019
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I love the Forest of Dean having spent many a happy childhood caravanning holiday there. Returning to visit as an adult, I’d tracked down a suitable ‘Afternoon Tea’ location, only to spot a huge banner outside the hotel advertising a trail half marathon – ooh, must add that to my running bucket list!
With the choice of a Spring or Autumn Half covering different routes, Spring was chosen. The race starts just outside the Speech House Hotel which was where I opted to stay the night before the race (being unusually well organised and booking well ahead of the event itself). This proved to be a top decision as I was able to collect the race numbers the day before and scope out the start line which was less than 100 metres from the hotel room! The race was well organised and there were plenty of portaloos but I smugly waited until the last minute to leave the hotel room and the comfort of an en-suite bathroom. |
Manda traveled down that morning and just before the start of the race we rounded everyone up for the club photo…..
to town. |
I had been expecting a few hundred people to take part but was amazed to find a field of nearly 2,000 runners! It was a gorgeous sunny day with blue skies and perfect running conditions. Not knowing what sort of terrain to expect and not feeling particularly match fit, we started at the back of the pack and decided to run for the sheer fun of it rather than aiming for a finish time.
Due to the large volume of runners, the race started on the main road for less than a mile before picking up the forest track for the rest of the route. The tracks through the forest were wide enough to run comfortably and it felt a bit weird as it had the atmosphere and numbers of a big city event but involved running along scenic forest trails. There was plenty of support en route as the trail passed through several Forestry Commission sites which provided access to the trail. Manda slowed down her usual pace to keep me company and we chatted and enjoyed the atmosphere and scenery. We did panic a bit when we overheard a bloke advising his running partner to “take it steady as you know what’s coming up…..!” They were obviously not hard core Wrekin runners like us as we kept looking out for the mountain but thankfully it turned out to be just a bit of a hill (Steve Gill would have been proud of us!)
Due to the large volume of runners, the race started on the main road for less than a mile before picking up the forest track for the rest of the route. The tracks through the forest were wide enough to run comfortably and it felt a bit weird as it had the atmosphere and numbers of a big city event but involved running along scenic forest trails. There was plenty of support en route as the trail passed through several Forestry Commission sites which provided access to the trail. Manda slowed down her usual pace to keep me company and we chatted and enjoyed the atmosphere and scenery. We did panic a bit when we overheard a bloke advising his running partner to “take it steady as you know what’s coming up…..!” They were obviously not hard core Wrekin runners like us as we kept looking out for the mountain but thankfully it turned out to be just a bit of a hill (Steve Gill would have been proud of us!)
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At 10 miles things got very surreal as we heard what can only be described as a very loud rave going on! At around 11:30 in the morning in the middle of a beautiful forest on a gorgeous sunny day, the music from what looked like a makeshift campsite was almost deafening – I felt really sorry for the marshalls who had to stand for hours listening to the tuneless beat. A local runner mentioned something about protestors but it wasn’t clear what they were actually protesting about. Despite a quick google search afterwards, I never actually found out (we should have asked the bloke who Manda spotted asleep in a ditch!). Thankfully the noise subsided as we carried on our way. All was going surprisingly comfortably until the 12 mile mark when the route snuck in a cheeky steep climb which did its best to beat me, but I weaved my way through all the walkers until I met up with Manda at the top. Up until this point I had been surprised at how flat the route had been so I thought it a bit rude to sneak in a challenge right at the end….
The forest trail finally opened up into a field where the finish line made a welcome sight. A bottle of water, a bottle of lucozade and a nice medal made up the goodies. Tshirts were only given out to the first 50 male and female finishers so that was never going to happen! Would I do this race again? Most definitely. It’s just the shame the Autumn one is the week after my all-time favourite trail race, Trailffest, in September. Maybe next year…. |
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Gloucester 20 mile Race - 17th March 2019
With Spring Marathon reason racing straight towards us I was looking at a 20 mile race 3 weeks out from Manchester. Gloucester appeared in google search so I entered the race.
After I entered the race I managed to convince Donna Howells to join me. Later on Lee Rudd also took the plunge.
90 min drive to the start to collect we arrived with plenty of time to spare.
Thankfully the weather was kinder than the day before as the wind had dropped although still felt cool at the start.
Great organisation lead to our race numbers being received in quick fashion and followed by a pit stop to the toilets done we went to prepare.
Highlight - Plenty of toilets for the runners which us runners really appreciate.
The course is 3 laps each of 6.66 miles long, usually not a favourite choice of race but needs must.
Each lap started at Gloucester Athletic club and went out through some country roads before heading back to town.
After I entered the race I managed to convince Donna Howells to join me. Later on Lee Rudd also took the plunge.
90 min drive to the start to collect we arrived with plenty of time to spare.
Thankfully the weather was kinder than the day before as the wind had dropped although still felt cool at the start.
Great organisation lead to our race numbers being received in quick fashion and followed by a pit stop to the toilets done we went to prepare.
Highlight - Plenty of toilets for the runners which us runners really appreciate.
The course is 3 laps each of 6.66 miles long, usually not a favourite choice of race but needs must.
Each lap started at Gloucester Athletic club and went out through some country roads before heading back to town.
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A couple of cheeky hills to get the heart rate up and get you muttering things under your breath about why are they here. Two water stations manned by superb marshal's (in fact all the Marshall's were superb in their support of each and every runner).
All our goals were for the race to be a high level training run with the Marathon being the main focus for the future.
A medal, T-shirt, Banana, water bottle and protein bars were received with a smile from a lovely lady wearing a tiara.
Miss England or something like that on her sash she donned.
As I was slightly unprepared at the end I found myself a little cold so borrowed Donna’s WRR hoodie. Fitted like a glove.
Donna’s report was slightly shorter
Started in Industrial Estate
Lap 1 didn’t like it, Lap two hated it, Lap tree (Ok I may as well finish it)
Stephen Gill – 2.22
Lee Rudd – 2.30
Donna Howells – 3.02
Submitted By Stephen Gill
All our goals were for the race to be a high level training run with the Marathon being the main focus for the future.
A medal, T-shirt, Banana, water bottle and protein bars were received with a smile from a lovely lady wearing a tiara.
Miss England or something like that on her sash she donned.
As I was slightly unprepared at the end I found myself a little cold so borrowed Donna’s WRR hoodie. Fitted like a glove.
Donna’s report was slightly shorter
Started in Industrial Estate
Lap 1 didn’t like it, Lap two hated it, Lap tree (Ok I may as well finish it)
Stephen Gill – 2.22
Lee Rudd – 2.30
Donna Howells – 3.02
Submitted By Stephen Gill
Ironbridge Half March 24th 2019
The morning of March 24th dawned bright and cool across Telford, ideal running conditions for an early Spring half marathon. Clearly my saucy pre-race weather dance and ritual offering of an isotonic race gel the night before had garnered favour with the running Gods. It was a good day for a race. It was a good day for the Ironbridge Half Marathon.
And so, as a result, the Town Park was awash with runners of all ages and ability. All nervously awaiting the 10am start, fumbling with race numbers and dreaming of Pbs. Each one asking themselves the same question, 'Do I have enough time to squeeze in that last pre-race wee?'. Notable mention must go out to Marie Thompson, who was clever enough to realise the Cineworld toilets were both accessible and preferable to the medieval style portaloos on offer.
The first notable WRR achievement of the day was the semi-successful team photo. That elusive coming together of a group of people who by all accounts should already be in that area anyway! After what can only be described as some world class herding skills, the likes of which have not been seen since the days of 'One Man And His Dog', we were all shuffled into position. Poses were struck, grins plastered and photos taken. So chuffed were we that we had managed to coordinate ourselves so successfully that we treated ourselves to a brief round of applause to celebrate. Only to realise we'd missed Damian Whitehead off! Photoshop was made for these very occasions.
The Ironbridge Half Marathon was a schizophrenic monster of a run. A race with an identity crisis. It started steadily with a beautiful 8 mile run along the sun dappled Silkin Way, with naught but encouraging words and birdsong to spur me along. If Carlsburg did half marathons this is what it would look like. The support along the way was fantastic as usual, dotted with familiar faces. The only let down being that club Chairman, Paul Spriggs, hadn't dressed up as a Victorian gentleman as he'd promised to do. Still, I choked back the disappointment, smiled for the camera and continued down towards Coalport and the river. There's always next year, Paul.
As soon as we crossed the river it became apparent that we were no longer running downhill and that the honeymoon period was over. This was where the race 'got real'! The crossing of the Ironbridge itself was a personal highlight (thank you to all who were there to cheer us on), lined on both sides by race supporters, making it a wonderfully surreal moment. The Ironbridge is a special place on an average day, but it was somehow elevated to something truly amazing during those three hours. Sadly the cheesy grin on my face was not to last. That euphoria I’d felt not 3 minutes earlier was quickly replaced by something far less rosy and a lot more challenging. Some would call it a mound of opportunity, others a speed bump, I simply call it 'Station Hill', a geographical feature only put there by God to punish foolish runners. Some walked it, others ran it, but whichever way it was tackled, it left an indelible impression, felt for the rest of the race. From that moment on pain became your friend. Well if not your friend then certainly a really annoying room mate who doesn't stop telling you how much of an idiot you've been for entering the Ironbridge Half Marathon and wondering if it's not too late to sell that Chester Half Marathon place!
I’d love to describe the rest of my run to you but my memory after that point becomes rather more hazy. Mainly a combination of swear words and hallucinations as I slipped in and out of a running coma. I’m sure at one point I even believed myself to be the reincarnation of Elvis Presley, greeting the supporters along the way to a lip curl and a ‘Thank you very much’. I may even have signed a few autographs, who knows!
Finally, after what felt like weeks, the Town Park came into view and before I knew it I was back on the Parkrun route racing towards the finish with its prehistoric spectators (the dinosaurs in Wonderland). As I approached the final part of the race, Parkrun hill, my mind was broken and my body was in bits but as always the roaring support from the WRR clan was second to none and was enough to eek out an extra push to drive me up the final few yards and over the finish line. We really do have the best running club with the best people. Something we should all be proud of.
And so, as a result, the Town Park was awash with runners of all ages and ability. All nervously awaiting the 10am start, fumbling with race numbers and dreaming of Pbs. Each one asking themselves the same question, 'Do I have enough time to squeeze in that last pre-race wee?'. Notable mention must go out to Marie Thompson, who was clever enough to realise the Cineworld toilets were both accessible and preferable to the medieval style portaloos on offer.
The first notable WRR achievement of the day was the semi-successful team photo. That elusive coming together of a group of people who by all accounts should already be in that area anyway! After what can only be described as some world class herding skills, the likes of which have not been seen since the days of 'One Man And His Dog', we were all shuffled into position. Poses were struck, grins plastered and photos taken. So chuffed were we that we had managed to coordinate ourselves so successfully that we treated ourselves to a brief round of applause to celebrate. Only to realise we'd missed Damian Whitehead off! Photoshop was made for these very occasions.
The Ironbridge Half Marathon was a schizophrenic monster of a run. A race with an identity crisis. It started steadily with a beautiful 8 mile run along the sun dappled Silkin Way, with naught but encouraging words and birdsong to spur me along. If Carlsburg did half marathons this is what it would look like. The support along the way was fantastic as usual, dotted with familiar faces. The only let down being that club Chairman, Paul Spriggs, hadn't dressed up as a Victorian gentleman as he'd promised to do. Still, I choked back the disappointment, smiled for the camera and continued down towards Coalport and the river. There's always next year, Paul.
As soon as we crossed the river it became apparent that we were no longer running downhill and that the honeymoon period was over. This was where the race 'got real'! The crossing of the Ironbridge itself was a personal highlight (thank you to all who were there to cheer us on), lined on both sides by race supporters, making it a wonderfully surreal moment. The Ironbridge is a special place on an average day, but it was somehow elevated to something truly amazing during those three hours. Sadly the cheesy grin on my face was not to last. That euphoria I’d felt not 3 minutes earlier was quickly replaced by something far less rosy and a lot more challenging. Some would call it a mound of opportunity, others a speed bump, I simply call it 'Station Hill', a geographical feature only put there by God to punish foolish runners. Some walked it, others ran it, but whichever way it was tackled, it left an indelible impression, felt for the rest of the race. From that moment on pain became your friend. Well if not your friend then certainly a really annoying room mate who doesn't stop telling you how much of an idiot you've been for entering the Ironbridge Half Marathon and wondering if it's not too late to sell that Chester Half Marathon place!
I’d love to describe the rest of my run to you but my memory after that point becomes rather more hazy. Mainly a combination of swear words and hallucinations as I slipped in and out of a running coma. I’m sure at one point I even believed myself to be the reincarnation of Elvis Presley, greeting the supporters along the way to a lip curl and a ‘Thank you very much’. I may even have signed a few autographs, who knows!
Finally, after what felt like weeks, the Town Park came into view and before I knew it I was back on the Parkrun route racing towards the finish with its prehistoric spectators (the dinosaurs in Wonderland). As I approached the final part of the race, Parkrun hill, my mind was broken and my body was in bits but as always the roaring support from the WRR clan was second to none and was enough to eek out an extra push to drive me up the final few yards and over the finish line. We really do have the best running club with the best people. Something we should all be proud of.
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The rewards for such a gruelling race were fantastic. A cracking medal, a very useful luminous yellow running shirt (ideal for night time runs), a flapjack in a mug and a bag to put them all in. All-in-all a really well organised event and one I would recommend. Well done Telford Harriers.
Thankfully a day later I’m feeling a bit more back to normal, though the legs are still suffering (but isn't that the sign of a race well run?).
Having completed my first Ironbridge Half Marathon, it now only leaves two questions to be answered:
1. Would I do Ironbridge Half Marathon again?
Answer: Probably.
And
2. If I'm not the reincarnation of Elvis Presley then why is my race number pinned to the white flared jumpsuit hung in my wardrobe??
Submitted by Steve Hughes
Thankfully a day later I’m feeling a bit more back to normal, though the legs are still suffering (but isn't that the sign of a race well run?).
Having completed my first Ironbridge Half Marathon, it now only leaves two questions to be answered:
1. Would I do Ironbridge Half Marathon again?
Answer: Probably.
And
2. If I'm not the reincarnation of Elvis Presley then why is my race number pinned to the white flared jumpsuit hung in my wardrobe??
Submitted by Steve Hughes
Myddle 6-mile Fun Run - March 24th 2019
tSo, my friend Sarah Green is always getting me into scrapes. So often when she asks me if I want to do a race, I err and erm a bit… OK a lot; whilst allowing the day of the race to pass – cunning you see. Only this time I wasn’t getting away with it. So Myddle 6-mile fun run was booked for Sunday 24th March.
Wow what a gorgeous day Sunday turned out to be, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, I’d had my porridge and at this point the prospect of a trail run was not even darkening my mood.
Sarah and I arrive at Myddle a beautiful but hilly village and now my mood is starting to change somewhat. We wander on over to the school where our support crew awaited aka my Mum and Dad and proceeded to soak up some pre-race atmosphere. Myddle School were putting on 3 races, a 1 miler, a 3 miler and a 6 miler, so ages ranged from around 4 to around 70, with Dogs welcome too!
We line up for our start pep talk and at this point I would like to refer you back to paragraph 1 sentence 1; as we are then told we will be facing into MUD, HILLS, SLIPPY ROCKS, all those things I absolutely hate. I cast Sarah a “you got me into this” look and now I am grumpy.
We set off up a hill, but it soon plateaus as we headed through our first farm. The 6-mile run takes you through 2 working farms, with the first farm having Alpaca’s, who seemed very amused at this gaggle of brightly dressed people running past their home.
We then proceeded to run through flattish fields for the next 2-3 miles, all the while having the sun on our backs and I’m getting less grumpy now. We run past a field of very bemused cows, the whole herd of which had made its way to the fence to watch us. We them come upon the mud!
Actually, as mud goes I’ve ran through a lot worse and you could pick your way through, which obviously of course dainty toes that I am, I did. Sarah is a little up ahead of me at this moment, not being quite so bothered by the mud as I. We regroup once through the mud and make our way through our 2nd working farm.
Oh, I forgot to mention the scarecrows, the children at the school had made up some scarecrows to put at intersections along the run, either that or they were last year’s lost runners!
A hill and quite a big one, looms in the distance and I quip to Sarah “do you think we’re going up there”, already knowing the answer. But we feel good having taken the run so far at a nice steady pace.
The hill is a heavily wooded hill, with loads of lovely Rhododendrons, I can just imagine the colours in the next 6 weeks will be fabulous. OK so we walk up some of the hill – it’s a “Fun” run and at this point it’s starting to get hot.
So that’s 2 out of 3 of my nemeses and so far, I’m not doing too bad, consequently Sarah hasn’t had to put up with any grumpiness either. So, the last one - slippy rocks; so we did have a casualty, though thankfully it wasn’t one of us, but a guy running just behind us, seemingly though he bounced and was OK as he then came hurtling past us on the down section.
Wow what a gorgeous day Sunday turned out to be, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, I’d had my porridge and at this point the prospect of a trail run was not even darkening my mood.
Sarah and I arrive at Myddle a beautiful but hilly village and now my mood is starting to change somewhat. We wander on over to the school where our support crew awaited aka my Mum and Dad and proceeded to soak up some pre-race atmosphere. Myddle School were putting on 3 races, a 1 miler, a 3 miler and a 6 miler, so ages ranged from around 4 to around 70, with Dogs welcome too!
We line up for our start pep talk and at this point I would like to refer you back to paragraph 1 sentence 1; as we are then told we will be facing into MUD, HILLS, SLIPPY ROCKS, all those things I absolutely hate. I cast Sarah a “you got me into this” look and now I am grumpy.
We set off up a hill, but it soon plateaus as we headed through our first farm. The 6-mile run takes you through 2 working farms, with the first farm having Alpaca’s, who seemed very amused at this gaggle of brightly dressed people running past their home.
We then proceeded to run through flattish fields for the next 2-3 miles, all the while having the sun on our backs and I’m getting less grumpy now. We run past a field of very bemused cows, the whole herd of which had made its way to the fence to watch us. We them come upon the mud!
Actually, as mud goes I’ve ran through a lot worse and you could pick your way through, which obviously of course dainty toes that I am, I did. Sarah is a little up ahead of me at this moment, not being quite so bothered by the mud as I. We regroup once through the mud and make our way through our 2nd working farm.
Oh, I forgot to mention the scarecrows, the children at the school had made up some scarecrows to put at intersections along the run, either that or they were last year’s lost runners!
A hill and quite a big one, looms in the distance and I quip to Sarah “do you think we’re going up there”, already knowing the answer. But we feel good having taken the run so far at a nice steady pace.
The hill is a heavily wooded hill, with loads of lovely Rhododendrons, I can just imagine the colours in the next 6 weeks will be fabulous. OK so we walk up some of the hill – it’s a “Fun” run and at this point it’s starting to get hot.
So that’s 2 out of 3 of my nemeses and so far, I’m not doing too bad, consequently Sarah hasn’t had to put up with any grumpiness either. So, the last one - slippy rocks; so we did have a casualty, though thankfully it wasn’t one of us, but a guy running just behind us, seemingly though he bounced and was OK as he then came hurtling past us on the down section.
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We are coming back down the hill now and can see the school in the distance; we are a little tired as soft ground does seem to zap energy more than road, but we can see the finish line and almost smell the cake that I can’t have.
One last field to go, which was probably the worst of all the terrain, very pitted, kept going over on my ankle, couldn’t really get up any speed and was thankful at this point that the run hadn’t all been like that – I suspect Sarah was as well, but not because of her ankles, but that her ears would have been bleeding.
We cross the finish line together and receive out medals, designed by one of the pupils at the School.
The sun is still shining, I am still in a happy mood, Sarah can’t believe how lucky she’s been especially after the mornings pep talk about mud, rocks and hills. We wander on over to my parents, so Sarah can eat cake.
Submitted By Pauline (Polly) Eccles
One last field to go, which was probably the worst of all the terrain, very pitted, kept going over on my ankle, couldn’t really get up any speed and was thankful at this point that the run hadn’t all been like that – I suspect Sarah was as well, but not because of her ankles, but that her ears would have been bleeding.
We cross the finish line together and receive out medals, designed by one of the pupils at the School.
The sun is still shining, I am still in a happy mood, Sarah can’t believe how lucky she’s been especially after the mornings pep talk about mud, rocks and hills. We wander on over to my parents, so Sarah can eat cake.
Submitted By Pauline (Polly) Eccles
West Pennines Double Ultra Marathon - 9th March 2019
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Myself and Dave Issac decided to use this race as a training run for Transvulcania in May it's a simple concept run 30 miles on the Saturday followed by another 30 miles on the Sunday and the course is not marked so what could go wrong??
We arrived at the Airbnb in Ramsbottom that over looked part of Sundays route a rather large hill, The start for both days was in Darwen about a 20 min drive over the moors it was a small turnout for day one with a mixture of double day runners and some single day runners. The race brief was short and to the point make sure you go through the 3 checkpoints and don't cut any corners and then we were off straight up hill for the first mile, the weather was a bit damp and the wind nearly took you off your feet. The terrain was a mixture of mud, fell and more mud mixed with lots of water, as the race went on the weather went from rain to sun and then rain again, the route was stunning with lots of hills to tackle and fast down hill sections. As i started to get near the end of day one all i could think was how was i going to do it all again tomorrow (Beer and pizza seemed to work). As we were relaxing on the Saturday night we kept checking the weather and it did not look good the forecast was for snow and winds. |
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It was another early start on the Sunday as i opened the curtains the hill we were going up was snow covered, oh today was going to be fun, Arriving back at the same start there were a few more runners there as they do a 10k and a half marathon as well. As we lined up for the start it was starting to snow again and then we were off up the same hill as yesterday but this time turning left and on to a great down hill technical section, After a few miles off snow and lots of fells and hills we started to get near the hill we could see in Ramsbottom, the snow was really coming down now and it was almost a white out at the top. After running across the top it was a nice down hill through a very muddy section before starting to climb again, the weather had started to turn a little now and the sun came out along with a hail storm great could it get any worse? well strangely enough yes it could we hit a lovely down hill section the trouble was the snow was starting to melt so we were running in ankle deep freezing cold water for what seemed forever.
As it was self navigation i had the route on my watch and we were lucky enough to be running with some locals who knew the course really well, which was a great help until we started to pull away from them we reached a section where you could go left up a big hill or carry straight on a easy flat section guess where we went yep up the bloody hill as we scrambled around at the top trying to work out which way to go we looked down and about 5 of the local runners were running across the path at the bottom, rookie mistake. |
By the time we got back down there was no chance of catching them before the finish.
Thanks to our race crew Julie & Pauline for looking after us all weekend.
The race is put on by Howler events who do a fantastic job and do some other great races , we will definitely be going back next year even with the terrible weather it was one of the best race's i have taken part in.
Submitted by Paul Spriggs
Thanks to our race crew Julie & Pauline for looking after us all weekend.
The race is put on by Howler events who do a fantastic job and do some other great races , we will definitely be going back next year even with the terrible weather it was one of the best race's i have taken part in.
Submitted by Paul Spriggs
Wrexham Half Marathon - Sunday 17th March 2019
So not having completed many half marathons for 18 months and wanting to prove that I could re-capture past glory of the days when 1hr:36min was achievable, we (Kathy and I) have entered Bath half marathon in March 2019, mainly as an excuse to see Holly at University… hope she appreciates the efforts we go to, there are easier ways of spending a Sunday in Bath! As preparation I completed the Oulton Park half marathon on 2nd December, which was hilly for a race track and was 5 laps… meaning the same hills had to be done 5 times.. which was challenging however I was surprised that I managed 1:38:53 (7.27).
Next challenge was Wrexham half marathon, although by now I was suffering with a hamstring injury and with only a few long runs under my belt since Christmas (the longest being 10 miles), this half marathon had to be properly paced. Now my usual attitude to pacing is to look back at what I have done, look at what I can do now, decide on a pace, go off too quick for the first mile.. although the start photos do look impressive….. and struggle for the last 2 miles. So Wrexham would have to be slower than Oulton Park and faster than 1hr:45 (8.00). The race is 2 laps with an element of overlap and you actually pass the finish line twice with the race going off into the country side, but is fairly flat.
Race day loomed and the usual bowl of porridge and a cup of tea before travelling at 8:30 to Wrexham. The weather was ok, not too cold. We found a car park, bumped into The Leonards and Sarah Greene and walked to the start about half a mile away to find the toilets.
So us men do like to leave the portaloos to the runners who really need them and we love a portaloo urinals … however there were not enough toilets, which proved even more difficult nearer race time. Anyway the sun started to shine, but as I warmed up (and stretched) to keep the hamstring happy, the wind picked up and the cloud hovered above with the sun disappearing, but no rain.
The starting pen was quite busy, but that would be expected when there were 2373 runners. It was good to see pacers were running with flags strapped to their back, it’s always appreciated and helps with judging where to start. I stood a few rows behind the 1h:40 pacer, this seemed sensible.
The race started and it was surprisingly slow to get to the start mat for the chip time to begin, but once past the mat the road opened up and race pace was achieved, but not at 7:45… of course not…. I completed the first mile in 7:08, turning the first corner where the Wrekin Road Runner supporters were (which is always appreciated) passing the finish line within the first I/4 mile, and I managed to get next to the 1:40:00 pacer (and passed Steve Lowe on the way). Next mile was 7:17 and the pacer was just behind me. As the hamstring was being quiet, I decide to keep to this pace and slowly drifted away from the pacer, who had the same idea of attempting a quick 1:40:00 ... I actually think he was doing a tactical 1:37:00 pace. By now the wind was picking up and I could hear the flag of the pacer rattle to almost take off speed … Perhaps he should slow down a bit.
Mile 2 took us out of Wrexham and along country roads and lanes, some were closed, others not (a 4x4 did overtake me at one point), with nice little des res peppered along the route. We continued along a good stretch of road until we entered back into Wrexham and headed up to the finish line for mile 5. At this point I checked my pace, still around 7:16, could not see the pacer nearby, hamstring was twitching slightly and was starting to consider reducing the pace back to my plan as there was no way this race would be quicker than Oulton Park. As I headed towards the 5 mile mark back at the finish line I again passed the Wrekin Road Runners Supporters who were shouting encouragement… so this was not the time to reduce pace...I heard a suggestion that I should be running quicker (not sure who ruddy well said that!).. so I checked my pace (7:24), checked the ham string (ok), checked the plan (not to plan) … 2 out of 3 on track was ok.. so off I went again to see how long this pace could last.
The second lap saw some familiar roads, but we quickly turned off along country lanes. These were edging towards being tracks with a few pot holes, but as the weather was dry they were fairly easy going. As we wound through the lanes past farms, there was a lone marshal shouting support, along with ‘mind the mud’ and ‘half way there’. I could not quite work out if she was there to give the good news of being half way round, or the fact there was mud on the road, not sure it was actually mud if I was running past dairy farms, perhaps in hind sight wearing orange trainers was not the best plan, but the weather was dry. Onward I went still pacing at 7:14.
Wrexham is advertised as a fast, flat course … but nothing is ever really flat, and so far there were no hills that caused concern, although there was suggestion that there was one hill that you would notice, nothing noticed yet, I was beginning to wonder where it was.
My pacing was going well and not many runners passed me, so for a change I had managed to start at the right pace and in the right place, this was not normal. Also there were plenty of other runners close by, quiet often in small races I can end up running by myself, so I was starting to enjoy the race and there seemed a good supply of water and marshals; there was no danger in going the wrong way.
As I headed towards the 10 mile mark, you could feel the wind rush over the top of hedges as I raced around the country roads. The legs were now starting to feel heavy and the hamstring started to make itself known. I ploughed on but knew the pace was going to drop off and as I turned the corner at 10 miles I could see the hill ahead of me, albeit a small gradient, but it did seem to last a mile or so.
We started to head back into Wrexham at mile 11 to 12, and I started to see my pace drop off. That’s ok, the first 10 miles was a job well done, potentially a 1hr:36 finish had I kept to pace.. so much for the plan of 1:40, but true to form.
As I neared 11.5 miles a familiar awareness was felt, was it the hamstring wanting to let me know that it wanted some attention, no it was the waving flag of the 1:40 pacer, who had caught me up. By now he was on for a 1hr:38, but he was not part of my race anymore. Well I thought not until he yelled that there was one mile to go and 10 minutes left… perhaps a sub 1:40 was still possible. Alas the legs were not going to respond, and I saw him head off into the distance.
As I approached the final bend the level of support grew, passing Wrekin Road Runners supporters on the left and then on the right.. There was a tunneling of supporters and the 1hr:40 pacer was slowing down to the point where I passed him and I gave it one last sprint to cross the line in a gun time of 1:39, who would have thought chip time would be 1hr:38:23 … 30 seconds faster than Oulton Park.
I collected the marvelous medal and went to walk the course to look for Kathy. I was starting to get cold and the rain was falling. This is where a bag drop would have been good as the car was just under a mile away and some warm clothes would have been appreciated. At least I had finished before the rain.
There was great support from Marshals and onlookers, as well as Wrekin Road Runners supporters, for that I thank you. There was some great running especially from The Leonard, The Millington, Young Thorpe and The Gill. Chairman Spriggs showed good form with a 1:36:24, but surprisingly finished behind me, however I am claiming victory here… for the record Paul, you need to be in front of someone to beat them in a race, I thought I proved that to you at Attingham cross country a couple of years ago.
Wrexham was a good race and a good club event too. Was it worth it, yes due to the support, the course and an improving time, but more toilets are needed along with a bag drop. Would I do it again… yes, we have entered for next year already.
Submitted by Neil Jefferson