Clumber Park Trailblazer 10K

Bad races...everyone has them from time to time.  Unfortunately, today was my turn to experience one.



When I booked my place in the Trailblazer series, I had envisaged a lovely day out for all the family.  How silly of me - I had not factored in the British weather.  Last night, the BBC website had forecast heavy rain all morning (double raindrops out of a black cloud - according to the chart! Up to an inch of rain in some places) so Hubby and I decided I that the support crew would give today a miss.  Thankfully, a friend of mine was also running and her family had made the same decision, so we travelled together.  This made the lack of support crew situation more fun.

The Trailblazer race was exceptionally well organised.  Registration was swift and pain free, and there were plenty of toilets close to the starting line (which is one of the factors that determines a good race for me!!)  There would have been plenty for the family to see and do - had they come - and it didn't rain!  Never mind.

I set off in the Green Wave of runners (which included a Stag Do!)  I knew from the start that my form was not good.  I made the mistake of setting off too fast, and then ran into problems with my knee at 7K.  I ended up walking parts of the last 3K, so I was really pleased with my time of 58:05,  and to be honest,  when I crossed the finishing line I was just so relieved that it was over.

I can offer many reasons as to why I was slower that I would have liked today - recovering from a knee injury, having only run 4 times in the last 3 weeks, and the fact that I am not used to running on a muddy, trail surface.

It was weird not having anyone to greet me when I finished.  I crossed the line, received my medal and picked up my honking great Helly Hansen good bag (definitely the best goody bad I've had so far).  My friend ran in a different wave to me, so while I waited for her I went to the massage tent and had a lovely knee massage.


Maybe I need to give my knee more time, but I am beginning to wonder if I will be able to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon I have entered in October.  I guess time will tell.  Right now, I feel like deferring my place, but it is only hours since I crossed the finishing line!

Post Race Ramblings

I did it!  I'm so pleased I made it in a good time, but also so pleased it's over.  The emotional build up to a new distance can be exhausting in itself, without adding in the effect it has on your body.

The North Lincolnshire Half-Marathon was a well-organised race with some nice touches.  Race HQ was based in Glanford Park, home to Scunthorpe United.  It was easy to get to, there was ample parking,  plenty of toilets with queues that were not too ridiculous, hot drinks were being served, good baggage area manned by the scouts and there was even a stand selling sports wear and gels (ideal for me as I had packed everything except my energy gels!)  There was a 3/4 mile walk along an urban trail to the start, which was not ideal, but necessary to fit the distance in for the race.  The course itself was lovely and flat, a little windy for the first 7 miles, but we've had strong winds for weeks. The course took us along some narrow roads and through lovely picturesque villages where residents had come out to cheer us along.  The finish was great - the last 100 metres brought you into the football ground and onto the pitch.

As I entered the ground, I fought hard to hold back the tears that were threatening to overwhelm me with the relief that I had achieved my goal, and that the pain was finally over.  My knee was in agony.  The last 2 miles were really tough and I felt the pain spreading from the side of my knee to underneath it.  I looked up into the stands and searched the faces for the 3 blondies that are; my hubby, my daughter and my son.  Again, I fought back tears of emotion as I was reunited with them.

6 days on, and I think my knee is starting to forgive me and return to normal!  Time for some real healing and strengthening now.  I have a 10K race at the end of May in Clumber Park, Nottinghmshire, (http://www.rwtrailblazer.co.uk/notts.html) but that shouldn't put too much strain on my knee.  It's October I need to work towards.  I have entered the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London (http://royalparkshalf.com/) where I will run and raise money for http://www.scope.org.uk/

However, I am enjoying a little break from running...but I won't leave it too long.  Another day or two and I will squeeze myself back into my dry-fit lycra and hit the road again!