8am
and I was up and ready to leave for Congleton.
Karen picked me up and we arrived with plenty of time to get a good spot on the car park. We met up with a few Striders and we soon got collared by the press for a photoshoot. Lainey Tee and Christiane missed out as they had just gone to their car to get ready for the race. Quick stop at the loo and soon I was on the start line.
I
saw that Liz Clutton was not around but then I spotted Lesley Cole who
is in my “W” category and faster than me so I decided that my game plan
was just to go as fast as I could and try and stay with Lesley and
finish the race. I got up beside some of the “Harrier ladies” and was
getting into my stride when Lainey Tee past me, she looked really strong
(oh to be that young again). Soon Christiane caught up. Next we were
at the downhill stretch heading towards TESCO ( I like this bit of the
race). I let myself go and when I looked up I had the killer hill to
face.
I paced myself at 9 minute mile pace and soon I was having a game
of cat and mouse with Malcolm Rushton (Trentham). He’s 63 years of old
and he runs and power walks. He always gets me on the hills and I get
him when I am flying down hill. At mile 7 I was bang on target at 63
minutes, Lesley was still 6 in front of me, but she was moving fast.
Malcolm and I were still playing cat and mouse and we even had a bit of a
conversation.
I
felt good and was beginning to pass a few folk, soon it was a downhill
stretch but just before mile 11 I managed to go over on a stone nearly
falling into the path of a cyclist who was doing the Cat and Fiddle for
Dougie Mac. Hobbling for a bit I had a few jelly babies to give my body
some sugar and concentrated on the next part of this race, “the sting
in the tail”. I managed to get up it ok and my old buddy Sheelagh from
South Cheshire Harriers came flying past me. Now, I knew I was in
trouble. At 12 miles I realised I wasn’t going to break 2 hours so I did
what Paula Ratcliffe advised in one of the running magazines, had
positive thoughts and focused on getting under 2.06. I crossed the
line in 2.05.48 just 11 seconds after Sheelagh.
Today
the conditions were good, it was hot (which makes a nice change from
rain). I didn’t run as well as I wanted to but I managed to finished
race No. 11 and now I only have the Flying Fox to complete my 12th
NSRRA race. At least I got a bargain of some nice new running shoes.
I’d definitely recommend this race, yep it is a bit hilly but if you
feel good on the day it is a PB course. Well done to all the striders
who took part in the Chester Marathon and the Congleton Half today. Now
for some tea and a well earned Malibu and coke with lots and lots of
ice. (mmmm)
The full results were:
01:48:40 David Parr (PB)
01:56:35 Christiane Bunte
02:05:59 Liz O’Keeffe
02:07:14 Matt Wood
02:10:37 Jill Jenkins (PB)
02:05:59 Liz O’Keeffe
02:07:14 Matt Wood
02:10:37 Jill Jenkins (PB)
02:14:45 Karen Lovatt (PB)
02:29:10 Grant Stanning
For more information, visit the Congleton Harriers website.
Liz
No comments:
Post a Comment