Back in August, I completed my first race since pre-pandemic times and actually enjoyed it, despite a few misgivings and a struggle with my fitness levels. Since then, with a bit more focus, I’ve been running a bit more often, and a bit faster too, breaking 30 minutes for the first time at parkrun in 2023 (lovely course at Oaklands) and then managing the same at Hanley parkrun too.
Progress.
So much so, that I started to think about a bigger challenge; and then an even bigger challenge after that – there have been ultramarathons on my mind again. And so I entered a race, with the goal of running a half marathon before the end of the year.
And then I hit the deck. Running progress halted very abruptly. I rested, my black eye and other bruises faded, almost fully healed. I managed a couple of runs again and was feeling just about ok.
But a half marathon? Could I? Was it a good idea?
The good thing about the race I’d entered – especially for someone not quite sure how far they could run – was that it was a 6hr timed event, following 3.5 mile laps around the very lovely Shipley Country Park near Derby. Participants could run/walk for as many laps as they wanted within the time limit. My goal was 4 laps but If I was struggling, I could do fewer laps; but it would still be a good challenge and I’d be racing again.
On Saturday afternoon, I found some safety pins and sorted my race kit – a very long time since I’d done that. How many layers would I need? What fuel would get me round? What I should I have for breakfast?
Ideally, an early night would have been the next part of my preparation, but life’s for living so we headed out to another music event – fantastic show organised by Don’t Call Me Ishmael at a very atmospheric St Mary’s Church in Stafford. Well worth an hour less of sleep!
And then it was race day. Alarm at 6.30am, picked up at just after 7am (thanks Kate and Paul), arriving at race HQ in plenty of time for a bit of nervous pacing, collecting my race number and eating a banana. My bag with extra layers and snacks stored at the start/finish point.
A race briefing from the team at Rasselbock Running at about 8.50am and then it was time to go.
It was a perfect morning for running; cold, crisp and clear. But what would happen next?
The first lap was very much a warm up – although I’m not sure I got much warmer – as I got used to the route, the varied terrain and the concept of racing again. The loop started with a downhill section on a gravel footpath, then around a pond – hello ducks – then across a road, before a slightly uphill section across some fields (my least favourite part – it became slippier and muddier with each lap), then into a woodland section with the a bit of an uphill then a steep downhill (watch for tree routes under the leaves), then a lovely downhill section on a road, before paths winding gently (at least on the first lap) back to the start – 3.5 miles with a bit of everything.
At the end of each lap, I was scanned in (lap times recorded) and it was easy to pick up / drop off unwanted items (gloves left behind after lap 1) and pick up a snack (not sure about gingerbread Soreen).
Lap 2 was probably my favourite – my legs and warmed up and the route was now familiar, although the uphill section about half way through seemed to be a little bit steeper this time round. I paused briefly between laps 2 and 3 for a drink and a piece of pork pie – don’t ask me to explain but it really does work as an energy boost. I took time to take in my surroundings and even stopped to take a couple of photos.
And then it was back to the start/finish – an amazing array of snacks provided by race organisers a much needed boost – pretzel anyone?
Club-mate Kate gave me a thumbs – we were back out for lap 3. It was definitely getting tricky on the sections across a field – I was collecting extra mud with extra step. And the hill was getting steeper – half way up was a sign saying – “just get over it” – so I did. I pushed hard on the second part of lap 2, possibly a bit too hard. I wasn’t sure I would make it to lap 4.
Decision time – I took a minute or so back at the start/finish point to get another drink and a bit more fuel. Carry on? Stop? I needed a breather to help me decide; Kate gave me another thumbs up as she carried on.
After that moment to think, I knew I had another lap in me, but it would definitely be slightly slower. That was ok – call it a cooldown.
I set off again, walking for about a minute – giving myself a plan for the lap ahead – then started running again as we hit the early downhill section.
I knew this would be the last time round, so made a special effort to properly say thank you to all the marshals, who had been brilliant throughout – very cheerful and encouraging. And stopped briefly to take a picture of my favourite tree.
After passing under the big tree, there were just a couple more turns and my race was done. I scanned in with the race marshals for the last time, and got to ring the “I’m done” bell, before choosing my medal. As this race was their last of the season, race organisers recycle all the medals from previous events that year – “medal madness”. I chose a butterfly – the butterfly race medals are given out at other events at Shipley Country Park during the year. What a great idea – I love it.
And so I was done – my goal of 4 laps achieved (and Kate had done the same – awesome).
I’d definitely run a bit further, and hopefully there is more to come. I’m just glad I’d booked a day off today for recovery – I’m exhausted!
50 for 50 #16: 50 posts for my 50th birthday to be posted before I’m 51.
27 Hours In Twizel 