Elan Valley 10 (2009)

Was this a race or a swim? On reflection – a swim is usually warmer!
I was tempted to do this route with tales of great scenery and a fast course (the finish lower than the start means on average down hill all the way?? The reality of the day was a spectacular overflowing dam, lots of rain, puddles, streams, hills headwinds and just not enough temperature.
How did I do? (as usual me! me! me!) To use a car metaphor the engine was better than the transmission. I started off at what I considered to be a reckless pace and kept up with Gareth and Ian; even ahead of Niki for a few miles. From halfway my calves started to stiffen and pain increased. The hills were OK but the flat bits (yes, there were a few in the second half) were painful. The last mile took me nearly 10 minutes of hobbling. Still, mustn’t grumble. There was lots of me that was working well!
Roll on next year where I hope for a better run.
Good event, well-run, challenging course, nice number of entrants, good tea and coffee and cakes at reasonable prices.

Boxing Day Fun Run – Caldicot

Gerry & Andy Creber

Just the job to blow the cobwebs away was the 2.8 mile Caldicot Fun Run.
I was still undecided as to whether I was in running mode, and soon settled in to a nice gentle jog round the 2 laps.

Andy & I came in near the back of the field but I had a good time and enjoyed the relaxed approach.

After the race was a spread of Chip Butties at the race HQ – Ye Olde Tippling Philosopher – and a good chance to socialise.

Perhaps this is the future for my running?  taking things at a slow pace but with a smile on my face. Still a period of deliberation but deep down I think that you will find me trying hard at some of the club training evenings, and also making plans for some races through 2009.

See you then…

Bridge Inn 5k

This evening the Chepstow Harriers club championship race was the Bridge Inn 5k run by the Bristol & West Athletic Club near Britol (surprise surprise!). The weather was threatening and the 7:30 start meant a coldish race taking place after dark. The route was lit by streetlights in many places but there were a few marshals strategically placed with torches to guide us round some of the dark corners.

The atmosphere was great and the field quite busy making the first few hundred metres a bit of a struggle, not bad enough to have a major effect on the speed.

I had what was for me a good run. I’m never sure which Gerry has turned up – often until after the start. I ran a steady race – if a 5k can ever be that. Breathing just about under control. Half way at 10:20 and finish at 21:30 – my best for the year. Others said the second half was tougher – up hill or something.

I beat a fe people that I didn’t expect to and had a good view of Esther and Lou fighting to the finish – Esther winning in 21:20.

Sue was still a bit tired after the Black Mountains fell race at the weekend and was just over the 22 minutes.

A good race, one of a series. Tempted to do another of them this year.