Leyland 10k

Boxing Day, Tuesday, 26th December 2006

 

Scenery:                      5

PB potential:               Got to be a 10…though it’s not an easy course

Atmosphere:               9 – We did two small laps, then one large lap; thus giving good crowd support from runners partners/spectators

Organisation:              9 – only saw the 5th mile marker. I think every race should use Dave’s four mile markers!

Value:                          9 - £6 to pre enter (T– shirt to all finishers).

Beginner Friendly:     10 – Runners still coming in as I was driving away, but marshals were still doggedly assigned to their posts and they must have been freezing. I tried to warm up at the Start by cuddling the nearest runners to me. One happened to be Mr ‘Chairman’ Dave…..needless to say, I’ve felt more heat from a tepid mulled wine I forced down yesterday!

 

We all know the course well – must be the most raced route in the North of England!? Which means there’s no surprises for an old hand like Bates.

 

Didn’t know what to expect with my form however – I ran well, (for me), at Langdale, but average at the Rudolph Race. I found it so hard to train last week – did a minor fell walk in the Lakes on Monday and a few, (too many?), drinks at Joanna Goorney’s – I was shattered. I was that tired I didn’t run Tuesday and for various reasons also missed Wednesday and Thursday.

 

I set off near Joanna and we exchanged tactics! I set off in pursuit of Dave Preston and passed him in the park. Then picked off a few more…..until a voice behind me bellowed “CAAAARRRRRR”! I don’t think it was Dave this time, but Christ, did it made me jump!!!! I gritted my teeth and went for it with a mile to go, (down, then up the hill). I was worried if I’d gone to fast up the hill, but couldn’t hear anyone behind. I was struggling, but everyone should be in the same boat over the last mile? My position, (whatever it was), was safe and I finished in 38:38 – I had no idea that I had run so well until the finish. (I’d never looked at my watch). Perhaps 3 days off had done me good?

 

There were loads in front – at least three ladies. Not long after, Peter Gleaves and Joanna Goorney stormed in with grins from ears to ears. Both got under 40 with PB‘s.  Michaela finished in 43:22ish and was chuffed too.

 

A few of us adjourned to the Dressers Arms to celebrate.

 

Full results on http://www.ukresults.net/2006/boxing.html  and the Results page of this website.

 

Thanks to Kirsty Waywell for looking after my son.

 

Written by: Martin Bates

Submitted: 26th December 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor