Ready, Steady, Slow.... by Ells_Bells

Well, I haven't posted for a while becaused training kind of died a death in August, as I spent most of it running around trying to juggle child care and work :(  I think I managed about one run a week!  This had me slightly panicked as I had the Police 10 mile road race on the 8th September :O

A week or so beforehand I managed to up it again, just in time to taper again for 3 days ;o)  I was very nervous as we travelled up to Manchester as I knew I would be the slowest part of the team and I didn't want to let anyone down.  It was a hot day, and although I knew the course was supposed to be undulating, I was dismayed when we arrived to find that the general consensus was that the course was *STEEP!*  Even worse I wasn't allowed my ipod <sulk>  Anyway, we set off for a 3 lap circuit around Heaton Park.  The first part of the course I quite enjoyed, and made sure I didn't set off too fast.  It was undulating, but nothing major, some good downhills as well as ups.  Then I hit the last part, and came across a very long, very steep climb to start the next lap.

The circuit was nice, a very nice park, passing a bit lake with ducks and geese, fields of ponys etc.  I had done 4.5 miles when the front runner lapped me :O  Second time up the hill was very tough, but I refreshed quickly at the water station and continued not feeling too bad.  3rd time up the hill it was very tempting to walk, but I could see people in front of me doing that and wanted to get past them.  I passed a couple on the last bit in, and then managed a sprint finish to pass 3 more on the finish!!  I came 71st out of 102 women (500 or so altogether), and Completed in 1 hour 32 minutes 47 seconds.  General thoughts seemed to be that the course was knocking 2 minutes of peoples usual times, and given my lack of training throughout August I was quite pleased.  Left hamstring a bit sore since though.

After party was good too.  Awards given out by Ron Hill, and dancing/partying til late.  I think I crawled into bed about 04:45 :)

Since then, I went for a quick 3 mile recovery jog on Friday in 28 minutes and some seconds, and then did the club long Sunday Run (was put in the faster group instead of the beginners for the first time!!!) and cycled there and back.  So did 7.5 mile run, and a 7 mile bike ride :)

Next race is the half marathon at Windsor on the 26th.  Would love to do it sub 2 hours, but not quite sure I'll make it.  Wish I could stomach the gels to help me along the way.  Also very excited about October and finding out whether I've got a place in the London Marathon or not!!

Take care all, that's my lunch half hour used up, so will try to catch up with blogs this evening.

Ells