What a contrast!
Nov1520115:59 p.m.
Pleased to report that after the dire experience that was the GSR a couple of weeks ago, where my will to live mid-run scuttled off into the gutter alongside the road, I had the totally opposite experience on Sunday.
Oh Trail Racing how I love thee. Let me count the ways...well actually I can only count to two on this front as I have only done two trail races, but with a 100% rating on the Enjoyometer.
Zippideedoodah, zippideday (had to sound that out...) it was a running marvel.
If I could have dialled up the perfect autumn day I would have received this one from the weather delivery man on his little delivery scooter. Blue sky, a hint of crispness in the air, golden hues hugging the landscape and that delicious feeling of anticipation as I hung out in the portaloo queue (there are some common denominators to all races regardless of enjoyment levels...).
The Over the Hills 12k race in Bradford on Avon is quite simply the most delicious race I have ever done. A stonking run and a joy giving experience if ever there was one.
I quickly settled into my own little running whale pod, with about seven of us bounding along together through the mud, the farmland, the sweet single track through the woodlands and up the various hills. Every time we reached a kissing gate or stile and had to pause as we everyone passed through (excellent - you don't get breathers like that in a road race...), our Garmins would let out a collective whale pod moan of sonar sound as our pace dropped below expectations.
Friendliest race I have ever done - I chatted to one woman who was off to NZ on a holiday on Wednesday, so was able to give her the low down on itinerary stops; discussed the effects of lycra on women runners' thighs (as another woman and I were barrelling down a long grassy slope towards the photographer); chatted with a gent of mature years about what a blessing it was we couldn't feel our legs for grinding up the longest hill, having just emerged from the mid thigh deep river crossing and rounded it off with a sense of camaraderie as our little whale pod started bearing down on the Sunday walkers who dared to venture along the canal tow path that was the final stretch of our race. I conjured up images of the Orcas attacking the Minky whale on Frozen Planet last week...
I crossed the finish line in 238th place our of 301 runners but was completely cool with that considering how these events tend to attract the hard core component. When I consider that I finished in the top 25% for the GSR, it just goes to show how much faster people are who do these smaller events. I just LOVE them :-)
Meanwhile I am seriously wrestling with the concept of my next marathon. I have rather fallen out of love with road racing and am facing a situation of time poverty that outstrips anything experienced ever before.
My book has been put on the back burner for now. Two rejections so far and I have decided to change the focus but need the time to do so , and I have ground to a halt with my new online business and need to get that going again. Just the small matter of work, family commitments and life that gets in the way.
Brighton - here I come or not?? So many bloggy pals are doing it that I feel duty bound to go. Falling into bed at 11.30pm each night as it is and getting up early to train. Arrrgh.
zzzzzzzzz.
Still - that's why the achievement means so much because we pay such a personal price to get there...
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Comments (10)
Nick 'Well I'm glad you had such fun racing over the trails! I'm sure the fine autumn weather had something to do with it. If you are now 'in' to trail running, could I suggest having a go at the South Downs Marathon?' added 15th Nov 2011
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Johnf 'Isn't there a London to Brighton ultra trail run, might need a couple of days off work to run it though. Yes the mass participant events lull you into thinking you belong in the top echelon, then when you race a smaller local one every damn racing snake for miles turns out! I love the picture of all the Garmins having a collective moan at the stiles.' added 16th Nov 2011
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moose10 'great to here how much you enjoyed the run I always feel you've just got to take these runs as they and not to beat yourself up on pace just enjoy. good luck with the book and your decision on your next marathon venture' added 16th Nov 2011
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shazzer 'Sounds like that was a goody! Having just watched last weeks Frozen Planet (a week behind - not bad for us!) - I did feel for those walkers on the towpath being chased by the Orcas on the their final stretch! As you know, I can relate to the time pressure marathon training has on our lives - I am fortunate to be self employed and nov-feb is my'quiet' time - I don't know how you manage to train with a job, family commitments. Hope you do decide to do another marathon - perhaps make Brighton your marathon swansong?' added 16th Nov 2011
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seeannierun 'Do Brighton! I was too late to enter. You know it makes sense. x' added 17th Nov 2011
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tinabee 'What a great report. The few trail races I have done I have absolutely loved too. My last triathlon had a trail run finish and it was my favourite of the season without a doubt. You sould be in sales - you have sold me on the Over the Hills race! If only it were closer!' added 18th Nov 2011
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crooxi 'Ah, that's better - Simone back in enthusiastic mode again! I love trail races too (though possibly not a river crossing - bit of a wuss about getting soaked!) K31 (SwissAlpine) was without a doubt my favourite race to date. I can understand your marathon doubts - it is a huge time commitment, and must be doubly hard in the winter. Hope it all works out for you.' added 18th Nov 2011
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Dungey 'there really are some great cross country runs around here, over the hills is one of my favourites as well. Am going to my parents in Kent in Dec and trying one there - have even bought some trail shoes! ' added 21st Nov 2011
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glen_b 'Mmm, sounds like I may be doing a similar 10k style race in a week or so, no idea what to expect really, and not trained for it at all, I look forward to the whale like sounds as I go around!! I will be honest, and admit I am not feeling the marathon love at the moment either, and feel a slight change in direction is required, just not sure what it is yet!! And welcome to my world of stupidly early runs, how good does breakfast feel afterwards?????' added 24th Nov 2011
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Firefly123 'I'm so sorry I didn't notice this post Simone. It's a real pain not getting blog alerts. That race sounds lovely - I'm very tempted to look into it for next year. I feel the same as you about Brighton - and did last year if I'm honest - I'm not sure that I have the time or the enthusiasm to train for another marathon. I'll see how I feel in the new year. ' added 29th Nov 2011
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