Two Castles Run Report: I have to admit, I was... - Bridge to 10K

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Two Castles Run Report

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10
57 Replies

I have to admit, I was very worried about this race. When I graduated C25k, I thought, it’s an iconic race and yeah - it’s a target, a scary one but I owe it to myself to give it a go. However, I’ve had months of niggles, two colds and my knees are a bit wobbly and creaky. Then my shoes looked like they were going to fall apart, and then there was the thought of all the hills: I’ve done as much hill training as I could manage (not many where I live) and you always feel you could do more. And the last week: tapering, I hate it - it ruins your routine and makes you feel like you aren’t training enough.

It turned out that all my worries were for nothing, it was actually a great run and my knees are still in one piece and so are my shoes. Thankfully all those hills put more pressure on my quads than my knees, and I have cyclists quads so they are pretty strong. They are complaining but not as much as my knees usually do. All the physio exercises I’ve been doing seem to have come up trumps and my faithful Launch 4’s have lasted to see one more race.

The race starts at Warwick Castle, after a great warm up by a team from The Warwickshire health club. You are fed/kettled through a path bordered by embankments, through the main gate into the freedom of one of Warwick’s (normally) busiest roads. The first hill awaits after about half a km but luckily I saw someone I knew and chatting to her was a great distraction as we made our way up. I was careful with the downhill as I didn’t want to crunch my knees, so I took it very steady as we approached Hill and Leek Wootton. More hills and the first water station was based under the A46 bridge. Another hill up and into the welcome shade of trees by the Warwickshire Police HQ. I had to walk for a bit as I haven’t mastered drinking and running at the same time yet. After days of rain it was hotting up and I was grateful for my decision to wear a strappy top and shorts.

I had planned to have a gel just before the big hill into Kenilworth but I didn’t want to let go of my water bottle and I couldn’t fiddle around with both. I took up someone’s kind offer of a jelly baby (there must have been thousands held out on offer by the fantastic crowds) and attempted to run, breathe and chew at the same time (something else I need to master methinks!). It got me up the big hill and just after the top I walked again, took a sip of water and chucked a load down my back and over my head!

Onwards we went and the crowds got busier. Nearing the main road to Kenilworth Castle the 9km sign came up but I had to walk again for a bit to sip and chuck water over myself again. Then I pushed myself on as I knew the last hill was coming up.

By now there must have been hundreds lining the road and they really helped my flagging legs to carry on. I got passed by two people I knew from parkrun but I was too tired to shout their names or anything else!! Into the castle grounds and towards a 400m sign, nearly there.

Up the main, dirt track into the grounds and there really was a huge number of people. The feed into the main castle grounds was quite narrow so the crowds were really close to you as you came in, I saw my mad hairdresser waving and shouting frantically, which was priceless and gave me a massive grin - it was absolutely fantastic! What a buzz!

I got over the finishing line, checked my watch and found I’d recorded my second fastest 10k, just 90 seconds over the hour. I’m so chuffed because I really thought it was going to be a slow one.

It really was as hard as I thought it was going to be but I did it and in a good time so I’m really happy. Hopefully Katnap will join me next year cos I really want to do it again now (damned endorphins, getting me into trouble again!!).

Just to finish, the organisation of this was superb, so many marshalls and no problems with any traffic and you knew you’d be looked after if you got into any trouble. Full marks to the Rotary Club, Leamington C & AC, the Girl Guides, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and everyone else involved 👍👍👍👏👏👏

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TailChaser profile image
TailChaser
Graduate10
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57 Replies
cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

Yay TC, what a fabulous run! Well done you, it sounded like you had a blast. 🏃‍♀️👍🏃‍♀️👍🏃‍♀️ All your hill training clearly paid off! 👊 💪

I know what you mean about coordinating drinking/eating jelly babies whilst running! It’s an art (which, no, I don’t have!) I find stuffing a few JB’s into my flip belt helps - it softens them and they kind of slip down, no chewing required! 😅😅

Bet you’re feeling great after that run. It would be great if Katnap could join you next year. 😀🎉 Can’t wait to see you guys at Leamington in a few weeks! 🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

I have to stop , to drink.. and eat a jelly baby and sneeze or blow my nose!!!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I’m glad it’s not just me Floss. I have to be careful because if anything ever goes down the wrong way I spend the next five minutes sneezing my head off 😂

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Good tip for the Jelly Babies cheeky, I’ll have to try and remember that one. I’ve got a top with little side pockets for JBs and loops at the back for gels which is very handy but it’s got too big for me!!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Congratulations to you TailChaser on your 10K run today, great time as well. 😊 🏃.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toAlMorr

Thanks very much Al, much appreciated 😀👍

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

What a terrific run and report.. you did incredibly and what a time too...wow... despite all the pre run snuffles and niggle... absolutely great !!! xx

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Thanks Floss 😀🤗x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

I am going to have to up my game to get set for the Wine run :) You're a speedy one:)

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Oh I don’t know, that’ll be a trail, I’ve never done a 10k off road and I’m always scared of twisting something when I’m trail running. We’ll see 😉

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

You will be fine:)

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10

Wonderful running, amazing time too on those hills! Enjoy next years one... sign up before the endorphins diminish!!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Thanks UNM 😀 Wish I could, it doesn’t open again until Feb. I may just investigate autumn HMs...

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

Good plan... then spring marathon and today’s event next year can be a recovery run!!!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toUnfitNoMore

Nooooo! What have I started 😅

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

Tissington Trail? I'll come and cheer you on :)

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I have to say, that does look nice...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toTailChaser

It is beautiful!

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10 in reply toTailChaser

I might be tempted to do the Tissington 10k next year, which is at the same time as the HM!

Wimborne profile image
Wimborne

TC what an amazing hilly 10k adventure. And look at that time with those hills involved. Great run TC 👏👏👏🥳🥳. Sounds a brilliant event too.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toWimborne

Thanks Wimborne 😀🤗, it is, no wonder it’s so popular, 4K in the ballot and quite a big waiting list.

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10

Hill reps do work! 😁 🗻 🏃💪

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toKatnap

Yeah, they’re still evil though.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Respect TailChaser, running 10k with all those hills and getting a PB is absolutely fantastic. I am sure that Katnap will be wanting to join you next year. Congratulations.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Thanks Dexy, early night tonight 😴. I’ll just have to keep prodding Katnap to enter the ballot next year, I forgot this year. He went out this afternoon and did nearly a HM trail run to make up for it (he got lost!). Nutter.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toTailChaser

😂😂

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl

Yay tailchaser, what a great report, I was right there with you! Fantastic job 🙌

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply togrumpyoldgirl

Thanks GOG, it was easy as it left such an impression in my head - a truly iconic run. We are so lucky to have so many historic landmarks around here.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl in reply toTailChaser

It sounds wonderful.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2

Wow well done you! Sounds like a hard run but sounds like you paced it and managed it perfectly. Plus you get really nice bling. I'm really impressed.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toCouchpotato2

It wasn’t that perfect CP2, I went out too fast for me really but still it did the job. It’s difficult to not get swept up with everyone else. It is nice bling though, I might have to take it off when I go to bed, it’ll get in the way... Thank you 🤗

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2 in reply toTailChaser

Well yes I suppose it would be safer to remove it but I've put mine on the bed stand...

It's extremely hard to start a run / race correctly, I didn't manage today and never do either when I do PR. Something for us to keep working on, we can't be perfect straight away ;-)

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toCouchpotato2

Lol! I suppose if you’re a pro it becomes second nature but not for us mere mortals 😂

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2 in reply toTailChaser

I think it’s probably still hard for them (well i like to think so cos something has to be hard for them right)

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toCouchpotato2

You’d like to hope!!

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

Wow! Great job TC! I’m glad the knees and shoes held up today. I also haven’t mastered running and drinking/chewing 😂. It is a great excuse to take a 30 second breather, so I may never master it. Congrats on a great time as well. Sounds like a great event; hopefully Katnap joins you next year 🤞

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSaskAlliecat

Thanks Sask 👍 I’ll secretly enter Katnap in the ballot myself if he ‘forgets’ next year 😁. You’re right about the excuse for a breather, a bit of Jeffing never harmed anyone and definitely seems to help after a steep hill.

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate10

Well done TC - great time !🏅🎉😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toJonathanP

Thanks JP 👍

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate10

Brilliant time Wow! 👍

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply tolexi6

Thanks lexi, paying for it today 😆👍

SeeJillRun profile image
SeeJillRun60minGraduate

Sounds like loads of fun! And what a lovely place to run in too. Glad you enjoyed it even if it was hard work. Well done! 👏👏

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSeeJillRun

Thanks Jill it is, we’re very lucky. Glad I don’t have to do it again in a hurry though!!

Toonlou24 profile image
Toonlou24

I was there too! Was great wasn’t it. That hill at the end was a killer!!! Well on a fab time! X

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toToonlou24

Fab & thank you!! That’s at least 3 of us on here then (with Windoze too). It was a pig wasn’t it! Thankfully I’d cycled it a week earlier so I knew it was coming. How do you feel this morning? I can’t walk down the stairs very easily!! 😂. Going for a walk in a bit to stretch out the quads.

Toonlou24 profile image
Toonlou24 in reply toTailChaser

I’m ok actually. But I took it a lot easier than you and did walk a couple of the evil ones! I did it last year too and ran it non stop but was a lot fitter then. Was only 35 seconds slower than last year so am v happy with that. Really enjoyed it though and am desperate to go out and run again. Hoping it’s given me the running bug back again as I’ve been struggling with motivation recently. 😊

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toToonlou24

That’s great Toon! Fab result for you. I get all competitive with these things, I only seem to have one gear with Parkruns and races. Paying for it today but it’s worth it.

Hope you manage to get out and dodge this rain. These competitions do really help to motivate, it wouldn’t be the same without them to aim for.

Toonlou24 profile image
Toonlou24 in reply toTailChaser

That’s ok! If being competitive works for you, then why not!! Yes will hopefully get out tomorrow at some point. Race for life next for me but a friend wanting me to do Stratford 10k in sept. You done that one? It’s good to have something In the diary isn’t it!!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toToonlou24

I’m doing the Stratford 10k! That’s actually my next one! I haven’t done it before but I’ve run most of it at different points in my regular runs. It’s pretty flat apart from a bit at the start. Did you do the Regency Run? It’s flatter than that. When is your Race for Life?

Toonlou24 profile image
Toonlou24 in reply toTailChaser

Ha! That’s funny! Yes I’ve prob ran most of it before too. I did the Stratford half last year. I did the Regency last year too. Was away this year so couldn’t do it. Was gutted as I really enjoyed it. Oooh maybe I should sign up then!!! Race for life is 30th June at stoneleigh Park. It’s pretty laid back, but being a cancer survivor it’s important to me!! 💪😊

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10

Sounds like a tough one with those hills, but what a fantastic time. Well done 👏👏👏

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSandie1961

It was much tougher than I’m used to, thanks Sandie 👍x

Sqiff profile image
Sqiff

What a fantastic story and acomplishment. ...we'll done !!!! It was really great to read. ...even if I can't see myself going so far 😊

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSqiff

Never say never Sqiff. I always said never to a marathon but I’m in the ballot for London 😱

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toTailChaser

😱😱😱

Sqiff profile image
Sqiff

Wow!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10 in reply toSqiff

I need my head examined tbh 😂

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