(Virtual) Winton 10k Trail

[sTrongFuse]

Round about this time last year, when I was just about completing Week 4 of the Couch to 5k programme, I noticed signs going up around the village for the annual 5k/10k trail run. At that point I had still to complete the "infamous" 20 minute non-stop run that would be the climax of Week 5 and the idea that I might, just might, one day, be able to run 5k was still a seemingly unlikely aspiration (little did I know I was less than 5 weeks away from achieving it) and I set myself the goal of doing this year's 5k event.

Skip forward 12 months to today, and I was down to take part in the 10k version (I really did not imagine that this time last year). Sadly, due to the current COVID-19 situation, this year's run, like so many others, has had to be postponed (if not cancelled altogether). Since the run starts and ends more or less on my doorstep, I decided that I would run a version of it anyway.

Unlike last year's event, where the runners had to contend with a torrential downpour, I had almost perfect conditions; mild, a slight breeze, and the ground was reasonably firm and (almost unusually for this particular route) almost entirely puddle free. There have been occasions where I have almost had to wade sections of this path, but today my feet stayed dry.

While I did miss the excitement of being part of a crowd of 500 or so runners, I did enjoy the solitude and the sounds of nature. At one point I met one of my neighbours running in the opposite direction, but apart from him and a couple of dog walkers, I had the route completely to myself with just the birds and the occasional squirrel for company.

One hour and seven minutes later, and having set a few segment PBs on Strava, it was all over and my daily allowed outside time was over and my 31st 10k was in the bag (not bad for someone who a year ago wondered if he'd ever actually manage to run 5k). Whilst not the event I'd planned to do, it was still good to get out and run it anyway.

As always, stay safe...

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations on completing your 31st 10K, I am sure you enjoyed it very much, no one knows when things will be back to normal and we can get back to running at parkruns, like you, to day I ran a virtual run at the exact time, 9.30 that they are on in Scotland, it was 5K.

[sTrongFuse Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr . Good that you're still able to get out and keep active. Long may it continue.

Stay safe.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to sTrongFuse]

👍

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Congratulations on your virtual 10k StrongFuse. You may not have had the buzz and excitement of an actual event , but we will always cheer you on.

👏👏👏👏👏🏅🏅🏃‍♂️

[AliHC Graduate10]

So glad you got out for your 10k sTrongFuse 😎 and bonus to not get soggy feet 🦶 31 x 10k's! That's great! Well done with your PB's too! I did my virtual HM yesterday and noticed so much more wildlife than I normally see! Take care and stay safe x

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This is so lovely to read. It's your journey and you are creating and writing it as you go along. I think it worked out well that you completed the 10k by yourself. You did all the work and hard yards and it must have meant a lot for you to complete this particular run.