When other friendships have been forgot
Ours, will still be hot ".
WARNING: Floss ramble.
Well...here I am at last, with a short ???? ( don't be silly, this is me), report of the Monsal Trail Run!
A few days away in the wonderful Derbyshire countryside and a celebration, postponed last year, for Mr Of's and my, Golden wedding Anniversary.
A short leg-stretcher of a run, before we left home and we were off.
The weather was changeable and as we headed to our cottage home for the week, the rain was already threatening ! Storm warnings were bouncing around, as Storm Kathleen headed to the UK. But, little could dampen our spirits and the welcoming sight of the log burner glowing gently, courtesy of our host... was lovely.
The view from our windows was picture box perfect and the ducks quacked their approval as we unpacked the car. Settling in quickly...we slept like logs!. A couple of days playing tourists, even though we know the area so, so well, and a glorious run around the village in unexpected sunshine. on Friday morning. A new location for a run is always fun. My legs felt strong and my breathing was steady... I was slow, slower, than usual as I was taking so many photographs and pausing at almost every turn as view, followed view!
I ran around the whole village and even managed to find two hills to run up... you know how I love my hills! The view halfway up one was glorious!
But, now, I am really rambling... !
Slightly under trained, though well prepared, I had a race to run. I had made sure that I was happy to run for an hour, again, because I know from my years of running, that if I can run for an hour, I can keep going. Last Sunday I ran for just 7K and again... I know if I am past 6K... then I can just keep running
So... Saturday evening... my usual pre-race meal of a large Jacket potato with cheese! Earlyish to bed, but a broken night... torrential rain lashing the windows, the tree branches outside the bedroom window, setting off the security lights every few minutes and then after just dropping off to sleep, a crash of thunder and flashes of lightning, added to the mix! This did not bode well for the day ahead!
I did sleep but awake at 5 30. with those flutter-by feelings in my tummy... I love them. Excitement at its best.
Everything was ready... all set out... Marmalade sandwich...the food to go to for elite runners apparently. And of course, Paddington Bear! Oh and our late Queen too!
Timed my drive to Bakewell, 10 minutes. through light rain, Mr OF still in bed... the weather had been forecast to be dire... so best for him to wait at home ! Hugs and good lucks...and off. !10 minutes later I was parking and 15 minutes later... hugging my lovely, lovely friend, Bluebirdrunner
Dropped off at the start by Mr BBR.. and greeted by Shake-and-run . .. I recognised her from forum photos...more greetings and then off to find the bag drop. Folk milling around, a lovely buzz in the air and lo and behold, the clouds rolled back to reveal blue, blue sky , huge white clouds and yes. sunshine. Another face and familiar voice and we turn to see Sandie1961 .. then another friend to seek... BBR had a photograph and suddenly, there was Cantstopmenow , doing the HM. This was just super...meeting friends never seen in real life before!
The time for chatting was too short...the queue for the loos, too long and suddenly, there we were , hurrying back for the end of the briefing, and ready to go.
All around us groups of people, talking laughing, making new bonds and new friendships. Runners... just about to run. Friends together.
BB and I had decided we were going to Jeff it. We are both, still not back to full strength and we are both, ( gulp ), sensible. So, that is what we did! We set off at the back, watching all the HM-ers, and all the 10Kers... and then us... and the tail-runners.
The air, fresh and clear, the trail before us and a gentle pace... we ran and we walked, we ran and we talked... I felt strong and light...my breathing a tad fast, until we settled into a happy pace. Then it was sunshine and smiles all the way.
The location is perfect with tree lined track and views in every direction. Birdsong in the air and unbelievably soon, the greetings of some of the faster 10K folk on their way back ! High five with S-a-R amongst those speedsters! Blimey, she and Sandie can run!
The kilometers passed us by and before I knew it, we were in the first tunnel and making for the turn-around. Last year, someone moved the turn-around sign and there was no marshal!
Then it was our turn, and we carried on, talking, running and walking! It was so steady and so enjoyable. A brief stop and chat with BB's family on the trail and off towards the finish line.
A last walk break and an agreement that we would cross that line , running, and we did!
Crowds and finish line in sight.. there we were, folks still clapping and cheering and loads of them, all waiting for the Half Marathon heroes! But they clapped us in too!
Medals put around our necks and huge hugs. The others had, had to go and CSMN was still running!
So, despite the worst the weather could have thrown at us, despite illness and or injury, despite setbacks and stumbles, we had done it. For me. too, it was a welcome confirmation that I am stronger than I think I am.
We did the 10K. It was slow , it was steady and it was super. We did it together.
It was fun and full of friendship. Old and new.
It is a brilliant race and if you ever get chance... do it!
Oldfloss x
PS
We could have a really big meet up next year. Hopefully the much missed friends, this year, Katnap and TailChaser Dexy5 and the hugger of all huggers. UpTheStanley plus, the amazing linda9389 , will be joining us again, as well as, fingers crossed our virtual running buddy lexi6 ... and maybe a few more folk here.
Just get in there early. It is so popular... and no wonder! x
PPS
Late surprise., came yesterday... I did get a prize! Ha ha!!!
PPS
I am REALLY, really hoping my inspirational friend misswobble will sign up... she gave me massive support and friendship which I so needed before my HM here, a few years ago! x
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