Well, turning up to the start with 536 other people, to find that the only other person not wearing an athletics club vest is Dexy5 , suggests that the decision to enter this race may not have been the best idea I've had recently. Too late now though .....
52'26" later, with a cowbell round my neck and a post-covid PB on my spreadsheet, things seemed a whole heap better. 283rd overall wasn't too shabby either, but I could only manage 6th out of 9 in my MV70 category. It does seem as though proper runners who keep going, keep going well - the MV70 winner was over 7 minutes down the road ahead of me. Interestingly, looking at the results 4th to 7th in my category were all within just 15 seconds of my time.
It was a very pleasant 3-lap course in a beautiful setting (Royal Victoria Country Park on the edge of Southampton Water), a mix of tarmac, gravel and grass underfoot, with a short hill rather too close to the finish for my liking. Weather conditions were ideal, dry and mostly overcast with no wind to speak of. The event was brilliantly organised by the host club and Dexy and I spent a couple of enjoyable post-run hours exploring the park, and the chapel which is the only surviving remnant of what was a huge military hospital. This involved climbing 167 (iirc) steps to the top of the chapel bell tower - not the most sympathetic of warm-down activities.
Anyway, I'm sure Dexy will be expounding her take on the day at considerable length elsewhere, so I'll just sign off by claiming this for my HU 10k, my watch thinking I only ran 9.91k notwithstanding!
Written by
UpTheStanley
Half Marathon
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Well done UTS - some great stats in that run! Interesting 'medal' too! Sounds a lovely way to finish the day by exploring too - even if there were steps!
Well done UTS, great running. I love the idea of 167 steps up the bell tower (I did 325 at Durham Cathedral recently), but after running 10k, that was impressive !
Nice one UTS! What a fab run you had! Yes I know all about underestimating senior members of society from my tennis days. My doubles partner and I (we were decent) got whooped up the rear royally by a very senior couple of ladies! They were fierce! 😅
There's a Fleet Air Arm saying "There are old pilots, and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots". Unfortunately for my age position, there are old, bold (and quick) athletes!
Wow! What a great time UTS! Especially in that heat. And well done both of you for even thinking of climbing all those steps afterwards 🥵 You need a special bit of bling for that alone 🏅
Well done UTS. Sounds like a great run. Sub 60 is a great time, especially on such mixed terrain. I remember walking round the park when we did Southampton parkrun. Lovely location and really interesting
Ah, when I said "post-covid" for the PB I should have said "post-lockdown" - I have had it, but well over a year ago, dodged it this time somehow. I am running longer distances this year with half an eye on the New Forest HM, which is probably helping my 10k time.
You astounding speedy runner you. I am surprised you could notice the scenery as you whizzed along. Congratulations, intriguing that this event drew almost entirely club runners. 😊👏🎉🏁🏃🏻♂️
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HU 10K - BlackScorpion
HU spring event 10k..