Hello Runny Buddies, As you know I wasn’t expecting too much from today’s run having just had Covid. But I was determined to start this morning even if I might not be able to complete it.
Crack sparrow the alarm went off, but as usual I was already awake with anticipation. Overnight oats , a cup of tea and then packed a running bag and a post run bag so we could wander around afterwards.
Queen Victoria Country Park was once the home of The Queen Victoria Military Hospital and patients from the Crimean War, WW1 and WW2 would arrive by boat up Southampton Water from Portsmouth and Southampton. Although the beautiful Hospital buildings were demolished following a fire, the original Chapel still remains, and the park is now owned by Hampshire County Council. Lots of green parkland, woodland areas and it’s right on the water’s edge.
Although it was sunny when we left Southsea, It was cloudy and pretty nippy in Netley, so I pinned my race number onto a T-shirt instead of a vest. I put suntan lotion on my face and arms, just in case. I then discovered that in my bleary state at home I’d packed my retired running shoes instead of my current ones. Doh. Good job I’m not after a PB
We met up with Kenny, aliboo70 ’s partner , who was running with the Isle of Wight Running Club. In fact, most of the runners there were in team colours from running clubs in Hampshire and Dorset.
Banana eaten, 2nd loo visit, warm up routine and then we joined the starting funnel. Off went the hooter and we set off on our 3 and a bit lap journey, it was undulating as promised and my plan was to walk up the slopes, and take advantage of the downhills, keeping an eye on my HR so that I didn’t over exert myself.
The support around the course was amazing. No earphones were allowed because of sharing some roads with cars, and also needing to hear marshals warn about potholes, tree roots and slippy mud. The first runner seemed to lap me incredibly quickly and UpTheStanley overtook during my 2nd lap with a cheer of encouragement. Marshals were ringing cowbells all along the course.
The sun came out during my 3rd lap and I was mopping my face with my buff. It was lovely to get encouragement from other faster runners as they overtook me, even during my walking breaks. Just after the 3rd lap water stop, UTS was sitting on a bench cheering me on. A very cruel uphill from the waterfront, past the chapel to the finish line where Kenny was also cheering me on. I was running alongside another lady and keeping her going and then I managed a sprint finish. 9.98km! So I kept going until I’d done 10k on the watch. Yes it’s a thing!
No bananas or satsumas were left but I did get a bottle of water and yes, a white cowbell on a ribbon marked with Netley 10K. That will come in handy for parkrun volunteering.
Not long after the finish I got a text to say I had a chip time of 1:17:28. Wow, considering my walking sections, I will take that!
So Netley 10K and HU 10K done and dusted for this year. I’d like to do it again when totally fit next year though, and certainly want to do the parkrun here, as our last visit was cancelled.
Sausage bap and cappuccino followed and then back to the car for a change into different shorts, T-shirt and shoes. Now what possessed us to climb up 166 steps to the top of the chapel tower after running 10K? The views were amazing of course.
There is a special feeling being last.