Not prunes but plums were the order of the day. A multi-surface 10k run from the local town of Pershore in the heart of the Vale of Evesham (famous for its fruit orchards and vegetables). The Vale likes to celebrate its heritage with festivals, Asparagus, blossom, and this weekend the plum festival of which this run was a part.
279 runners finished the race so I assume that was the number at the start when the Town Crier read out the starter’s briefing. I kept near the back and by the time we had moved off the high street I was comfortable going at my pace with most of the rest of the field spread out in front of me, we crossed the ancient pack bridge and turned into a field (where we had been warned to watch out for sheep). I overtook one lady and when we reached the beautiful village of Wick I lost contact with the main group when I stopped to drink at the water station. After the village there was an out and back along a gravel track where it was nice to be encouraged by runners coming back the other way. We then turned onto another track and into the head wind, I had now lost sight of runners in front and behind, but lovely Marshals clapped and encouraged me on my way. The first 5k was no problem but in the second half I could feel the lack of mileage in my legs (not run much over 5k since June). I needed an emergency stop (the details I will spare you, but I just refer to the title of this piece and say I might need to invest in more prunes in the future), thankfully there was no one around and I was able to cope.
Back in the pretty village I had another water stop and was encouraged by both villagers and marshals. Then it was another lap of the sheep field, under the road bridge, a short spell at the water’s edge (river Avon) and back towards town. The Abbey was very near but the route took us around the back of town (past the cottage hospital) and into the Abbey Grounds where it soon became clear that the final km was a lap of the field. The Abbey bells were chiming, there was a band playing on the stage and people were enjoying themselves. I was feeling more like the black clouds that were threatening rain, I just wanted it done, so I jogged on. The finish line was down a slight hill, I found my last bit of energy and ran to the line, smiling because I could now stop. The lovely marshals handed me a bottle of water with me medal and pointed me to a basket of plums, with the instruction to help myself. I stopped my watch, and when I had taken a drink and caught my breath I ran the 30 metres needed to bring my watch to 10k.
I was here on my own, no Kats, no Sandie, and the one member of my running club I had bumped into at the start would have been home with his feet up by the time I crossed the line. There were 2 ladies still out on course so I cheered them in and then took some photos of the beautiful Abbey.
My official event time is 1:22, my Strava has my moving time as 1:20. I was 277 out of a field of 279 finishers (+ tail), 114 out of 116 ladies and 26th in my age category (of 26). Strictly speaking I don’t start my HM training until the 1st Sept, so I am not disappointed with my result today. I know I have more to do and need to get more miles into my legs, this is just a good place to start.
The route was beautiful and I hope I can run it again, may be with the Kats for company.
Accidentally joined a local marathon 😁
HM training week3 day5
Newport (Gwent) Marathon 28 April 2024