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.
Written by
Shake-and-run
Half Marathon
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Well done Shakes, it sounds like you paced that just right for your return to 10k. Only 2 weeks until you get to do it all again and you definitely won’t be running on your own or back of the pack.
Your legs and fitness will be much the better for that run Shakes, and your friends are lining up to accompany you! Well done for getting through it.👍🙂
Well done on your 10k🏅 - sounds like a lovely event! Yep, building up our distance does take a little time but sounds like you are going to do just fine - good luck with your HM training - what one are you doing?🙂
Thanks Sandra, I’m entered for Bordeaux, first week in December. My french running buddies told me it was flat (but forgot to mention the cobbles and tramlines). I have a programme to build up the mileage so fingers crossed the training goes without incident.
Loved reading your race report, you ran it your way and it sounds great, plums are my favourite fruit, not that I can eat them this year, I hope the ones you had were juicy and sweet
Yes, I used to go to pick your own every autumn and eat loads of plums, no fruit at the moment though, where I used to run was an apple tree too so I used to eat an apple on the way round
Thank you Floss, I’m hoping that this is the start to building strength in my legs again. I’ve been doing some shorter runs, riding my bike and some long lumpy hikes during the summer to keep them ticking over, but I knew the first 10k would be a challenge. glad to get it done.
Thank you Drl. I have glossed over the fact that in Shakespeare’s time ‘stewed prune’ was slang for a prostitute (as it didn’t suit my narrative)!! 😂😱 so prunes are mentioned in at least 8 of the plays. I saw School for Scandal recently and enjoyed its wonderful pinkness! I have a ticket for AYLI this afternoon in the garden theatre (lets hope it doesn’t rain).
You always seem to find different, quirky races Shakes! I love the sound of this one and I love plums too so your post was a joy to read.
Regarding your pit stop, I can recommend Magnesium. I started to take some for joint recovery and as an aid to sleep but I’ve discovered that they are also very good at getting things moving! So much so that I had to halve my daily intake 🙂
Thanks IP, I appreciate the advice too. I will look to add Magnesium to my supplements (vitamin C and zinc at the moment). It would be good to get a reliable routine.
What a gorgeous building 😍. Your route sounds wonderful 🙂. I passed through Evesham a few weeks ago and hoped their orchards were doing well. I love nothing better than an English apple 👌. Plums too, plucked fresh from the tree 😋 I have a few choice apple trees on my running routes and an apple does wonders for a flagging bod 💪 and all the tastier for being scrumped 😎
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