First thing to say? This race was fun! Easily the most lighthearted, least pressured, non-serious “race” I’ve entered and I absolutely loved it. If it’s within your travel distance, come and run it with me next year and you’ll have a massive grin like me too.
The forecast has been for snow, but it was a pretty perfect night for running.,,almost! Cold and clear. That should probably be COLD! That always comes with challenges for what to wear. I usually end up wearing too much. Luckily MrU was on race crew and was able to take some of my excess layers on the line. Last minute decision to leave the hat was a good one! Walking to the start was chilly but buzzy (see photo of race HQ where it looks like a rave!) I teamed up with another first timer and we chatted about our irrational fears about being blown off a bridge/getting lost/various bits of us breaking. That’s the lovely thing about running-lots of lovely people! It got pretty chilly waiting to start but luckily it wasn’t too long. Time to start!
Running across the bridge at night was such a novelty. I was expecting no supporters but that was made up for by beeping cars and lorries waving at the runners. Not much of a view but it was nice to see the lights in the distance.
In my head, bridges are flat. I’ve driven over this one a lot and I’ve never noticed quite how much up and down there is. Running out from Wales towards England was fine and I felt good. Coming back? Wow. That was when the wind hit. Full on cold blast in my face heading up an incline about 3 miles in. That was hard!! Turned the headphones up and kept going.
This was a tougher race than I’d expected-I had generally grumbly knees. I think it was the cold. My lovely reflective leggings weren’t very warm and I don’t think my tendons like the cold very much! I wasn’t expecting to be running with unhappy knees so I took it easier than I’d hoped. Still, it meant it felt like an extra achievement to get round.
Once I hit the downhill again, things eased off and psychologically, I was running for home and it was easier to find a smile. Off the bridge and round the corner to the finish…I’ve run more 10ks than 5 milers so this came up pleasantly quickly!! We’d been briefed to raise our arms over the line so our race numbers were visible for the timing system. I did my best impression of someone winning an Olympic medal and then it was done!
I don’t have anything booked until the Newport marathon. The IT band was a bit of a concern so it’s back to the gym with renewed enthusiasm. Hopefully it’ll be a half after Christmas.
I would totally recommend this event. Really well organised, even down to the provision of fluro make up! Great atmosphere. Nice route. Not a scary distance. I’ll be there next year.,,in thermal leggings!!! Thanks so much for all the pom poms. It really was appreciated and I thought of you while I was struggling and freezing!!
Chilly Half race report
Crowborough 10k Race Report
Manchester Marathon Race Report
