Sunday 29th April and the Westgates were at Arlington for the 10K off road race. After surviving London last week I had no intention of running it, and had only taken my trainers etc in case I felt like a short jog round the grounds………..
However it was such a nice day and after a detour to Sainsburys on the way, and being delayed by road works, we were running late, the adrenaline levels were rising, and a late decision saw me as the last entrant on the day. It was a lovely course through fields and bluebell woods, past a lake and river, with only a short stretch of lane. A few hills, which another time I would have tried to run, but this time was content to walk. Finished in just over an hour, a good 2 minutes slower than last year. However Richard’s time of 44:06 was a good improvement.
The lovely sunny day was not to be wasted. A short drive found is on the North Devon coast with excellent views as we ate our sandwiches. Another short drive took us to Woody Bay, where, after a steep downhill walk to the beach, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon sunshine as the tide slowly crept in around the rocks we were sitting on. A timely departure, and an even steeper uphill walk to the car finished off a very enjoyable day.
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4 comments:
Richard said:
Sunday saw us at the 26th Glastonbury road runs. We opted for the 5.69mile race as it is part of the Somerset Series. This was our first run at Glastonbury. Next year, apparently, the distance is being upped to the full 6.2/10K. We arrived in plenty of time and parked in the public car park right next to the finish, slightly awkward if you want to leave right after finishing! Strange sort of race. Started off on a hill with the whole field walking forward 50 metres or so to the start. We were warned that many youngsters specialised in sprinting to the top of the hill and then just stopping in front of you. There were many youngsters; good to see apart from when they ran five abreast in front of you! It seems this event is popular with some of the local schools, possibly Millfield Prep School. First two miles went a bit quick – 12:08! (Lesley’s first mile was 7:40!!!) I thought this would be a good race to see what condition I was in with regard to a later attempt on the elusive 40 minute 10K. It seems I must have slowed down a bit as my finish time of 37:55 would compute to roughly 41:18 for 10K. As it was a fastish course I was a bit disappointed with time. Think I was in 40th position at 4.5 miles (Lesley in 155th). It will be interesting to see the results as at about mile 5 the 5K race joined us and it must be a time-keepers nightmare as we all crossed the finish line together. For 50p they send your results, and/or a certificate. Otherwise the results appear in the local paper (no wonder we were unable to find previous results!!!) Lesley did 45:37 which is about 8 min/mile pace and felt good. No after effects from London or Arlington.
Neolithic Marathon
Whilst Richard and Lesley were sprinting round Glastonbury, Martin & I were plodding across Salisbury Plain.
The Neolithic was my first ever marathon in 2003 so it was good to be back for another attempt at it, although my memory of the course was hazy at best.
We started off slightly faster than planned - it was after all, just a training run - and enjoyed the varied tracks, fields and lanes of the first 10 miles or so. All was going well until the climb up Redhorn Hill when the second lady caught us up. Well training run or no training run I didn't want to be 2nd if I could be 1st so we picked the pace up a bit as we levelled out onto Salisbury Plain. This had the desired effect of shaking off the female company, but unfortunately (well no actually I was delighted!)I also managed to shake Martin off
At 18 miles there is a sharp right turn and a long ascent begins - straight into a strong headwind - and that was when my legs went and the pace dropped off. Eventually Martin caught me up again, which was a relief because he had all the jelly babies and I was starting to need a sugar hit!
The second half of the race is on long, stony tracks and straight tarmac lanes that go on for ever, and we were both struggling with legs still tired from London. Not helped by the several hundred walkers, with dogs on extendable leads, who are encountered along the route, happily meandering from side to side and walking 5 abreast completely blocking the path!
According to the GPS the route was slightly short of marathon distance and we have never been so grateful as we staggered over the finish in 3.26.14. We had managed to beat off the competition and finished as first lady overall and first male vet, 16th and 17th out of 167 eventual finishers.
To complete the endurance training effect we parked the van at Okeford Beacon on our way home on Monday and ran (with back packs) legs 3,4,most of 5 and part of 6 of the Wessex Ridgeway back to Sydling - a total of just over 17 miles.
Re: Arlington:
I'm well impressed that you were racing a week after London Lesley, but I can understand why you were tempted, Arlington is a great course. Last time I did it the weather was so awful one of the scout tents took off and wrapped itself about 60 feet up around the top of a tree. No idea how they ever managed to get it down again!
Re: Glastonbury
Those must be the same kids who do the Street 5ks - run altogether in a line starting at the front and then slow to a jog after the first couple hundred yards!!
I would think that the organisers will have to improve their results service since the race is now included in the Somerset Series? Another good result for Lesley so soon after London. Are you starting to look nervously over your shoulder yet Richard?
richard said:
well done to martin and lin at the neolithic,better contact that carpenter for a new trophy cabinet!
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