RUNNER ATTACKED BY GIANT WASP

Sunday 27th July – the hottest day of the year and the Westgates were on the Exmoor coastal path. One running and one supporting/heckling. I was the one running and Richard was there with his boys. But first I had to get there. This was a bit daunting having never driven myself to a race before, but arrived, parked, met Lin and Martin and various other runners, got the coach and set of for Countisbury with no problems. It was already hot before we set off, and the shade in the woods was very welcome. However all sorts of nasty things lurk in the woods, and before I’d done 5 miles I’d been attacked by the wasp. Unfortunately it was a narrow bit of the path with a precipice to the left and cliff face to the right, so had to struggle on to a wider bit before I could stop and dispose of it (humanely of course!!!). The next water station had nothing to offer except water and sympathy, but for some strange reason it didn’t get any worse, and took my mind off various other pains in my legs, stomach etc. Reached Porlock Weir but didn’t stop, across the pebbles and marshes to the next water station, and on to the infamous hill. Had some company on the way up and while we stopped “to admire the view”!!! a voice came booming down from the top of the hill. Richard was there taking photos and offering encouragement. (Some will appear on the gallery soon I hope). The next bit along the top of the cliff was even hotter, no sea breezes and no shade. Was really glad to reach the sign to start the descent towards Minehead, and followed the correct route this year thanks to the excellent signposting. Richard appeared again shortly before the finish, but with his expertise with the camera he only got some footage of his leg and the sky – but it’s the thought that counts. Did an excellent sprint finish (OK a fast hobble) due to a hallucination of a runner in a green T shirt behind me. Really enjoyed the free food and drinks afterwards, and had a surprise invitation to a barbecue in the evening.

Update on the wasp sting – it’s now large, red, painful and has melted the first ice-pack.