I have been training properly, getting in some decent runs, speed sessions, longer run and base runs. I've been on the weights, and peloton, and eating healthily with my primary aim in the first part of the year to do well at Wilmslow Half.
Aim for this race was sub 50 minutes, which is 8 minute miles. It was with this in mind that I tried to run at this pace in one of my early morning base runs this week. Annoyingly, I really struggled, could not get anywhere near what I needed. I tried again at Woodbank parkrun's alternative course yesterday and averaged around 7.20 which confirmed I was more or less where I needed to be.
This was supposed to be my third race since COVID (too ill to run Stockport 10 and Hit the Trail fell victim to a storm) and was excited to wake up this morning to find that the latest winter storm hadn't yet hit and it was perfect running conditions. Cold and dry.
I've ran hundreds of races over the years from 5ks to marathons but this, without doubt was the best organised and one of the friendliest races I've ever ran. When you were walking to the start there were marshals out pointing you in the right direction to get to registration, there were plentiful toilets by the baggage drop and you were able to pick up your numbers and t-shirt from the Sports Feet shop on the A6 all of this week. Another added touch to a brilliantly organised race.
I did just that, so cannot comment on the number pick up today, but I know that they were there bright and early this morning. (Woodbank's Sarah Russell once again showing how much she does for the local running community was on duty)
I arrived at around 9am, 30 minutes before the start and made my way to the baggage drop. I delayed handing my bag in till about 20 minutes before the start as it was really cold and I didn't fancy being without my hoody for too long.
Again, this was like clockwork, they had two sheds, with the numbers divided (I think it was below and above 700) between the two. Quick hand over of my bag and a very short walk to the start.
I am not sure how many people were running, but as we started on the main road, it was wide and not congested.
I did have a plan to run 8 minute miling but that was my worst case scenario and I did not want to go slower than that. I figured that I would try to run as much as I could under that and try to hang on.
Race kicked off and the masses headed up Jackson's Lane and turned right onto Chester Road. It is immediately undulating for the 1st 1.5 k or so before you turn left towards the bypass. You go slightly off road, before dropping down and then up over the bridge, 180 degree turn and down to the bypass.
It is then a nice flat run down the bypass where you get a chance to see the front runners coming back the other way. Now this is where you realise that these ladies and gents are taking part in a different sport. The first male, Joe Monk from Preston Harriers came past like he was skating. Such a smooth running style and well clear of the field. (Finished in 32.59, 1.19 ahead of T9m Sullivan from Chorlton Runners in second )
You then turn round at the top of the bypass before (just before 5k) and head back up again. Great thing about this part is that it is slightly uphill, especially going over the bridge before the final turn round at the top of the bypass. (Perfect place for water break too at around 6k )
As you enter the last 2k you can see the runners in front of you climbing up the hill to head to the finish. You know, at this stage, that the lovely hill that you ran down at the start lies between you and the finish. You can get a bit of speed on as you come to that and then go for broke in the last 50 metres or so and smash the final hill to get to the end.
As soon as you finish, there are so many marshals , as there were all the way round (hello Paul Plumber and Jacqui Evans) with water, foil blankets, and your race socks.
Normally I am not a fan of medals, they're quite the same, mass produced metal things which end up hanging on the back of a radiator or lost in a drawer. Not so the Daffodil 10k, it is beautifully crafted wooden, rectangular memento. You can tell, as with everything in this race, a lot of thought has gone into it.
If I thought the baggage pick up at the start was good, at the end (perhaps more importantly) was even better. They had laid out all the bags and a chap was looking for us coming round the corner, called out your number and you were handed your bag as soon as you get round !
After the race, Norbury Farm where the race HQ was and a couple of minutes walk from the end, fed all the hungry runners. I had a lovely egg and sausage sandwich supplied by the butchers opposite. Just added to the local, family feel of this brilliant 10k.
Goody bag was top notch. Freddo, some sweets, and radox shower gel.
Cannot recommend this race enough and am looking forward to entering next year.
For the Stattos
Mile splits
7.36, 7.49, 7.31, 7.31, 7.45, 7.11, (7.13)
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