This was another phase in my rite of passage back into mainstream running. It felt good to be part of the racing scene again as we warmed up around Maidenhead's office park (excellent location to start and finish a big race, plenty of parking and facilities). Because it was chip timing, had to collect number on the morning of the race - more of that later - then sat in the car listening to the Test match from Sri Lanka before deciding which shoes to run in: brought four pairs with me, eventually deciding on lightish trainers that would give me a modicum of support and protection. As fully taped up with Kinesio on both ankles (skin colour not lurid pink, so not too embarrassing), feeling was that I'd done all I could to protect myself.
As is often the case with these big races (1,000 runners), the whole thing started late after interminable speeches by the local dignatories brandishing a London Olympics 1948 torch. As a consequence the start was fast, like a cork popping out of a bottle the runners were desperate to get going. I was thus enveloped by these fast starters but just trotted along in my own way.
Once things settled down I got into a decent rhythm and locked into the same pace as the ultimately 3rd lady, Rachel Tewkesbury, who was down from the Isle of Man (IoM) - many memories there for me, having done the Easter athletics festival there five times ... oh dear, best not to get into that now - and we ran together for a few miles, overtaking many faster starters.
"Is this you?" the lady asked. "Well it has my name on it." I retorted.
After about four miles we caught a Newbury runner (I recognised the vest of the club that pipped Cirencester to the Oxford League title this winter); he looked across at me and said "hello David how are you?". I was rather taken aback but quickly recognised him, his name was David Wright. We then entered into a conversation that must have totally bemused my lady friend from the IoM. "You collected the wrong number ..." he said, "it was mine." He then proceeded to tell me that he'd received a cheque for £100 from the Reading ½ Marathon a few years back, as first V50 in the race. As he is now only 46 it was clearly a mistake and he'd returned it saying that David Wright from Cirencester was the winner (I duly received said funds). We'd met a few times over the years and chatted away for about half a mile before he told me to clear off, which I did with IoM alongside. Trés bizarre.
The rest of the race was truly enjoyable, the course was flat apart from a slight rise at eight miles, I'd got into an excellent rhythm and I just kept picking off runners. A negative split resulted (31:25 / 31:12) thanks to a 6:06 last mile. It's frightening to think that I've run well over a minute per mile faster over 10 miles but I didn't care, this was my first race back when I felt I was competitive.
Tight calves afterwards and for the next few days were a small price to pay for the enjoyment gained from a lovely morning out in Berkshire. I ran 62.37, IoM did 63.24 (I pulled away at six miles) and my namesake 63.49.
