I chalked up two more races in six days recently and chose well. I'd like to state that I'm getting myself rapidly fitter as I finished 3rd overall in both races! Sadly, the truth is that standards are continuing to dive. For a 55 year old out of the sport for three years to be getting podium finishes is a sad indictment on today's standards, although does show that I have a good eye for choosing the right races.
Firstly, I ran the Linda Franks '5' in Cheltenham. As part of the Gloucestershire County Road Race series it should have been of a higher standard; the race was originally scheduled for January but had been cancelled due to policing issues that are driving road race organisers bonkers in this part of the world. Not only was the new date not greatly publicised, the race started at the unearthly hour of 8.30am. Running fairly even paced - unlike at Highworth - I eased past the early fast starters then chased down the third placer in a pursuit that took me to four miles before strolling past (little did he know how tired I was). Although disappointed not to break 30 minutes, I was at least a bit faster than Highworth and received a pot for my efforts.
A few days later Claudie went off to France for a week so I had to find a race on what was otherwise going to be a blank weekend. A search on Runners World came up with all sorts of weird and wonderful events and I settled on a 10km multi-terrain race near Melksham. Another good choice. As part of the great British summer, this race was attached to a local fair where a few vintage cars were lined up; somebody was selling home made cakes; the local school brass band were playing (actually not bad); and there was a hoop-la stall, all attracting a few locals and augmented by runners and their partners (or, in my case, not).
About 80 lined up on a narrow footpath and we set off through a farmyard and out into the woods. It was immediately evident that this race suited my fitness levels; one guy (44, see pic) eased into the lead and half a dozen of us ran together sizing each other up. I really enjoy running in races where I have no idea how good any other runners are. After some uneven, dusty tracks through woodland the course emerged out onto roads at about 4km. A big, generously tattooed guy (64) then took control on a long downhill section, cranking up the pace considerably. I latched onto his shoulder and very quickly we'd shaken off the others. Once again running hard downhill did the business, it's a tactic I've used many times because it is such an efficient way of changing pace and breaking up packs. It's so easy just to cruise downhill but by actually working hard and lifting the tempo by pumping arms and legs, real damage can be done to unsuspecting rivals without wrecking stamina. The two of us ran together through to about 8km before I faded on a climb back off-road, but by this time I was comfortably clear in third and cruised home to garner another pot. A couple of excellent pints of Doombar, a Cornish ale, and a chat with a couple of strangers in a pub on the way home made for an excellent day out.
Melksham podium - where are the athletes?
