All afternoon on Thursday the 23rd June I waited anxiously. No, sorry, nothing to do with the EU but I was hoping the club handicap event that evening would be postponed. The weather was terrible and I didn't feel great, but I didn't want to pull out. I wanted someone else to make the decision for me. They did. The event was on.
I drove up to Ditchling Beacon to meet the others. Difficult to see anyone as the mist was so low. The event is in fact a fantastic concept. All participants set off at different times based on recent race performances with the aim of everyone finishing at approximately the same time. The course is 2 and a half ish miles east to Blackcap where the runners turn round and run back. For some reason, this annual club event always seems to take place in appalling weather. This year was no exception.
I set off second after Rik Taub (see above I am on the start line) to find myself running through a group of cows, all sitting down sensibly. I wanted to join them. The race was awful. I hated it. I couldn't see where I was going, felt terrible and kept getting overtaken. Call me a bad sport, well I was!
The race was won by Clare Kenward - a worthy winner. Mr Super Speedy Russ Mullen was one of the few not to overtake me. I asked him why but he said he hadn't overtaken anyone, What a gent.
Back at home, I nursed a sore throat and still felt rubbish. In fact, I decided not to do the event I had planned as number 54, the Heart of Sussex walk on Sunday the 26th. I am now a race or so behind but, hey, I'll get there!
I drove up to Ditchling Beacon to meet the others. Difficult to see anyone as the mist was so low. The event is in fact a fantastic concept. All participants set off at different times based on recent race performances with the aim of everyone finishing at approximately the same time. The course is 2 and a half ish miles east to Blackcap where the runners turn round and run back. For some reason, this annual club event always seems to take place in appalling weather. This year was no exception.
I set off second after Rik Taub (see above I am on the start line) to find myself running through a group of cows, all sitting down sensibly. I wanted to join them. The race was awful. I hated it. I couldn't see where I was going, felt terrible and kept getting overtaken. Call me a bad sport, well I was!
The race was won by Clare Kenward - a worthy winner. Mr Super Speedy Russ Mullen was one of the few not to overtake me. I asked him why but he said he hadn't overtaken anyone, What a gent.
Back at home, I nursed a sore throat and still felt rubbish. In fact, I decided not to do the event I had planned as number 54, the Heart of Sussex walk on Sunday the 26th. I am now a race or so behind but, hey, I'll get there!