So, last weekend was quite a busy one. On Friday the 25th we celebrated Sophie and Jane's 35th birthday. Should that be plural or what? #grammar. Saturday was back to my favourite parkrun people at Clair where I was one of the pacers My time was 30 minutes and I recorded 29.59, not bad eh?
All was going well until I developed a terrible sore throat on Saturday afternoon. I went through the usual pre race panic, would I be well enough to run the Barns Green Half Marathon the next day? Strepsils, paracetamol and an early night all helped me to get to the start line feeling more or less OK. Verity, my neighbour and newish harrier, gave me a lift. The race organisers ask you to be there as early as possible as some of roads leading to this small Sussex village are closed while the race takes place.
This race has quite a history. It first took place 33 years ago and has grown to about 1300 entrants. It is organised on a not-for-profit basis and all the proceeds go back into the community. They also offer an extensive and extremely generous prize list. The course is all on closed roads and includes a section through the grounds of Christ's Hospital School. I love the course as it twists and turns, going up and down, so you never get bored - well maybe tired, but not bored. The weather last Sunday was glorious, no wind or rain, but gentle sunshine.
I finished in 1 hour 53 mins to join fellow harriers and Haywards Heath St Francis runners on the village green. This year they separated the men and women coming into the finish to award the first 100 of each with a 'gold' medal - managed to get one of those. We were all given a goody bag - always fun seeing what you get.
Verity's husband Richard, Dad and uncle had all come to cheer her on. She managed a PB and was delighted - although I spoiled it by telling her she can go faster! Well, she can. See pic below and note the impressive biker gear ( know nothing about bikes).
All was going well until I developed a terrible sore throat on Saturday afternoon. I went through the usual pre race panic, would I be well enough to run the Barns Green Half Marathon the next day? Strepsils, paracetamol and an early night all helped me to get to the start line feeling more or less OK. Verity, my neighbour and newish harrier, gave me a lift. The race organisers ask you to be there as early as possible as some of roads leading to this small Sussex village are closed while the race takes place.
This race has quite a history. It first took place 33 years ago and has grown to about 1300 entrants. It is organised on a not-for-profit basis and all the proceeds go back into the community. They also offer an extensive and extremely generous prize list. The course is all on closed roads and includes a section through the grounds of Christ's Hospital School. I love the course as it twists and turns, going up and down, so you never get bored - well maybe tired, but not bored. The weather last Sunday was glorious, no wind or rain, but gentle sunshine.
I finished in 1 hour 53 mins to join fellow harriers and Haywards Heath St Francis runners on the village green. This year they separated the men and women coming into the finish to award the first 100 of each with a 'gold' medal - managed to get one of those. We were all given a goody bag - always fun seeing what you get.
Verity's husband Richard, Dad and uncle had all come to cheer her on. She managed a PB and was delighted - although I spoiled it by telling her she can go faster! Well, she can. See pic below and note the impressive biker gear ( know nothing about bikes).
Later on I had a text to say I'd won my age category and there was a £50 prize. Remember what I said about generous! Glenn Driver, a fellow harrier, came 5th in 1. 14 and my Run England boss, Elspeth Turner, was 4th in an amazing 1.26. She is a real runner!
See below some of the harriers who hung around for a pic.
See below some of the harriers who hung around for a pic.
Well, now, Wednesday, I have a full blown cold which has resulted in Julie having to take most of the J and M groups out, although I did manage to coach at Harriers last night. Snot, cough and more snot. Thank goodness for aloe vera tissues.
Lewes 10 next weekend!
Lewes 10 next weekend!