The morning started with me preparing my feet, some cream went on first followed by tissue paper with oxide tape around the edges then a good wedge of cling film wrapped around my feet with more oxide tape securing it in place. The next mission was to squeeze my mummyfied feet into my socks and get my trainers on! I think I deserved a medal just for that part. Feet feeling good and not restricted off I went on the short journey to Wyre Forest.
It was a beautiful morning though abit chilly and I was eager to get going as it was cold. I decided upon arriving that for the sake of my feet I would drop down from the 10k to the 5k and this was quickly sorted. An annoucement had been made that the 10k route wouldn't be able to be run the whole way as some parts were unpassable due to mud and water plus I heard it was a tough hilly route. 5k for me then!
It had a comfy starting time of 11am as it's a charity run alot of families with dogs and young children take part. This I am all for, there's nothing better than seeing children taking part in something good and getting fit but I wish people would listen to instructions and follow them. We were advised that the 10k runners start first, 5k runners just behind, walkers after them and anyone with dogs or children start last. Good idea?
Yes...if people followed the instructions. I set off and within 0.1 of a mile I got stuck behind 5 people walking shoulder to shoulder, walking!? Then lots of people with toddlers. Shouldn't they be behind me?? This continued for quite away as these people obviously wanted to start earlier and finish earlier. As soon as I found a way through I was off & pulled out a 9.46 min mile through the woods jumping over tree roots and splashing through mud, I loved it!
Until just after the first mile where I hit the biggest hill I think I have ever seen let alone ran up, nothing for it but to keep my head down get up on toes and take it on. I made it but paid for it at the top when I went really light headed but kept running and taking in how nice the forest was. It makes such a change for me running in woods than on a main road around the local industrial estate. My taking in the beautiful scenery soon came to an end when at mile 2.5 I was faced with what I know now is the biggest hill I have ever seen (the first one was like a speed bump compared to this thing) I admitted defeat and didn't even attempt to run it so a slow walk ensued even a little boy of around 11 was walking so I didn't feel too bad. I got chatting to a fellow runner/walker called Steve who was also struggling with the mountain. This hill went on for just under 1 mile and when I got to the top my calves were burning and I just couldn't run properly.
Thankfully the ground evened out and I rounded the corner for the finish where I was presented with my lovely cutie medal. A good run and event all around though maybe I should start right at the front on fun runs.
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