I've been out of sorts.
Funerals, life changing decisions and problems with my ears have caused me to stop exercising and it's all taken its toll on my poor body.
However, yesterday I watched the Herepath Half. A local race organised by my running club. I was able to walk to the start and finish of this event and did so with my camera.
I have done various parts of this race by myself but never all joined up. I'm not really a trail runner either but the final part of the course is a particularly favourite homeward bound stretch for me and I am contemplating attempting it next year. I will have to do it myself first to be sure I can do it in a sensible time, couldn't bare the thought of making all those lovely volunteers and marshals wait for me!
I positioned myself on the first bend and snapped away at all the proper runners racing past and immediately decided I couldn't do it, I just can't set off at that pace. A field of about 125 runners headed off towards the steady climb to eventually reach the top of Neroche Forest before enjoying the steady decline all the way back to the start. And therein lies another problem, all that up. Love the down, but not the up.
A quick trek back home and I uploaded the pictures and managed a small pile of ironing before returning to see the first runners home. Just over an hour and half after setting off these true athletes were crossing the finishing line. I had decided that I would position myself a short distance from the finish at a very unkind final hurdle for the runners. A stream which at this time of year has to be crossed either through the large bowl in the middle, through the deep squelchy mud to one side or by the little known stepping stone to the other side. Being a kind local I did point out the stepping stone to those hesitant about getting in the water and who can blame them, see I hate mud and water and wet feet. I may have mentioned that once or twice before!
Once the first three gents and ladies were through I headed up the track under the trees to capture fellow Running Forever runners on their final decent. I stood and watched in awe as one by one they came past, most with a smile or a comment, some in pain but still determined to finish and all covered in mud. I stood and chatted with one of the marshals that had completed the course that morning before the race. That's dedication I say.
Anyway, I came away with a renewed vigour. I will get running again. As soon as my perforated ear drum has repaired itself I will be back out there. Back at the beginning maybe but back out on the roads. Maybe I will venture off road and maybe I will dip my toe in the mud. I'm wondering if it's possible to run in wellies...
First lady home Jo Carrit, who expertly managed to not get her feet wet! Well done Jo, great to see you winning.
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