I'ld not heard of the Wilne 10km run until Team Derby Runner members had posted on Facebook about it. I didn't even know where Wilne was. Turns out its a small village only 20 minutes away from my house and even closer to my sister's. So, me, the missus (not running) and my sister head over, park up and head to the registration tent to pick up the race packs. This event is much bigger than I expected with half a dozen massage tables set up, The Nottingham Runner stall set up selling kit, and other tents and activities for children and runners. Once I had my number pinned on and chip attached I did a few stretches and drank some more water.
In my post holiday guilty haze I decided that September would be booze free and refined sugar free. So as a final splurge, last night, I ate half a Salty Caramel Briton Cake, washed down with a can of 1664, and then went to the pub and had 3 more pints of lovely English real ale. It was a great evening of catching up with mates and talking quite a lot of crap, mainly on the subject of "Are foxes canine or rodents?". Needless to say, I was on the loosing side.
So this is why I was slightly green and sweaty before I even started. Annoyingly I had been training quite hard during the last 2 weeks on holiday, and had been aiming for a sub 44 minute time. I pretty much threw this out the window today and would be happy with anything under 50 minuets and not have to vomit on the course. Once at the starting point I nudged up towards the front but was still about 20 lines back when it started to become impolite to push any closer. After 10 minutes of waiting in the blocks comparing pre race preparation techniques with fellow Team Derby Runner members, Sheena (my sister) and Rob. Rob's was a big greasy hot curry, and Sheena's was massive 16 mile run! I thought I was bad having cake and beer, I think I'll stick to my terrible pre race prep!
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| Running hard not to vomit at wilne 10km |
When the gun went it took a good 20 to 30 seconds to reach the start line with the usual concertinaing effect generated by an enthusiastic start. I was happily making progress through the 1st km overtaking when I could. I spotted a TDR vest in front and was slowly trying to make my way towards him when another TDR vest came past me, I tried to keep up with him to reach TDR number 1. But TDR runner number 2 who came past me was far too quick and he pulled away and overtook his team mate and was out of sight. As I reached the 3km mark last night's beer was causing my stomach to churn uncomfortably and I was happy to stop when my laces need a re tie. Just round the corner from the 3km mark was a TDR member and her kids watching and supporting the race. Her two younglings bounced and cheered which momentarily help my nausea fade and enjoy the race. That feeling didn't last long.
Because of the layout and 'almost two laps' route, after about 4.5 km you are presented with the finish line. Usually the finish line is a energy burst but this was demoralising and painful, knowing I wasn't half way yet and feeling pretty rough. Luckily the water station wasn't too far away and a couple of cups of water did give me a bit of a boost. At the 5km marker I was surprised to see I was at 21m30s. Hold on. I'm on target for a sub 44! It's going to be hard to keep the last 5km at decent pace, but I have to give a go. It was hard on the second lap, the open part of the roads with no shade was an absolute killer, draining my already dehydrated body further. When the shade covered the road I perked up and ran hard and cought up with the lady that passed me at the 6km marker. I managed to keep her in my sights, and was hugely motivated by her heavy breathing. Not in a pervy way, but it showed how much effort she was putting in. Was I putting that much effort in? could I put more effort in? turned out, I was was running at maximum pace. hamstrings where getting very sore, energy was very low, but I managed to carry on pushing and keep on her heels.
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| To tired to vomit now at the Wilne 10km |
I final cheer from the TDR youth supports club around the 8km marker and I knew I was going to finish and with a respectable time. The 9km marker came and went and I felt I was pushing hard and Miss Heavy Breathing was still leading me out and picking off other runners too. She was a great pace setter. when I got to the 400meter mark I glanced at my watch and it was at 42m20sec. Hold on in my interval training I was running 400 meters in about 1m30s. HAMMER TIME. I pushed as hard as I could, I didn't have the legs or energy for a sprint finish, but managed to press past the lady who had dragged me through the last 4kms and crossed the line hit stop on my watch and glanced at the finish line timer. The timer said 44m34s and my watch said 44m08s, as I had started it as I crossed the start line. Very close to my goal, even with a dodgy hangover and a shoe lace stop. It was a PB for me too, Next 10km road race target now has to be a sub 43!
Just after crossing the line I turned to thank the lady and she asked what time I got, and congratulated me on a PB too. She was happy that she had contributed to my success. I then Grabbed water from Ness and sat and watched other TDR memebers come in, once Sheena was over the line we took the slow walk back to the event village to pick up our t-shirt and race goodie bag, and cought up with guys from The Nottingham Runner. before heading back to the car.
Thanks to Sarah for the photos too.
In Summery:
I very pleasant course, with a great turn out from the public and local, very happy with my time and super slick organisation and support team. I will be back next year!
I love this race, I can rock up, run a 10 mile obstacle course and then quietly disappear afterwards. The simple, raw feel of the race is great, no "HooRa's", "Hell Yeah's" or "Ar Roo's". Its a hilly trail run through a magnificent horse trials course with an added water obstacle. Having the option to complete one or two, 5 mile loops was never a real option for me. Of course I'll be pushing myself for 10 miles. I have done this race 3 or 4 times now and always enjoyed the tough terrain and the fast pace of the race.
After the water the course becomes pretty hilly and and just don't have the legs to pound up these bad boys, I was starting to loose the odd place but after the first lap I was pretty confident I was in the top 10. The second lap was hard going every horse jump seemed higher, slippier, and harder to leap. I made a better decision to wade rather than swim on the second lap which made life much easier. My male chauvinism came into play half way round the 2nd lap with the fastest lady on the course gaining on my and hanging on to my heels. I was determined not to be beaten by a lady, and pushed hard to try and loose my skirt wearing shadow (she was wearing shorts not a skirt, but it doesn't alliterate as nicely as skirt) but I just couldn't shake her. In the final mile she pulled away and took a good 10 seconds from me, I was happy with my efforts, and my legs were screaming and lungs gasping, I couldn't have run any harder.