Sneaked out of work a few mins early to make sure I got to Darley Abbey on time (Actually I worked an extra 15mins at work because I love my job so much - just in case my boss reads this ). My sister had already picked up my race pack so all I had to do was pin my number on and lace in my timing chip. It was already pretty busy and I caught up with a few of the Team Derby Runner members and popped my head into the Team Derby Runner stall.
Running Darley Abbey is great, I love this park, train here, chill out here, occasionally even juggle here, the crowds were out in force on Darley bridge and out side The Abbey pub, these cheered and encouraged every runner on this superb sunny evening. The short hill after the was hard work at this pace, but ended with a very welcome sheltered and shady path downhill path through the park. Another climb to peak of the park and i knew that was the last of the climbing for the first lap. After the first couple of kms I had found my pace and was passing and being passed by the same small pockets of runners. I set my sights on a couple of female runners who were just quicker than me and tried to maintain their pace. I managed to always keep them insight for the first 5km but lost them when I slowed to walk for the water station.
Started my pre race stretching and warm, I'm always surprised how little stretching is going on pre race, maybe they don't need too, maybe I warming up far too late, maybe I think too much. Anyway my leg were feeling a little looser and the start line was filling up. I still don't jostling for a front position unless I need a sprint start to avoid bottle necks. So I tucked in around the middle of the peleton, I was still chatting to Team mate who wasn't running and saving himself for a weekend 1/2 marathon when the gun went. "See you in the pub later" and I was off. It was busy all around and I opened up and starting weaving my way up to find runners hitting my pace.
Running Darley Abbey is great, I love this park, train here, chill out here, occasionally even juggle here, the crowds were out in force on Darley bridge and out side The Abbey pub, these cheered and encouraged every runner on this superb sunny evening. The short hill after the was hard work at this pace, but ended with a very welcome sheltered and shady path downhill path through the park. Another climb to peak of the park and i knew that was the last of the climbing for the first lap. After the first couple of kms I had found my pace and was passing and being passed by the same small pockets of runners. I set my sights on a couple of female runners who were just quicker than me and tried to maintain their pace. I managed to always keep them insight for the first 5km but lost them when I slowed to walk for the water station.
After taking on a couple of cups I pushed the pace and managed to regain line of sight with the two runnerettes. I carried on pushing but the hills took their toll and they increased their lead. I now started to focus on where and when I would push for the finale. The kms dropped away and the crowds and marshals were incredibly supportive and generous. As I reached the final avenue the couple running behind me were discussing how much they had left. I took this as challenge, looked up and saw a runner 20 meters ahead, i pushed hard to catch and over take with about 200meters to go. now on the grass with the finish line in sight I heard my mates dad shout, "Don't let that chick beat you", sexism aside I take the challenge and push harder still, only to here him shout to the 'chick' "Don't let that beard beat you, luv" laughing away I managed to pass the lady, to then hear one of my running club team, mates start yelling encouragement and to "DROP THE HAMMER" with 150m to run, I ran, ran as hard as my stubby little legs would go. I do love a 'sprint' finish, but it does make you want to vomit when you cross the line.
Having finished i was handed a water bottle, a goodie bag and a take away container for those lovely chefs at viceroy restaurant. I sat down to drink my water and the lady who I pipped in the final meters came over and thanked me for race, and that she was a member of the same running team, but was keeping her vest clean for a different race on the weekend!
After watching more TDR runners finish and forcing my sister to a sprint finish too, i got changed into a clean t-shirt and then went straight home to my wonderful girlfriend ( went to the pub for a swift pint and talk about running with TDR members )
http://www.colinpotter10k.com/
In summary: A great race, great location, perfect organisation and marshals
Scores (out of 10)
Course: 8
Terrain: 6
Difficulty: 6
Return factor: 10
Overall: 7
http://www.colinpotter10k.com/
In summary: A great race, great location, perfect organisation and marshals
Scores (out of 10)
Course: 8
Terrain: 6
Difficulty: 6
Return factor: 10
Overall: 7
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