Happy Birthday To ME! Not only did today herald my first ever trail race, it was also the first time I have ever stayed the night anywhere other than at home before a race. Being a creature of habit, if not ritual, especially where racing (and tried/tested nutrition!) is concerned I was a little unsure of how that was going to work out. Having opted for the cheaper option and elected to bring my own breakfast food rather than risking the hotel effort (possibly not too vegan friendly), whilst slightly limited to what could handle being out of the 'fridge overnight I at least knew what I was eating. I managed to get a decent night's kip eventually too, so I woke up feeling pretty good.
The day then started with a lovely surprise when Mark, the friend who was also racing today, not only reminded me it was my birthday but presented me with a completely unexpected gift! Of course I hadn't really forgotten that it was my birthday, as that had been why I was so keen to sign up to the race when I saw it advertised at the beginning of the year, but it wasn't really in my head as I was just thinking of the race! This reminded me I'd brought some cards to open too, so I started my day opening cards and a present (Some lovely plates, a very thoughtful gift based on a random comment ages ago that I liked the ones in Wetherpoons!) in bed! Something I haven't done on my birthday since I think I was about 8 or 9!
The day then started with a lovely surprise when Mark, the friend who was also racing today, not only reminded me it was my birthday but presented me with a completely unexpected gift! Of course I hadn't really forgotten that it was my birthday, as that had been why I was so keen to sign up to the race when I saw it advertised at the beginning of the year, but it wasn't really in my head as I was just thinking of the race! This reminded me I'd brought some cards to open too, so I started my day opening cards and a present (Some lovely plates, a very thoughtful gift based on a random comment ages ago that I liked the ones in Wetherpoons!) in bed! Something I haven't done on my birthday since I think I was about 8 or 9!
Do you think someone's a bit excited?! As our wave (we'd opted to be conservative for a first trail race) didn't start until 11.15 we had lots of time so decided to kick start the day with a visit to the hotel spa. Now, normally, a swim and sauna is something I enjoy after a race, so this was yet another pre-race experiment, changing the order of things! I had heard that warming up muscles in a sauna before a race could be beneficial so thought it was worth a go. I'm very glad we did as the facilities were lovely and it was great to arrive at the race village feeling well relaxed and super-chilled! Registration was smooth and seamless, and I was surprised by how small the event was, at least compared to something like the Great Run series. I had been expecting something a little busier I think due to the big names behind the organisation (Runner's World, New Balance and Rat Race to name but a few) however, I can't pretend to be sorry that it wasn't a seething mass! Just as we registered, the first of the half marathoners finished in (I think) about an hour and 15 minutes! I was very impressed as I think that'd be a pretty good time for even a road race and I'm sure trails are typically a little slower... Well that's my excuse for the lack of a PB anyway! ;) I had considered registering for the half marathon but decided to play it safe for my first trail. I needn't have worried though, it wasn't at all muddy as I'd feared it might be and the ground was really very even indeed. apart from one little hurdle (A few logs over the path!) it was all run on very well maintained paths so I think we got off very lightly!
Mark and me, ready to Blaze that Trail! Soon enough we were also on our way after a quick group warm up lead by the enthusiastic race team. Finally! I hate the hanging round at the start of a race, I always wanna go, go, GO! Of course this was also my first official run with the new (ish!) Garmin, which was primarily funded through birthday presents! I got it early but it was great to feel like it was now official! Honestly, I really don't have much to say about the race itself which went like clockwork! I enjoyed every minute, relished the beautiful countryside, enjoyed interacting with the very friendly and supportive marshals and I'm sure I breezed round with a big grin. I felt good and was running strong, averaging roughly seven and a half minutes to the mile, which isn't as fast as I can run but was quite as fast as I felt like running and my primary aim for the day was to enjoy myself. TICK! Job done! I also did my usual trick of starting slower, watching most of the others in my wave disappear off into the distance and then spending the rest of the race gradually overtaking many of them one at a time whilst trying not to look too arrogant! I have to say, there is still a bit of me wishing I'd gone for the half marathon... the 10k was just over too quick! Maybe I should have run slower! Still, it was probably for the best as it meant I started and finished at the same time as Mark which was a lot more friendly and I still had plenty of energy to go back to the hotel and enjoy the spa again! Two sessions in one day, how indulgent! The goody bag, T shirt and medal were also all of good quality, plenty of yummy post-race goodies and only a couple of non-vegan bits, which I managed to trade in (the other benefit of going to a race with an omnivorous friend!).
The route and statistics; Garmin Under-measured again! On the drive back to Manchester, I received a text with my provisional time; 46:31. No PB for the distance but still a sort of PB for my first off-road race! Shame it wasn't two seconds slower or I'd have bagged the right age too! (33, that is not 46. Not yet anyway.)
We got back with just enough time for me to have a bit of a sort out (and write this blog!) before heading back out for my birthday dinner with a few friends at Bistro 1847; a top swanky veggie restaurant that I've never yet had a good excuse to indulge in.
In another piece of random good timing however, I also returned home to find that there had been a (finally!) successful delivery of my first JoggBox! I've not got time to investigate that any further right now but you can be sure to hear more about the goodies contained within over the next couple of days! Off now to get dressed for dinner... I've certainly worked up an appetite!
We got back with just enough time for me to have a bit of a sort out (and write this blog!) before heading back out for my birthday dinner with a few friends at Bistro 1847; a top swanky veggie restaurant that I've never yet had a good excuse to indulge in.
In another piece of random good timing however, I also returned home to find that there had been a (finally!) successful delivery of my first JoggBox! I've not got time to investigate that any further right now but you can be sure to hear more about the goodies contained within over the next couple of days! Off now to get dressed for dinner... I've certainly worked up an appetite!
