I didn't pick up my prize but I got another number on the wall! It was a real relief to feel like I could manage a proper run today following a couple of days of an upset tummy and just as well too, as I had agreed to head out and participate in the first of Todmorden 5k Summer Park Series by Cannonball Events. I had only been to Todmorden once before, a good couple of years ago but I remembered the park well and the race took in 5 laps on a very pleasant summer evening. Given that I have my first trail race on Saturday and haven't been too perky this week I was not planning to race the event, just enjoy myself. Yeah right. That's like putting a sausage in front of a dog and telling him not to drool. On the fourth lap, when I realised I was running roughly six and a half minute miles and that I had been consistently overtaking people I realised I was doing well enough to give a bit more welly and started to pick off the ladies. on the last half lap I happily cruised past a couple in black and white striped club shirts but sensed that wasn't the last I'd be seeing of them. Never the less, I bobbed on up, slipped past a couple more and headed in for the home straight in what I thought was second place (ladies, that is!). I then heard what can only be the sound of sheer determination rapidly approaching from behind and sure enough, a black and white striped club shirt smoked past me and over the line, rendering me to what I judged to be third. I then happily discovered another example of why I love running. The very first thing she did when she crossed the line, OK, not the very first, the very first thing was to punch the air and shout 'YES!', the very next thing she did was to turn straight round and shake my hand. I was honoured to receive the most glowing, if sweaty thanks, which I quickly reciprocated! What fun, a proper little in-race tussle!
On returning to the pub/Race HQ, I was told that actually I was in fourth place, which I think relieved my kind driving friend as that meant we didn't hang about for any prize giving and could start the hour (ish) drive back to Manchester. I just downloaded the results though and I was third! Dammit! I wonder if I can still get my prize!? Fair play anyway to Autumn (so that's why I kept thinking I was hearing people calling out my surname!) and much kudos for a well earned second place! Maybe next time though... watch your back... there are still three more races in the series and only 2 seconds between us! ;)
On returning to the pub/Race HQ, I was told that actually I was in fourth place, which I think relieved my kind driving friend as that meant we didn't hang about for any prize giving and could start the hour (ish) drive back to Manchester. I just downloaded the results though and I was third! Dammit! I wonder if I can still get my prize!? Fair play anyway to Autumn (so that's why I kept thinking I was hearing people calling out my surname!) and much kudos for a well earned second place! Maybe next time though... watch your back... there are still three more races in the series and only 2 seconds between us! ;)
My official time was 19.54; not a PB for the distance, but not bad for 'meh, I'm not racing' and only my second ever sub 20 minute 5K. Also my first official race for Salford Harriers! I'm a teeny bit disappointed I didn't stay for the prize giving but as same kind driving friend is also providing a chauffeur service to Nottingham tomorrow night for the Clumber Park Runner's World Trail Blazer 10k on Saturday I think it's for the best he gets an early night! In fact I should probably aim to achieve the same! That's enough excitement for one evening!
