13h April Let me tell you a story


If I had been asked when did I last run the Gerald Story Memorial fun run I would have said two maybe three years ago. It certainly feels that long ago. So imagine my surprise when checking this blog and the date on my Garmin watch to discover that it was in fact only last year!. I think what has thrown my chronological recall is the fact that last years run was right at the start of Jan whereas this years little jolly has taken place, well today in April.

This 5.6 mile run takes place from Worksop College and consists of a triangular route along trails through Clumber Park. Even though I couldn't quite recall how long agao it was that I last ran the route I do recall that we ran on a beautifully clear winters day and that the trail itself was actually a proper trail run. I also remember that it was relatively flat which is always a bonus, esp as I had tweaked a hamstring in the build up from a burst of over enthusiastic gardening !!!

This year we were not so lucky weather wise with a sudden dip in temperatures making many onthe start line, myself included, wishing we had brought long sleeved running tops. Well unless you were one of the assembled Hucknall Harriers, all sporting their swanky newT shirts, which I have to say did look rather splendid.

After a few pre race announcement that everyone could actually hear for once we were off, the whippets, the plodders and the tortoises (you could also walk the route if that was your thing). And it was still as I had rmembered a lovely scenic route.

55 mins and 23 seconds later and I was back at the finishing line, a full 2 mins 35 seconds quicker that a year ago, which was rather pleassing to discover. What was also good to see  was that my average heart rate during the run was also down whilst my cadence (speed of step) and stride length were marginally improved. 

It seems there is a little life left in the old dog yet as seen by the rainbow coloured picture of the Ravenshead Runners, all sporting our lovely ceramic finishers medals.

 

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