by Dave Ricards 

How can explain my approach to this race, in two words : trepidation and confidence.   
Trepidation, for two reasons. Firstly, I had struggled round the Forest Five some years previous. Secondly, because, I had been encouraged to take part by Chris and Ginnie – scary in itself!  
The Confidence was due to my strenuous “Training Schedule”.  
Bolstered by the Windle Valley camaraderie, I quickly tucked in behind the girls – always a good way to lift the spirits!
The ‘going’ was similar to my roast chicken – hard in the centre and squidgy around the edges! 

We passed the first mile marker in 8.30 mins and the second one a little quicker. By the third mile, it was time to pick up the pace – and to practice for Come Dancing!   
Further on, the drink station loomed out of the chill spring morning, welcome but pointless! Had the ground been flat, I might have actually had a drink, but had to settle for wearing it instead!

 I hit the Half Way stage at 41.25min and feeling good. Phil had warned about a hill at about five miles, so no probs., went over it steadily and picked up the pace a little. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to mention its kid brother a hundred yards further on! Once that obstacle was history it was time to chat to some of the other runners, if for no other reason, than to cover up my heavy breathing! 

One was a Reading Runner, who cajoled me up a hill. I repaid the favour at about nine miles, when he appeared to stop at a corner. I mentioned that if I caught him, it would him a few beers! Needless to say, I had to go thirsty! It was also at about this time that I caught up with Dave Pearce, albeit rather fleetingly ! However, Dave’s training held him in good stead – he just disappeared ahead of me !

 And so to the final twenty yards, the support crew were in good voice! Wendy and Mike urged me on at the last corner. Mike was still shouting to me once I’d run well past him! (I hasten to add that Mike was stationary!) – such that an observer commented about my “coach” being a bit hard on me!

 All support is always gratefully received, especially as Phil, Chris and Jenny “carried” me across the line.

Ricards’ Final Comment : A thoroughly enjoyable race.