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Running Report Summary   2005

 

This page features "Mini reports" from our members at various Running events around the country for the current year.
Full reports and reports from previous years can be accessed through the Archive Pages

 

Brighton 10k    November 20th 2005
Jill Burrells  reports:

BRIGHTON REEBOK 10K – NOVEMBER 20TH 

Way back in those hazy days of summer Keith and I booked our places in the Brighton 10k, aiming to use the race as a ‘sharpener’ for our annual trip to Club La Santa at the end of November. But when the morning of November 20th dawned freezing and foggy, it was tough to leave the warmth of the duvet behind to don running kit for the trip to the south coast. 

Thankfully the fog magically lifted and the sun came out as we arrived in Brighton, making for perfect running conditions – cold yet sunny with absolutely no wind.

Brighton and Hove Athletic Club: The oldest and largest in the area

There was a field of just under 2000 for this year’s race which used Championchip timing for the first time. The flat course starts on the seafront by the pier, runs eastwards for a mile along the coast before turning around to run back along the promenade towards Hove for 3 miles, where it again switches back to run the last 2 miles back to the pier. The course is fast, despite the two ‘dead turns’ and the large number of runners, and also gives the opportunity to see the faster front runners and to wave at team mates as they pass in the opposite direction. 

We had a good run and both managed PBs, and Keith had wisely carried money with him during the race for a warming portion of post race chips which were consumed before we’d even got back to the car!

Keith Hopkins : 43’ 07”
Jill Burrells :      46’ 33”

 

Gosport Half Marathon    November 20th 2005
Chris Peppiatt  reports:
Gosport  provides one of the last opportunities for a half marathon for those wanting to enter the club championships. There was a small Windle Valley contingent for this 2 lap
course which runs along the sea front before turning inland. Its a good course, quite
flat and capable of a good run especially if you like the 2 laps and knowing what you've got  ahead.

First in was Richard Sherlock 1.41.21, then Melanie Hartshorn 1.44.01 many
congratulations in her very first half marathon. Colin Woods on 1.46.29 and Chris
Peppiatt 1.47.44.
Commiserations to Pam Berriman who has been suffering from a sore hip for several
months now and decided to come in after one lap, really hope that you get it sorted  out
quickly and that your back enjoying your running again soon.
 

Cabbage Patch 10    October 16th 2005
Pam Berriman  reports:
With no entries on the day  The Cabbage Patch 10 always proves to be a very popular event and today was no exception. As the morning sun began to shine Twickenham and the banks of the river started to come alive with the sound of runners warming up !  1500 to be exact !!

WVR were represented by   6 ladies and 4 men, I hadn't managed to do the race for a good number of years ( it has been going since 1982!) and all I could remember was running beside the river ! Of course that is only a small -- all be it --nice part of it . The race is a loop taking in Kingston,Richmond as well as Twickenham and  the day began bright and crisp ,finishing  very warm with lots of people supporting on route -- especially along the river   
 
So how did the ladies do ??  Katie Pearce came storming in for the ladies  with a PB of 1hr 11mins 5secs well done Katie !  Mel Hartshorn completed her 1st 10 miler in a brilliant 1hr 19mins and 33secs , followed closely by an ever improving Chris Peppiatt in 1hr 22mins 50secs .A little way behind came myself in 1hr 28 min 59 secs,  congratulations to Susan Middlehurst with her time of 1hr 33mins 17 secs and Marie Guinard who also ran in a time of 1hr 40 mins 7 secs . Well done the ladies !  
 
The men did well too, with Geoff Williams just behind Katie in 1hr 11min 27secs , followed by Richard Sherlock 1hr 17min 28secs , Woody in his come back race at 1hr 18 mins 18secs closely followed by Colin Woods in 1hr 22mins 1sec. 
I really enjoyed the whole race especially the bit along the river and would like to do it again next year , we just have to remember to put our entries in as early as possible as places are snapped up so quickly !
Prince's Trust 10k    October 16th 2005
Nick Cook reports:
I ran the Princes Trust 10k run at Legoland on Sunday October 16th - saw one WVR vest,  but was too shy (again) to say hello.
The day dawned a bit foggy, but the  sun soon came out and a pleasant morning's run was in prospect. 

We  wondered over to the start and a warm-up session was already in progress  (it wasn't very good though - only the few runners right at the start  could see anything). At about 10:15 the hooter went off to start us and  away we went. It was bit crowded for much of the first k,  even in the  park some of the tracks were a bit narrow, and they were also very muddy!! 

There was a water station half way round for a much needed drink (but I  still can't run, breathe and drink at the same time - most of it went down  my front!!!). There were a few hilly bits and the finish was pretty hard -  a steep hill up the road to the finish line, but it didn't detract from a  very nice run.

At the end we all got a bottle of water (again much  needed!), a medal and quite a full goody bag with a Mars bar, lucozade  sports bar and powder, anti-bacterial soap dispenser???, Nivea  moisturising cream (how ever did I do without it before?), childrens  game???, postcard????, £1 CD-Wow voucher (spent it already) and a few  chocolates (they seem to have disappeared after my daughter had a look!!),  so that was good!
I finished in 51:56, which I was quite pleased with considering the mud and  the steep hill at the end, and I'll look forward to running it again next  year.

Next run - WVRs October 10k.

 

Windsor Half Marathon    Sept 25th 2005
Nick Cook reports:
My excuse for not doing the club 10k this month is that I was running the Windsor Half Marathon.
I think 10k in the morning and 13 miles in the afternoon is bit beyond me at the moment!
Hopefully I'll make it next month. 

Training had been going well for this week, and I'd run 10 miles in 86 minutes 2 weeks ago, so was hopeful of finally cracking that sub 2 hour half marathon time.

We got parked up at about 12:00, so I had an hour to spend in the loo queue and get warmed up and stretched before the start.  

There were thousands of people there, and the starting point was packed. I couldn't find the 2 hour finish point, so just pushed into the crowd about half way back. It took nearly 7 minutes to cross the start line, but after that the crowd started to thin a bit and I was able to get going. I started off with a 9.5 minute mile, but settled down to just under 9 minute miles after that. I passed one lady with a WVR vest on, but she was plugged into her ipod, and looked a bit bemused when I waved at her saying I was a WVR runner too!

My legs started to ache after about 6 miles, but I was still able to keep my steady pace going.
At about 10 miles, there was an ambulance with lights flashing loading someone into the back - after the deaths at the Great North Run it was a bit of a worry!

Got to the Copper horse in a reasonable time and I just needed to keep up the same pace to achieve that magical sub 2 hour time. Crossed the finish line and checked my watch 1:56:55 - I did it!!!!
I've checked the official results this morning and my official time was 1:56:52 and I was 1884th out of 4558 finishers, so I was really pleased with that.
There was a nice medal, a bottle of (much needed) water and a Mars bar at the end,
so now for the queues to get out of the car park!

This is the second time I've done Windsor, and I find it a very enjoyable run - a bit hilly, but nice scenery all the way round. I'm glad I didn't have to leave a bag in the baggage tent though - the queues were horrendous, both before and after the run.

Next event - the Legoland 10k - a much more sensible distance!!!

 

My First Triathlon    June 26th 2005
Nick Cook reports:

I took part in my first ever Triathlon on Sunday 26th June at Wellington College, Crowthorne. And I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was just a supersprint tri; 200m swim, 17k bike ride and a 5k run, but enough for a first attempt. I’d been doing quite a bit of swimming recently due to calf injuries, so wasn’t too phased with that part of the event. I’ve obviously been running, and had started to cycle, but had never combined any of the events. A couple of weeks ago I decided I ought to at least once try a run immediately after a bike ride, so set off after work one fine evening on a ten mile bike ride. When I got back I set off on a three mile run. My legs didn’t like that!! I had hoped to try another of these ‘brick’ sessions (apparently that’s what it’s called), but circumstances prevented that. Saturday night arrived, and I got my checklist out and started preparing for the big day. Found a towel, socks, talc, water bottles, goggles, kit, etc. Got bike out of the garage and checked the tyres; put bike, pump, spare inner tube, spanners, tyre levers and helmet in the car. 

Sunday morning dawned. Had toast, marmalade and juice for breakfast and filled all the water bottles and put them in the bag. Checked the bike again – still ok. So set off for registration. Found the registration tent ok, and got issued numbers for helmet, bike, shirt, bag and had it written on my hand. Familiarised myself with the transition area and set up my bike in the rack with all equipment, socks shoes, etc, readily available. All I had to do now was wait for my 8:30 start time.

At about 8:20 I set off for the pool – and then went back to the transition area to take off my glasses and pick up goggles – doh!!!! The swim was good, eight lengths in a lane to myself  - no problem. Out of the pool, run round into the transition area, quick dry of face and put glasses on – can see again!!! Dry feet, put socks and shoes on – number on – helmet on. Quick swig of water and out of transition area to road. Ride seems to be going ok, except I keep sliding off the saddle – realise the saddle’s loose and keeps dropping forward – I have to keep tugging it back level, fortunately it’s not too loose, so isn’t too much of a problem. Overtake a few bikes along the way, and then back to the college. Get the bike racked, helmet off, swig of water and off for the run. Two blokes I passed in transition went past me, but I overtook them again at the 1k mark – didn’t see them again! Then a girl I had passed in the last mile of the bike ride went haring past – I didn’t see her again either!!! Just after the 1k mark I heard a terrific commotion! What was going on? As I drew closer, saw it was some kids who had volunteered as marshals had a competitor list and were calling out names and encouraging everyone in a very exuberant manner as they passed. A welcome bit of encouragement too! Just as I passed the 4k mark I felt a twinge in my right calf - I hadn’t stretched it enough before I started! Took it easy for the last k and hobbled in to absolutely no applause whatsoever!! Must remember to force the wife to come next time! 

In the end I finished 66th out of 266 in 1hour 4 minutes, which I was really pleased with for my first attempt. 

Split times were:            Swim (and T1) 7:20
                                    Bike (and T2) 34:16
                                    Run  22:26
(Not too sure about those times – my previous best at 3 miles is 24 minutes!!!!)

My next attempt at a tri is the Eton Supersprint on 17th July – Bring it on!!!!!!

 

Yateley 10k  June 1st 2005
Nick Cook reports:
I ran the first of the Yateley 10k series last night on a cool, cloudy evening that threatened rain, but fortunately it held off (I hate running in the rain!!!). There were a few WVR people about and I tried to keep up with Dave Lewis at the start, but at about 1k I decided the pace was too fast for me, so off he went.
There were about 800 runners on the evening so it was all a bit hectic for the first kilometre with runners battling for position, but once the field had thinned out the going got a bit easier.
 The course was mainly on the roads around Yateley, but there were plenty of marshals and traffic wasn’t a problem. There was a drink station at about the half way mark (how are you supposed to drink from a cup and run at the same time?) and a sponge station about a k further along. I’m sure had it been a hotter evening these two stations would have been inadequate for the number of runners, but as it turned out it wasn’t a problem.
My watch time was 49:34 which I was a bit disappointed with – I was hoping to be under 49 – but another medal goes into the drawer at home. My official time was 49:54 and I finished in 461st place.

The next 10k in the series is on 6th July, but before that I’ve got my first tri at Wellington College, so I’ll send in a report when I’ve (hopefully) completed that.
 

 

 Name

Category
Position

Overall Position Points Vet Status Time
Hull Keith 15  168 6 V50 00:42:14
Sherlock Richard 76  302 1 V40 00:46:01
Park Marie 19 323 2 VF35 00:46:28
Lewis David 85 352 1 V40 00:47:06
Woods Colin 90 383 1 V40 00:47:51
Cook Nicholas 113 461 1 V40 00:49:54
Berriman Pam 17 538 4 VF45 00:52:04
Hadfield John 72 560 1 V50 00:52:58
Parris Claire 52 602 1 VF35 00:54:52

 

Target...........10 races in 40 days
Chris Dent  reports:

On deciding to add some new races to my list this summer I embarked on competing in 10 races (not including Wendy’s 3 Day Event) over a period of 40 days

Sutton Runners 10K                 Sunday 1st May 2005 (See Pam’s Report)

Agree with Pam, nice T Shirt but this one will not be on my itinerary next year.

Horsham Joggers 10K              Sunday 8th May 2005

Another of my new venues. The start was on a field with a lap of around 400 metres of  un-mown grass about 9” tall, reminding me more of X Country than that of a Road Race. The race consisted of 2 laps of country lanes, farm tracks and a housing estate. 

The course which could be described as undulating enabled me to play catch up on the downhill sections after suffering and losing ground on the uphills. With a time of 50.35 and an improvement of around 1.30 on the previous week I was quite pleased  with my morning`s work and another mug to my growing collection.
Verdict ? Unlikely to return next year. 

 

Concorde 10K                         Sunday 15th May 2005

This one I have done many times over the years. Arriving at the British Airways Social Club at Cranford in bright sunshine the prospect was for the conditions to be very warm by the time of the race. After believing I would be the only WVR competing, the first face I saw was Colin Woods.

Never producing my best times on this course I was surprised to have kept under 5min/km pace all the way round, finishing in 49.49. Colin in front of me from the 3k marker finishing in 48.35. 

Another Horse Brass to the collection, although a very well organised event perhaps they could change the memento next year. 

After a nice hot shower in BA`s vast changing room facilities, Margaret and I took advantage of the Club`s restaurant facilities. Enjoying a very reasonably priced huge roast beef Carvery lunch before continuing on to visit relations in the area.    

Staines 10K  Sunday 22nd May
 
Flat course. Finishing time 50:40.  Bettered by Colin Woods 46:56 and Mark Coxhead 47:37. Claire Parris 56:59
Momento - Gym Sack.
 

Woodland 5  Wednesday 25th May
I am afraid to say that my attempt at the 10 in 40 has gone with a “twang”.
Whilst doing the Woodland 5 – May 25th I pulled my hamstring quite badly. Managing to hobble for a couple of miles before having to stop. This was my first ever D.N.F.

This injury has now sidelined me from Wendy’s 3 Day Event, Yateley No.1 on June 1st and Worthing 10k on June 8th.With a bit of luck I hope to have recovered enough to get round the Forest 5 on June 15th.

 

Finchcoasters Woodland 5  -  Wednesday 25th May 2005
Nick Cook reports:

FinchLogo

“UNDULATING!!!! – Mountainous more like!!!” Well, that was my impression having just run the first of the Finchcoaster Woodland 5 series (unfortunately I’m unable to run the next 2). I got to the Broadmore car park in plenty of time for a saunter down to the start (just as well, ‘cos it wasn’t very well signposted!) and a good stretch and warm up. It was a nice, dry evening – just right for a run in the woods. I saw Dave Lewis from WVR at the start and there were a few other WVR members
dotted about, so I wasn’t on my own.
 

The starter called us all to order and said that the course was probably about 5.5 miles, so what with the hills and the length, no PB for me! We all charged off down one of the tracks only to be met with the first of the hills after only a couple of hundred yards, so slowed right down and start puffing almost immediately – this was going to be hard!! The setting was really nice, but only having done road running before, I found the underfoot conditions quite hard.

The wide lanes were very stoney and the narrow tracks were quite rutted with loads of exposed roots – I tripped once, and I saw a few other people tripping too. It was a very loopy course too – I wouldn’t be able to follow it again, with one very steep hill which had to be negotiated twice. I finished 132nd out of 192 in 49:46 minutes according to the web site, which I was quite happy with and all-in- all a good run in pleasant surroundings.

 

The Hogsmill Ladies 5 -- Sunday 8th May  and The Sutton 10k -Sunday 1st May
Pam Berriman  reports:

ONE TO RECOMMEND...... 

The Hogsmill Ladies 5 mile run - was a brilliant run in Epsom  . It was well organised by the Epsom Allsorts and started and finished on a running track . First came a couple of races around the track for the children then a mass warm up to music on the field for all the ladies , then at 10am sharp the race began . It was a one lap route this time, which took us mostly off road  through a park, shrubland and around a lake.  Water was also provided half way too , everyone was very friendly with lots of support all around the course .
 
The finish on the track was a bit of a struggle but lots of ladies managed a final burst at the end ! We all received a vest and a lots of luvverly chocolate at the finish  - only a ladies race could think of chocolate at the end ! Well done Epsom Allsorts on a well organised run . Lets have loads of WVR ladies there next year !
 
I managed to come in 1st for WVR ( can't believe that ! )   followed very close behind by Chris P , then Jill B and last but not least Melanie , who only started running with the club a month ago. This was Mel's 1st race and she managed 42 mins ! ( Not official time ) Well done Mel !  See you all next year !

ONE TO MISS...... 

The Sutton 10k-- Sunday 1st May  
Chris P. Chris D. Colin W. and myself represented WVR  on this very hot and muggy Sunday morning . After parking in a huge field , finding the toilets and then having a little jog around the park; there we were basking in the sunshine  and moaning about how hot it was going to be when the hooter sounded and we were off no warning -- off we shot !  
 
As Chris D and Colin W disappeared amongst the vast sea of people Chris P and I gradually separated too , the run was 3 laps around the park and outside onto the roads, which remained open to traffic and of course a few irate motorists toot -tooting cursing at all the runners going by !  
It was one hard slog and apart from the water station and the very good t- shirt at the end I would give it a miss next year. Colin was first to cross the line , followed by Chris D then myself and Chris P. To make us feel even worse the huge field we parked on had one tiny little gap from which we had to escape , most of the runners just waited and were patient others became a little pushy as they tried to get off the field . It took us quite some time before we hit the road home !  Like I said one to miss!

 

WVR Club Handicap - Sunday April 24th 2005
Nick Cook  reports:

MY FIRST WVR 10k 

I did my first club 10k run on Sunday (April 24th) and I must say I enjoyed it immensely!  

I've been a member of WVR since September last year, but haven't been able to attend any club runs until now (other commitments, apathy, etc., etc...), but I'm glad I came along this Sunday.  

The first thing that struck me was how friendly everyone was - people spoke to me, explained how everything worked, went through the route with me (although I was lost after the first right turn!!) and generally made me feel welcome. When I said I was hoping for a time around 50 minutes, a few people said they would probably be doing around 50 minutes too, and I could run with them - at least I wouldn't get lost!!! 

The 60 minutes people went off, then the 55 minutes - only 5 minutes to go! -
It was nearly time for the 50 minute lot to go. There were 6 of us lined up waiting for the off. 5...4...3...2...1...go! And away we went - I kept at the back - didn't want to go off too fast or too slow for the rest of the group! No worries there though and the pace seemed ok.  

At the first mile my watch bleeped and I looked down - 7:54 - Oh my god!! I'd never been that fast for the first mile!! Mile 4 or 5 maybe - but the first - oh no, Would I be able too keep up? Would I get lost? At the second mile we were still under 16 minutes, but I had to keep up, didn't want to get lost! Fortunately the battery on my GPS thingy died just after that, so I wouldn't know how fast we were going now. After a few miles, some of our group seemed to drop off a bit, so that left Dave, Tom and myself keeping up a steady pace together. 

At about 5 miles, the top of the second long uphill stretch, I couldn't keep up any longer, and Dave and Tom went off on their own. Some of the faster, later starters were overtaking now, One girl shot past at a great rate!!! 

A few minutes later and the end was in sight. A bit of a spurt to show a confident finish, and I was in at 48:52!!! My best ever 10k - so really pleased!! 

My thanks to Dave and Tom for running round with me and making my first club run very enjoyable. I will certainly be doing more Sunday morning 10k runs, and hope to make some of the training runs too. 

 

Maidenhead 10k - Sunday 25th March 2005
 

 
   
 
Nick Cook  reports:

It looked like it was going to be a nice day for the Maidenhead Easter 10 – and indeed it was.
Compared to the Wokingham Half, it was a veritable heat wave. I enjoyed the course, plenty of country lanes and planes taking off from White Waltham Aerodrome.
Running the same stretch of road three times was a bit boring, but didn’t detract too much
The toilet facilities and the baggage pick-up weren’t very well organised, with long queues for both,
but these were minor niggles, on an otherwise very well organised day.
The Mars bar at the end went down well, and the medal was nice too.
Plenty of friendly marshals and water at 1, 3, 6 and 9 miles.

My aim was 85/86 minutes and my watch said 1:24:41 as I crossed the finish line, so I was well pleased with that (official time 1:25:11).
I managed to spot one person in a WVR vest, but was unable to say hello. My time at 6 miles was 50:20, so that will be my aim at my first WVR 10k (hopefully the April one!).

Finish Position Name   Time Cat.
90   Richard Gurd 01:04:16 M40
177   Michael MacClancey 01:09:05 M42
235   Gordon Trout 01:11:10 M60
236   Katie Pearce 01:11:17 F21
279   Mary MacClancey 01:12:43 F40
332   Dave Pearce 01:13:58 M57
505   Chris Dent 01:20:46 M56
612   Nick Cook 01:25:11 M47
842   Claire Parris 01:38:03 F37
857   Marie Guinard 01:39:11 F50
934   Sara Saunders 01:48:59 F32
936   Dave Ricards 01:48:59 M43

 

Bramley 10k - Sunday 20th February 2005

 

 
Pam Berriman  reports:  
What a well organised , well marshalled and well toileted run !! On arriving in the huge car park Katie was in her element to find 3 ladies loos even before the start line ! After a 10 min walk to the start ( a local school) yet more ladies loos jumped out at us -- far more ladies  than mens loos-- now thats a first . Katie was beside herself --so many loos to choose from !  
 
There was a huge field I think I heard 950 mentioned not a bad turn out for such a cold day averaged 3C all the way around !  There were 5 WVR in the 20 mile run and I think 3 in the 10 mile run
Mary and Michael Macclancy and Colin Woods completed the 10 miler--- as I didn't see them at the finish I do not know their times . Dave Richards and Sara had number for the day but we didn't see them so my apologies if you did run Dave and Sara !
 
Nathan came storming in after 20 miles in 2hrs 19 mins , followed by Gordon with a brilliant 2hrs 31 mins , next came Katie 2hrs 36 mins , followed by Dad Dave 2hrs 39 mins . Last but not least myself with 2hrs 57 mins! After a lousy Chessington 10k last week my confidence has  gone up and I feel much more able to focus on the London again, I had never tried Jelly babies before so after 10 miles I had one every 2 miles , that plus listening to my music I am sure got me round ! So dish out the babies at the London !  Well done to Wendy and Amanda who also completed the 20 miles in 2hrs 26 . ( all times are our own  not official times )
 
In all it was a good morning despite the cold and instead of the usual medal we had a goody bag , well done Reading Road Runners ! Apologies to anyone I have missed . Perhaps you can do your own report !


 



 

 

Chessington Valentine's 10k - Sunday 13th February 2005

 
   
Pam Berriman  reports:

What a lousy day for a 10k! Wind Rain and Snow !!!!  WVR was represented by a small field for this for this one ( due to the Wokingham Half ) .

Chris Dent came home first , followed by Colin Woods (joined us again ) then Chris Peppiatt and myself .

Jenny Webb ( ex WVR ) came in a close 5th
Good to see  you running again Jenny .


10k Start


It was a well marshalled and quite flat run beginning in the car park of
Chessington World of Adventure and ending in a college close by . It was good to get a T-shirt to remember the race by,  and lots of goodies too , Kit Kats , mini Mars bars , Club biscuits etc etc !

The only down side was the awful cold and  never ceasing wind ! Just glad it was a 10k and not a half marathon !
Hope I feel better when I do the  Bramley 20 miles next week!

Thanks Chris for keeping me going over the last 2k!
Pam B ( Ladies Captain)

 

 

Wokingham Half Marathon  -  Sunday 13th February 2005
 

Nick Cook  reports:

Having run an 86 minute 10 mile run 5 weeks before the Wokingham Half, I was hoping to crack the sub 2 hour time for the first time, but 4 weeks before, disaster struck!
I felt a twinge in my left calf whilst out trying to get a slightly faster 10 miles in. I rested for a week, but the following week I felt a definite ‘twang’ in the calf after only a couple of hundred yards, so hobbled home disconsolately!
I went to the physio on the Thursday and was told it was torn but they might be able to get me fit for the half!
After 4 sessions I was given the go ahead to run again a week before the start, so out I went on Sunday morning – and felt a twinge in the right calf after a mile and a half! Hobbled home again and straight off the physio again.
They said it wasn’t torn and they might be able to get me fit for Sunday.
After 2 sessions they said I could run – Hooray!! But having done no running for 4 weeks the aim was now just to get round, rather than get that sub 2 hour time. 

Woke up on Sunday morning and the sun was shining – went downstairs for porridge and a banana breakfast – and it was hailing!!! As I only live about a mile and a half from the start I went for a gentle walk/jog/stretch so as to make sure my calves were well warmed up.
At the start there were the usual queues for the loos (had to queue up twice!) and kit storage tent and I met a few people from the Runners World web site forum.
Changed out of my tracksuit and the wind was absolutely freezing!!! Most people were wearing bin bags for the start, and I decided to do the same. 

10:00 o’clock came and the klaxon went off dead on time (I think – I had my MP3 player plugged in listening to the Bee Gees!) It was quite a struggle along the narrow paths of Cantley fields, but once safely out of the gate the crowds thinned out and I was able to keep up a steady pace.
Because of the trouble with my calves I decided to start out very slowly (first mile in 10:30), and was soon able to discard the bin bag.  

I had a very pleasant run, and it wasn’t too cold once I’d warmed up, although the wind was biting along some of the stretches. My watch time was 2:05:41 (official result 2:07:05) so, considering the lack of training, I was very pleased with that.

My next outing will be the Maidenhead 10, so I hope to do that in under 90 minutes (calves permitting!). (I seem to be always doing something else on the club 10k Sundays!).

Position       Name Category   Club         Finish Time
200      MacClancy, Michael  V40   WVR   01:29:19
265 Williams, Geoff   V50   WVR   01:31:43
268         Hull, Keith  V50   WVR   01:31:54
403   Pearce, Katie  S   WVR   01:36:47
439  MacClancy, Mary           V40   WVR   01:37:55
468     Trout, Gordon  V60   WVR   01:38:43
499 Pearce, David V50   WVR   01:39:41
657             Lee-Emery, Ian  S   WVR   01:44:03
1211   Saunders, Sara  S   WVR   02:01:08
1267           Smith, David   V60   WVR   02:04:00
1319       Cook, Nick V45   WVR   02:07:05