My first parkrun of the year, but I had decided that I wouldn’t be going for that 20-minute barrier, as I have another race tomorrow. I set off fairly briskly, slightly uphill on the newly revised course, but managed to slow myself down to around 4:15 per kilometre (6:50 per mile). There was an excellent turnout, breaking 100 for the first time. We had 29 first-timers, of whom 27 had chosen Cannon Hill for their first ever parkrun. Numbers were no doubt bolstered by those beginning their spring marathon training, as well as those resolved to get fit this year or simply trying to off-set the Christmas excesses!
Congratulations to the team and welcome to all the new parkrunners! Let’s hope they become regulars and spread the word.
I was slightly confused at the end of the race, as I thought a marshal had told me to go round a tree for the funnel, but when I got there the funnel went off the path just before a tree. There was no way my volunteer friends at the finish were going to let me go wrong, though! I realised later that the instruction had been to go round a tree STUMP, which I hadn’t even noticed! My apologies therefore go to that marshal, Kevin. I’ll wash my ears out before future races.
I clocked 21 minutes dead, finishing 17th of 107, third in the VM50-54 category.
I sent that email yesterday morning, telling Barry that I was thinking of leaving, and in it I also mentioned how I was upset not to be joining in the cross-country races. When I got home from work I found an email from another club mate inviting me to run in the Masters National Cross Country Championships at Perry Park! I had a look at the BMAF website and found that I can enter as an unaffiliated individual, so I’m now tempted to do that, instead of the Fradley 10km a day later.
I also spoke to another club mate after today’s race about leaving the club, so it’ll be interesting to see how quickly word gets round and what response I get and from whom.
Must make sure I keep up the hills and speed work.
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