Last Borders League race

I had really enjoyed my first Borders League race, so I was looking forward to the next, and last, one. I didn’t think I would perform as well; it would be my third race that week! But well, I might be needed to make up the numbers.

On the day I drove to Llanfairfechan, where I would pick up Sam (who I had given a lift home last time) and Anna. I got there at 8AM. It was an early start! But that was ok. Together we drove to Conwy where we picked up another passenger: Helen, our XC officer. And then we proceeded to Mold. The host was the Buckley Runners, but they clearly didn’t prefer Buckley as a venue. 

We parked up, went to the loo, got what we figured we’d want at start and finish, and went to the start. There we gave our jumpers and recovery drinks and bananas and whatnot to the Eryri supporters, and got ready. And then we were off!

At the start, with fellow Harriers Tony, Helen and Steve

Looking relaxed shortly after the start 

In the beginning, the field is always crowded, so you just run in whatever tempo everybody else is running. But it spreads out fairly soon.

I was feeling good! Better than expected with all that running in the past few days. I will slowly overtaking people. And I try to keep an eye on my watch, which gave my speed, but that was complicated by the fact that it was a bright day. If we were running with the sun in our face I was wearing my sunglasses, but these are prescription glasses, so if I wear those I can't read my watch. But we were running a loop, so sometimes I didn't need the glasses. And if I didn't, I could see I was on schedule. 

When I knew we were not far from the finish site try to overtake one last woman; again, from Chester Triathlon Club. It worked! And then we turned the corner finish in front of the school. I had kept a bit of an eye on the Chester lady; I wanted to keep her behind me. But then I saw a whole bunch of Chester runners roar in enthusiasm. She was probably throwing it all out in the sprint trying to get past after all! I sped up as well. But I was too late. She stormed past right at the finish. Bummer for me, but deserved for her. I was a bit miffed, though, when she ignored my congratulation.

Sprint finish

I got my token, I went to see the other Eryri Harriers who had already finished. And cheered on those who were still coming in behind me. And then we were all there, we did a group pic. And then we went back to the cars.

The group pic

There is a final event; a relay where all runners only run 1 mile. But that’s at the same time as a rather attractive race, so I don’t intend to go. So that’s it for this season! 

When the results came in I saw I had actually run faster than the previous time. And done better compared to the other women running. I was chuffed with that! The only time I had ever managed to run this fast was during the Bangor 10k, and that is a flatter course with only 2/3 of the ascent of this race. I had been going like a rocket! 

Next year I suppose I will go more often. As it so happens, we the Eryri women will be promoted to the first division. But in the first division, you need six women in order to not get penalty points. In our current division, it is only four. So there will be more demand for Eryri women in this league. I think I can hear that call!