Having left Elgin more years ago than I care to remember and having spent a large chunk of the current century out of any running due to a heel spur, (eventually operated on in 2008) I have clawed my way back to some sort of fitness. I have returned to Marathon running and despite being past my best Im now ‘good for age’.
I had still missed the pain of the 10km run though; the ‘park run’ phenomenon wasn’t something I was aware of until recently and having taken part this summer for the first time I have been impressed. Large fields of runners (500+) turning up first thing Saturday or Sunday morning to beast themselves round a two or three-lap circuit of one of London’s large parks. Well organised, with timing chips in the vest numbers there seems to be something for everyone. The successful summer series has been extended through the winter with a regular 1st Saturday of the month 10km at the Olympic Park in Stratford. (ww.theraceorganiser.com)
Greenwich is my local large London park (and familiar to a few as the start of the London Marathon) and its not flat, anythin but, unlike the likes of Regents or Hyde Parks. I thought this might catch a few runners by surprise. A mild November Sunday again brought 500+ out. The course was organised as three laps, with a nasty long hill 2/3 of the way around each lap and a steep down-hill section at the start of each lap. The rest of it was reasonably flat (ish) with a few tight turns.
The start was quick and I lost some positions on the initial downhill, as age dictates I have to start a bit slower. At the long up- hill I didn’t lose any places and gained on a few folk. This was undone on the flat section as speedier elements came past, including the eventual winner. There then ensued the usual battle with the runners immediately round me. Into the second lap and again lost my escorts on the downhill, only to catch them again going up, but wasn’t able to pass them. On the flat section was passed by the first lady (I would say less than half my age ad good on her!) and managed to stay with my small group. Into the third downhill and same scenario, except this time managed to pass two runners as we approached the long up. I figured if I held them til the top I might be able to hold off a challenge in the last km. As we crested the top my main protagonist came past, only to falter, having misjudged the finish and thought we missed out the flat loop on the last lap. Sadly not and I was able to hold him off until the last corner and with a last burst pipped him by 3s: 40.54 and 13th overall, and for the first time, first V40+.
If anyone finds themselves in London, these races are on regularly (5 and 10Km) and I can recommend them.
Keep on Puffin!
Report by: Peter Shirley (Aged 48 1/4)