Big Fun
Run
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Official Results |
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Race Report:
What a cold start to get 'back into' racing again. Although ready to take part
in the annual Big Fun Run at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes I was not looking
forward to it as I was freezing cold and after my ops, 5K is an awfully long way
to run without stopping.
My warm up consisted of sitting in my car in the car park with the heater and
seat warmers on for about 20 minutes and then dragging myself out of the car
with jacket and gloves over to the start ready to watch the others begin the
warm up before the race. Why anyone would think that a full aerobic session
before a race is a good idea beats me, I would be tired before running but as a
charity event it most definitely got the atmosphere going.
I estimated the time that I would do the event in without walking so lined up
accordingly. A lot of excited chatter was happening around and it was good to
see several runners in costume. I tried to find Shaun and Paul to wish them luck
but I think that I was the shortest person there as all I got to see were a lot
of backs and chests and a few (nice) legs. It took about a minute for me to
cross the line but yet again there were the few who were at the front, sprinted
for 100 metres and then ended up having to stop and walk - if you are going to
do that, go to the middle or the back of the pack and let us carry on with an
even pace! I almost fell over someone who decided to stop right in front of me.
The course was much more pleasant the Milton Keynes parkrun as we did not have
the zig zags to contend with. Having said that we did have a couple of steep
parts but I sprinted up these and then slowed down on the flat even ground (that
has been my hill work for the week!)
It was interesting to pass so many runners walking or who had stopped and we had
only done a couple of 'k'. There were times that I was so tempted to stop and
walk with them or chat to the marshals, which I normally do but today I knew
that I would be unable to make up for lost (or wasted) time. The sun came out
and was a little warm briefly but I remained cosy in my winter woolies.
I did have to do a double take on a few occasions as I ran passed the arrow
signs and other race signs as they indicated "Edinburgh Marathon" and either
they were directing us to the marathon or I was actually running in it again.
The Edinburgh Marathon is one of my favourites, however with training or without
I don't think my heart would have held up for doing a marathon today!
The support around the course from the marshals was good, more noticeable
towards the finish as they tried to spur us on to push that little extra for the
last few hundred metres.... not helpful when there was a Dinkie Donuts van park
200 metres from the finish and we ran through the smell.
Having got to the finish I was promptly given my goodie bag, yet again a decent
selection of goodies and medal. I can never fault the organisers on the goodie
bag for this event, they tend to 'throw in' what we receive for Edinburgh
Marathon and it was only when I reached the finish and recognised the voice over
the speaker did I remember that they are involved in the organisation of the
marathon. Well done to all who took part, especially my lads who got PBs!
I could reel out a list of "thank you's" to people who have helped me get back
into running, but they know who they are! Some may think that my finishing time
isn't worth celebrating but they just 'do not know the half of it'.
And my three best bits: 1. raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research,
2. my goodie bag, 3. taking part!
Katarina
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