South Cheshire 20
1st May 2011

 

Official Results

Robin Fiander 3.17.49

Race Report:

I achieved a stately 3.17.49 at the South Cheshire 20 on Sunday, as preparation for the Edinburgh Marathon. This was not one of finest outings, either as a race or a training run, despite the enthusiastic support give by Keith Lakin and Fiona. On the journey to a marathon there is always that dilemma of whether to race, if you are feeling good, or just to take it easy as another long run. If you race it and do well very close to the marathon there is a danger that you have peaked too early, and have a disappointing big race. Well on the day, after about 7 miles, there was certainly no dilemma, and I knew that the whole hilly course would be a a bit of grinding procession.  Even the resident groupies and enthusiastic marshals failed to get my gnarled aging body to be animated.

This was ever first road race that I have slowed down to a walk, and I had to console myself, as I limped ever more slowly to the finish, that it was a useful long slow training run. At the finish, after consuming gallons of water I laid down on the grass, unable to move...until cramp seized my leg and I managed somehow to spring up and stretch, causing me nearly to faint! It was at that moment that I vowed never ever to run a long race again, and damn the Edinburgh Marathon, I have done enough, I'll just use the trip as a holiday.  From now on I would go on pleasant walks and take up sunbed-testing as a hobby. 

After sitting in a local pub, supping a fine ale and consuming a hamburger in good company, the pains subsided somewhat and  my view mellowed, and then turned back into enthusiasm for the marathon. Fool.

Robin

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