TRIMPELL 20 - LANCASTER
Sunday 17th March 2013
Something slightly unnerving about running round a race track before venturing off on a further 19.5 miles. Not quite as daunting as the sleet the piled into the car as we drove across the M62 with white moors on either side. Pacing, clothing and temperature would indeed be key.
The first 5 miles I paced well. Following the chatty Chris Jones along the cycle paths round Trimpell triangle and leaving behind the smell or the riding stables. I was well under the forecasted 8 minute miling and felt
fresh and strong.
Upon crossing the River Lune the surface turned into an abrasive asphalt that impeded my stride and created something of an invisible barrier. Thankfully the route then turned on to a residential street before integrating with a dismantled railway and the only real downhill stretch on the course. I clocked an impressive 7.10 mile for this section and hoped it would not catch me out later.
I progressed well along the river section from the Sainsburys, behind an awful smelling industrial plant and past two watering stations. I focused well on stride, breathing and even took in some of the tree filtered views to the north. At the 10 mile watering station I scooped down an energy gel and impatiently waited for the resultant effect.
The leaders swooped past, effortlessly it seemed, one then eventually others. I began to feel leg heavy at the turn. Especially when a marshal said only a few hundred metres to turn - this was actually about 3/4 mile. Urgh! Sometimes those that don't run never quite realise the psychological impact this can have? Anyway, I trudged back through Caton village, thanked a few marshals and grabbed a handful of jelly babies just before the return along the river walk.
This flat section seemed to go on, and on, and on forever! I was so glad to smell the foul industrial plant and then return across the River Lune. I grabbed another few sweets in preparation fo the final 1.5 miles. Already other runners were started to get cramp and walk.
The final section weaved long arches away from then back toward the race track finish. Groups of club runners were out waiting for their club mates, but not supporting other runners? I plodded past and gave a look that pleaded for a bit of enthusiasm. I grew closer to the race track and as I turned on to the entrance I expected to be guided round a 400m lap. Much appreciated was the short clockwise diversion to finish and a new PB of little over 2.41. My legs were mashed but mind was buoyed. Great achievement!
Postscript
I really enjoy the endurance race. Not sure about ones that are so flat though? That said, it's great to be segregated from traffic even if you can hear motors at all stages of the race. The river section is beautiful, but just a bit samey. Great course for a PB, as even this chunky pootler can prove....
