The ever popular `warm up for a Marathon` or `I like Hoodies` event sold out in record time this year, despite a promising grey start the day being the first day of spring certainly did shine like it.
With the heroics of the previous day at Charnwood thankfully not hurting that much I go to task with trying to pace Dan Valencia to 3:30 and help `Lucky` Luke Egglestone to his longest distance yet in preparation for Manchester Marathon by not letting him go off like a scolded cat.
I have to admit despite the `dancing feet` I worry about how my legs will feel later on, I’m glad that they are fine on the long climb up to Swepstone and can only pray they stay like that come the second lap. Luke is running well, Dan is a little more cautious, we make it to Heather without any hitches and pretty much soon enough back in Packington for the second lap.
Very aware of my energy levels I take a gel at 8, 12 and 16 miles, Dan has fallen slightly behind and I almost need reins on Luke. He second climb upto Swepstone feels a lot more harder, at 13 miles I let Luke cut loose where he`s following Barrow Runner Ian Robinson, thankfully he`s ran within himself after going off and this looks very promising for his first Marathon.
My last three miles were not pretty and I spent far too long at the last drinks station at Packington so as not wearing a watch I was very happily surprised I crossed the line in 2:31: 45.
Great as usual race, superbly organised as ever and a lovely Purple hoodie! [Rob]
Striders Results:
Luke Egglestone (2:28:50)
Rob Beers (2:31:45)
Dan Valencia (2:34:12)
Jenni Wisher (Time TBC)
Vicki Lowe (2:47:47)
Abigail Arnott (2:55:32)
Michelle Farlow (2:55:32)
Theresa Clyde Coltman (2:55:32)
Sarah Lawrence (3:17:30)
Jon Wilson (3:34:32)
Deborah Wilson (3:34:32)
Helen Metcalfe (Time TBC)