Ilmington always brings back memories of our Massey marathon legend, Dave Phillips.In years gone by, both of us would arrive impossibly early to grab a spot in the car park—Dave officially as a race sponsor, and me simply because I was ever-so-early. We’d have a great catch-up, and after every race, Dave would write the run report. Last year he didn’t run, and nobody wrote one… so consider this the official restoration of a fine Massey tradition! (Though maybe for future races, a different Massey runner could do the write-up?)There is clearly something about the Tempo Winter Series that keeps drawing us back year after year. I’m not sure how many times Alan and Alison have tackled this series, but they’ve comfortably beaten my 6th year of entry. Let’s be honest: there are far easier (and cheaper) ways to acquire a hoodie and some sausages!Since I’m still on the slow road to a full running recovery—the same one that kept me marshalling all of last series—I wasn’t under any time pressure. I could just enjoy a run (and walk) in the Warwickshire countryside in glorious autumn weather. Mind you, it’s always tricky to know what to wear—with a hill like that after 1 mile, the old mantra “dress for mile 2” goes completely awry! Nevertheless, I was all set to simply enjoy Lark Stoke (if “enjoying” Lark Stoke is biologically possible).This year, there were almost as many Massey runners on the marshal list as there were on the start line! To earn that coveted Tempo hoodie, you either have to run all five races or marshal—just paying your entry fee and turning up for the last race won’t cut it.
Mary was on marshal duty, currently being wrapped in cotton wool by both of us so she makes the Beachy Head start line unscathed after a fall a few weeks ago.Becky was working hard on registration, stepping in for Jonathan (as Tempo kindly allows a stand-in marshal so you can still claim your hoodie).Alan was out on course cheering us on. Usually at the crossover point, we pass each other as he hurtles to the finish like a racing gazelle while I plod on like a rhinoceros. Today he was marshalling—hopefully that niggle passes quickly and he’s back racing next time!Debbie, fresh from celebrating her 100th parkrun, was stationed down the closed road, guiding us past the parked cars before we headed back towards the village.A massive thank you to everyone who marshalled. As any runner knows, it is very difficult to stand on the sidelines being encouraging and cheering others along when you’re injured and desperate to be back running yourself.The red and white quarters always make spotting fellow Masseys easy, and I had a quick chat with Katie and Alison before the start.You might have noticed I wasn’t wearing my own Massey quarters. That isn’t because I feel embarrassingly unfit, but because my quarters have transformed into something resembling a skin-tight luge suit. Nobody—even in the most remote corners of Warwickshire—needs to see that! So, my new mid-term goal isn’t just getting back under the hour at Ilmington; it’s fitting back into my club kit (which means I need to keep training and stay out of the kitchen).We also welcomed Michaela to her very first Ilmington. She got to experience the absolute delight of the giant Lark Stoke hill right out of the gate. Personally, I think this direction is the tougher way round, but I’ll let Michaela form her own opinion for Race 2. (In fact, maybe that’s a hint that she should write the next run report!)Being slightly out of racing form, my warm-up consisted of the first kilometre to the bottom of Lark Stoke. I cruised gently along the flat, hit the gradient, and immediately transitioned to my planned walk up the 2km climb to the transmitter tower—the highest point in Warwickshire.
From there, it was a glorious long downhill back into the village where you can let your legs go and try not to panic about looking out of control. Then came the final stretch up the hill towards the Sports Club, where Mary was stationed as the final marshal directing us into the finish field.I didn’t break any personal bests, but:I got round unscathed.
I was actually able to get out of the car under my own power when we got home.I’ll call those two massive positives! Beachy Head, here we come!
– Daniel Connolly