Race Report by Dave Phillips.
Although this a local run I’d never done it before and now I know what a cracker I’ve missed. I decided on Sat not to do the Bourton on the Water Hilly Half on Sat evening because of its severity, my breathing (or lack of it) plus it was Nathan’s 3rd birthday (our grandson) and we were having a party for him so not to be there for this would not have gone down well. So a good Gramps I am!
The usual Massey mob turned up at Hampton and I think we outnumbered other local clubs so well done everyone.
By the start at 10:30 it was around 28/29 degrees so now those who ran can see why I had problems in the Duisburg marathon last w/e in Germany in 30 + degrees, no shade and no breeze. Thankfully Hampton did have these latter 2 items for some of the course.
The starter announced a 2 hour cut off so I decided that 1.55 would do nicely so that I could enjoy a new course and not overheat. The enjoyment was correct but I think everyone overheated and suffered.
The course was lovely on small country roads, great scenery, good marshals, drinks a plenty but the term “affordable housing” is a “no no “ round here unless you can afford something >£600k for a semi. Trouble was I didn’t see a semi just Halls, Manors, Farms, Mansions, Expensive Pubs etc.
But a great scenic course then towards the end we ran on trails by the “Unaffordable Golf Club” then round a huge reservoir/lake where there was a fishing competition in progress. This looked very peaceful and tranquil but then I noticed every fisherman had a catapult. Were they trying to shoot me? Wouldn’t be too hard to hit a slow moving target I thought but no they were shooting ground bait out into the lake near their lines to attract fish to their bate. Easier than what we were doing.
Phew so still safe then and 1 mile to go.
Finally the finish at the fabulous Hampton Sports Club where cakes and sweets (all melted) and a T shirt awaited us. Then a Thatcher Cider in the bar rounded off a good day.
The only T shirts left were Small so I’ll bring it to training on Wed and if a Small Member wants it it’s yours.
Also I did finish in 1.55 so job well done.
Dave Phillips.