When I signed up for the race I don't think I actually took on board the 'cross country'part because, if I had, I know I would have given it more thought!
The Devil's Punchbowl, where the run was held, is a National Trust area and a place that I have been going to since I was a child. It's beautiful and scenic and great for walks but running????
I naively assumed that the 5k would not be too much of a challenge and not too hilly. I couldn't have been more wrong. It was great on the way down the hills, skipping over stones, puddles, mud etc. It was a whole different story on the way back up. When I got to the water stop at 3k I really doubted I could get the whole way around to the finish line as the only way was uphill from there for a kilometre. Needless to say, I did complete the course but in a pretty disappointing time of 45m 22s. My stamina was fine but my breathing was not and the hills were a step too far. However, the sight of the finish line is always an adrenalin moment and I did get cheered as I dragged my weary legs towards the end of the run.
I hung around at the end to get my medal (which shows that I completed 10k...if only!) and I had a chat with the father of the lad that the race was in memory of. Richard Overall had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which is a condition that I have knowledge of as several of the students I have worked with over the years had the condition. His Dad told me that his son had a real love of sport of any kind and the fact that he wasn't able to take part himself because of his degenerating condition did not put him off travelling all over Europe for various sporting events as a spectator. I realised then, not for the first time, that the fact that I was hot, sweaty, tired and aching was a privilege and something that I take for granted all the time. I'm sure Richard would have given anything to have been able to run today.
So then it was home, bath, and out for lunch with Jack and Russ at The Mill at Elstead which was very pleasant and then home and a quick visit to Fran's house down the road where she was hosting a neighbourhood get together. I arrived as everyone was leaving! Fran had very kindly popped some sponsorship through my letterbox and I wanted to thank her personally and ask her whether she minded where the money went...White Lodge or Richard Overall's charity. Fran said she didn't mind so I am going to share it between the two. Thank you Fran!
It's 7pm now and I have a night duty looming so I need a cup of tea, get my bag together and set off to work at 7.30pm. What a busy weekend, what a challenging run, what a sense of achievement!!!
A xx
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