Week 3 on my comeback - Sun 13th October

It was a busy day helping out at the first race of the XC League on the Saturday, so I was looking forward to an easier day spectating at the Manchester Half Marathon.

My friend was running it with her cousins husband. It was his first time at a half marathon, she's lost count how many she's done!

With lots of road closures I had to drop little Smartie off in a local side street and run a mile and a bit to get to the start area. There was an initial out and back loop for the runners so the back of the start was also mile 2. Well 30 mins had elapsed after the official start when I got a phone call - 'we've not moved yet, we're still at the start'.

It took them a further 30 mins before they came past. I was getting a little chilly so I said I'd run with them a bit to warm up. So I kept to one side and used the pavement where I could.

I had a map of the route and the intention was cut off and re-join them further along the route. We were chatting and enjoying the atmosphere so much that I just kept going. At the 10k marker, our novice runner announced that this was the furthest he'd ever run. He's a tall lad, my friend's not much taller than me so I decided to stick with them just in case he needed some help later on.

Never seen anyone so determined to complete an event. The only time he stopped running was for a pee stop just before 9 miles. He crossed the line in 2hrs 56, beating his target time of 3hrs. First time I've seen beer given out as a post race recovery drink at a road race (it was alcohol-free though).

An impressive amount of people out supporting round the course, lots of music and a very nice atmosphere.

By the time I got back to Smartie, I'd also done a half marathon. So much for an easy day.

TF

Curbar Commotion Saturday 5th October (9.8m/415metres climb)

I've been waiting for the results before posting a report, but non have appeared.

This was the 2nd race in my 'come-back' series.

Based in the Peak District from the small village of Curbar which is on the A623 heading towards Bakewell.

A lot larger field of runners for this one than the previous week, the weather was a lot more benign.



The route heading out along the main road to start with before heading north through a wooded area up to Froggat Edge where we were greeted by a lady ringing a bell telling us we were at the top. At this point I'd just been keeping ahead of 2 ladies chatting at the back.

Once on the edge, I put a bit of a spurt on until we reached a boggy bit round some fields. Some nice firm running until the southern most point. Here I caught up with a couple more runners on downhill muddy section, and managed to just keep ahead of them until the end.

The parent/governors of the school had laid on a good selection of drinks and cakes at the end.

I clocked 10.25m in the end and a time of 2hrs15. A lot more runnable than the week before, but still hard work and a good effort.

I'm having a week off racing this week as it's XC league. But will be back on racing next Sunday 20th Oct

TF