I’ll be honest, the Woodchurch 5 Miler wasn’t on the top of my 2023 race wish list (a list which doesn’t actually exist by the way), but with a little persuasion I was encouraged to enter.
Having attempted, and failed, for a 10K PB only 36 hours earlier down at the windy Rye Harbour, my legs were feeling a little fragile when the alarm once again cemented my place in the Sunday 6am club.
We left the house only 10 minutes later than planned (Jacqueline’s fault) and I had a slight twinge of anxiety having only completed 2 of my usual 3 pre race poos.
For the second week running I was tied in knots as the car park attendant did his best to explain the angle he wanted me to park. After 3 attempts he shook his head, produced another unrecognisable hand gesture and moved along to the growing queue behind.
Upon reaching race HQ I was pleased to discover a local available toilet, meaning I could avoid having a shit in the portaloo, something I’ve yet to do pre race. My anxiety dropped momentarily until I discovered I couldn’t get the flush to work, but poo number 3 had been completed and I was ready to race.
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From one queue to another as we impatiently waited to collect our race numbers. I took the opportunity to chase some chickens (if you know you know) whilst waiting and our race numbers were soon attached lopsided to our proud black and green running tops.
It was shortly afterwards the rain began. I’m still confused as to why some of the runners huddled together under the tent for 5 minutes pre race. It was clear the rain wasn’t going to stop and we were all going to get drenched anyway. Why wait?
We were ready to go, albeit 10 minutes late once again, this time I can’t blame Jacqueline. Off we went, covering no more than 200 meters before having to leap on the pavement to avoid a string of cars, for some unknown reason heading straight at us.
I found my pace. My recent training pace. My goal 10k pace of 4 minutes a km. It lasted all of 1k as we hit the first hill. A rather gentle hill for those of us that completed Rye 10 last month or Northiam 10k last year.
Still enough of an incline to slow the pace and as we turned onto Susan’s Hill I knew it wasn’t going to get much easier. I was grateful to have Mr Blowers for company, a power house up the hills, keeping me honest as my head was telling me to slow down and use Friday’s race as an excuse.
As we reached the summit my pace picked up and I managed to overtake a few runners, albeit they were actually saving their legs for a 2nd lap in the 10 mile race, but I wasn’t to know.
I crossed the line in 33:57, a new 5 Mile PB, even though my pace was slower than the Hastings Runners 5 a month earlier, but I’ll take it.
I then did my best to confuse all the marshalls, spectators and fellow runners, by taking off my number and heading back in search of Jacqueline. I didn’t have to go far as she smashed her time from last year by well over a minute.
Marie also produced a course PB, by a whole 7 seconds, making my 2 second improvement look pityful. Andy Alabaster finished off a record mileage week (against my wishes 😉) by entering late and Louise supported Rachel to a massive 5 miler PB.
Once again the Black and Green dominated the rec, smiling and sharing stories from how horrible the hills were (they weren’t) and who was the wettest (all of us).
Another fabulous Sunday morning and who knows, next year Woodchurch might even make the wish list (it won’t, cos it doesn’t exist).
Coach Simon.
