Run Together’s Croft Circuit Races 01/12/2024

There were several distances today, Marathon, 20 mile, half marathon, 10 mile 10 km and 5 km, something for everyone.

Croft circuit is about 2 miles of good tarmac and fairly flat. 

Start times were:

Marathon 09:00

20 mile 09:15

Half marathon 09:45

10 mile 10:00

10 km 10:15 

5 km 10:30 

I chose the marathon distance as I have been trying to get my mileage back up this year. I wore my Brooks ghost Max to try to protect my feet and legs from the impact. It only worked to a point.

There were not many doing the marathon, and only 4 females. I spent the first couple of laps pretty close to the third female but could not stick to her. I had a plan to run the first half quite hard to try to get my time for a challenge I have been doing that required me to beat 2:15 for a half marathon, I tried to keep the third lady in sight to improve my pace. I had worn a second watch to record the first half. I managed 2:13:02 for the half and then settled in for the rest of the run. 

It was nice having the other runners around, by now there were marathoners lapping me, including the First Lady, and all the other distances around me. I wanted to get beyond 15 miles without my leg giving me too much bother. It was aching, not liking the left hand turns and camber, but I kept on, I briefly caught the third lady and she soon sped up and left me trailing. 

As the laps went by the course became emptier and quite lonely, but I kept on steadily running, just slowing for a gel and walking or stopping to get water onboard. 

Although the race had started in rain, the sun had come out and it was a pleasant temperature. A little breezy at times and the glare from the wet tarmac was a bit of a nuisance, but head down, tick the laps down. I was so glad to get to the last couple of laps, still slowly running, but running. My legs were aching  but the end was near. I was so relieved to eventually, after 13 laps, turn for the finish.

At the finish I received water , a medal and a mince pie. I had a free leg massage, that was a great help. The repetitive course had made for very sore legs.

This was a well organised event, and great for PBs if you are feeling fit, which I was not, however, I finished fourth female (last) but first in my age category of FV55 and my fastest marathon this year as a 58 year old.