Rotherham 50 miler
AN APPLE A DAY SAVES THE DAY
Down to Rotherham, South Yorkshire to finish the season off.
To counter Peter Buchanan’s PB at the Parkrun I have a totally different way of getting a PB.
I wore the wrong shoes, got lost for at least 10 mins, left my reserve food supplies 240 miles up the road, did not really try, stopped and stuffed my face with cakes with 3 miles to go. Result a PB by 40 mins. Is it a kind of magic? No! The organiser’s moved the race from the second Saturday in December to middle of October and according to the locals “ain’t rained for 4 weeks”.
I should have worn road shoes instead of trail, the normal fields of mud were so hard. Highlights of the race were Richie Cunningham getting stung by a wasp – you do not get that in December. Managing to get lost badly around 10 miles, considering it was my 5th time and never got lost before on first 20 miles it was a shocker. My fault, followed the runner in front. The recovery was fantastic, refused to go back, instead over a six foot gate with barbed wire on top, the handle saved the day, then spoke with three locals to get to Tinsley Viaduct. There were 3 of us lost and gave a good buzz - you should try it.
Had a major problem around mile 43 when blood sugar was low. Spoke to a bloke who was about 70 out watching the race on his bike. Asked him if he had any food and all he had was an apple. Good news was it was huge and I will probably never see him again but thanks a million.
Great race, weather was sunny and warm. Still a real challenge in dry conditions and hopefully some of you will give it a go next year. Date is 16th October. Still the best race of the season, sorry 7 Hills. Marshals, food, craik and cost.
Presently in France for almost 4 weeks. It is Bert Logan country with a flat 12 mile Prom and the whole area is flat. Started training on Monday and writing this on Fri and a tough first week with a marathon to come on Sunday. I will be back for some mud and hills. Get yourself out there.
Vive PRC, Round Rotherham and Ecosse Ya Bass.
Report Graham Henry
