7th October 2001

• Race Report by Katy
• Results

Race Report by Katy Nash

FELIXSTOWE ‘ARF (SO THE T-SHIRT SAYS) 

Two very funny commentators were warming up the runners waiting for the hooter to go off.  Any innocent passer by would have thought the entertainment season had started again.   

The race attracted a strong field of club runners and amazingly after the first mile I felt as if I was right at the back.  I checked my watch and I just run 7½ min mile so I wasn’t going that slow.  I told myself to ease off and not to worry about the ones racing ahead, I’m sure if I kept a steady pace I’ll be able to pass one or two. 

The sun was out and the wind was for once helping us up the hills.  It was quite gusty and certainly not a day to wear a hat.  I thought Wymondham 10 last week was blowy. 

Up ahead I could see a man in a yellow sweatshirt. This meant two things it was either a marshal or a Stowmarket Strider supporter.  It was the latter and there was Chris Gladwell cunningly dressed in jeans so he wouldn’t be tempted to enter on the day.  I asked ‘where’s your trainers’ and he just grinned back knowing what was to come. 

As the route led us out into the countryside the next spectator I spotted was David West.  He was standing opposite a pond so I ran a little faster as I know he wants to get me back for when I purposefully, accidentally stamped my foot into a puddle and instead of getting my intended victim, Richard Nash, wet David got the brunt of it. 

The course was slightly undulating and the miles were ticking by.  There were odd pockets of spectators and enough marshals and water stops to ensure an enjoyable race. 

I was just turning back to the seafront to finish the first lap when I saw the Stowmarket Striders supporters.  Refreshed from their cross country training, the Fellinghams & Denwoods were there cheering me on.  I also spotted the Fish’s who I understand just completed a duathalon that morning and of course the Starmer family were there who I imagine just getting Chris to a race on time was a race of sorts in its own right. 

The wind had certainly picked up for the second lap.  Unfortunately after a couple of miles it was against you and it was a real battle to keep pushing forward.  A couple of people had started to walk and I was beginning to feel tired.  But I had my special reserve formula in hand if fatigue was starting to kick in.  I dived into my little pocket and found a red wine gum.  Perhaps its psychological or perhaps I just have a sweet tooth but I find it certainly helps.  I find one wine gum lasts for about 2 miles (don’t tell my dentist though).  Amazing value!

The end was getting near and I found the 11^th mile of this race to the hardest due to the wind.  I checked my watch knowing that the Stowmarket Strider’s men would have easily finished by now.  I clocked mile 12 and I knew I was on for a PB which did surprise me because of the weather conditions.  I started to push the pace slightly and when I turned to go along the seafront I could see the clock ticking away.  I had to get under 1hr 50min for my PB and judging the distance I realised I could perhaps squeeze under 1hr 49min.  Never have I been so transfixed on a clock before.  It seemed to speed up as I was getting closer but I did manage to do it and I was pretty pleased with myself as I wasn’t planning to do a PB. 

I collected my goody bag and donned the t-shirt.  Grabbed a banana and joined the rest of the group. 

Thanks everybody for your support.  I must be reaching my limit on PBs now – I think 2002 will be a very hard racing year. 

Katy Nash

Results

The Stowmarket Striders results are:-

There were 240 finishers.