30th March 2003

Anne and I had been saying for some time that we needed a target to aim for as the Winter training had been very much without focus.  Looking at the race diary nothing seems particularly attractive then somehow we agreed to do Bungay Half.  Although we have done most of the local races this one had escaped us –or we had escaped it.

We were aware that in the winter particularly the serious runner must try and fit in regular long weekend runs so three weeks before Bungay we fitted in a 12 mile Sunday run and a 10 miler the week before – not a very sound race plan, but we were to learn of other race plans before the day was through !

Setting off on the day early as usual, we’ve helped them measure some courses in the past, but as we approached the race HQ with ¾ Hrs to go we found the road was closed and the traffic nose to tail.  We were in the middle of Bungay and joining in the party atmosphere a couple of locals, possibly in their early sixties who set about swearing at the patiently waiting drivers.  They steadfastly refused to move back on the kerb and allow drivers to get by down the narrow road.  The hold up was the police closing the road for the fun run, this soon cleared once the fun run / walk had passed.  By the time we had parked we had only 20 minutes to get dressed and mentally ready.  I rubbed the energy gel in my toes and swallowed the Vaseline as I made my way down to the start.

Since the plan was to start the half marathon (one lap) 1 ½ hrs after the full marathon (2 laps) we all managed to miss the call and were then frantically setting watches as we ran along.  The race profile was shown as a steep hill one mile into the race with undulations out to 6 miles and then pretty flat to the end.  In fact it was a huge hill to start and lots of significant hills out to 6 miles.

It was a glorious day with 6 Striders doing the half and one Strider, Richard Fellingham , having decided the night before, doing the full marathon.  Bob Ratliffe was soon into his running and we saw no more of him.  Apologies but I don’t know Robert Thompson and I didn’t see the Strider’s vest.  Joe Naughton started steadily and increased pace to the end, or so he said.  Ronel started ahead of us and we kept her in sight.  Things carried on like that for 6 miles or more while we played, ”Spot the Digitography man” with first Joe and then Ronel gradually getting away.  Crossing the river at 6 ½ mile saw the first significant shuffle in positions as the distraction of people sat outside the various Pubs, drinking beer, took it’s toll on the serious race plan.  Anne and I were looking for sub 9-minute mile pace all the way for a sub 2 hr finish.  This plan was going fine until the 10 mile marker when it was clear that pace would need to be injected to achieve objective.  Pace was not injected and the last 3 miles showed a tail off, to finish just past the 2 hr point.  It was at 12 ½ mile I made my second mistake of the run (the first was applying to do the race).  Having stayed with Anne all the way encouraging her to keep going, she wasn’t at her best, I was distracted by a Stowmarket resident in a Pacer top who overtook me with the usual wind up chat line, namely David.  I watched him get 50 meters ahead and then thought “no I’ll catch him up and pip him at the post” always enjoying the chase.  Anyway I think he was wearing wing mirrors because as I got nearer he speeded up and the 50 meters ended up 60 meters.

This was a great race venue, well marshaled and well supported around the course, mile markers, three drink and three sponge stations.  The drinks included a weak juice, which was most welcome, unless you happen to pour it over your head.

Full Marathon (133 finishers)

Richard Fellingham        3hr      51min      57secs.

Half marathon (340 finishers)

Bob Ratliffe                    1hr      36min      05secs
Joe Naughton                 1hr      43min      56secs
Robert Thompson            1hr      48min      14secs
Ronel van der Merwe       1hr      57min      18secs
David West (Pacers)        1hr      2min        32secs
Grayhame Fish                2hr      2min        53secs
Anne Fish                      2hr       4min       09secs

Grayhame Fish