9th April 2004

Well here we go my first road race since Sep 2002 when I ran the Robin Hood Half and I was 9 weeks pregnant.  I knew that race was going to be my last one for a while and I did finish it with a tear in my eye.

On Thursday night I felt as if I was going to run a marathon the next day - the nerves were running high.  I had a few words of encouragement from the Runners World Forum and I knew I was going to see some old familiar faces the next day.  

Unfortunately Rich & William couldn't come to support me as William was still contagious with chicken pox so I drove down myself and miraculously didn't get lost - a good sign if ever there was with my sense of direction.  I first saw Chris Gladwell at the finishing car park and we walked/jogged to the start which was 1.5 miles.  I didn't know whether it was nerves about the race or because Chris was the first adult I had seen all week but I couldn't stop talking, the poor guy - sorry Chris.

We got to the start with 10mins spare which was enough time to put my bag in the baggage car and find a loo.  I just had a few minutes to adjust my laces and we were off.  Oh yes it's all coming back to me now, the mad rush at the start of the race helped with a decline from Sudbury town centre, I was determined to pace myself and quite a few over took me but I knew I was going to catch up with some of them eventually - the High Street trainers and bomber jacket kind of gave it a way!  The other Striders disappeared in to the distance and I set myself in my pace. 

I began to catch up with the walkers who had started 30mins before the runners and I passed an Easter Bunny, some bunny girls, the Teletubbies and firemen in their full kit which spurred me on. 

The beginning of the course was a lot more scenic than I had remembered and it was good to see so many locals standing in their front gardens supporting.   Between the 3 mile marker and the 4 mile marker was a long mile with a gradual incline but it made the last mile a little shorter which is always welcoming.  I ran in to the finish area with 43mins on the clock which is what I was hoping to achieve so I felt very pleased with myself. 

It was a good run with a fun atmosphere and is becoming more popular each year.  if you haven't done this one yet then I would say it was worth the drive.

Katy

The Stowmarket Striders results are:-

There were 296 finishers.  Click the link for the full results.