10 learning points from half marathon

JUBILATION, pictured below, as runners cross the line at Coventry's recent half marathon. As part of my ongoing 'adventure in running,' I've identified some learning points from the event. These are my own personal 'takeaways.' I'm not an expert - or even a particularly experienced runner - but this is by way of reflecting upon my first half marathon, and mulling over how to improve in future. Fab race-day pictures by BECKY THOMPSON. Thanks Becky!

VICTORY WAVE: Above and below, arms raised in
triumph at the end of the run.

Event: Half marathon (lessons learned)
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Date: 19/03/17

OK! A little over a fortnight since the Coventry Half Marathon – my very first HM - and six weeks before my next, at Chillington Hall, near Brewood, in Staffordshire, on May 12. What can I learn from the experience?

FLYING FINISH: Crossing the
line in style

First of all, recovery time . . . It can take longer than you think. 

There are people who are able run marathons day after day, apparently without flinching. But mere mortals, it seems, need to allow plenty of time for the impact to ease.

Like much that’s to do with running it seems that ‘nice and slow’ is best.

HIGH FIVE: Fantastic encouragement from supporters. 

A lot will depend on age, fitness and experience, of course. You can go on an easy run or distance run the day after a race, but effective recovery takes time.

I was surprised at how long the ‘aches and pains’ actually lasted!

Training plan or no training plan?

There are plenty of ready-made plans available, either in books, magazines or off the internet. 

They provide a helpful guide, but the general advice seems to be to adapt the plan to your needs. I loosely followed a schedule, missing days here and there, switching others around to suit.

PROUD SMILE: Final runner 
completes the half marathon

Different people will have different reasons for entering a half, and so may need to follow carefully designed schedules more closely. 

My goal, however, was survival, not speed. I wanted to enjoy the experience.

Learning point 1: Listen and learn. The tried-and-tested ‘listen to your body.’ Follow a plan, yes, but go with what you feel is right for you. Build a solid running base first, increase mileage slowly - small increments each week - and mix workout types. And certainly don’t overdo it! Too much too soon can be a recipe for injury! (Been there, done that!)

Feeding the dream

I was a little apprehensive first thing, as I felt stodgier than normal following quite a large pasta meal the night before. I imagined having to heave this extra weight around the course (or worse!). Luckily it was ok, but there's a lesson in there somewhere!

I substituted water for caffeine as often as possible in the week preceding the HM, but other than that, made no changes to my diet, and certainly didn’t try out any gels etc on the day! The mileage is enough to deal with – without the possibility of a ‘grumpy’ stomach as well!

Learning point 2: Nothing New. If you do want to try gels – or any other change in diet, for that matter - it’s best to become familiar with them before race day, not make sudden changes, or try anything new, at the last minute. 

WARM UP: Friends in pen 2 before the race.

Note to self: take a closer look at nutrition.

CLUB COLOURS: Massey Ferguson members 
ready for the run.

Jelly babies – One thing I did try was jelly babies! I thought I’d give them a go because ‘they were there’ (thanks to the amazing supporters lining the route).

However, as I discovered, grabbing and consuming this squashy confectionery while on the move takes practice (as with water). I managed one, but it felt like a sort of gummy Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters trampolining on my tongue!

I wasn’t disappointed when the blobby gymnast finally dissolved - and was grateful I had failed to scoop up a whole team!

Learning point 3: Bye Bye Baby. Give the jelly babies a miss next time.

Sleep and euphoria

Sleep – or lack of it – the biggest problem. Some fitness coaches recommend around 10 to 12 hours. I’ll aim to achieve more, but I don’t know many people, especially if you work evenings, or other awkward times, who actually have 12 hours they can devote to sleeping. How heavenly would that be?

Learning point 4: Snooze control. Try to improve sleep time and squeeze in as much as possible!

WINNING STEPS: Nathan and Rachael, from Massey
Ferguson Running Club cross the finish line. Below,
ready for the off in the 2.5 hour pen.

Although euphoric, I was surprised at how, paradoxically, ‘down in the dumps’ and disoriented I felt the day after the race. But it appears this is a normal reaction – after the build-up, training, physical exertion etc - and does ease off.

Learning point 5: Go with the flow. Conflicting emotions can be a natural outcome of the event – whatever the cause – you just have to ‘ride with it.’

And finally . . .

6) Buddy up: Being part of a club or having a running buddy can be a great help. You can learn from others, share experiences, and help keep each other on track.

7) Be prepared: Having everything ready the night before eases stress on the day – no last-minute searching for anything that might be missing. There’s enough to cope with as it is!

8) Familiar feel: Know what you're going to wear and wear what you know! You need to be comfortable: no new t-shirts or trainers!

CHARITY DRIVE: Lots of money raised for charity and,
below, lots of support and encouragement!

9) Time travel: Allow plenty of time for reaching the venue, parking, making your way to the race village, finding your pen etc. It gets busy. Car-parking – and portaloo - queues can quickly grow, adding even more tension to the proceedings.

10) Great goal: Ultimately, a half marathon is an exciting goal to aim for - not as gruelling as a marathon, but a respectable, and doable, challenge beyond 10k. It's a great motivator.

Last year, I didn’t feel ready. This year, I loved every step!

Only next time, I think I'll leave off the pasta and jelly babies!

More pictures from the day . . . 

ORDERLY HELP: Army cadets bring their expertise to help on the day.

LONG RUN:  Dave Thomas, at 79,
possibly the oldest runner in the race.

SKY BLUE: Familiar colours add a touch of fun.

HELPING HAND: ENV volunteers help to ensure
the event runs smoothly.

BIKE CREW: Standing by - on two wheels!

  

FOND EMBRACE: A warm welcome for this runner.

FAMILY SUPPORT: Family and friends turned out
 in force to cheer on the runners.

SUPER HEROES: Colour and variety on the course.

FLOWER POWER: The Mary Ann Evans
hospice team ready to run.

FANTASTIC EFFORT: Young runners give it their all
in the Dol-y-Moch Mile junior event on
half-marathon day.

AAH. THAT'S BETTER: A welcome massage.

'Saved' Coventry half proves a real winner

Front runners: waiting for the start.

Event: Half marathon
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Date: 19/03/17

WHAT a fantastic experience! The Coventry Half this morning was simply brilliant.

The week leading up to the event hadn't exactly gone to plan. Fearing that if I pushed a 'niggle' in my leg too far I would be out of the event before it even started, I did no running whatsoever (even though the 'schedule' showed a couple of outings).

The thinking was: rest and recovery - then at least there'd be a chance of actually completing (surviving?) the course.

I did drink more water than normal, however, to aid hydration. No point guzzling gallons minutes before the run! But apart from that, kept to my usual diet.

Village buzz: a busy Race Village at Coventry half.

I'd read about loading up with carbs, so had pasta the night before. With hindsight, perhaps not the best move; felt stodgy in the morning. Would perhaps have been better a couple of nights ahead of the run. But as this was my first HM, it was just finding out what worked, or what didn't.

The other part of the plan was: early night, good solid sleep, wake up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and raring to go. Well, the 'raring to go' bit was ok, but the other elements weren't quite as envisaged. My 'inner athlete' remained a little bleary eyed.

Talking to others, I learned that a number of them had also suffered a restless night; so perhaps it was that heightened anticipation (if not the pasta!).

Excitement builds: Runners gather at the start of the event.

Any nerves were quelled by the buzz of excitement, however, with the Race Village outside Coventry Transport Museum heaving with runners and others, supporters gathering along the route, and the PA system pushing out music, updates and instructions. It was a great atmosphere.

I was just thankful I didn't have to join the queues for the loos

Loo queues: Waiting for the Portaloos before the run. 

The field built up as those taking part made their way to the pens indicating their expected completion times. Being in the crowd, muscles twitching ready for the start, adds to the thrill of the event.

At the ready: Waiting for the off at Coventry half marathon.

There was an air of ceremony as Coventry Lord Mayor Lindsley Harvard, Cllr Abdul Salam Khan and the city's own Olympic champion Dave Moorcroft OBE, former 5,000 meters world record holder, launched the proceedings.

The day was overcast, blustery in parts, with a slight chill in the air early on, but things soon warmed up once the run started.

The course begins with a lap around the city centre, before moving out, along a gradual uphill stretch (Holyhead Road) - followed by steeper slopes as you ease into the countryside.

After one quite taxing incline, there were heartfelt murmurs of 'aaah, it's downhill from now on!' Alas, more wishful thinking than reality, as there were a few more undulating climbs before the final stretch - which, to the relief of many, was actually downhill!

To be fair, there's nothing really that gruelling, but it's the steady drain on energy that has its effect.

Seeing the kaleidoscope of colours as runners snaked their way along narrow country lanes, against a backdrop of cloud-smudged blue sky and sheep peacefully grazing in the fields at around miles 5 to 8 (Washbrook Lane and Bridlebrook Lane) was heavenly. There was nowhere I'd rather have been on a Sunday morning.

I was proud to run alongside a group of club colleagues. Although you're running as an individual, wearing your 'team' strip creates a great bond - and a shared experience of pounding the miles.

Gathering support: Onlookers begin to line the route.
Below: Runners and supporters before the run.

Public support was fantastic. People lined virtually the entire route - even at the more remote spots. One onlooker called out cheerfully: 'You must be mad. You're all mad!' We smiled insanely, and pushed on!

An encouraging sight was the number of youngsters involved, with their families, cheering, high-fiving - and giving out enough jelly babies to populate a nation! A massive thanks must go to them, and everyone who made the effort to turn up and give their support. Such enthusiasm is uplifting.

Some of the loudest encouragement came from running buddies from my own club, Massey Ferguson. They were that animated and vocal, they'd have drowned out a Force 10 Gale, let alone a mere gust or two. I think they'd been at the jelly babies! Thanks gang!

And, of course, a big shout out for the amazing volunteers, marshals and other helpers - such as the police cadets. Without them, the event simply wouldn't be possible. After runners have enjoyed the glow of achievement and collected their medals, the crowds dispersed and calm once more descends, there's the clearing up to do! The army of volunteers who get stuck into that, away from the limelight, deserve our respect and thanks.

One final point. This year's HM may not have taken place at all if it hadn't been for the city council, who stepped in to save the event after last year's organisers pulled out. They did the city proud. Well organised, well promoted, Coventry's Half Marathon lives to run another day.

This was my first-ever half marathon. Time: 2h 5m 24s.

I couldn't have wished for a more enjoyable initiation!

Better start planning for the next one, while that niggle holds out!

Me (yes, with the flattering hair and cool dress sense) and 
my friend Jill with medals after completing our first 
half marathon in Coventry.

For a detailed description of the route, click here.

Off track - one week before half marathon

Event: Half marathon training
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Date: 12/03/17

JUST one week to go before my very first half marathon - in Coventry.

I had a 'gulp' moment when I realised it was so close. It seemed a good idea at the time!

Since then, I've been following a 'sort of' training programme, where I've taken a published schedule, and adapted it to my needs and commitments.

Parkruns have been substituted for some tempo runs, for example (even though on the 'plan' it has Saturday - parkrun day - as rest).

Spring bloom: Beautiful cherry blossom at
Coventry's War Memorial Park.

I've been adapting long runs as I go along and juggling other days as and when.

In general, using a plan has been helpful. At least it gives a structure to work to.

But, as a late-late starter to running, and having very quickly run myself into IT band injury in the 'early days,' I'm trying to be a little more 'sensible,' and - as all the literature advises - listen to my body!

So after an exhilarating Coventry parkrun yesterday, including an adrenalin-fired finale with around nine or 10 of us sprinting shoulder-to-shoulder for the finish line, and a few niggles around my heel and right knee today, I made the decision to remain housebound.

At one with nature: Running along an avenue 
of cherry blossom.

It's frustrating, as I've been itching to 'get out there' and do a final long run before 'HM Day,' but I'm working on the principle that under-trained is better than over-trained. Forcing a run now, and possibly exacerbating the niggles, could mean being out of action altogether. And I'd rather have a slow run than no run!

I 'accidentally' completed 16 miles last weekend after wind and rain whipped up and I ended up soaked, freezing and missing a turning on to a road I was intending to follow. Yes, I don't know where I was looking at the time. It was just a 'head down against the elements' moment!

But one of the masochistic pleasures of this kind of activity, is that it doesn't matter how far out you go, you've got to come all the way back again. And it's down to you. So if you're cold, wet, hungry, tired, it doesn't matter. Unless you really do reach a point of desperation where you have to call for help, there's only one person who can do anything about it - you! And you just keep going!

Some of the route last week was littered with fallen branches and had disappeared under a quagmire of squelching, oozing mud. Not the most pleasant of experiences.

At least it gave me some confidence that I could grapple with the 13-odd miles of a half. I hope.

Training for the HM has not been entirely as I might have expected. I haven't followed the plan as closely as I thought I might (and as the experts often seem to advocate!) though I have managed to complete a reasonable range of running activities; and my caffeine and chocolate intake still leaves much to be desired.

But then, I have engaged in a wider range of running than I might otherwise have done, and have certainly gone further than I ever thought possible.

Sharing the experience with my friend Jill, also running the half  (her first as well), has been helpful. We've been able to swap running tales and keep tabs on what training - or not - we've managed to squeeze in.

So we'll see. I'm looking forward to meeting my Massey Ferguson running buddies and other friends at the start. Last year I was a marshal looking on. This year, it'll be interesting to experience the miles from the track itself!

Know your number: Exciting when you get your
run number through - makes it real!

Running note

Coventry City Council deserve a massive thanks for their involvement in this year's event.

There were fears that it would be axed after the previous organisers chose not to renew their contract. Thankfully, the council stepped in with both cash and resources, enabling it to go ahead.

So if it hadn't been for the council, there would probably have been no half!

Last year, an estimated 4,000 runners took part, raising money for local and national charities and good causes.

Council support: Letter from Abdul Salam Khan,
Deputy Leader, Coventry City Council,
welcoming people to the Half Marathon.

Blustery 10k made for a lively run around the water

Warmth in numbers: Ready to go at a cold and windy Draycote Water.

Event: 10k
Location: Draycote Water, near Rugby, Warwickshire
Date: 26/02/17

IT was a cold and blustery start to the Draycote Water 10k.

As we shivered on the exposed perimeter path to the reservoir, we hoped the sustained blast that was whipping faces and biting through clothing would become a tailwind and boost running times! Alas, that was not to be.

One of the group quipped: 'We've actually paid to do this,' and carried on shivering!

Straight run: On the way to the start. The track on the right was the
return route to the finish - it seemed a long way!

I was with my Massey Ferguson Running Club colleagues - and my son - in a total field of 482. Some had run a 10k here in January, when there was sleet as well. Earlier in the week, of course, Storm Doris, had also stirred up the water.

In some respects, we were quite lucky; there was neither sleet nor Doris to contend with. But it did feel as though some boisterous younger sibling of Doris was trying to get in on the act. I've since heard that it's always quite blustery at Draycote, even on a good day.

The man-with-the-megaphone was working hard to deliver advice and instructions, but from our position we were unable to hear what he was saying. The wind spirited his words away as soon as they were uttered.

Not that it mattered. When you're lined up with nearly 500 others all ready for the off, you pick up the gist of what's happening. And, after all, there was was only one way to go!

There was the usual banter as we shuffled around. Even in the cold, you get that 'warm feeling' as part of that human mass all eager to get moving.

Blustery start: A chilly and windswept wait.

And then we were off. Slowly at first, but gradually gathering pace as people got into their stride.

The course at Draycote is described as 'predominantly flat.' But don't let that fool you. In run-organiser speak, just as some terrain classed as 'undulating' can mean anything from a gentle slope to a killer mountain (ok, so it feels like a mountain), so 'predominantly' flat can mean just that - but it doesn't mean 'entirely' flat.

And when your legs are tired and you're battling against a mini gale determined to stop you in your tracks, those slopes can become a challenge.

To be fair, they aren't too bad. There are some runners who probably wouldn't even notice them, and they're nothing at all like those you can encounter with off-road trails, but they are there!

The camaraderie and mutual support at these events is inspiring. One runner confessed and offered thanks - as he overtook me, I hasten to add - that he'd been close behind and using me as a shield against the wind. Aaaah! It's nice to feel useful!

I tried to take in a view across the reservoir - might as well enjoy the scenery while running around it - but it wasn't that easy. Simply concentrating on the course was enough.

The last stretch - nearly a mile, I guess, depending on where you measure from - was perhaps the toughest. You could see the finish line ahead of you, but getting there seemed never ending, as you battled against the elements along the arrow-straight path.

The man-with-the-megaphone again (forgot to get his name, but he deserves a gold star. He was brilliant!) was encouraging people to wave their arms and smile for the camera. What? Wave our arms and smile for the camera?

There was more grimace than smile, and it was as much as you could do to keep your eyes on the course and stay upright. If you'd started waving your arms, you'd have been in danger of taking off. Mind you, that would have given your legs some respite!

Once over the finish line it was goody bag, medal and T-shirt time. I liked the 'bling.' Quite 'refined' and understated compared to some. But that adds to its appeal.

Red and white: Massey Ferguson runners eager for the off

The course director did a fantastic job keeping the enthusiasm going, and rallying support for runners still crossing the finish line. He probably used as much energy directing the crowd as he would have running the 10k!

Cheers and applause are infectious and can give you that extra boost when running. It made for a rousing finish!

The event, run by Race Organiser Management Service, was lively and well organised. It was my first run at Draycote. Would I do it again?

You bet - though next time it would be nice if the wind blew in the opposite direction!

All smiles: T-shirts and medals after the run.

• For another report of the run, click here.
• For this year's list of running events at Draycote Water, click here. 

Refined 'bling:' Draycote 10k medal.

'Vows' help to keep on track for the half!

Misty memorial: Coventry's War Memorial Park, good for training,
and home to parkrun.

Event: Half marathon training
Location: Coventry
Date: 25/02/17

I WAS a marshal at last year’s Coventry Half Marathon. At that stage I didn't feel ready to tackle that sort of distance, but vowed that next year, I would be running in the event.

That might have been a bit rash. There’s one thing about making ‘vows’ to yourself and setting your own challenges. You can’t escape them! If you ‘wimp out,' there’s no hiding. Nobody else might know – but you do! And you have to live with yourself!

Well, 2017 is that ‘next year,’ and, as previously mentioned, this has required putting in a few miles in preparation.

Actually, I’ve got carried away.

I’d already registered for the Chillington Hall Half in May, and yesterday also signed up for the Kenilworth Half in September.

I reckoned if that doesn’t force me to hit the tarmac, nothing will. Not that it takes much forcing, but it does give you something to aim for, and a purpose for pounding the pavements. Setting goals can spur you to action.

My good friend and running buddy Jill, who started running classes the same time as me, has also entered, and we’re able to compare notes. Sharing the experience creates a great sense of mutual support and motivation.

I’m basing my training on Graeme Hilditch’s programme from his book The Marathon and Half Marathon, A Training Guide, while Jill is following a plan by Dave Long, the ‘fastest Coventrian ever to run a half marathon.’

Dave’s plan can be accessed through the Coventry Half website.

parkrun prep: runners warm up before their
weekly run in the park.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, they follow a roughly similar pattern, although Dave also includes parkruns as part of the routine.

We’re both using the schedules as a guide, rather than slavishly following every step. So in my case, if there’s a 4-5 mile tempo run scheduled, for example, I might switch that for a parkrun, with a 1 or 2-mile warm up and cool down there and back.

Tomorrow, I’ll be joining Massey Ferguson Running Club colleagues for the Draycote Water 10K. I was unsure about doing a long run and 10K on consecutive days, especially as I’d completed around 5 ½ miles, including a couple of deceptively ‘gentle’ but extended hill reps, with the club midweek, so decided not to.

When I first started running, I quickly landed myself with an IT band injury, which meant ‘time off,’ visits to the physio and a protracted easing back into action. You don’t know what your limits are until you hit them! Ouch!

But you learn quickly, and nowadays I tend to err on the side of caution.

On course: Cold wet mornings are
no dampener for these enthusiasts.

This hasn’t meant avoiding wet, icy mornings and the occasional tumble, but it has included taking note of any aches, pains, niggles etc, that could potentially develop into something more serious, and responding accordingly.

So far, so good. I’m gradually increasing mileage on the long runs – it was 12 miles last week, so I’m aiming for around 13/14 on the next one – and including tempo runs and fartleks etc as and when.

I don’t want to tempt fate, but for me, having a ‘flexi’ but determined approach – rather than being rigidly wedded to a pre-ordained schedule – and trying to tune in to what my body is telling me, seems to be doing the trick.

The - lactic? - acid test will be here soon enough, of course. But at least I’ll have kept my vows!

Countdown to half marathon

Wet run: Cold, wet January 1 at the start of today's run. 

Shrouded view: Mist hangs over the park
during a midweek session.

Event: Half marathon training
Location: Coventry
Date: 26/12/16 - 01/01/17

IT was cold, wet, windy – and an uphill slog for a little over half my seven-mile route today.

All go? Traffic lights
reflected in the rain.

But this was the first day of the New Year, and I wanted to ‘start as I mean to go on.’

At least I’d have been visible. My knees and quads were neon pink in their battle against rain and icy wind.

It was actually quite ‘pleasant,’ in a masochistic kind of way, bludgeoning through the elements to complete the circuit.

I needed to do the run, as I’ve registered for a couple of half-marathons - my first ever - this year. They are:

• Coventry Half on Sunday March 19, this year organised by the council;
• Chillington Hall, at Brewood, in Staffordshire, on Sunday May 12, a new off-road event, organised through Mash Running.

With 11 weeks to go before Coventry, I reckoned I should get some training in (as well as working off that festive excess!).

I ran a similar seven-mile course for the first time last weekend. It follows part of the Coventry Half Marathon route.

Rain or shine: Up
another incline.

During the week I've completed both fartlek and tempo sessions, alternating between rest days.

This isn’t a random schedule slung together on a whim, but follows Graeme Hilditch’s programme from his book The Marathon and Half Marathon, A Training Guide.

A flick through running books or search on the internet reveals an endless - perhaps even bewildering - variety of plans, for all levels, ranging from a 16-week timetable right down to as little as 4 weeks. It’s a case of matching plan to ambition, lifestyle and experience.

I’d found Hilditch’s style quite accessible in 5K to 10K From Start to Finish, and after reading around a number of others, decided to go with his half-marathon model.

There is a danger, of course, that you become slave to the schedule. One of the key bits of advice offered by most, if not all those who know, is ‘listen to your body.’

Simply going out on a run because it’s ‘in the plan’ if you're genuinely not quite feeling up to it (which is not the same thing as can't be bothered to roll out of bed!) is asking for trouble.

Hilditch himself gives exactly that guidance, with the additional tip to ‘avoid trying to break the land speed record on every training run.’

Warm up: Sun trying to push through mist in the park.

As well as offering a cautionary note for those new to running – who need to build up fitness to be able to run 5k (3.12 miles) without stopping, before progressing to half-marathon training – Hilditch provides two plans, a beginner’s and an advanced. The beginner’s is a 16-week timetable, the advanced is 10. There are interchangeable elements.

I’m following the 10-week programme, partly because there aren’t 16 weeks left!

So my schedule from last Monday (Boxing Day), for example, has been:

• Boxing Day (Monday): 7-mile (11.3k) run. The plan actually suggests a gentle 4-5 miles but, hey, those mince pies needed working off!
• Tuesday Dec 27: Rest
• Wednesday Dec 28: 60-minute fartlek (this included steady 1-mile warm-up/cool-down jog to and from the park; so it was definitely not 1 hour of speed play!)
• Thursday Dec 29: Rest
• Friday Dec 30: 5-mile (8k) tempo.
• Saturday Dec 31: Normally parkrun, but used as a Rest day, in anticipation of longer run today (January 1).
• Sunday January 1: 7-mile (11.3k) run.

No easing up: On course, but
still raining!

My aim is to repeat a modified sequence next week – to hopefully include parkrun - then pick up the programme from that point.

That’ll then be on track for the remaining weeks of the plan up to race day.

I’m looking forward to the half, which will be something new for this year.

Bollards and beyond: Follow the grey wet road!

2016 was a year of firsts for me:

• First entry into organised races (yes, my very first bib & number!)
• First 5-mile race
• First 10k road race
• First trail race (10k)
• First event t-shirt
• First running medals!

Now to do them again in 2017, plus additional challenges like the half-marathons and, hopefully, some warmer, drier runs than today.

By the end of the year, I reckon it'll be time to tuck into in those mince pies again!

First 10k road race: at Stafford's inaugural 10k.

Sun and mist: Scenes from a cold and misty
midweek run in the park.

Warm smiles on a frosty morning

Getting ready: Listening to the Run Director at the start 
of the first Cannock Chase parkrun.

Event: Cannock Chase inaugural parkrun
Location: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
Date: 19/11/16

WELL, that was a cold ‘un – but what a great event! I was taking part in the first Cannock Chase parkrun.

When I looked out of the window before setting off and saw frost-covered cars and houses, I must confess, I had slight misgivings. It looked, well, pretty chilly!

And so it proved to be.

Frosted route: Runners make their
way to the start

But how could I miss the first parkrun in this beautiful setting?

Earlier in the year, I completed my first trail run - the Chase Challenge  - staged by the brilliant Mash Running crew, and also took part in Stafford’s excellent first 10k a couple of months ago, organised by the council.

So the parkrun would make a fitting ‘trio of firsts’ for that area.

The idea for such a run has been around for a while. There’s actually a discussion on the subject in Runner’s World back in 2009!

But, at last, here it was in all its early-morning (shivering) reality!

There’s always a friendly, buzzing atmosphere at parkrun, but today this was enhanced by the sense of anticipation accompanying the new event. People were there to enjoy themselves and give their all. You could sense the excitement. Even the colourful running gear seemed more vibrant in the low November sun.

People milled around the visitor centre off Brindley Heath Road, checking their watches, easing through a few stretches, swapping parkrun stories. For some, this was their first

Final check: Nearly ready to go.

outing; others wore the coveted black t-shirt proudly proclaiming 250 parkruns!

A big strength of parkrun is that it accommodates people of all ages and abilities. You certainly don’t have to be some rocket-fast elite runner to take part!

We were eventually directed over to the start, in Marquis Drive. It was packed. But even with all that body heat, there was still a sharp nip in the air.

After the welcome by run directors Darren Mattocks and Ellen Williams, we were off. Despite being slightly icy underfoot in parts, it wasn't actually too bad.

Running on Cannock Chase is exhilarating, and this mixed-surface route did not disappoint. The course follows a smaller loop, then a larger one. You start on smooth tarmac, before turning towards more trail tracks through trees. There's a short downhill and fairly gentle slope, before you head back to the smooth tarmac for the second loop. You then follow marked trail tracks through beautiful scenery until eventually returning to the 'home section' and filtering onto grass for your final sprint (legs willing!) to the finish.

Colour run: Autumn hues add to the atmosphere.

The clear blue sky, shimmering autumn colours and sun at least trying to inject a little warmth into the event, were uplifting. There was enough variety to make it interesting for experienced runners, but gentle – yet still challenging enough - for others.

There was a great sense of satisfaction and achievement at the finish line. People were commenting on how it had been a ‘great run.’ One even remarked: ‘That was perfect!’

First to cross the line was Phillip Hilsdon, of Stafford Harriers, in 17.29.

But there was growing excitement as the numbers were clicked in: 100, 200, 250, 300, 375, 400 – almost like at an auction, the figure kept rising. Final count – 569 participants!

A fabulous turn out for this first event!

I understand that the finish tokens ran out and the team had to take down details by hand. That really is 'thinking on your feet.'

Finish line: Completing the run in style.

My home parkrun is Coventry, but I have links with Stafford and love running on the Chase. This wonderful new parkrun is now definitely on my running calendar.

The whole event wouldn’t be possible, of course, without the magnificent volunteers, and they did a fantastic job. It can be (and was) cold enough running, but when you’re simply standing at your post, guiding those runners and offering support, you can get chilled to the bone.

Despite the low temperature, there were warm smiles and encouragement all round.

So Top Marks Cannock Chase team, your efforts are much appreciated! A well-organised inaugural event, receiving a big thumbs up!

Here's to many more runs in this stunning location.

• For further information on the event click here:  Cannock Chase parkrun.
• For information on parkrun in general, click here: parkrun UK.

Some additional shots from the event:

Just arrived: milling around at the visitor centre before the race.

Scenic view: Above and below, shots from the course.

Home run: This way for the last few yards to the finish.

Final burst: Crossing the finish line. 

Breathe easy: Breath hangs in the air at the end of the run.

Marking time: waiting for barcodes to be scanned to log your time.

Rest pace: Easing off after the run.

Sunshine glory: The sun shines on a successful event!