London is looming. I needed to approach the BIG 20 … so I chose the Ashby 20 Road Race as key preparation for my marathon training … and I am so glad that I did! I adore running, it is a simple as that. When people ask why it is true what they say, I cannot really give a straight forward, simplistic response (I do talk a lot, maybe this is why!) but if I had to summarise, it is the sense of achievement after doing something quite out of the ordinary; the sense of trepidation and apprehension before a race, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, but then actually saying at the end: ‘I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!’ I was particularly nervous before this race, but tried to focus on what running philosophises for me – enjoyment, freedom and accomplishment. I had never completed that distance alone before, as I run with my fantastic ‘Pink Ladies’, the wonderful Potters Trotters. I knew however, that London was calling (excuse the pun!) and so I needed to adjust to long distances alone and reach a new height of focus. I would ensure that I aimed to pace myself to enable a comfortable finish, as advised by my running buddies. I waited nervously at the start, surrounded by a multitude of club vests, an array of colours. Was it warm enough? Maybe it was too warm? What if I was slow today? What if I start off too fast? ... Then we were off! Just twenty miles then a roast dinner / cake / more cake were in my reach! This was definitely my way of thinking. I had heard that it was a popular race and one to get full very quickly and I can appreciate why. The participants were fantastic. I found it refreshing to be chatting (unless tackling a hill of course!) to people involved, asking them for their marathon tips, as well as their favourite races. The support from marshals was some of the best I have ever seen and I can honestly say that I do not think that I have ever consumed so many jelly babies – these got me through to the end! Each marshal point was equipped with water, energy gels, sweets, other goodies and most of all POSITIVITY! Everyone was cheering and smiling, which can spur you on for those extra miles and is not to be underestimated! At mile 10 I was feeling great – helped also by my brilliant Mum, Dad and lovely Labrador, Holly who attend every one of my races, trying to pinpoint where I will be when! I would say that the fatigue set in around mile 16 onwards, but on the positive side, I was excited as I could envisage the finish line in my reach, as well as that roast dinner of course! A short burst of energy at the end pushed me to end with a sprint finish. Crossing the finish line was tremendous and to be greeted with goodies consisting of cereal bars, a banana, water, a cheese sandwich and a rather impressive royal purple hoody was a bonus! I was pleased with my time, competing in 3:19:09 – better than anticipated. As the website states; ‘Building on over a quarter of a century of success, our philosophy is to provide a value for money, quality race organised by runners, for runners. We believe we are THE premier pre-London/Spring Marathon training race, backed up by our BARR gold standard rating and consistently high rating in Runner’s World.’ It was a challenging race, but extremely well-organised and one that was without doubt one of my favourites! Thank you Ashby 20! I hope to be back! |
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