As you'll see from the table below, I've taken part in this event at least 8 times in 25 years. I say "at least" because I'm certain that I took part 1 or 2 more times in the 90s, but astonishingly, my records are incomplete! (I can't believe that either.) I look forward to this race every time I enter it, it's such a good morning out. The race is well organised, the course is "interesting", the support all the way around is great and as the years go by I bump into more and more old running friends, who I probably haven't seen since last Boxing Day. Today was no exception, as I bumped into John and Paul Davies, father and son, who I ran with for Bath in the 80s.
It's also a special race because it's one of the very few races my Melburnian brother Phil and I have taken part in together, back in 1990, which was the year the race was diverted because a chimney stack had blown down from a house on the course, and so we ran more than 4 miles. Good times . .
However, as I hadn't been very well yesterday, I wasn't sure if I'd be up for it this time. Going along to take photos would be an option, but not one I really wanted to take up. When I woke up this morning at 9am, having slept for 11 hours, the sun was shining and I felt no worse than normal - and a squillion times better than yesterday - and on such a beautiful day it was a simple decision to make. It was my lucky day too, because despite arriving only 30 minutes before the race I found a place in the car park. I had some time to take a few photos of that photogenic Victorian pier that Clevedon is famous for, and a some views across the Severn estuary, and to chat with Roger, Tracy, Jules and Paul when suddenly we realised that the runners ahead were on their way. That had to be one of the quietest klaxons ever!
Even on the sunniest of December mornings the first half of the race can feel cold, as we run along through shops and houses, but suddenly, as we pass Clevedon School, and turn left to climb the hill, we're out in the open and on a day like today, can feel the sun on our necks. What a great sensation that is, at this time of year. The hill can be a shock to the system, with an elevation of 44m in less than ¼ of a mile. Today, I walked some of it, for the first time, in an effort to keep my breathing under control. Those who've run with me recently will understand. Part way up the hill, there's a family who always come out and support the runners, and always have Queen belting out "We are the Champions" by way of encouragement. They've done this for years and I feel as if I've watched the children grow up and the grown ups age, as I have. I told them that the race wouldn't be the same without them as I walked past.
And to an extent, my strategy of walking worked, as once at the summit I was able to push on, and overtake those who'd passed me on the climb. The crowds were great, as ever, and it's lovely to run along being cheered so enthusiastically by complete strangers . . and Jan, from Sweatshop, who gave me a yell too. I began to push towards the finish, and worried that I'd gone too soon, but as we reached the final bend I smelt that finish line once again, and from that moment, nobody could keep up with me! Disappointed with my time, but after yesterday, it was good just to be out there taking part, so the time doesn't matter other than giving me a target for next year!
I'd hoped to be able to include a report from yesterday's Cheltenham parkrun, but was indisposed at short notice. Monday evening brought a lovely run however, with a surprise invitation to join in a run to go and see the Brailsford Lights. I'd never heard of them, although I live just a stone's throw away. They're at the top end of a street and as you run towards the house you pass a few houses with outside lights, and they look good, but as you round the bend you're suddenly confronted by a wall of light ahead of you. It's quite astonishing, and despite my inbuilt cynicism, I was amazed at what I saw. The run itself was fun too, getting lost and running around in circles for a while didn't matter and seemed almost normal! It was cold, and wet, and windy, but the endorphins were pumping and Christmas was in the air.
Meanwhile, back to the Clevedon race today . . here's what may be an inevitable trend. But watch this space, for next year, the trend will be bucked!
1988 24.02 93/360
1989 24.39 130/399
1990 25.42
2002 29.07
2005 30.22 389/823
2006 30.57 365/753
2012 38.07 554/678
2013 40.16 776/869
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