Chapter Twenty – On the Road Again

After the joy of Bramley Falls cross-country last week, it’s back to the road for me, and the Brass Monkey Half-Marathon.  It’s not a race I particularly love, as it’s a) a bit boring, and b) in York, where I always get lost, but it has the attraction of being as flat as a fluke and therefore PB territory.  It also has the lure of a post-race lunch at the Fox and Grapes, which is jolly fine, for us if not for the poor bar staff.

I had put a Brass Monkey PB into my VLM plan, but decided to scrap the idea as my back was still sore after the adventures of Chapter 17.  I then compounded things by going off too fast (what on earth made me think I could stick with Harp and Nicky?), but wasn’t too despondent as a long run was my priority.

It was a pleasant surprise therefore, to find myself well on track for a PB at the halfway stage, and (even more pleasant) with coccyx intacta.  Spurred on by excellent marshals, and the appearance of Rich Kennington and his camera, I decided to go for it.  I even overtook Harp at 9.5 miles.

Needless to say, I didn’t stay in front long.  Harp clawed me back at about 12 miles and from then on she was pulling away all the way.  It was a good feeling, though, and if I am to be overtaken by anyone, I do like it to be someone in a Hyde Park Harriers vest.  Everyone did well, and there was a clutch of PBs at the end that made for good post-race celebrations.  A strong turn-out from the family helped as well.

In a fit of madness, I agreed to a long run next Saturday that involves running to parkrun, running parkrun, and then running from parkrun.  This has two consequences – both severe, and therefore a measure of how much I am sacrificing for the blessed marathon – first, no coffee after parkun, and second, no PECO next Sunday.  I shall marshal instead.