Trimpell 20M

Morecambe, Lancashire, Sunday, March 17, 2013

Graeme Walton

Alister and I travelled across to this race as preparation for Sunderland Marathon. The journey was problem free across the A66/M6 with some iffy looking weather across the high ground thankfully clearing as we reached Lancaster. We arrived with time to spare at the race headquarters, picked up our numbers and chilled out for a while with a pre race cuppa. The start time soon came around so we congregated on the track where the race was to start and listened to the race briefing and then we were off. Alister was aiming for a 20 mile PB that had eluded him for 2 years so we had a race plan that consisted of 8:30 pace with a negative split hopefully.

Graeme on the way back home ... A lap of the track broke us in gently and then we were off onto the cycle path of which most of the race took part on. We quickly settled into a nice rhythm with lots of runners passing us in the early stages, Alister commenting at this point that many of these would come back to us as the race progressed. This proved to be very true and within 3-4 miles the hares were being caught by the tortoises. The race is advertised as “flat” and this as definitely the case, with the whole route being virtually hill free apart from the odd little bump and all on tarmac. We eased through the course nattering away whilst rewarding ourselves with gels and jelly babies, the mile markers ticking by. Water stations every couple of miles or so including sweets and chocolates were manned by very cheery people helping us along the way.

... and Alister not far behind. Some parts of the route were out and back so we were privileged enough to see the front runners and one guy in particular who went on to win the race in 1:52 which if my sums are correct gave an average per mile of around 5:37!!! We passed him when we were at around 10 miles and he was at 15 miles! Miles 10-16 proved to be reasonably comfortable and we had now turned for home. Alister and I parted company at the “Parkrun to go” point as I increased my pace a little for the final part of the race. The race came back onto the track for the finish which was a nice touch and I crossed the line pretty much exhausted with Alister coming in just a few seconds behind breaking his PB following his immaculately paced effort including a negative split.

A Mars Bar, Sandwich and Tech T Shirt were our reward for a very enjoyable day out. Stiff muscles and funny walks were evident – 20 miles is a long long way after all. This race as well as other 20 mile races (Spen 20. East Hull 20) are invaluable training sessions for anyone who is taking part in a spring Marathon.

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