Lesley Pymm reports: This was the latest event in the Police & Services League and it was brilliant! The venue was the Prison Service Training College near Rugby, which I know well as I used to go there for work when I was seconded to the Prison Service. It was a two lap course which we were told was OK for spikes. In the race briefing we were asked to try to avoid the snowdrops!
I wore spikes and felt that I would have been better in studs – but others who wore studs felt the opposite. We started off on grass and went around a playing field and then off onto a track which was a bit stoney. Then it was alongside a lake and then off into woodland. This was a bit ‘barky’ underfoot and there were a few rabbit holes to avoid. All was generally flat and I just needed to concentrate on what was under my feet as there were trip hazards.
All of a sudden, about 1/2 way, round there was a ditch! Just a little ditch, but a bit awkward. Over that and back along woodland paths. A little deviation to the left and suddenly there was a steep little bank ahead. Not easy to climb as it was very slippery and was steep on the other side. Over that and around a corner and there was what became known as ‘snowdrop bank’. We had to climb over the bank (trying to avoid the snowdrops) and then do a sharp little turn and go back over it again, then along the path a little before going over the bank again. I am afraid there were some pretty battered snowdrops by the time we had finished the two laps!
After this it was fairly straightforward back to the start/finish area. I wasn’t lapped! On the second lap I overtook someone and nearly caught a second runner but he dealt with snowdrop bank better than me!
Showers and cake completed the afternoon. It certainly felt easier than the Nationals on Saturday. A good race. I took 1.05.25 and was happy with that.
6mm spikes might have been ok Lesley,but running over gravel and bark with longer spikes could have been more challenging.I like running in flats for speed ,but sometimes heavier multi-terrain footwear gives one more protection from potential injury. Arriving early and walking/jogging the Course can sometimes help one decide on the best footwear for a particular event. But you know all this! I`m glad that you enjoyed the race,and was happy with your time.