JP writes….
Wilmslow parkrun Christmas day 2021
Just before heading out I took a cup of tea up to my wife Teresa. “Where are you going?” Wilmslow parkrun said I. As I went down the stairs I heard her shout “wear something festive you miserable bugger”.
With Teresa’s encouraging words ringing in my ear, I decide on a slow Kenyan style warmup down Broadwalk, although this was a bit frustrating as I was not making any inroads to the guy dressed as Father Christmas further down the road. At the start I chat with Ian and Roy, looking festive, both wearing all black. Perhaps they had some aliens to apprehend after the race. I just had time to politely ask Nicky not to run past me in her full festive gear and we were off.
Before the first bridge I was passed by a couple of WRC chums who were in second gear agreeing that they would jog round in 23 minutes. Ah those were the days! On hearing this I thought that I would also take it easy rather than bust a gut. However just at that point a runner of similar vintage to myself ran past me. Immediately a voice in my ear was saying “you can’t let him beat you”. As such I spent the whole race battling with said veteran. Spoiler alert: I beat him!
As always WRC had a large contingent in the top places and obviously full results are on the parkrun website. A big that you to all who worked to put the race on and a special thanks to those WRC members who marshalled and shouted encouragement.
On a personal note I thought I had done a reasonable time but I was pipped at the post by a guy dressed as a turkey prompting thoughts of whether the time had come to retire.
Stop Press: I have received a new pair of running shoes as a Christmas present so I will keep going!
John Porteous