To coin the immortal phrase , the Summer Series may well have said so.
And in similar vein "how do you like your racing " ?
"Shaken not stirred" would not have been my hoped for reponse but was to be the outcome.
As a result of my hernia in 2006/2007 I had not raced a Summer Series race for two seasons. I ran the winter XC Leauge which was fun but I was not competitive. Fast flat road racing was more my penchant …..no surprise that one member said " I cant believe that the Roaches was your come back race". I had intended running the Bowdon 5k but work got in the way .
Tony tells me that for every month missed , it takes twice that to regain fitness and he inspired me more by adding and at your age it takes longer ( V 50 in October) and of course you will probably never run as fast ( in relative terms) again thats just an ageing process .
I had calculated that I missed six months running but club statto Ian Ashcroft had reminded me that actually my training was even then reduced in the months prior to the lay off due to some discomfort !
You have to start somewhere and in the days before the Roaches I looked at Summer Series mugs and tankards from previous years , still doing active service in the cupboard …..aaah memories .
The evening started in fine style , six of us in the "Dempsey" team bus that left Cooper Towers at 5.15 prompt .The banter was flowing and Rob Downs even had a running DVD that was played in the seat head rests : we watched legends of the track in full flight .
Arrival at the Roaches and registration A stream of cars arrived …then some more and then more again..Better do a warm up : Forgot that even the road section was a touch uphill ! Congregate at the start , watches checked , jostling for position and we were off . Blimey this pace is slow , pick up some speed , piece of cake …..Turn off road and see only a couple of blue and gold ahead of me .
But it suddenly went pear shaped …as I dragged myself up the Roaches vests of all colours and many from Wilmslow skipped past me ! Now at the top and its no easier , I gingerly descend others roar past .
Hit the road , now we are talking : for a mile and a half I have a more competitive section and rein in some half dozen runners . Off road again up the trail and down the narrow gully : its all going wrog again : A Staffs Moorlands runner tells me what he thinks of me as I hold him up.
The final trail section and home …..uuummm not quite what I had hoped for !
I think last time I ran the Roaches I was 8th , I fear this time more like 68th !
Tales exchanged in the pub , life does not get much better …return to Cooper Towers with Dr Kate to cater for an extra pint in the pub to find the gates locked and alarmed : ring a buzzer and get wrong house : very polite lady answers and I apologize ….Kate , I dont suppose you can give me a lift home ?
So shaken by my performance but stirred into action . The search for my fitness has begun .
Nick.