Wrexham, Sunday December 5th.
Wrexham Industrial Estate does not quite have the cache of, say, St. Tropez but without the summer feast of club races my running drifted badly last winter. I’d hoped Stockport would be this weekend, 10 miles and hills is probably more what I need, but, despite my drinking ability being no match for some of my peers, the Christmas Party does not seem good preparation. A 10k in Wrexham does not score well on the Rob Downs time running/time travelling race decision formula but a fast, flat course was promised.
The forecast suggested that it would be windy but the rain would hold-off for the start if not the finish. It was pouring 15 minutes before the start but it stopped and the first five miles was in pleasant 8 degree sunshine. Catriona said we would hit the headwind in the latter part of the race and a good first-half was needed. However, she had one of those days when you know in the first five minutes that it isn’t going to happen today, nevertheless she dug-in and ran the second-half well to finish only a minute slower than her Natterjack PB.
Despite the address the first five miles is rural, through pleasant country lanes and I managed this at sub-Natterjack pace, however my splits were showing an ominous trend. We did then go head into the wind for the last mile. I could have made more of this had Steve not been running, but, as he carved through the breeze for a PB, I think we must conclude that this was a course and a day when fast times were possible.
Mike Marshall appeared to encourage a couple times en route, Trevor was there at the finish and we were well into the post mortem before the rain returned.
Well worth the trip.
1. Rob Samuel 30:23 Eryri Harriers
26. Marilyn Kitching 37:21 F40 Tattenhall Runners
53. Steve Smith 39:06 6 M45
147. Ian Ashcroft 45:04 4 M60
185. Catriona Marshall 47:06 6 F40
335 finished
Ian