Thursday 21st June 2018
John Porteous writes …..
I love the Staffordshire Moorlands summer series of races. Earlier this year I was pondering on the fact that I had moved into a new age group and I may not match the longevity as the usual suspects in Group 4, (you know who they are). Therefore I enrolled in the full SMAC summer series for this year.
At training on Tuesday Nick cautioned against doing hill work prior to a half marathon so I followed his advice to the letter and did Shutlingsloe on Thursday night. Well I only need to run 2.15 so what’s the worst that could happen? On arrival I met Tony and had a good conversation which comprised; “Hi Tony”. “Oh, hi John”. Er that was it.
I meet Allan McCormick and he joins me for a “warm up”. In response to his question I tried to describe the Buxton Hilly, (whilst gasping for breath and trying to pretend I wasn’t running at race pace). Soon enough the race was under way with a climb over the first mile. I was doing pretty well and could see Tony, but then we hit a narrow downhill trail where I was caught behind someone mincing along at 25 minute mile pace. (Can’t think of who he reminded me of!). This was followed by the steep climb up Shutlingsloe with Don at the top providing support and photo’s, although I won’t be showing mine to anyone of a nervous disposition.
Following the steep climb it was like my running career downhill all the way to the finish. The website said it was three miles but my watch said 3.6 miles. A great race on a perfect evening.
17 Allan McCormick 29.11
90 Tony Hulme 36.13 MV70 1
128 John Porteous 39.48 MV65 3
(192 finished)