65 year wait for 1st trophy!

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John Hall has recently returned to running, and has promptly won his first ever trophy (only had to wait 65 years!). Here he reviews a recent 10k race and highlights the benefits of using the County Standards times to push yourself further.

I joined Wreake Runners about 15 years ago with my wife Charmaine. Through the years I have been an inactive runner a couple of times. This time back I have found not just the same old camaraderie, but also a lot of determination and inspiration. Coming from all the club members, from the elite runners, the young guns, the old establishment, and those who have joined recently through the previous Couch to 5k courses (new course starting in Feb’19).

Since getting into running again, this time there is something new to me ‘County Standards’ (The Leicestershire Running and Athletics Network set of club standards, covering distances from 5K to Marathon, designed to give runners of any ability targets to aim for). I did the Braunstone Parkrun in July 2018 in a time of 28:15. Four runs later at the same event I was 1st in my age group at 23:21, ‘diamond standard’!

The standards inspired me to look for other distances to attempt, whilst looking for a 10k I found one at Oundle (Northamptonshire). My wife and I know the village well, so I entered the race. Looking at the times needed I know I could achieve gold, but I’d love a diamond again. I would have to run close to my 5k pace to achieve this.

Off to the ‘Oundle New Year 10k’, you park wherever you can, there is a small school hall to mingle, and limited changing facilities. The baggage drop was basic (on a tarpaulin outside close to the start!). Weather conditions were warm and windy. I warmed up on the school field and did a few stretches.

The 10k course was two laps anticlockwise, with the first kilometre closed for traffic. I was off at a good pace falling in with three Sleford runners. The route was slightly undulating, and for a change the description was truthful. By the end of lap one I was feeling good and on for a potential diamond, so I picked my pace up. At around mile 4 I felt a pain in my groin, but I was still going strong. With 1 mile to go the pain was a lot worse, I even developed a limp in the closing stages. But I kept going to finish 78th of 475 runners.

Did I make Diamond? My finish time was 47:59, 24 seconds inside for a diamond standard!

To make my day even more perfect, I won my first ever running trophy for first Male Vet over 65.

This was the inaugural Oundle 10k and is a fundraiser for Oundle Primary School. The course was well marshalled and I think it was quite well organised. I’m now having a well earned rest. The club has given me a positive feeling again. Hmm…what about Platinum Standard…