My running has been a bit non-existent recently. After my heart rate issues at Lisbon I took a week off and it was hard to get back into a routine again (Probably in part because we’re living in our bedroom whilst construction goes on downstairs and our house is full of dust which the doctors at the hospital think I’m allergic too). I really love the Norton Priory 5 mile medal though and some of my favourite people would be at the race so I decided I had to go. It’s not like I would be running for a time anyway, I’ve given up and chance of a new PB until 2017 so the plan was to just go plod with Keith and Stan who were escorting Fiona on her first run back after injury. Someone must have turned on the fog machines for Halloween weekend but at least it wasn’t warm or sunny for once.
2015 Norton Priory 5 Miler Route
The race started at 9. I got there at 8:30 and after a few hellos I headed to the toilets but didn’t actually have time to go. The toilets were a 5/10 minute walk from the start line for the ladies was long and not moving, we actually gave up in the end and found a bush. By the time we got back to the start area I just had time to throw my bag in the baggage tent and then it was go time. Keith had just conquered his demons at a 10 miler in Portsmouth and after overcoming so much there was no stopping him today. We started off as a group but Keith was on fire and I stopped trying to keep up with him around mile 2 which is when I realised that my heart rate was doing crazy stuff again and I was starting to burn up. It was way too high for the pace I was going so I slowed down to try and get it under control but it wasn’t really dropping so I ended up walking. The very lovely Emma wanted to walk with me but I sent her off on her way because I didn’t want to ruin her race. The remaining 2 and a half miles I walked every time my heart rate got over 175 and then started running when it got below 135. People must have thought I was nuts because I kept going past the same people cursing at my watch. I always feel like I’m burning up a lot during races, I pour more water over my head even in winter than I drink during a race, but I’ll be keeping an eye on it from now on. My track session the day before so it could have just been the fog.
2015 Norton Priory 5 Miler Elevation
The course is not too bad. It’s not flat and it’s not the most scenic race ever but it could be a fastish 5 miler I think in the right circumstances. I really want to moan about the hill in the last mile which was a bit of a killer but I know some people who were off running up real hills in Wales at the same time so I should probably just quit complaining. Yes, it was only a speed bump really but it’s all relative, like when you get a teeny tiny hill on a flat course and it feels like you’re climbing Everest. I think slightly hilly courses are faster than flat courses because the hills keep it interesting and keep you focused. On flat courses I tend to get bored and stop pushing myself. I’d like to go back next year and see how fast I can do it when I’m not have a stop with the watch. The volunteers and support was amazing too, for a small race there was quite a crowd at the start/finish and the three ladies at 3.5 miles who cheered for everyone were amazing. The volunteers were all lovely too and very supportive. Considering it was Interval Race’s first event I was actually pretty impressed. Except for the lack of toilets there wasn’t really any issues, the race went smoothly and organisation was pretty great. A few portaloos next year and we’re on to a winner. The goody bag was nice too, I love the medal which looks a bit Marvel/Avengers and it was nice to get buff style (You’re not allowed to call it a buff unless it’s a Buff) headwear instead of a t-shirt (My race t-shirt draw is pretty full, I may have to get rid of some normal clothes). It was great to see so many runners I know at the race too and even though I didn’t run well I still really enjoyed it and if it’s on again in 2016 I’ll be signing up for it.
2015 Norton Priory 5 Miler Medal & Goody bag
Next race: Cheshire 10k & Delamere Forest Night Runner
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