But sometimes circumstances are such that needs must as a race provides a reasonable alternative to a solo track session. So, slightly deviating from our latest journey to the Lakes, I joined just 69 others for the BLACKPOOL AUTUMN 5K despite having run another 5K and a 10K in previous weekends.
Autumn?
Dismiss immediately the thoughts of chilly temperatures and paths strewn with fallen russet leaves; the leaves were still firmly attached this day on September 9th and the temperature was above 20 degrees with a welcome breeze ensuring that we were not too uncomfortable.
Organised by Nick Hume and his team at Blackpool & Fylde A.C. the low key event (think no start banner, no K markers, just 70 runners) started on the Stanley Park track and takes in a couple of laps of the middle of the park rather than circuits of the external pathway.
Traffic free but watch out for dogs, children on scooters and kids on scateboards!
In an event dominated by the over 40s ( as is becoming the norm!) Blackpool's JAMES MULVANEY was unchallenged winning in 16.20; with 15 year old REBECCA FLANAGAN (Rossendale) first (very young) lady in 20.48. But 2 63 year olds had already finished! ARNOLD MELLING ran 19.48 followed by evergreen ALAN HUDSON in 20.12.
Having recently run 20.59 and 21.02 this 63 year old was a tad disappointed with 28th in 21.27 but it was still a better effort than a solo 5k on the track at Nelson or even 5 x 1K reps and of course I 'd have missed out on a BWFAC flask and a pink stick of rock!
The event was only the 35th 5K race in my 49 years of competition; compared I note who have run over 30 5Ks this year!!
This spate of binge racing will continue ,all being well, with Sunday's BOGGART CHASE.
Nicely run Terry, a very good effort in what were certainly very warm conditions if the complete opposite side of the Country were anything to go by. Well done, those 5k's may not last very long but they're hard work!
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