Mobbed!

Somehow I got persuaded to take part in the Mob Match las week.  Thornbury has never entered a team before so quite a lot of arm-twisting was involved. I fully expected to come last in about 70 minutes. At least, after running for eleven years, I’m not now overwhelmed by the sight of lots of wiry legs and club vests so approached the event with “well at least the marshals will know they can pack up when I’m on  my way back.”

The evening was warm and sunny and as usual I set off faster than I should but with the determination to keep running until I got out of sight of everyone in the park. For a flat course it has quite a few bumps but at least under the trees it was cool.

I soon realised the big bonus of an out-and-back course: I actually see people, for the first half of the race at any rate.  Almost every runner gave me some encouragement and a “Well done, Thornbury” or “Going well, Jan” were a great help. The marshals were equally supportive and none seemed to mind that I was some way behind the next runner. I was pleased, though, that for a good part of the way I did have someone to “chase.”

31:30 at the halfway mark. Hmm. That was slightly better than anticipated.  The marshals were as cheery on the way back and I was conscious of a growing band of them following me.  One accompanied me on his bike. I wouldn’t say he was pacing me but it did help me to keep going when I would have liked to slow down a bit.  He went on ahead and I was joined by another who ran with me for the last mile or so.  His constant encouragement kept me feeling positive and even though my brain was telling me that I didn’t look great and there was no way I was going to catch the woman in front, I did at least manage to persuade myself that if a stranger was telling me that it might be partly true. Either that or he needed an optician. Or a doctor.

As I’d expected I was last but, with a finish time of 62:51, not as far behind as I’d thought I would be and with plenty to be cheerful about: encouragement from runners and marshals,  lovely weather and a high enough tide to cover most of the mud.

 See you there next year!  Happy running.