It's all about TEAMWORK
I love a good road race and a battle against the clock, but I get so much more out of a trail race! Trail races to me bring adventure, exploring, beautiful views and amazing running buddies! At the end of them I feel I have achieved so much more and have so many more memories! In fact I would be lost without trail running - so finding events like today's is brilliant!
Today saw a number of us take part in the local Bury to Clare Challenge. It was arranged by a group call Positive Steps.
The exciting thing about these events is that you can walk or run them. They really do cater for everyone. Today's event saw the walkers start at 9am and the runners start at 10.30am. This meant that the majority of walkers were finishing at the same time as the runners. It also meant that we didn't have to spend the whole route overtaking walkers - this certainly eases congestion.
Now the start was nearly as exciting as the actual race for me! Turning up at a race where you know so many people is an amazing buzz! As soon as I got there we had so many people to say hello to. It is at times like this I realise that my addiction to running is far more than just the activity. It is about the people I have met, the adventures we have shared and the relationships we have built. With some many fellow running buddies racing today I knew we would be in for a great run! No matter how fast we ran today we were guaranteed to see some smiley faces!
Today was also never about getting a good time! I had already agreed with running buddy Claire that we were going out for fun today! I wanted to enjoy the scenery, take in the views and of course take some photos! As the starting gun went however we did get swept up in an initial rush. We ploughed on quickly over the first three miles with Debra and Cali joining the crew! With a group of us working together it helped maintain the motivation we needed to get round a course on what was an exceptionally sunny day!
Team work was the key for sure! At three miles our teamwork was tested already. The first aid kit was whisked from our backpacks as Debra's knee popped! Tape was quickly applied to try and support the knee and alleviate the pain. Fingers crossed that would get us to the first checkpoint at least! Debra was a trooper and with a bit of chatter and distraction from us all we made it to the first checkpoint at mile 7, the second checkpoint at mile 13 and eventually the finish line!
The checkpoints as ever were fantastic! Filled with welcoming volunteers all excited to see us! We were treated to water, squash and a variety of snacks! We may have slightly over indulged on the water melon and mini sausages!
The scenery was incredible - with rolling hills in every direction! It's worth noting that despite the beautiful views the course was not flat by any means! There were some amazing down hills, but also several sections which tested the legs. Long drawn out slopes! We really should have mastered these after our trip to Yorkshire last weekend!
In total we ran just over 18 miles - some on road - some on trails - it was a brilliant mixture. The bonus also was the inability to get lost. The positive steps crew had carefully marked out the whole route with yellow arrows on the floor and signs. It was certainly one of the best organised events for directions. No quibbling over which way we should go!
The 18 miles certainly tested us all in the heat! Some days running comes so easily and other times it is one of the hardest things I do! I certainly think if I was by myself I could have given up before the finish line! This is why running with people is so important!
Everyone will have moments where they struggle on a run and everyone will have moments where they are feeling great. It's about making sure when you are feeling great you use this to boost the people you are with - as shortly you will need their support when the tables turn. It's all about being there for your fellow running buddies.
Today was a test of that and despite some really tricky patches we all stuck together through thick and thin!
Now after 18 miles anyone would be excited by the finish line, but the village of Clare was a truly stunning finish venue! Not only is it downhill to the village, but you also get to run through the village of Clare. This route winds through the quaint old streets with cottages and shops before turning towards the ruins of Clare Castle!
The supporters at the end helped us to have a strong finish before having a survivors photo with the crew at the end! It truly is a very special feeling to be part of a team and I feel ever so lucky to have such amazing running buddies and friends to share these experiences with!