Raby Races – 11th May 2024
by Paul Wragg
Training for a good time or training for a good time?
I’ve never been one for training for races, unless it’s anything over a 1/2 marathon. So after 5 days in Magaluf and with a couple of runs under my belt I thought I would stamp Club Championship Race #2 in the book. After 5 days in the heat and all the edges of working day life washed away like a stone on the shore of Palma Nova, I thought this race was a bit of me. Sure enough race day came around and as easily as I was soothed by the Mediterranean Sea, the sun of Raby Castle exposed every crack that had remained.
Armed with a brand new pair of pumps (ASICS Novablast), shorts and a vest (red and amber….obviously) me and Gerry warmed up. Along the way we seen plenty from Crook AC doing the same thing.
11 o’clock sharp came around and we were off (5K shot away 10 minutes earlier). With a target of sub 50 I knew I had my work cut out. Jayne, Jill and Denise already in front looked comfortable, knowing Gerry was behind me (patiently waiting no doubt) I settled into a rhythm next to Dawn and Jason. This group of people train regularly together at the track so no problem here I’m in my groove, suns out everyone’s a winner right…..wrong!
After the first hill my heart rate was up to 184. Fine, no need to panic, everyone’s probably set off a little quick, I’ll drop back and pick a few off second lap. Remaining calm Gerry, slipped past me as I let my heart rate drop to a modest 170. The second half of the 5K lap is mostly downhill with some shade to dip in and out of, the final bit of the lap is a climb out of the woods. Climbing out of the woods, Clare came past me just before the water station. A quick pit stop at the water station would surely pull me together as I felt like a pair of curtains first lap.
The second lap was equally as hard but as I mentioned at the start, training for a good time (race specific) and training for a good time (going out enjoying your running getting the endorphins going) are two totally different things. I don’t care if you’re Stephen Segal, that race was tough. Sometimes rocking up with a strong mindset isn’t enough to get what you want out of a race. I’ve been in some horrible situations whilst out running over the years and this one will stick in my mind for a couple of years to come.
On a positive note though, there was a lot of Crook members who absolutely smashed it out of the park (Deer Park if we are going to split hairs) so a massive well done to them it’s thoroughly deserved. To the rest who are sat beating themselves up put it behind you this is only one race. Whatever crack has been exposed by the bleaching sun, use this as fuel to mould your training into a smoother version of yourself. Next race put it right. Expect the unexpected and don’t take anything for granted. There’s no substitute for hard work and hard work pays off.
Trust the process and be careful, it’s a bit warm out there at the minute 😅 apologies if I have misspelled anybody’s names.
Paul Wragg.
Results:
5k
10K
