The last race of the year was deep in the New Forest, almost into the neighbouring county of Dorset. The weather was splendid – sunny, cool and a brisk breeze. A few days of no rain had left the course manageable, although there was plenty of standing water to either a) run through (the correct choice) or b) run around (the sensible choice).
It really is a pleasure to run in the New Forest on days like this. Parking was easy and there was a nice buzz around the race ‘village’. An excellent turnout from all the clubs, I suspect due to the good weather.
Wessex managed to eke out a team of runners in the men’s race, with four making it to the start line and Richard present for moral / flag / tent support. It was a short five minute warm up jog to the start, a quick race briefing and we were off.
I had a very pleasant race, not feeling too quick at the moment so started at a leisurely pace. I managed to have a quick chat with one of The Running Sisters about the race we organise together in the Summer, I saw a number of New Forest ponies and was a little startled by five deer running across the track in front of me. I had paced fairly well until the last few kilometres, three steep climbs before the finish slowed me down considerably and the long straight finish was into the brisk breeze which had become an annoying headwind.
All runners home safely in the order Peter (72), Daniel (164), Nigel (177) and David H (226). Good cakes at the end – although someone disappointed that margarine used, rather than butter, in the brownies.
The CC6 season continues next month at Itchen Valley on the 18th January.
Wessex Road Runners 