On Sunday 15 April I ran the Newcastle 7 race at the new start time of 10.00am. John Lawton was in my thoughts and with each step I prayed that we’d all hear something positive soon. The race itself was full and the morning was bright but a bit chilly, so as usual, the dilemma of what to wear started. Of course, I made the mistake of wearing a short sleeved tee-shirt under my vest which was just too hot!!
The race is always a fast start and as we covered the first mile we were soon at the dreaded hill, which I swear gets longer each year. The hill is a steady climb for about 1 ½ to 2 miles but at the top of it you feel exhilitrated that you actually got up it without stopping. The rest of the course is undulating and the last mile is fast as you turn into the road at Newcastle College and finish on a little bit of a hill. I tried to get under the hour but just missed it by one minute.
Next year I’ll get under that hour!!! The changing rooms are ok with plenty of hot water and there’s also spot prizes ( you have to hand in your race number). This year I won my hubby a pair of socks. Yes, I would recommend this local race to other runners, it’s a bit different that the normal flat courses and you can challenge yourselves on the hill.
Liz
PS I did a two hour zumbathon from 2-4pm for Cancer Research after this race – my legs are feeling it now!!!!
For more information visit the Staffs SC website.