The Flying Fox is a 10 mile race which is undulating to say the least! For the past few years it has always been a wet and cold miserable day.
Well 3 November was no different with the exception of rain. I set off from Sandbach and
on the way picked up my mate Sheelagh Swinnerton from South Cheshire Harriers. We came off junction 15 and was heading for Standon when Sheelagh realised she had left her number at home. So… a quick call to my hubby and arrangements made to get her number en route to him coming to watch the race. (sorted) As we arrived we saw that the field being used as a car park was slightly boggy so knew that the course would have some areas with mud on it. I’d also had a heads up from Ken Rushton that there was some mighty big puddles en route. Sheelagh and I made our way to the start line at 10.20am and then after the 1, 2, 3 we were off. The first mile was a bit undulating, the wind was strong and it had started to drizzle. However, this mere 10 miles was nothing compared to the rest of the Striders doing the Deja vu. So with my head down I concentrated on my game plan of trying to get under 1. 35 this year. I got to 5 miles and I was bang on target, then I hit the big almighty puddle, boy was I glad I wore my old trainers, the water was freezing, after running through that there was an almighty hill to tackle. Finally a bit of straight land and a nice downhill section. Soon we were at the railway bridge and then the heavens opened up, I was so glad I put on my long sleeved top. I wore my sun glasses as it was nice and sunny when we set off in the morning but ended up taking them off as they kept steaming up and with the rain coming down I couldn’t see where I was running. I think that might have been a good thing though. I felt ok till I got to 9 miles when the cold and rain was really beginning to get to me. I finally got in at 1.38 (not a great time for me) but I was so glad to finish this race.
The course was well marshalled, they did a brilliant job supporting everyone in the wind and driving rain (thanks everyone).
As it was the 30th year that the Flying Fox had run, we got a goody bag this year with some specialised Flying Fox brew. Sheelagh picked up the V65 and I picked up the V55 prizes which was a nice surprise for us both. I would recommend this race but you definitely have to love hills!! Next Year SMM will be introducing a marathon in March to celebrate the club’s 30th anniversary. I have been asked if I want to do it but if the route involves a lot of hills then I will have to give it some serious thought!!!
For more information, visit the website.
Liz