Race report by Sally:
Today Janet and I took part in the West Coast Half Marathon organised by the Fylde runners. We registered bright and early at the finish in Lytham on the side of Fairhaven Lake. Then took the bus that the tannoy kept telling us to board asap and do not wait for the last bus as we may not get on it. So we dutifully took the waiting bus to arrive at the start in Preston…with an hour to wait. It was freezing. As you all know the lovely Lostock vests are not that well insulated and not designed to keep hypothermia at bay! We did some keep warm walks and jogs and did some leg swings whilst holding on to tree as that is what we saw the other ‘athletes’ doing. We then made our way to the narrow start chute huddling together like penguins for warmth to start at 10am. With 5 minutes to go we were informed that the race was being delayed until 10.10 to allow runners that had been held up by an incident on the M6. More teeth chattering and shivering and then finally we were off!
So let’s talk about the route which I’d heard was a little ‘uninteresting’ and tbh that’s a fair summary. We left the docks, went round a roundabout…which was my last sighting of Janet!…and then ran along some roads, through Frecklton village, more roads some more roads and then at 10 miles turned onto Lytham sea front. This was a real test of grit and went on forever. I dug deep dodging prams, scooters, dogs all over the place and picnics on benches that I really wanted to gate crash! Eventually the lake came into sight but we had to run past it, round onto the road heading back to Preston! 😫 and finally turned onto the lakeside heading for the crowds at the finish line. I can’t say that the last 3 miles were enjoyable but as I was aiming for 2.10 and did 1.50 I was very pleased, making the effort almost worth while 😆 Janet Wonder Woman had enough time for a paddle in the lake and do her hair whilst waiting for me as she did an incredible PB of 1.33, absolutely amazing 🙌 She was also 3rd Female 🏆.
We ended the day with lunch and a wander around the gardens at Lytham Hall whilst deliberating and pontificating about our performances.
I think I will sleep tonight 😴
