Snake Lane 10 mile was the race for me this weekend, I was slightly gutted that it was too windy for a good time but I was up for it in a racing sense. The race started and it was straight into a head wind that was quite strong, I passed Ste Hepples running for Newham Essex Beagles and he tucked in behind me, for the first three minutes I was happy to do the work into the wind and at this point I moved over for him to have a go on the front which he declined. I slowed slightly but still he stayed behind so I decided to go with plan B and try and get a fast time seeing as I wouldn't be able to beat him anyway. On reaching the mile mark in just over five minutes it was obvious in my point of view a fast time would not be had today then Hepples attacked and quickly opened up a lead. Around the two mile point I was caught by two runners and was happy to let them pass so I could tag on the back whilst I got my breath back. It was a quite a struggle into the wind and then just after four miles the route changed direction and the road gradually sloped down for some distance, using my new faster cadence that is a result of the treadmill training I retook my second place which I was now very determined to keep all the way to the finishing line. Ste Hepples was still in sight and the gap was now locked at 50 seconds or there abouts. Not too far behind was Tom Danby from Pocklington Runners and as the miles passed he was still hot on my heels, I felt strong and if anything I felt I was getting quicker with each mile unlike the Thirsk 10 were I was slowing rapidly with each mile past the seven mile point. Miles eight and nine I was still pushing hard but still Danby was still not far behind, on starting the final mile I upped the pace as much as I could but made sure I had a sprint finish left in me if needed, today the sprint wasn't needed as I managed to out run my rival before the last 200 metres. Ste Hepples won the race in 53 minutes 0 seconds with myself 2nd in 53 minutes 39 seconds and Tom Danby 3rd in 53 minutes 44 seconds.
Presentation time - Now this really annoyed me. They took my second place prize and gave it to the third placed runner who just so happens to be one of their runners and gave me the 1st V40 prize. I wouldn't of thought the 1st V40 prize would be worth more than the 2nd overall prize. I find it really hard not to hold a grudge and I won't be forgetting this for some time no doubt, to be honest it's already eating away at me inside every time I think about it.
Anyway even allowing for the wind I think my time was not that good but I was pleased with my effort over the ten miles, seeing as I was struggling at 4 miles with the effort of running into the wind and then managed to pick the pace up to the finish line.
Exercise - At first it seems hard but in no time it becomes enjoyable until one day you realise you are addicted. " I am a RUNNER and I am ADDICTED "
4 comments:
Well done again Gary. Even allowing for the wind it was a good time and position.
I personally think you should have been given the option on which prize to take - as you earned the privilege on coming second.
Did you forget to use one of your quotes? I often regret that I have spoken, never that I have been silent.
Well done Gary. An excellent time in view of the fact that you ran a marathon last Sunday in unfavourable conditions.
Intersting to know what they would have done if you had won the race with regard to prizes. I would have thought you have expereinced this before. Think the time to ensure you are awarded the better value prize is BEFORE the presentation and ensure they also give you the correct mention in the announcements as well.
Namely that you were second but they are going to give the M40 prize as it of equal or better value.
Keep it up! Terry L.
Hi, just to clear up the confusion about the prizes! Pock runners prize policy is to give one prize per runner, with the runner taking the prize of highest value. You won the v40 and won 75 pounds of vouchers, 2nd place in the open mens was also 75 pounds in vouchers, as you entered v40 there was no need to change you age group, several runners had their age group changed to allow them to win higher prizes. Well done on a great run, hope to see you next year, tom
Hi, you are obviously a good and capable runner and one that is not afraid to use his voice. I am very dissapointed that you did not approach anyone at the presentation last Sunday to which this matter would have been made clear to you, saving you having to use this medium to gather support from other runners, we have adopted the policy of awarding the highest valued prize for a number of years as Tom Danby has explained to you. I hope this resolves the matter now.
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