My Chirk Challenge (3rd Time Lucky!)

As I've written here over the past few months, my struggle to return to fitness really has messed with my mind. Opening the curtains on a snowy April day doesn't help any either. Going back to bed after the alarm clock has gone off on a race day makes it even worse!

Despite this, I dragged myself from my pit and convinced myself that I would regret it if I didn't make the effort to travel to the Chirk Castle 10k near Wrexham.

I was so pleased to see that 13 other North Wales Road Runners had also made the trip, so my decision to compete was vindicated. What was even more impressive, was the fact that so many of them were competing knowing that they would be out the following week on the annual Flora London Marathon...fair play to them!

The race started as ever on time and the snowy conditions proved quite slippery underfoot. I settled in about midway down the field and watched Helen Davies of Wrexham AC begin to err out a slight lead. However, I wasn't at all phased by this decided to run my own race at my own pace. I felt very, very relaxed, probably more so than I have ever done in any race. I think that it was as a result of my somewhat nonchalant view of today's event.

We arrived at the first climb and I picked up the pace a little and managed to reel in Helen and another lady from Oswestry Olympians. I maintained this pace for the duration of the climb and was pleased to see Neale at the top of the hill mysteriously and unusually quiet. The second lap I settled completely and over the last 1k up to the finish I relaxed. Then, near to the summit, the reason for Neale's lack of support earlier became apparent. he was screaming at me that I needed to listen to him and pick up the pace. I immediately realised that this was because Helen must have been pretty close behind! I picked up my legs as best as I could and managed to cross the line about 100mts ahead of Helen to secure my first victory on this event in three years of trying. I was over the moon!

The club did well also with Phil Brown and Kay Hatton both securing age category wins. It was even topped off with prize money of 40 quid! Straight to the cafe then afterwards for my reward.........a raspberry cheesecake with cream AND ice cream!

I'm back...I'm back.........Hooray!